Motu Mapeti is the antithesis of the overwater bungalow resorts of Bora Bora. It is a family-owned legacy property—held for over 90 years—that invites guests to live "like a local" in the South Pacific. The island is 100% eco-friendly, powered by a sophisticated solar array and utilizing harvested rainwater. There are no paved paths or manicured lawns; instead, white sand trails wind through thick jungle to reveal hand-crafted Polynesian fares (huts). It is a destination designed for reconnection, where the luxury lies in the total absence of urban noise and the rare privilege of having a piece of Tahiti’s turquoise lagoon entirely to yourself.
Accommodations & Design The island features five traditional thatched huts, built with local hardwoods and designed to breathe with the ocean breeze.
Sleeping Huts (4): Three huts feature King or Double beds, while a fourth "Garden Hut" offers three single beds, ideal for children or a group of friends.
The Main Hut: The social heart of the island, housing a fully equipped kitchen (refrigerator, gas stove, basic pantry), a lounge, and a large dining deck perfect for sunrise breakfasts.
Outdoor Living: The island features a unique shared outdoor bathroom where you can shower directly under the coconut trees, as well as a private dock and a covered lagoon-side terrace.
Amenities & Inclusions The experience at Motu Mapeti is one of high-end "glamping" and self-sufficiency:
Marine Activities: Includes access to kayaks and paddleboards. The island is located just 100 meters from a deep-water channel, offering world-class snorkeling and fishing right off the private pier.
Sustainability: Fully off-grid with solar power for night lighting and warm water available for showers.
Service: A "Self-Service" model is standard; however, the owners live in a separate house at the back of the motu (out of sight) to provide maintenance and limited concierge help with car rentals or excursion bookings.
Connectivity: Portable Wi-Fi can be arranged, though guests are encouraged to disconnect.
How Private Is This Island? Privacy at Motu Mapeti is intimate and secure. While the island is less than 500 meters from mainland Tahiti, it is a world apart. There are no public ferries or neighbors on the motu; the only people present are your group and the discreet on-island caretakers. The dense jungle provides a natural visual barrier from the mainland, making the beach feel like a private enclave. For those seeking a secure, "gated" wilderness experience that remains close enough to the mainland for a quick dinner in Taravao or a grocery run, Motu Mapeti offers a perfect balance of isolation and accessibility.
