Ninamu Resort

On day 5 of this stay, I said to myself, "This is the kind of vacation you don't need a vacation from"! I had made connections with Cheffy, Moana, and the kind, fun, and attentive staff. The food was amazing… the atmosphere was a dream. The snorkeling directly in front of the resort was incredible! This is my kind of place.
Then, the tides changed. I was walking to the back side of the island when I saw three dogs. They looked like they were just hanging out, so I proceeded to walk and gave them the most space possible by walking at the waterline. Then, one of the dogs charged me. I screamed "NOOOO" with my biggest mama bear voice. The dog backed off half way, took another look, then backed off the rest of the way. I walked until I couldn't see dog prints in the sand anymore and had a huge emotional release — event.
I told Moana what had happened after I had calmed down a bit and the sun went down. I heard him immediately tell Cheffy what had happened. I came back out to the lounge area after a shower, and to my surprise, everyone acted like nothing had happened. Cheffy didn't come out to say anything. I was sobbing through dinner, and cried myself to sleep that night, still in shock.
Long story shorter (hah), Cheffy was given every opportunity to say SOMETHING. I did not hear the words "I'm sorry that happened", or "Are you ok"? Nothing. Tears ran down my face at checkout, giving Cheffy his last chance to say something. Instead, he said "I don't know what you want from me".

My husband and I had a lovely 4-day visit to Ninamu Resort. It is out in the middle of nowhere, with all the comforts of a 5-Star resort and none of the riff-raff… just a few other guests, superlative food and service, and peace and quiet. We had a bit of confusion around our pre-payment of the reservation, but otherwise everything was perfect. They chef was sensitive to our dietary restrictions (mostly GF issues) and the excursion guides were skilled and knowledgeable. A bonus for us… they even did a basket full of bulk laundry for a very reasonable cost. The manager checked on our outgoing flight to Papeete before sending us on our way on the last day. My only caution would be that the snorkeling gear was well-used and I had difficulty getting it to fit properly. Next time, I will take my own!

Off the beaten path, not a contrail in the sky, the horizon stretches forever! A low key, relaxing private island. I didn't wear shoes for the entire stay. It is small — only 6 bungalows allowing guests to mix and chat. Fixed mealtimes (and meals) provide excellent food by chef (and manager) Jean-Francois. Each day an excursion is on offer that you can take up or just spend the day relaxing and snorkeling around the island. Jean-Francois (and his dog Coleman) and the staff made us feel completely welcome. Jean-Francois also jumped in to help with travel arrangements when it looked as if we were going to be stranded due to an airline strike. Definitely worth it! Highly recommend! (English, Tahitian and French spoken).

We stayed in the treehouse and were enchanted every moment of our 4 night stay. Next time we will stay for at least a week. The beauty of Nimamu, the caring staff, the food and everything about this remote eco resort is beyond description. It is a creative, thoughtful small resort designed to enjoy peaceful nature. I have been travelling in French Polynesia since 1990, and Nimamu is amazing beyond words.

Incredible beautiful island with 6-7 bungalows that are beautifully designed. The only down side is no ac in most of the cabins, which can get quite hot. The staff are amazing and go out of their way to make sure every portion of our stay was great. The sunsets on the beach were amazing and there are 7 cabanas on beach where you can read when your ready to get out of the sun. We went on two great excursions snorkeling and to the blue lagoon. Met some great folks and enjoyed this piece of paradise.

We just returned from a full month at Ninamu. All of March. What an incredible experience. It was actually more than we could have hoped for. This was our second visit to Ninamu and we realized after our first visit, we needed longer on this enchanting island and resort. So we stayed a month this time and we still didn’t want to leave. We stayed in Teahupoo, which is one with air conditioning, and loved it. (We read the website and description of all the bungalows before booking).
Chef, your food is absolutely amazing. You are so extremely talented.
Moana, Moon, Fitia and Ava, you made our trip so special and made us feel like family. You are all so very kind and wonderful.
Keone took us out on excursions and he is so fantastic and patient.
Coleman our furry friend, you never disappoint us. Thanks for going paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming with us.
Chris, you have built such an amazing and special place. Our family has traveled all over the world, but coming to your resort makes us feel like we are coming home. Your entire staff made us feel so welcomed and loved. They truly did make us feel like family. Thanks for the games of pool in the evenings. We thoroughly enjoyed those times.
For anyone thinking about staying at Ninamu-This place is special. You can gaze at the stars, have some fantastic meals, sleep in some beautiful unique bungalows, all while having the staff there to get you anything you might need.

Magical Paradise….
Ninamu is that place. Leave your work, laptops, devices and shoes behind and emerge yourself in true Tahitian storybook island life. This magical piece of Tikehau will release you from it all, if you let it. Our 2nd time here and 10 days is still too short for us. We cannot get enough of the hospitality, staff and of course Mr. Coleman the fuzzy island director of activities. Already missing our lazy days in the cabana, paddle boarding out to the reef and snorkeling in the lagoon. This staff really feels more like family to us. Chris, Manoa, Keone, Moon, Chef, Ava Colman and The Mayor are incredible ❤️. They go out of their way to help wherever they can, however we witnessed so many guests that were impossible to please and made the trip uncomfortable for themselves, the staff and other guests. All the guest who make things difficult are the ones that do not read about the island and what is offered and what is not offered. Understand what you are booking instead of arriving at this magical place and ruining it for everyone else because you failed to read (Allen👇🏻).
We cherished every moment of our trip and can’t wait to do it again next year. ❤️

The first thing that struck me about this remote property was the small, dimly lit bungalow I was initially shown—along with the comment, "If you pay more, I can show you a better one. " I paid more to get a "rustic, primitive" bungalow facing the lagoon, which had no A/C ("just leave the door open for the breeze, I was told") and only a few electrical bulbs and outlets.
Be aware that while Ninamu is advertised as an "All-Inclusive Resort, " they charged for every drink except water. As for the meals, the first dinner was an excellent BBQ—but only because they had VIP guests that night. Once the VIPs left, the next meal consisted of chicken, noodles, and a half-grilled banana for dessert.
The stay there was a major disappointment.

We stayed at the Ninamu resort for our honeymoon in October 2024, together with our child 2-year, who is lactose intolerant. The atoll where we stayed is one of the most beautiful places in the world, everything is in harmony with nature, the water and beach are unmatched. Ninamu is an eco resort and for this reason you should not expect to find some luxury services of other renowned resorts, but the exclusivity and rare beauty of this place is unique, and for us this is true luxury. The food was excellent, and the staff was kind and helpful. We really hope to return, we had a really good time here.

Hands down one of the most beautiful places in world! Tropical paradise with watersports galore. Best diving in the world and world class fishing. Great food and great people always keep me coming back!

We stayed in Ninamu for 4 nights while on our honeymoon between Fiji and French polinesia. Our expectation (and what Ninamu appears to sell itself as), was that Ninamu was going to be an authentic local exclusive destination, without all the luxury of a "Bora Bora" type resort. Sadly our expectations were not met at all for the reasons set out below.
The place is set in a breathtaking environment. The natural beauty of the island is truly remarkable, with crystal-clear waters full of small sharks, vibrant coral gardens full of fish and lagoons. On the island the cuisine was good, offering healthy meals made mainly with fresh, local fish. The hotel was originally built with care and respect for its surroundings, each bungalows is different and crafted with details in coral and wood.
Unfortunately, the property has been neglected over time, losing much of its original splendor. Hygiene was a serious issue: from the dirt (including dust and clothes from previous guests found under our bed) to spotting mice running around between the dining area the kitchen and associated mice traps spread around the island. The musquito net above the bed was old and dirty, making sleeping really difficult. On top of this, the amenities provided, such as snorkeling masks, yoga mats, the boat, towels, and the bed sheet and quality of the bed were either insufficient or poorly maintained.

When we first arrived we were very excited about the quaintness of the resort. It’s on its own island so you feel remote. The bungalow was very unique and gave a wonderful “stranded on a remote island” vibe. Cheffy, the manager was very nice and accommodating. The staff at the restaurant were super friendly. The food, however was a little more basic than the website promotes. The seafood was generally good, but I would not expect beef and chicken to be featured as our only option on a Tahitian island. Once I mentioned this to Cheffy, we were always offered seafood. Greta, the owner was aloof and not necessarily interested in hearing feedback or interacting with the guests.

Another perfect trip to polynesia, on the perfect castaway island. Gracious and knowledgeable host Chris and his spouse Greta go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. This is an action based, eco/Green resort like no other. Or Restful day in Paradise. Your dreams of being Robinson Caruso with the best snorkeling on the planet, deep sea fishing options, and surprising gastronomical fare will keep you wanting go come back like us. Nap.

Absolutely lovely amazing motu and resort! Welcome to Fantasy Island! Our host was fantastic, our bungalow was amazing, all just a pictured and even better when all u hear are the waves lapping the sand directly at ur bungalow. Food was prompt and good. Diverse simple breakfast of meats, cheeses, breads, mini pancakes, eggs upon request, tea/coffee/juice. Lunch varied from pork/rice, lamb/rice, with desserts. Dinners were fish/vegs, chicken/pasta, with desserts. Our waitress Heiva made our stay sooo nice with amazing smiles. Our snorkel with manta rays and to the coral garden was fantastic with Kavon (? ). The dog Coleman (? ) was a treat. Blacktips in the mornings just next to our bungalow, fun to watch. Lanai was so relaxing to lay on. Boat ride to and from main motu was short and no problem.

Special unique place. It was the end of our two weeks in French Polynesia (we are from California). I feel there is plenty of information to get the feel of it… pictures of the bungalows and grounds. Because it is isolated on its own small Motu, it is all inclusive for food: 3 meals a day, wonderful food, we are omnivores. It is best if you like fish. The desserts were a real treat. The staff is small and French is the dominant language. We found them delightful: Cheffy is the manager, charming and friendly and helpful. Claire and Hevia took care of us in the dining room, both charming. Tikehau as a destination offers diving of course, and it has several other things to do: there is a place to swim with Manta Rays since they come there almost every morning to get their mouths cleaned by certain fish, there is a fabulous snorkel spot called the Coral Garden, and a place called Bird island, where tons of birds live without predators so they are not afraid of people visiting. Each of these requires a boat and someone to take you: Ninamu offers these options in the mornings, when the weather is right, for an additional fee per person. You need 2-3 full days to get to it all. We also loved the snorkeling right in front of Ninamu where there are corral formations and lots of fish. Ninamu has lots of snorkels and fins if you do not bring your own.

Our new standard for the perfect vacation destination — it's going to be hard to beat. Chris, Greta, Claire, Heva, the boat captains and crew, housekeeping were all top shelf. With only 10 bungalows, you feel like a part of the family. Food and excursions were excellent, and the property and Tikehau itself… it really is paradise.
Stay at least 4 days, you need time for your pulse to adjust to the island!

Ninamu is a beautiful, bohemian, and cutesy seaside resort with cottages/bungalows with a lovely vibe. I spent a week here and had a great time.
Note that the bungalows are very tropical, made with thatched roofs and air ventilated except two that have air con. The breeze is amazing, and the A/c worls great. Resort has no pool, but who needs one when the lagoon just outside is teeming with fishes. Beachside cabanas make perfect swim and relax spots for all guests. You can even order from the bar and take it to cabanas. The cabanas have lights and plug points to charge your electronics.
They also have a beachside open air massage place, which is gorgeous, and the massages are pretty good.
Meals are of good size and have yummy desserts. The Wifi is super good.
Weather was a bummer for a couple of days, but who cares when you can walk around the island, go kayaking, or read a book in the hammock. Took afternoon naps on the cabanas with a cool lagoon breeze and sound of waves making a perfect setting.
Don't come looking for a Ritz Carlton. This place has a lot of character and is run by 2 sweet people, giving you a great personal experience. If you find the prices high, hey, French Polynesia is expensive, and the cost of maintenance in any tropical place is very high.