#87250 - 10/09/10 06:09 PM
Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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Hey everyone,
I think we're going to go to Tahiti again next year with my parents. It looks like this is the trip where we finally get to include Raimiti on the island roster. I am so excited at the idea of snorkeling/diving those waters, and soaking up the end-of-the-universe tranquility, I can barely contain myself!!
A few questions. Thanks in advance, Raimiti lovers.
#1a: I've seen some grumblings on-line that Raimiti is not as wonderful, now that it is bigger. One specific complaint: that if you want to go snorkeling, you are SOL except on the days they take you to a special place (some people are saying that the snorkeling by the hotel is crappy/nonexistent, which I had never heard before). Is this true? Because while we will (hopefully) be diving each day at the pass, my parents will be dependent on the activities they offer each day. If it is true there is no snorkeling by the hotel, is there good snorkeling within a reasonable kayak/walk from Raimiti?
#1b: People on TA are also saying the folks at Raimiti are less friendly now that it is bigger. Please say this isn't so. We're friendly folks and have been looking forward to meeting everyone. Heck, I feel like I know them already from everyone's trip reports!
#2: (This is more for my parents, who may or may not go to Moorea while we dive in Raimiti based on the answer to this question.): BUGS. I know that the charm of Raimiti is that it is _not_ a sanitized resort, and no we are not green-horn honeymooners afraid of a bug, but please tell me the truth because I love my parents and don't want them to be unhappy. Will we get bit to death, during the day on the beach, or at night (unless there is a stiff wind or we hide beneath the mozzie netting)? My parents are intrigued by the idea of Raimiti, but I know they are _not_ up for nonos, or having so many mosquitos that they feel like they need to put on DEET just to get out of bed to go to the bathroom.
#3: One of our party can't digest fish well (or rather, digests it much too well/quickly, to the point where it would be a major issue if that was all there was to eat for lunch/dinner). Do you think we can offer to bring frozen chicken with us from Papeete for our weak-tummied one? We know Raimit's remote location means they can't just cater to everyone and anyone, but we'd be happy to make like a Tahitian and bring a cooler of meat along with us, so nobody has to miss out on paradise. LOL.
We are also considering (for my parents, ourselves, or both):
-Moorea
-Huahine
-Vahine Island
-exploring new lodging on Rurutu (I've stayed at Rurutu Lodge and we may return, but if anyone has experiences elsewhere I'd be interested in hearing about it.)
We are soliciting suggestions on a bit of luxury after Rurutu/Raimiti. We'll be looking for an OWB and some pampering, but it doesn't need to be over the top. Good snorkeling, friendly people, and authenticity are infinitely more important than a personal butler, LOL.
Thanks everyone. I feel the FP fever dying down a little bit, now that we're starting to plan our next stay in paradise.
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#87254 - 10/09/10 06:34 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2460
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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The snorkeling at the pass is spectacular....but I thought the snorkeling at Raimiti was okay rather than non-existent. There are some groupers that live there and a resident octopus and lots of other assorted fishies. Just not the quantity and variety that exists at the pass.
I have not been since it is bigger....it seems some weeks it is quite full...while others are not so bad.
The mozzies are really only a problem in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. The rest of the day is fine. And...if you went at a time of year where there is not a lot of rain...I would imagine they would be much less of an issue. (I went in Feb)
Not every meal is fish based...although many are. I would email them with your food concerns and questions.
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#87255 - 10/09/10 06:43 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I can't answer about any changes in Raimiti because we went when there weren't other guests (just 2 for part of a day when we arrived and 2 the last day--otherwise we were alone).
The snorkelling beside the dock was great when we were there. It's not a big area, but there were lots of different species of fish. How old are your parents? Can't they go on the snorkelling expeditions when they're offered?
I would HIGHLY recommend spraying with DEET when the mosquitoes come out near dusk. Someone who posts here contracted dengue fever there and you don't want to take a chance with that. Having said that, hubby and I sprayed once at dusk and that was good for the whole night (30% DEET, by the way). We didn't encounter any other bugs there.
Fish...you'd have to email and ask. Hubby isn't a fish lover, but ate fish every day there. I think they sometimes had other food to offer (I recall some lamb and maybe some chicken, but it was mostly fish). They have freezer facilities so they might either provide chicken with advanced warning or take you up on the offer of bringing it.
I'm wondering if your parents wouldn't be happier staying on Moorea if they don't want to go on the snorkelling excursions and don't want many mosquitoes (not that Fakarava has a ton--we saw more at the Bora Bora airport than Raimiti), but it sounds like maybe they aren't used to roughing it at all? Raimiti isn't for everyone and there isn't a lot to do if you can't entertain yourselves. The food is great (especially if you love fish), but entertainment is pretty non-existant (unless you count Yahtzee, LOL)...except for the snorkelling trips.
If it were me, I'd rather go to Raimiti alone with my husband. It's a romantic, laid-back, end-of-the-earth experience (not so much a family holiday, though many certainly do use it for that).
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#87262 - 10/10/10 05:30 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: Old Wife]
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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Hey Patti and Old Wife!
Thanks for answering. Mom and Dad are in their mid-sixties and in good health, very active (biking, kayaking, etc.). They travel to islands (including 2 previous Tahiti trips) regularly so they know the island drill. They are good at amusing themselves and seem willing to rough it at Raimiti -- _as long as_ it is everything it's supposed to be. That's why I'm writing with all these questions. Even though they're grown-ups, I feel protective of them and really want to make sure this is a fabulous trip for them.
My dad was stationed on Oahu as a young man and loves everything truly polynesian. He remembers when the island was so undeveloped, it seemed like you could touch the stars at night. So I think Raimiti might be worth some minor discomforts. I think it might make them feel 19 again.
If they can kayak to good snorkeling spots on days when they don't boat everyone to the pass, that would be fine. What would _not_ be fine is to take them out all that way and have the snorkeling be ho-hum unless they get in a power boat. (I've told them it's a UNESCO world heritage site and they are excited about the fishies).
I'll have to have a bug discussion with them. Like I said, they are old hands at island travel and so they know about bugs. Still, there is a difference between "some bugs" versus "being a mass of itchy welts (or getting dengue)." It's hard -- I'm walking a fine line between offering them adventure, but wanting to protect them from some of the inconveniences adventure may bring. They're my mom and dad. I want this to be a good trip with good memories.
While they are in good health now, the reality is that they are in their mid-sixties. Because of work scheduling, etc., this may be the last or one of the last "high adventure" style trips we can take with them, so while I (and they) understand that you can't control travel (bugs, weather, etc.), I just feel this need to really do good background research so we can make an informed decision about where to go, and stack all the cards in favor of a great experience.
I'm sorry if all that makes me sound like a worry-wart. It's coming from a loving place though, and I know you guys well enough from board posts to hope you'll understand.
Thanks, all.
PS: Old Wife, I hear you about island romance, but my hubby and I will make sure to get some time to ourselves on that trip or another one, so it's ok. I'm wiling to share Raimiti. We can always go back, but Mom and Dad may not be able to.
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#87263 - 10/10/10 05:49 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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holte
Expert Advisor
Registered: 11/19/04
Posts: 2417
Loc: Duluth, Minnesota
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Uh, my hubby and I are in our early 60's. So it's kind of funny reading about these elderly people to me.
Get some good mosquito dope. I am a mosquito magnet and I found some organic stuff that works here where I live like a champ-Buzz Away, I think it's called.
Some people like the stuff with Deet.
I would say not to worry about your parents, speaking as an old codger myself. (lol)
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#87264 - 10/10/10 06:59 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: holte]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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OK, thanks for the extra info. Mid-sixties, experienced in the islands, active, etc. I think they'd really like Raimiti. I can't answer questions about how it is now, but they'd like what we experienced. We didn't paddle to anywhere else to snorkel, but I bet you could. As for the mosquitoes, if you get a good enough breeze, they might not even bother you. I'd still suggest a spray of DEET each evening (I think we sprayed around 5) to ward off those little mozzies.
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#87265 - 10/10/10 09:17 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: Old Wife]
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Poehere
Expert Advisor
Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 2362
Loc: FP
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Hi yosemite, just to buzz in here... there is at this time no dengue and it is not like you can or will pick up just anywhere! It is a typical mosquito which breeds in particular places and needs to bite someone within 30 feet of the breeding ground (stale water in pots, tires etc) that being their max surviving distance.
The mozzies are indeed present in the Tuamotu (like anywhere really) and their appearance depends a lot on the weather conditions... certain way the wind blows, the force of the wind, time of day.
Raimiti being far away from the village means that their food supply and transportation is complicated in the sense that the boats deliver from Papeete (frozen meat, chicken etc) and of course the frozen food chain needs to be respected, hard to do when having to take a 1,5 boatride to the next freezer so to speak. But although good meat is hard to get by in the Tuams, normally there's frozen chicken all over the place.
It is in a way a shame when places become so popular that they feel the need to make them bigger and thus taking away part of the initial charm and personally I prefer the smaller ones with 3 bungs but IMHO the Tuamotu atolls still have one of the most warm welcomes you can experience in FP and despite their very tough living conditions they remain true Polynesian in every way, something that is lost on a lot of the more developped islands.
There are many atolls with great pensions and get away places and just about anyone having visited these atolls wants to return. Despite your parents age, I am sure they will absolutely enjoy their "adventure" and I post a pic to get them in the mood... LOL
For Rurutu, Manotel may be what you might want to look at if you want to change from the lodge... It has a couple of bungalows set in a beautiful garden just south of Moerai on the longest white beach... Or Temarara which is right near the airstrip although more family, homely like in the sense that it is a building with rooms but with the greatest food on Rurutu LOL
Attachments
Edited by Poehere (10/10/10 09:33 PM)
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* with sunshine *
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#87276 - 10/11/10 12:20 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: Poehere]
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Poehere
Expert Advisor
Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 2362
Loc: FP
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Just a thought Yosemite, have you considered staying at the Pearl in Tikehau? You'd have the same "atoll" like surroundings but with more comfort (for your parents?) and less isolated. The OWB's there are beautiful, no food problems, more activities to chose from...
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* with sunshine *
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#87279 - 10/11/10 12:48 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: Poehere]
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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Thanks so much!! I love everyone on this board.
Sorry if I made any of you feel old -- I think of Mom and Dad as young, but they've been signaling to me that they feel their days of trying out scuba diving and skiing are numbered, and that we should prioritize that kind of active/slightly risky travel while everyone's joints are all still working well. :o) We're all hoping everyone stays healthy and non-codgery for many years to come, but we'd rather go have fun now than wait and have someone develop a limiting health issue.
Poehere, Tikehau is a great idea, and is my back-up if Mom and Dad feel nervous about Raimiti. Another option is for them to do 3 days of Raimiti and 3 of Tikehau, while we (my husband and I) stay at Raimiti for the week. We've all been to Manihi together and want to try something new in the Tuamotus. [If you have any hints on pensions elsewhere in the Tuamotus I'd love to hear them, Poehere -- for future trips for us!]
I wish the Kia Ora was up and running. I miss Rangi. Sigh.
Thank you also Poehere for the other Rurutu rec's. I'll check them out! We loved our time on Rurutu a few years ago and are eager to return. The timing of this trip is all for mom, so we can get her in the water with the whales.
What we all really want is to experience a different way of life, and sort of ... merge with the water and the wind. With your help, we are well on the way to that.
Thank you everyone. Sunshine and smiles to you all!!
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#87280 - 10/11/10 12:58 PM
Re: Advice on Raimiti, pls (looks like we're finally going!!!)
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2460
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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Is money a huge issue? Cause if not, THIS place on Rangiroa looks amazing!
http://www.yourdreamisland.com/
Also....you might want to consider the Kia Ora Sauvage on Rangiroa...it's a bit more upscale than Raimiti. Not sure when it's scheduled to reopen though...and it is quite a bit more expensive than Raimiti.
Personally I don't think Raimiti will be an issue for them at all. They are not THAT old. As long as they like to kick back and relax and can entertain themselves when there are no activities planned....then they should be fine. None of the activities are strenuous at all. The bugs are not an issue depending on the time of year...and if they are...use bug spray.
Also...keep in mind you may or you may not be diving at the pass each day. I don't know the current set up at Raimiti as far as diving goes. But in the past they only had diving when a boat from the north was heading down to the south. They may now have some arrangement with a dive company is the south...I really don't know. It's a good 20-30 minutes from Raimiti to the south pass...I don't know if Raimiti will take you to the pass each day (they may need the boat to make trips up to the airport) or if a dive company will come pick you up. You may want to investigate that in some detail.
Edited by Patti. (10/11/10 01:03 PM)
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