New Eco Resort Focuses on French Polynesia’s History & Culture

The restaurant, bar and pool offer views of the white-sand beach bordering Huahine’s clear lagoon, affording a panoramic view of Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora. Le Maitai Lapita Village features 15 ‘Premium Lake Bungalows’ built around the freshwater lake and decorated with water lilies; five ‘Premium Garden Bungalows’; and 12 ‘Garden Bungalows’ throughout the property, each with a partial view of the lake and surrounded by tropical plants and native flowers.

Le Maitai Lapita Village’s architecture is heavily influenced by both the artistic and canoe culture of the region. Each bungalow is designed to evoke a sense of the Polynesian canoe house and is decorated with stylized canoe prows. Traditional paddles decorate the walls of the bungalows, and many feature furniture in the shape of a canoe.

The style of the hotel’s reception area and restaurant/bar is inspired by the architecture and cave adornments of the houses of ancient Polynesian chiefs. The terracotta color of the Lapita pottery is consistently represented throughout the bungalows, and archaeological artifacts found on-site also inspired the decor. The term “Lapita” refers to the ancestors of French Polynesia and to the people who navigated from South East Asia 4,000 years ago through Melanesia to Polynesia in large double-hulled sailing canoes. The history of Polynesian culture served as an inspiration for the development of the hotel as well as the atmosphere its design is intended to create. This history is told through a chronological exhibition in the hotel museum, tracing the ancient settlement period, the arrival of Europeans, and continuing to the present day. On display are relevant artifacts, illustrations, explanatory texts and diverse artwork.

Le Maitai Lapita Village incorporates various environmental-sustainability measures. The hotel is largely supplied by photovoltaic, renewable energy and was built using a combination of local and traditional as well as modern and recycled materials. The area’s eco-system is preserved through the use of non-polluting waste treatments and cleaning products.

Native trees and traditional medicinal plants were planted around the hotel, recreating an authentic atmosphere. Across the grounds, a traditional flora is combined with natural species for color and variation.

The hotel plans to apply for EarthCheck Certification following the example of the two other Le Maitai hotels (the Le Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora has received Silver Certification and the Le Maitai Rangiroa resort Bronze Certification). The certification recognizes various environmental-sustainability practices and takes into account the development’s relationship with the environment and various benefits shared with the staff and community, including educating and raising awareness to promote preservation.

The Le Maitai Lapita Village, located on the island of Huahine, completes the Le Maitai collection and is managed by Hotel Managements & Services. For more information, visit www.hotelmaitai.com