Mari's Travel Blog: FRENCH POLYNESIA SEPT 2014: Kia Ora

FRENCH POLYNESIA

KIA ORA – RANGIROA

September 6-8, 2014

Kia Ora Resort Pool

We had a good flight from LAX to PPT. It took 8 hours.

The lines upon arrival were pretty bad. Usually, it takes 20-30 minutes to get through passport control but this time, it was closer to 45 minutes.

Air Tahiti Nui Economy

After picking up our luggage we had to go to the domestic terminal (to make our transfer). In the past, I've always had a “Meet and Greet” service but this time I chose not to have it so I could see what that was like. Normally, the “Meet and Greet” service would have had my boarding passes and know the people to skip the line so the process usually takes 5-10 minutes. This process without their assistance took 45 minutes! I now see the value of the “Meet and Greet” service!

Air Tahiti Nui Business

From Papeete to Rangiroa, the flight had to make 1 stop in Tikehau. The total flight time was 1 hour 45 minutes. All went well. The plane has approximately 80 seats and is a turboprop airplane. When we arrived in Rangiroa, we were greeted with a lei and after dealing with our luggage, we drove 5 minutes to the Kia Ora Resort.

The Kia Ora Resort is lovely. We were greeted with a cool cloth and juice. Our villa was ready for us which was a definite plus because we wanted to freshen up. Kia Ora has 3 basic room types. The beach bungalows, villas and over the water bungalows. We were in the villas and I loved it!

Air Tahiti Nui Flight to Rangiroa

Three years ago, Kia Ora renovated their villas and they are quite nice. The main take away is that the rooms have a private plunge pool and yard and when I say private ... it really is! Some other resorts that I have visited have the plunge pool but the fence that surrounds you makes you feel claustrophobic but this villa construction does not feel that way. It's open and comfortably large with lovely vegetation. There is a covered area to enjoy a meal or simply enjoy a glass of wine and celebrate who are are with.

Pool

The beach bungalows have wonderful views and direct beach access. I preferred the bungalows that were to the left of the pontoon. The rooms need updating but if views and beach access are important to you, then this is a wonderful option.

The over water bungalows are also nice but for this property, I prefer the villas ... save the over the water bungalows for another island.

There is only one bar and one restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at Kia Ora. The food was nice but if you are a foodie/wine person, lower your expectations and be prepared. There is a restaurant option outside the property 2 minutes away but that's about it.

Kia Ora Resort Villa

I had a very frank conversation with Gerry, the GM of Kia Ora and learned quite a bit about the property and the challenges of being a resort on the outer islands. There are only 3,000 people that reside on Rangiroa. Everything needs to be flown in and that adds to the general cost of doing business. Luckily for Kia Ora, Gerry REALLY cares. He is such a hand's on GM and I respect his insight. Great guy!

Kia Ora Resort Beach Bungalow

Rangiroa is not really an island with a mountain in the middle like Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora. It is a reef on an atoll. Looking at a map helps. There is only a 6 mile stretch on this part of Rangiroa to visit. My thoughts are if you really are into diving and snorkeling, Rangiroa and the 4 star, Kia Ora is worth a visit. Le Taha'a on the motu just off the island of Taha'a is the most similar but is more expensive and a five star experience.