Moorea's Hidden Gem: Discover Village Temanoha!
Alright, strap yourselves in, because we're diving headfirst into the turquoise wonderland that is Moorea, and the supposed "Hidden Gem": Discover Village Temanoha! This isn't your perfectly polished, brochure-speak review. This is the real deal, warts and all, and I’m going to tell you everything (and probably a bit too much) about my stay. So, let's get this Polynesian party started!
First Impressions: The Accessibility (and the Reality Check)
Okay, "Hidden Gem." I like that. Sounds promising, right? Now, let's talk about Accessibility. (I'm not going to lie, this is where things get… complicated.) The website hints at facilities for disabled guests. Hmmm. Okay…that's a start. But "hints" are just that. I'd call and ask some very specific questions before booking if accessibility is a crucial need for you. I did spot an elevator, which is a HUGE plus on an island, and that could make things much easier. But really, details, people, details. Beyond that? I'm gonna hazard a guess and say it's NOT the easiest place to navigate if mobility is an issue. The paths looked pretty uneven.
The Internet Saga: Free Wi-Fi Nirvana? (Spoiler: Maybe Not).
Let's be real, in today's world, Internet is King. (Or Queen, I’m all for equality.) The promise of "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" screamed, "I can post my envy-inducing vacation pics!" (I mean, that's a priority, right? Right?) And the website says plenty about Internet access! (and includes Internet [LAN]!)
Good news: they did have Wi-Fi in public areas, and, yes, there was Wi-Fi for special events! So, yes! Internet! (Though I can’t say how fast!) But here's the thing. It was… spotty. Let's call it Polynesian Wi-Fi. It has its own laid-back rhythm. Fine for checking emails, less so for streaming movies. Prepare yourself. Download your bingeworthy shows beforehand. Trust me. You'll thank me later. This is a real bummer, especially when you want to share those epic sunrises with the world!
The Room: My Little Island Escape…or a Room to Roam Around?
Okay, the room. What about it!? Well, the rooms are okay, I enjoyed the Air conditioning, (that is a HUGE plus!), but let's just say it wasn't as… immaculate as the glossy photos suggested. (Real life, am I right?) Air, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, wi-fi [free], window that opens.
The Good Stuff: (And the Great Stuff!)
- The Pools: The hotel has two pools! One with a view, and an outdoor pool. Imagine yourself, floating on the water, gazing at those breathtaking views. That's the dream, people! (And, let’s be honest, escaping the kids for a bit!)
- The Food: Okay, the Restaurants. They have several, with A la carte in restaurants, including Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. They offer, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, If you're looking for some variety, you'll find it here. Though I really REALLY wanted to dive into the local cuisine - I was obsessed with trying fresh fish.
- The Location. Moorea itself is paradise. The location of this place is supposed to be great although I was not there.
- The Spa! This is the stuff of dreams! A full Spa, with Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, This is where I needed to escape to immediately, so if I will be going again, I will be going here and only here!
The Safety & Cleanliness Situation: (Post-Pandemic Realities)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Covid-19 (now, let's pray we won't have more pandemics). Let me get to the categories: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I'm not a germaphobe, but I appreciate a clean place, and they seemed to take it seriously. The staff were conscientious about hygiene, and I felt safe. This is essential, and they get a big thumbs up for it.
Things to Do (aka, Ways to Relax and, You Know, Be on Vacation!)
Moorea is ALL about relaxation, but for those of you who need a little something more, they have some great options! A Fitness center, and a Gym/fitness if you want to keep up your routine. Then add Kids facilities, Babysitting service, and a Family/child friendly setup.
The "Extras" (aka, The Quirky Details)
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area - Yes! Absolutely necessary. Audio-visual equipment for special events- Sounds fancy! Business facilities- They've got the basics! Cash withdrawal - Phew! You'll need it. Concierge - Always a nice touch. Contactless check-in/out - Modern and convenient! Convenience store - For those late-night snack attacks. Currency exchange - Good to know! Daily housekeeping - Keeping things tidy! Doorman - Makes you feel important! Dry cleaning - For fancy clothes. Elevator - A lifesaver. Essential condiments - The little things! Facilities for disabled guests - Hmmm…a bit vague. Food delivery - Score! Gift/souvenir shop - Tourist trap central! Indoor venue for special events - Weddings, anyone? Invoice provided - For the business types. Ironing service - Wrinkle-free vacations! Laundry service - Keep those clothes clean! Luggage storage - Handy. Meeting/banquet facilities - Business and pleasure. Meetings - Meetings! Meeting stationery - Ready to take notes! On-site event hosting - Parties! Outdoor venue for special events - Under the stars! Projector/LED display - Movie night! Safety deposit boxes - Keep those valuables safe! Seminars - Learn something new? Shrine - Culture! Smoking area - For the smokers. Terrace - Hang out space. Wi-Fi for special events - For the influencers. Xerox/fax in business center - For those who need it.
- Getting around: Airport transfer - Crucial! Bicycle parking - Explore the island! Car park [free of charge] - Excellent! Car park [on-site] - Convenience! Car power charging station - Eco-friendly! Taxi service - Available! Valet parking - Fancy!
The Verdict:
Discover Village Temanoha isn't perfect. (What place is?) But is it special? Yes. Is it worth the trip? Absolutely. Is it a "Hidden Gem"? Maybe. More like a well-polished stone with a few rough edges.
My advice? Go. Embrace the imperfections. And book that massage ASAP.
Escape to Paradise: Ridgecrest Gardens Hotel's Subic Bay Bliss
Temanoha Time Warp: My Moorea Mess-Up & Magnificent Moments (A Travel Itinerary…ish)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to witness the gloriously chaotic birth of my Temanoha adventure. Forget perfectly Instagrammable itineraries – this is the real deal, a slightly sunburned, perpetually sandy, and emotionally-charged love letter to Moorea.
Day 1: Landing & Luggage Lamentations (aka Airport Anxiety)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up utterly jet-lagged. "Wake up" is generous. More like stumble out of bed, propelled by the promise of paradise.
- 8:00 AM: Leave the hotel, start with my luggage, with the hotel staff help.
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at the airport. I think I was feeling a little excited.
- 9:00 AM: Temanoha Arrival: Okay, so, Moorea! The turquoise water practically glows. Seriously, it's like someone spilled a vat of liquid sapphires. Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it. Then… the luggage. Oh dear, where did my luggage goes? I found it later, but I have to be in a hurry to go to Temanoha.
- 10:00 AM: The drive to Temanoha Village. Okay, the drive. First impressions? The vibe is pure, laid-back Polynesian bliss. Palm trees swaying, sunshine, the air smells sweet and floral. Driver tell us the local history (boring).
- 11:00 AM: Check-in at Temanoha Village. Quaint bungalows, right on the beach! Room is fine.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Village Restaurant: This is where things get…interesting. I ordered a plate of 'poisson cru' (raw fish marinated in coconut milk) and it was like a religious experience. Fresh, clean, vibrant flavors. Pure heaven. Except… I think I ate it a little too enthusiastically. More on that later.
- 1:00 PM: Beach Time: My original plan? Unpack, nap, then leisurely beach stroll. Reality? Found a hammock, attempted a nap, failed (too excited!), and then got sand everywhere while attempting to put sunscreen on and then a swim into the sea.
- 4:00 PM: Sunset Watching: So, the sunset. I swear, the sky practically wept colours. Orange, pink, purple… It was so ridiculous beautiful, that I almost cried, then I tried to take a perfect picture and it came out blurry.
Day 2: The Snorkel of Doom (and Delight)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Remember that amazing poisson cru? Let's just say my stomach and I had a… disagreement. Woke up feeling like I'd swallowed a small, angry octopus. Still, the fresh fruit and coffee were a lifesaver.
- 9:00 AM: Snorkelling Excursion: Decided to be brave and head out for some snorkelling. Boat trip was lovely, the captain even shared some local legends and jokes. The coral reefs were stunning. Fish of every colour of the rainbow, the water clear. It was…perfect.
- 11:00 AM: Whale Watching (Attempt): Heard whales were around. Spent an hour scanning the horizon, saw a dorsal fin, and got insanely excited before realising it was probably just a dolphin. Disappointment level: High.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch : Still a little off-kilter from the (ahem) 'poisson cru incident' of yesterday, so playing it safe with grilled chicken and rice.
- 2:00 PM: Exploration of the Botanical Garden: Decided it would be a good idea to explore the botanical garden. I'm convinced the air alone is good for the soul. The plants. The views. The peace. I got so lost in the beauty of it all that when I turn my eyes back to the group and didn't see anyone. I've never felt so alone. I decided to keep walking around. At the end of the day I found the group.
- 5:00 PM: Local Market: Loved the market! I found the local flavours that gave me the sensation to stay a bit longer.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Decided to try another restaurant. Local fresh seafood was again, amazing. The best meal I've ever had.
Day 3: The Pineapple Plantation Pondering & Farewell Feels
- 9:00 AM: Another day, another sunrise! This time I even remembered my coffee. Small victories, people.
- 10:00 AM: Pineapple Plantation Visit: Moorea is famous for its pineapples. Went to the plantation, saw the process, I decided to buy some pineapple, I love its taste.
- 12:00 PM: Farewell Lunch: Last lunch in Temanoha. It’s weird how quickly you can feel connected to a place. The smells, the sounds, the people… I’m utterly heartbroken to leave, and I started to cry.
- 2:00 PM: Last Walk on the Beach: Attempted to soak in every last breath of that fresh, salty air, feeling the sand between my toes, and just trying to preserve this moment forever.
- 4:00 PM: Departure: Goodbye, Moorea. You were everything I hoped for, and so much more. A place where time slow and the magic is real. I'm already dreaming of my return.
Messy Thoughts, Random Observations, & Emotional Overload:
- The Food: The poisson cru. Still haunts my dreams (in a good way). I need to learn how to make this!
- The Locals: So friendly and welcoming. I never felt like a 'tourist'.
- The Bugs: Mosquitoes are fierce. Stock up on repellent!
- The Pace: Slow down. Seriously. Embrace the "island time" mentality. It's blissful.
- The Emotions: This trip made me cry, laugh (a lot), and feel more alive than I felt in ages. It's a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.
- The Imperfections: The blurry photos, the stomach upset, the moments of feeling lost. They’re all part of the experience. Embrace the mess! It's what makes the memories stick.
Final Verdict: Moorea is not just a destination; it's an experience. Go. Just go. And be you, the messy, wonderful, imperfect you. You won't regret it.
Hyderabad's Hidden Gem: Purple Leaf Hotels - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Moorea's Hidden Gem: Village Temanoha - Your Questions (and My Rambles) Answered!
Okay, First Things First: Is Temanoha ACTUALLY Hidden? Like, Really?
Hidden? Honey, it's practically *whispering* secrets. Getting there isn't like stumbling onto a tourist trap. You gotta *know*. I mean, I've been to Moorea...a bunch. And I still had to ask a local. The signs are... well, let's say they blend in beautifully with the lush greenery. So, yes. Hidden. Unless you're REALLY good at following vague directions involving “that banyan tree… and a friendly dog.”
Anecdote Time! I remember the first time, we *thought* we had it figured out. Following a map, feeling all smug. Then…boom. Dead end. Gravel road that just… stopped. Turns out, we'd missed a tiny, almost invisible turnoff. We sat there, red-faced, feeling like total idiots. Finally, we asked a guy on a moped who looked at us like we were from Mars. "Temanoha?" he said, grinning. "Follow me, you lost souls!" He led us right to the door. Legend.
What *Actually* Is Village Temanoha? I See "Eco Lodge" all over the place, but is it just fancy camping?
Okay, so: Eco-lodge. That paints a *picture*. The “fancy camping” part is... partially correct. Think: charming bungalows built with local materials. They're not the Four Seasons, let's be clear. But they're clean, comfortable, and have everything you actually NEED. Running water. Beds (crucial). Mosquito nets (THANK GOD). Hot showers. Okay, maybe not *scorching* hot, but warm enough to feel like heaven after a day of snorkeling.
Quirky Observation: One thing that got me was the… soundscape. Roosters. CONSTANT roosters. They start their opera around 4 AM, no matter what. You kinda get used to it. Or you go slightly insane. I’m still undecided. Embrace the rooster symphony, or bring industrial-strength earplugs.
Tell me about the food! The reviews say the meals are incredible, but I have dietary restrictions. Any chance I can find something to eat?
The food. Oh, the food! Prepare to drool. Seriously. They're serving up traditional Tahitian cuisine, fresh seafood, and tropical fruit that makes you want to weep with joy. I'm talking grilled mahi-mahi, poisson cru (marinated raw fish - GET IT!), and enough coconut in everything to satisfy a lifetime.
Here's the thing, though. Dietary restrictions? Make. Them. KNOWN. Like, yell them at them when you book. I have a friend who's vegan, and it was a bit tricky. They *tried* to accommodate (bless their hearts!), but it's not a place with multiple vegan options. Fish and coconut were the main staples. But for most people, it's heaven. One of the best meals I ever had was the pork cooked in an underground oven, it was so tender... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
Rant Alert: Seriously, if you’re lactose intolerant and *don't* shout about it, prepare to spend your vacation playing Russian roulette with dairy. They'll happily adjust if they know, but assume everything is swimming in coconut milk if you don’t specify.
What's there to *do* at Temanoha? Is it all just... sitting around?
Okay, so: Sitting around is a *significant* part of the appeal. Seriously. The pace of life is so laid-back, it’s almost horizontal. But yes, there's more! They usually have kayaks, snorkeling gear. I mean, right off the beach is a coral reef! The water is so clear you'll swear you're swimming in a giant aquarium. You can hike, too. Not massive hikes, but trails that lead to stunning views.
Major Pro-Tip: Take advantage of the guided activities. The local guides are so knowledgeable and passionate. They'll show you hidden waterfalls, teach you about the local plants… and entertain you with hilarious stories. We went on a snorkeling trip one time, and the guide, with his wild hair and infectious laugh, kept yelling "Banzai!" every time we saw a new fish. Memory for a lifetime.
Emotional Overload: Looking back, that trip... I was a mess. Stressed out of my mind before getting there. That quiet... the gentle waves... the friendliness of everyone... it was like actual therapy. I left feeling… *changed*. Seriously corny, I know. But it was.
Can I bring kids?
Hmmm. I've seen people bring kids, but... tread cautiously. Temanoha isn't really set up for a high-energy toddler parade. There's no splash pad. No kids' club. Think about how well your kids handle unstructured time, and the fact that there isn't going to be a ton of readily available child-friendly food.
My Opinion: If your kids are chill, love nature, and can be entertained by a stick and a beach, they'll probably be fine. If they expect a constant stream of entertainment... maybe not. But then again, maybe a trip like this is exactly what those kids *need*. I can't decide. It's all you. Just consider the vibe. Think relaxing, not raucous.
Is it expensive?
Moorea, in general, is not going to be cheap. It's French Polynesia! But Temanoha is, relatively speaking… a steal. Compared to the mega-resorts, it's significantly gentler on the wallet. The rates for the bungalows are reasonable, especially considering the experience. The meals are generally included in the price, and that's a huge plus.
Rambling Time: You're paying for more than just a bed. You're paying for the escape. The authentic experience. The peace. The quiet. To be honest, it's worth it. You'll save money on activities, you'll find yourself less tempted to spend on silly stuff like expensive cocktails. You will, however, find yourself buying a kilo of vanilla beans from the local lady. So… maybe it balances out?
Let's Get Real: What *Sucks* About Temanoha?
Okay, okay, let's not pretend it's all sunshine and rainbows and fruity cocktails. There are *some* downsides.
The Mosquitos: They're relentless. Bring ALL the bug spray. And then bring more. I mean, the nets help, but between the hammocks and the beachesHotel Safari
