Hanakee Hiva Oa Pearl Lodge

The largest of the southern Marquesan group, Hiva Oa is a fertile island with deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests. It has emerged from obscurity due to its privilege of being home to the tombs of artist Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel, both of whom chose Hiva Oa’s capital, the small town of Atuona, as their final resting place. They captured on canvas and in song, the smiling faces of the children leaving school, the remarkable landscapes and hordes of wild horses for which the Marquesas are now famous.

Perched on a hillside facing Mount Temetui, the 14 bungalow Hanakee Pearl Lodge enjoys fabulous views of Traitors Bay, the Bordelais canal and the small island of Hanakee. The restaurant, bar and freshwater infinity swimming pool also overlook this remarkable Marquesan scenery. Designed by local artisans, in a similar rustic style to that of its counterpart in Nuku Hiva, the lodge offers a choice of 8 bungalows with ocean views and 6 mountainside bungalows.

The stunning valleys can be explored on a jeep safari or the more adventurous can try one of the great hiking or mountain bike trails. Hiva Oa ‘must-sees’ include Takaii (the largest tiki statue in French Polynesia) and the fascinating archaeological site of Puamau.

Hiva Oa is a 3 hour flight from Tahiti and the lodge is 20 minutes from the airport by 4WD.

PRICES Prices for 3 nights from £215 per person in a Mountain View Bungalow or £355 per person in a Premium Ocean View Bungalow based on 2 people sharing including return transfers from Hiva Oa airport. International flights and the airpass to Hiva Oa are additional. Fly to Tahiti via Los Angeles on the award winning services of Air New Zealand from only £990 including taxes and fuel surcharges. Please ask your consultant about upgrading to spacious Pacific Premium from only £280 per sector.