Nukutepipi
A whole atoll in the Tuamotus, its lagoon included, let to one party at a time.
Nukutepipi is a private atoll in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia, roughly two hours by private aircraft from Tahiti, and the register records it as an atoll rather than an island because that is what is being let: a ring of motu around an enclosed lagoon, all of it, with no other party present. It was bought and restored by Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, after a cyclone had stripped it, and tens of thousands of trees were replanted before anyone stayed.
A main residence and a cluster of bungalows hold sixteen bedrooms. The atoll is let whole, with staff, chef, boats, dive equipment and a spa, and the lagoon is closed to everyone but the party in residence.
The lagoon is private, not just the land. Almost no property in the register can say this. On an atoll the water is the property, and here nobody else is in it.
Restoration first. The reforestation and the reef work preceded the hospitality, and the atoll is run with a conservation programme that constrains how it is used.
Who it is not for
Nukutepipi is the wrong island for anyone counting cost against occupancy: sixteen bedrooms and a two-hour private flight assume a large group. It is wrong for travellers who want to leave and see something else, since there is nothing within reach. And it is wrong for guests who need medical services close by — this is one of the remotest entries in the register. Smaller Polynesian parties should look at Motu Nao Nao.
Sources
- nukutepipi.com — private atoll, main residence and bungalows, exclusive use
- Guest maximum unverified; published figures vary widely. Confirm before publication.
Booking
Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.
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