Read what our guest said about their experience while on Motu Teta:
We just wanted to write a note to thank you for a great vacation on Motu Teta. Every January we take a break from the snow in Ohio and travel to someplace warm. We have been very fortunate in our life to have travelled throughout the world, and we can say this was the best vacation we have ever taken.
We loved every aspect of the island and the very professional staff. Mrs. Celina and Mr. Ugo are truly real people that care about the island, culture and their guest. All of the staff went out of their way to take care of us and our two sons! They treated all of us like family.
It’s so hard to describe this beautiful place, but it truly is a Garden of Eden!
We loved that we didn’t have to plan any excursions. Mr. Ugo would come by at dinner each night and “ask” us if we wanted to join him on the next days’ excursion. He would go into such details on what the excursion would be like, and then we could make up own mind if we wanted to go. We didn’t miss one! He was so knowledgeable on so many things. We trusted him completely. He went out of his way to show us things and he was so patient with the kids. We will never forget the shark wrangling, snorkeling, fishing, tubing, shell hunting, picnics on the beach and watching the dolphins. Everything we did was amazing!
As for the food, all we can say is WOW! Going out the second day with the kids and picking snails for our appetizer and then catching fresh fish to eat was amazing! There was always more than enough food and it all tasted wonderful! We didn’t know what to expect before we went, but we never expected to have every single meal so well prepared and taste so delicious!
The entire week went so well because of Celine. She made sure we were happy with everything. I don’t know when she even slept! She was very professional and very personable. She was on top of everything and she went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect.
The rest of the staff was amazing as well. Jeff was very helpful and fun to talk to. He was excellent with our two boys. He was patient and very professional. Polio was great at showing us new things and he even taught our son how to weave a basket out of palms on the boat. We will always remember him catching lobsters for us for a wonderful dinner one evening. Speaking of dinner, Ivette was so sweet and kind. We didn’t talk to her too much because we don’t speak French, but she made sure she made it to the airport in time on the day we left so that she could give each of us some of her handmade necklaces.
The memories we have all seem like a dream. This will be the vacation that we will compare all other vacations to and I’m sure no other will even come close. We all look forward to coming back in March of 2015 because it truly was heaven on Earth! We wouldn’t have changed a thing besides staying there a little longer.
Thank you SO much for sharing your home with us!
J & S Ohio - USA
We had such an amazing time in Tahiti!
Everything was excellent, the island, the staff, the organization. It surpassed our expectations. We had never been to such a beautiful place; it is what paradise looks like.
I have been to other paradises such as Bali, Los Roques (Venezuela), Maui, but nothing can compare to the experience of sailing with the Hobbie Cat at Motu Teta or kayaking trough the ocean reef. We are so fortunate to have known this place.
The nature and the landscaping is so nice and so well taken care. The different colors of the lagoon and the different shades of green and the flowers amaze you every time you look at them. Also the amazing amount of life that you can find at the island and at the lagoon and the respect they have for all the creatures there.
The weather was excellent so we were all day doing something, excursions, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, using the Hobbie Cat, etc.
We even got married at Motu Teta! We were having such a good time that we wanted to celebrate our marriage their but at Rangiroa we couldn’t find a priest that day to marry us. So, Celine and Heiarii organized a beautiful altar at the beach and Heiarii and 2 friends played different types of guitars. Celine made us some amazing crowns with flowers and necklaces. And Heiarii was the one who gave us our blessing. It was so great.
The staff was amazing. Celine’s cooking was outstanding, we had all types of fish with excellent sauces and garnishes and Heiarii and Hugo took us to great places to snorkel, see sharks, to the church, to the reef…They even took us scuba diving to Rangiroa.
Yours sincerely,
G & J - ArgentinaHi Celine, Ugo & Martin,
We are very fortunate people and have travelled over the last 30 years together to most of the great destinations the world has to offer.
Our favorite place on this planet is Frégate Island in the Seychelles, the last Garden of Eden on Earth, with many species that only live there.
It would be impossible to find anywhere to compare to Frégate Island because of its ecology and nature.
However, Frégate Island does not have Celine or Ugo. We cannot thank them enough for their genuine hospitality, their kindness and love.
We will always remember a number of things:
1. Celine’s wonderful smile, her kindness and her cooking!!
2. Ugo’s fishing expeditions and the long conversations of the ones that got away, there were many!!
3. Jeans trip to the reef to get snails after we came back empty handed!!
Until next time…
Our love,
L & J - Windermere, FLWe came to Motu Teta to film an episode of “Another Shade of Blue.” Motu Teta is truly one of the most incredible experiences in Tahiti. Romantic, breathtaking and private. The idyllic island gives the word escape an elevated and elegant meaning. But despite the awe we felt at every corner, the staff brings the experience alive.
May advice to future visitors… relax and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Walk around the Motu and look for crabs, fish, sharks, etc. Know in your heart, that you have been to a spot only a handful of people will ever experience!
I will always have lasting memories of Motu Teta. The hospitality of our hosts, the generosity of our benefactor… This is the closest we will ever be to “Heaven on Earth.”
Ty Sawyer - FL
Another Shade of Blue
Editor, Islands Magazine"Awesome"
The Motu was fantastic. If you really want to be away from other people and are in French Polynesia, this is it. The amenities and food are great. The staff makes you feel like royalty. The excursions (swimming with sharks and eels, coral snorkeling, kayaking) were fun. I have been many tropical places and have never found anything like this.
C & K - Tulsa, OK
"The words fantastic and paradise cannot describe this close-to-heaven place on earth, Motu Teta. When we planned our honeymoon in Polynesia, the plan was to stay in Kia Ora and we were somewhat disappointed when we found out it was closed. By luck we came over Motu Teta, and I believe this was the destiny leading us to heaven. We had an amazing stay, even if it was far to short to stay only three days in such a place. Celine spoiled us with dishes after dishes, Harry and Marian entertained us with ukulele and song, and Hugo kept us in activity day and night. The true love and hospitality we received from the staff was overwhelming and totally unexpected from complete strangers. To find people that can and are willing to give so much of themselves is not common, and we both feel we have a new Polynesian family.
The Motu itself is also a fantastic place. The property and buildings are throughout quality and well maintained, and the nature at and around the Motu cannot be compared with anywhere else in the world. You feel like in a movie wherever you are. And with all the excursions we did with Hugo, we got close contact with the elements of the nature. Staying in a location so far from rest of the world, noise and pollution, catching your own food and with such a beautiful nature around, you really feel like a Robinson. When it is combined with the luxury of fantastic cooking, high-end accommodation and an amazing staff, it gives an experience only few people are privileged to have in their life.
Unfortunately we only stayed for three nights and this was far too short. We will anyhow return, and this time we will bring rest of our family to experience this together with us and for them to meet our new Polynesian family.
Thanks so much to all of you that made our honeymoon perfect"D. H. - Rio de Janeiro
The stay on Motu Teta was the highlight during our honeymoon in French Polynesia. The infrastructure (main house & guest house) on the island are just beautiful, they served food all day and was very delicious.
The activities – we will never forget. Where else in the world, do you have the chance to see this kind of under water world? The range of offers is rounded down by highly friendly, helpful and heartly staff. They made us feel at home and welcome from the very first minute we arrived.
P. Z. – St. Gallen, Switzerland
My stay at Motu Teta was amazing! When we saw the island for the first time, all I could think about was paradise. Beautiful surroundings and views! The houses were so unique and everything was so clean! I was actually very surprised about everything that was provided, from an array of sun block to shower poofs! The island is definitely one of a kind. What made this trip even more spectacular was the crew. Some of the nicest people I have ever met, and I truly mean that! Ugo and Heiarii were very knowledgeable, they answered all our curious questions and they took us out on several boat trips.
We all really felt like we hit the jackpot when Ugo caught a shark, just so we could take pictures of it, I even got to pet it real quick!!! I'll never forget that! All of us were so happy, he really made the trip quite memorable. Ugo went fishing a few times as well and caught delicious fish, the best fish I have every had YUM! Now I can say that we ate very very well on the island, Celine and her staff are extraordinary cooks! Every single meal was not only delicious but beautifully prepared, I fell in love with their cooking... I know all of us were very excited every night just wondering what Celine had in store for us!
She prepared delicious sashimi and don't get me started on the desserts! Celine also showed me and the girls how to make jewelry and how to wear a sarong in 7 different ways, it was awesome! And every morning I was greeted by a smiling happy Maryanne. I adored her, she has an infectious laugh! Yvette was also very sweet! I would like your owner to know that he has an amazing crew and they are a huge part to why this trip was so memorable and special. We were so sad to say goodbye to them! So to sum this up, this was the most amazing experience I've ever had! Thank you!
Sincerely - D. K. Studio City, CA
Thank you!
The private island was amazing – you have to have people stay at Moutu Teta it is the BOMB! The staff was fantastic, we had 4 people – one cook, one cleaner, one boat driver and one activities guide. The waters and fish were beyond anything we could imagine, even the stars at night were so bright with nothing around.
The house and guest house wonderfully appointed and tropical, with immaculate grounds. The boats and toys we had at our disposal were great. The meals were huge and prepared wonderfully, she is a really good cook and made sure we were well fed. We did have to send them out for more Vodka, go figure! WE COULD HAVE stayed there for two weeks, however I gained 8 pounds!
Over the top extravagance and a must for those who want the ultimate hideaway!
A. N., Vista, CA
I will return the questionnaire shortly…but I am glad I now have your direct e-mail because I wanted to personally let you know what a wonderful time we all had on Motu Teta… for the beauty and unique nature of the location …but far more because of the extraordinary service and attention to detail of the staff…they were ALL wonderful! I have already recommended the Motu to a number of experienced and regular travelers who appreciate that level of service and I will continue to do so.
Personally, I am hoping to find the time to return sometime in the next couple of years, next time with my family! Meanwhile we will be making a point of experiencing some of your wines!
Thanks for creating the opportunity to discover the real Polynesian Islands!
T. L., Toronto, Canada
Motu Teta: What a beautiful spot on earth! Our accommodations in the Bali house (Bungalow) were so tasteful and cozy. The staff was amazing: friendly, hardworking and helpful!
"We shall return!"
H & L, Tiburon, CAMotu Tetaraire is truly a dream island, truly paradise on earth. From the first minutes of our arrival at Motu Tetaraire we appreciated the courtesy and professionalizm of the staff. The main lodge is very elegantly decorated, the large sitting room for reading and enjoying the beautiful view of the South Pacific
Food was excellent; if it wasn’t for the beautiful warm water and the many outdoor activities, I’ve would have gained over 5 pounds. My compliments to the Chef!
Thanks for a very memorable trip
Truly Yours,
N & A, Fresno, CAFrench Polynesia forums: Incredible Luxury Stay at Motu Teta in Rangiroa
I just returned from a wonderful stay in French Polynesia. I will review my stays in Moorea and Papeete separately but wanted to let everyone know my thoughts on Motu Teta. For anyone looking for a place to honeymoon in luxury and isolation or looking for a great place to take their family for some quality time with their kids, I highly recommend Motu Teta.
I stayed at Motu Teta for five nights during Christmas/New Years holidays with my wife and three kids. Motu Teta is a private island in the far end of the motu chain surrounding the lagoon in Rangiroa. The general consensus was that the trip was a hit. And how could it not be. The staff at Motu Teta, particularly Celine and Harry catered to our every need. All food, drink, and acitivities were included.
Our adventure to Motu Teta started when we were picked up by Harry and another staff at the airport in Rangiroa and given lei's. We immediately went to the boat which was docked at the airport. The boat is very roomy and comfortable which is good because it took almost 1 1/2 hours to reach Motu Teta. But the length of the boat ride was not a problem because it was part of the adventure. The ride is not rough and the scenery is beautiful.
We arrived at the Island to a waiting Celine. Celine had tropical alcoholic (non alcoholic for the kids) drinks awaiting. We then had an amazing lunch which was the perfect start to our arrival. As you can probably tell, the Island met or exceeded all of our expectations.
Every morning we woke up to a full breakfast of pancakes, fruit, cereal. meats, cheeses, etc. We then went on a different excursion every morning, whether snorkling the Aquarium, the Pink Sand beach or visiting an ancient village. We would return to find tropical drinks waiting and a fantastic lunch with wine for the adults and soft drinks for the kids every day. And the fruit was wonderful, we had fresh mango's etc coming right off trees on the Island.
In the afternoons I would go with my son fishing for our dinner with Harry in one of the three Motu Teta boats at our disposal, while my daughters learned how to make lei's and shell necklaces from Celine, or went exploring or kayaking around the Island. Motu Teta also offers wind surfing and even kite surfing to its guests. Celine was going to have someone teach us how to windsurf one day but since my son was having some back problems we did not do it. But it sure looked like it would have been fun.
The meals we had all ranged from good to excellent and none were bad. On New Years Eve, We had wonderful duck prepared by Celine, a bonfire on the beach, champagne at midnight, and fireworks for the kids. And the housing was comfortable and luxurious. Motu Teta consists of a main house that can sleep up to seven, (five in three bedrooms) and a smaller luxury bungalow built in Bali that can sleep a maximum of three (it is really built as a romantic couple's bungalow).
The main house is very comfortable. The dining room, main sitting area and outside deck with huge bed type lounges, are what you would expect in a luxury island home. We spend alot of time on the deck. The bedrooms in the main house were fine, although the beds were a little low for my taste.
The bungalow was gorgeous. The only real complaint was that the bungalow is positioned in a way on the Island where it does not get the same ocean breezes as the main house. I understnad the owners are considering adding air conditioning so this may not be an issue in the future.
The staff did a good job of never being in the way but always being around when needed. Apparently you have the option to hang a red flag so no staff comes if you are looking for total privacy or want to take advantage of going clothing optional.
I was worried that being so isolated we would be bored or feel unsafe. But far from it. We were so busy we never though twice about the isolation except for the beauty it provided. We never even took advantage of the huge movie collection and flat screen tv until the last night of our stay.
The amazing part of all this was the value. Don't let the idea of a private island disuade you in terms of cost or remoteness. Although it is expensive, I thought Motu Teta was a great value for what we paid for a family of five (not the listed fare). The value of having everything included, food, liquor, wine activities, excursions etc, can not be overstated, especially for a family. I have no doubt that had we stayed in mid luxury hotels for those five nights with the same excursions and meals we would have spent at least as much if not significantly more.
Luxury travelers are really missing out by not consiering Motu Teta as part of their traveling plans. I knew when I booked Motu Teta I was taking somewhat of a risk because they are pretty new at renting out to third parties. But boy did it work out. I hope others try it, because having your own Island is really a special experience.
S. K., Huston, TX
When you have been to many places in the world (but never go back to the same ones)...
When you have visited Tetaraire already twice...
When you CRAVE to go back, again and again...
That is when you have found TRUE PARADISE...
D & R & S, Madera, CAIt was a beautiful time, and I will keep it in my recollection forever.
Thanks again
R, Zurich, SwitzerlandAn unforgettable experience. There are not enough words to describe such an extraordinary island and friendly staff. The scenery is just amazing from green coconut palms to crystal blue water, white sand, and best of all, waking up to the sound of waves, all of this is just priceless!!.. To us this is true paradise. I don't believe we ever had such a stress free vacation like this one, every day we discovered something new on and around different islands, Gustave and Faustin made our stay extremely relaxing and welcoming...There was so much to enjoy and we tried to do as much as possible... we even chose our own coconut and drank from it!!! At the end, we felt that we made a true connection with nature and made new friends. We feel lucky to have seen the true beauty of nature...
Thank you for sharing such treasure with us, we will never forget this.
B & S, Fresno, CAWhat a view - and from the shower, no less! Colors are amazing....
Food, service, weather: all was outstanding and made this the best vacation EVER. "Disneyland is no longer the Magic Kingdom" and Don's goal in life is, to be Gustave's assistant. Shawn developed the "Pacific Stare" and wants to work on the island next summer and I never thought I wouldn’t be bored without a book, but the view is so amazing....
Thanks for helping us make unforgettable memories...
D & R & S, Madera, CAI will return the questionnaire shortly…but I am glad I now have your direct e-mail because I wanted to personally let you know what a wonderful time we all had on Motu Teta… for the beauty and unique nature of the location …but far more because of the extraordinary service and attention to detail of the staff…they were ALL wonderful! I have already recommended the Motu to a number of experienced and regular travelers who appreciate that level of service and I will continue to do so.
Personally, I am hoping to find the time to return sometime in the next couple of years, next time with my family! Meanwhile we will be making a point of experiencing some of your wines!
Thanks for creating the opportunity to discover the real Polynesian Islands!
Motu Teta: What a beautiful spot on earth! Our accommodations in the Bali house (Bungalow) was so tasteful and cozy. The staff was amazing : friendly,hardworking and helpful!
It was a beautiful time, and I will keep it in my recollection forever.
I just wanted to send you a brief note letting you know how much we enjoyed our time on Motu Teta 2 weeks ago. It was a truly wonderful week on a beautiful island with wonderful staff, sumptuous food, and amazing memories. Celine and Heiarii treated us like royalty – you are very lucky to have such pleasant, attentive, and diligent staff working for you there. We also enjoyed your wines - the rose was great at lunch and the syrah, great at dinner.
We can’t say enough about the quality of the experience – it was truly unforgettable! We hope to find time to take our kids back there sometime in the next couple of years.
If potential future guests or agents ever want to talk to someone who has been there, please feel free to use our names as references. We would be more than happy to tell people how fantastic the Motu is.
All the best to you and your family,
G & L, New Port Beach, CA
- info@yourdreamisland.com
- US Office 559.447.2525
