This little restaurant in the middle of the Tahiti volcano with fantastic views is a small oasis. We had the 'assiette Polynesian' which was raw tuna with lime and coconut milk and chicken with local spinach. It was very good. Our view across the valley was wonderful. The tables were rudimentary but satisfactory. Service was polite.
This place needs a proper renovation. our first room product that mold, the wallpaper product fallen off, the rooms were really gross. memory of an abandoned hotel. we upgraderet to a bungalow. This room was very convenient location. but when we lifted the covers and pillows in bed was alive with insects. We drove there in our rented car. it is undoubtedly a really nice natural area. staff on arrival was super sweet. but the place really needs a hand.
Most travellers to French Polynesia go to the coastal resorts. Wonderful as they are, if you want a break from the attractions of the sea, a different, but equally spectacular, destination can be found at the Relais de la Maroto, high in the mountains in the centre of the island of Tahiti. It was originally built to house hydro dam construction workers and so you should not expect resort style accommodations. However, the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking, with densely forested high mountain peaks all around, waterfalls, mountain streams and some stunning walks along mountain roads and tracks. The hotel's best rooms are the cabins that are newly built and situated to make the most of the surrounding views. The other rooms are in the original building, and show their age, but they are clean and comfortable enough. Our room in this building had a stunning view and it seemed that all rooms would have similar outlooks. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the restaurant/balcony area was located to make the most of the stunning scenery. We were lucky to have blue skies with wisps of cloud appearing around the peaks. I guess if you were there during cloud and rain, you may not be as enthusiastic for the scenery as I am.
There were only a handful of guests when we were there, probably because it is a bit out of the way. However, more arrived on a day trip for lunch.
Getting there can be a bit uncomfortable - sitting on bench seats in the back of an old 4wd on a bumpy track. If you have back issues, I suggest you ask for a front cab seat. Also check that the driver ties your luggage securely on the roof - I was glad I had a bit of cord in my bag to help with the tie-down. I'm sure the bags would have not survived the trip with just the driver's fraying elastic strap! We noticed some normal 2WD cars in the car park - so it may be possible to drive there yourself, as long as the car rental company allowed it, but you need to be prepared to drive on a pot-holed, bumpy road with a couple of creek crossings.
If you are adventurous, there is a small swimming hole with a slippery rock slide into it, at the end of a half hour walk. Finding it is a bit difficult, but we managed to tag along behind an adventure tour from Papeete that were heading there. The tour leader was happy to show us the way.
The entire experience from being picked up and transported to their wondrous facility (the ride is as exciting as the actual place) to the amazing hospitality by the entire family and, of course, the most breathtakingly dramatic views ever! The three bungalows are the best.
Guests should expect that they are in the middle of a rainforest and the screenless rooms abound with insects. Be prepared! Wearing insect propellant helps but if you are a princess, maybe think twice before embarking on this adventure. The food, no other option, is simple and similar to most food in Tahiti...oh well.
This is a place to visit towards the end of your trip to French Polynesia, when you are relaxed and ready for lush vegetation, rushing rivers, and silence broken only by the occasional bird call. The hotel itself is tired and in need of repair, but the management and waitstaff perfectly embody Polynesian generosity and hospitality.
The restaurant serves delicious food often made from local ingredients. They are well known for their good selection of wine.
While there visit the nearby archaeological site and pay a guide to take you to the waterfall. It is a somewhat strenuous trip, but so worthwhile. We learned a great deal about Tahitian culture, mythology, medicinal use of plants, and many traditions. Our lives were much enriched by our few days at this extraordinary place.
La Moroto is a very handy watering hole when visiting the crater, especially when you break your leg like I did LOL. Basic eats and drinks, nothing special but if you're hungry and thirsty it's perfectly acceptable.
It can get misty when you're looking around but Mount Orohena makes itself known sometimes quite dramatically when moisture condenses to form clouds; one side crystal clear, the other cloudy. La Moroto will provide you with some degree of comfort when it rains - at least you can walk around inside which is better than sitting in a jeep.
