Village Temanuata

We upgraded to the front bungalow overlooking the bay which is really nice, and looking at the other bungalows we made the right choice. However, the bungalow itself is very dated/basic. The mattress for the bed is really uncomfortable, and the room is small and cramped. The toilet in the bathroom is also cramped so there's not much room for maneuver. Generally the room and bungalow inside needs sprousing up somewhat, however the outside kitchen adjoining the outside area overlooking the bay is great. Saying this, there is a plastic screen protecting the bungalow from the wind which is rather unclear and dirty, so you cannot see too much of the view from the main seating area. The beach in front of the property is amazing and the snorkeling is fantastic! Would have expected a bit more for the money we have spent.

Excellent, relaxed beachfront location near of the public Matira Beach with a small private strip of sandy beach and some corals with colourful fish just 10 m of snorkelling away. Supermarket across the road where fresh croissants and baguette can be bought early morning. Good restaurant (Lucky House) just next door, open all day and with excellent seafood and good cocktails at reasonable happy hour prices. Big bungalows, I was very lucky to be upgraded to one with a lovely seaview to watch the wonderful sunrises. Everything you need for selfcatering is in the kitchen (I very much prefer to make my own coffee with a croissant on my terrace, without queues at a buffet). Washing machine is available on the property. Very friendly and helpful staff, speaking French and English and even a bit of German. I very much appreciated their non-intrusive way. WiFi is fast and included in the room price. The garden is a small tropical paradise with beautiful flowers. But this comes with sandy paths, as there are no paved paths on the property. So sand and ants are everywhere, which did not bother me as I live in the tropics myself and this is only natural. I just used the broom available on the terrace to clean the sand and insects in the morning and evening (staff ask every morning if guests want to have their rooms made and/ or towels changed. Bicyles available for hiring (it is only 8 km to Vaitape with its shops) and reception can book a wide range of activities and excursions and is happy to help with advice. However, there is no TV (but good WiFi) and no AC (but strong fans) in the bungalows and they are rustic. This is not a 5-star hotel (Intercontinental is next door). For me it was the perfect, laid back place to stay (I stayed for 6 days/ nights) and I would love to go back.