LOCATION: Raiatea is the capital of the Leeward Islands, located 20km northwest of Tahiti. Raiatea, the sacred island, was considered to be the very cradle of Polynesian civilization (Havai'i) by her ancestors; the geographical heart of the ma'ohi culture (forming Hawaii-New Zealand-Easter island); and the birthplace of the god Oro (god of fertility and of war). It was Oro who was attempting to overthrow Ta'aroa (god of creation) when the Europeans first arrived in this pacific triangle.

ACCOMMODATION: There are 28 rooms, including 8 garden bungalows and 9 overwater bungalows, combining traditional style with modern comforts to host both local and international guests. Each room is equipped with a mini-bar, television, ceiling fan, telephone and safety deposit box. The garden bungalows offer a lounge area, while the over water bungalows have a lovely veranda overlooking the lagoon.

HOTEL FACILITIES & SERVICES: The hotel is host to a number of excursions, each of which is more tempting than the next. The two sister islands: Raiatea and Taha'a are unique in that they are two high islands trapped in an immense lagoon and protected by a common barrier reef. They offer 259 square kms of land to be explored on foot, on horseback or by jeep. Raiatea boasts the only navigable river in French Polynesia . . . the Apoo Ma'u in the Bay of Faaroa. Sacred Raiatea and Taha'a, the island of vanilla, are choice destinations for both snorkeling and scuba diving. There are more than 50 catalogued sites for both beginner and experienced divers alike.