Staying at Ninamu Resort in French Polynesia

Tucked away on a secluded motu in the remote southwest corner of Tikehau Atoll, Ninamu Resort is one of French Polynesia’s most exclusive eco-retreats. Designed for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and travelers looking to disconnect from modern life, this all-inclusive boutique resort blends rustic luxury with unforgettable experiences. With just eight handcrafted bungalows, a pristine coral reef at your doorstep, and endless opportunities for adventure, Ninamu is a gateway to exploring one of the most biodiverse atolls in the South Pacific. Whether you’re into surfing, kitesurfing, diving, or simply want to unwind on pink sand beaches, this private island resort offers a rare chance to experience the raw beauty of French Polynesia.

Getting to Ninamu Resort

Ninamu Resort is located on a private islet off the coast of Tikehau Atoll, part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia.

How to get there:

• Fly from Tahiti (Papeete) to Tikehau Airport — approximately 55 minutes
• Upon arrival, the resort provides a 10-minute private boat transfer to the island

The journey is effortless, and the destination is pure paradise — surrounded by crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and untouched nature.

Property Overview

Ninamu is an off-grid, solar-powered eco-resort built with a strong commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. This unique hideaway caters to couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking personalized service and immersive island experiences.

Highlights of the resort include:

• Just 8 bungalows (10 rooms total), hand-built with coral stone, driftwood, and palm thatch
• Fully solar-powered and self-sustaining, with minimal environmental impact
• All-inclusive stay with meals, airport transfers, guided excursions, and non-motorized water sports
• A central open-air lodge serves as the heart of the resort for dining, socializing, and relaxation

Ninamu Resort draws travelers looking to escape crowded resorts and enjoy a slower, more intentional travel experience.

Bungalows at Ninamu Resort

Each bungalow at Ninamu is individually designed, offering privacy, natural ventilation, and a strong connection to the island’s environment. Options range from beachfront retreats to spacious multi-level garden bungalows. Whether you prefer oceanfront views or garden seclusion, each bungalow offers a blend of simplicity, comfort, and handcrafted charm.

Waterfront Bungalows

• Oaha – Two-story waterfront bungalow, sleeps up to 4 guests (where we stayed)
  
• Miki Miki – Two-story waterfront bungalow, sleeps up to 2 guests
  
• Kaveka – Two-story waterfront bungalow, sleeps up to 4 guests
  
• Kahaia – Two-story waterfront bungalow, sleeps up to 4 guests
  
• Teahupoo – Grand Deluxe, single-level waterfront bungalow with air conditioning, sleeps up to 2 guests

Garden Bungalows

• Tamanu – Garden Superior, three levels, sleeps up to 6 guests
  
• Varo & Kaveu – Garden Standard, single level, each sleeps 2 guests
  
• Vini Vini – Garden Deluxe, single level with air conditioning, sleeps 2 guests

Activities at Ninamu Resort

Ninamu Resort is a haven for active travelers and eco-conscious explorers. All non-motorized equipment is included, and the surrounding lagoon and atoll are yours to discover.

Included Activities

• Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Single and double kayaks, SUPs, and snorkeling gear

• Snorkeling – Coral gardens and vibrant marine life just off the shore

Swim alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and even dolphins at nearby sites just a short boat ride from the resort.

• Fishing – Optional guided fishing trips available
• Windsports – Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing in ideal lagoon conditions
• Island & Atoll Exploration
  • Visit the Sand Spit, a mile-long stretch of pink sand
  • Explore Bird Island and Eden organic farm
  • Take a bike tour of Tuherahera village and stop at le magasin for a local-style ice cream sandwich

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is not offered directly through the resort, but can be arranged with the nearby Tikehau Diving center — known for manta rays, reef sharks, and rich coral ecosystems.

Honest Reflections on Ninamu Resort: What to Expect

Ninamu Resort isn’t your typical French Polynesia luxury stay — and that’s exactly why we loved it. This is not a place of poolside butlers or five-course fine dining under chandeliers. Instead, it’s for the curious, the adventurous, the barefoot traveler who craves quiet mornings, ocean spray, and a strong coffee shared with strangers-turned-friends under a palm-thatched roof. It’s a private island retreat where nature leads the experience: from manta rays gliding beneath your fins to coconut crabs crawling around your open-air bungalow after dark. It’s raw, beautiful, and deeply personal — a rare kind of luxury you won’t find in brochures.

Meals are served communally, with local fish often starring on the plate. The chef is talented and accommodating, but it’s fair to say that if you don’t eat seafood or prefer a la carte options, this may not be your ideal dining scene. There’s no store, so pack a few snack bars. Days start with a chalkboard listing the day’s excursions — snorkeling passes, sandbank picnics, reef drifts, or dolphin cruises — and end watching the sun dip below the horizon with a drink in hand and salty hair.

Ninamu is for travelers who are willing to trade polished for personal. If you’re the kind of person who can laugh off a hermit crab in your shoe, marvel at bioluminescence under a moonlit sky, and enjoy dinner conversations with surfers, divers, and artists from around the world — then you might just find this motu to be one of the most memorable places you’ve ever stayed.