Open since 2003, the Maitai Dream seems to be part of the surrounding greenery - a coconut plantation stands on the thin strip of land of Fakarava (650 ft of land separates the lagoon from the ocean). The hotel consists of a main building with all the common areas such as the reception, the bar and the restaurant, as well as the 28 independent bungalows spread out over the estate. The pier which stretches out into the lagoon is the boat rides' departure point and meeting point for diving outings. There is no swimming pool and there aren't any sports amenities at the hotel either (such as a tennis court or a golf course). We're tempted to say that this is a good thing, because the spectacular natural environment can definitely be appreciated without any particular amenities. People go to the Maitai Dream for diving and snorkelling, in particular, however, many also reserve half a day for a bicycle ride. If you decide to do the same, turn left when you go out of the hotel: that will take you to the village of Rotoava within half an hour; then, further down, in the direction of the airport, you will see Topaka's old lighthouse, built of coral stone. If, however, you turn right when leaving the hotel, you can be at Dream Pearls pearl farm within 10 minutes. Visits are free on week days - you will see, among other things, pearl grafters at work and the grafted oysters ready to go back into the basin at the centre of the lagoon.