Paradise got a little More perfect with the opening of French Polynesia’s newest private island,Motu Nao Nao, a 75-acre motu (reef islet) brim with South Pacific Ocean splendor.
This luxe getaway, located in the lagoon of Raiatea, is as eco-friendly As IT is awe-inspiring. It welcome its first official invitee in December 2021 — and I stop by for a first expression just weeks earlier that (and only concord to leave knowing angstrom trip toBora Bora, a 20-minute flight from Raiatea, was on the horizon).
Rentable on an exclusive basis for no More than sextuplet guests astatine once, Motu Nao Nao promises the ultimatebuck private islandexperience. But privacy only scratches the surface when it come to its perks.
swish Polynesian Architecture
I take air Tahiti’s 45-minute flight from Pape’ete toRaiatea, where iodin caught angstrom complimentary transportation boat to Motu Nao Nao. That tranquil lagoon ride was dazzle enough to take my breath away — and iodine hardly got it back before the island’s architecturally immaculate Francisco Villa left me speechless once again.
Motu Nao Nao’s trio thatch-roof villas ar the brainchild of Polynesian room decorator Alain Fleurot. They blend modern flair, from soaring ceilings to minimalistic exteriors, with Polynesian flavor, include the washed-up coral that accent each villa’s walls. (The captain of our boat fix each midget piece of coral by hand.)
Fleurot maintain the hues here simple. The star of the show — the shimmering, crystal-clear lagoon and dipsomaniac viridity palms — convey ample colouring pops that complement the white-and-tan aesthetic. In fact, the dining area, living room, and eve bathrooms jactitation floor-to-ceiling windows, although the swish ocean-view patio make IT tough to go inside.
fashion Meets Sustainability meet Delicious Farm-to-table Food
The esthetics are impeccable, but Motu Nao Nao’s beauty is Thomas More than tegument deep — starting with the property’shyper-focus on sustainability. The island be 100% self-sufficient with no guests, and it remains 83% self-sufficing when fully booked.
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Motu Nao Nao’s locally sourced cuisine is another instance study in sustainability. Wilfrid Kobylt, who’s just as much an artist arsenic atomic number 2 is the property’s buck private chef, grows about 30 pabulum plants on the motu; helium raises poulet here as well. Kobylt proceeds advantage of Motu Nao Nao’s easy lagoon access, whether it’s to brand his own salt from the local saltwater or to create A delicious, fresh fish mixture like smoke king mackerel, a salmon and fruit salad, or the local Tahitian favorite:poisson cru, raw fish in lime juice and coconut meat milk. Don’t girl the hand-carved melon — Kobylt’s signature artistic dessert.
escapade past Day, Indulge by nighttime
From 75 palm-dotted landed estate to sandy lagoon-front beaches, Motu Nao Nao be pullulate with escapade potential. You can motorcycle the island trails, kayak, paddleboard, or even snorkel with mesmerizing rays, vibrant fish, and small blacktip reef shark — all steps from the shore.
Motu Nao Nao can likewise help book excursions, including visits to Raiatea’s local pearl farms, private dives, jet-skiing tours, and a hands-on paddle experience with Polynesian va’a canoe.
No matter how you spend your days, though, don’t missy dark on the villa patios, where cocktails mixed with fresh ingredient from Kobylt’s garden promise serious private island bliss.
