A great weather presented itself so we hoisted the sails and left for Tahiti. We arrived in less than 14 hours. With lots to do, errands to run, projects to plan, and people to visit, we hit the ground running. We visit a new restaurant called O’ Belvedere which boasts of being the highest restaurant in Polynesia. At an altitude of 600 meters, it offers spectacular views of both Tahiti’s lagoon and Mo’orea.
Two of our Texas friends, Bill and Jan Streep were visiting French Polynesia with a few other Texans. As it turned out we were able to meet up with them for an afternoon. We had them onboard Sugar Shack before we made the drive to O’ Belvedere.
O’ Belvedere Pool View
We hop in the rental car and make our way to O’ Belvedere. The road up to the restaurant is ridiculously steep with sharp hairpin turns, on roads barely big enough for a small compact car. And yes, it is a two-way road. Lucky for us, each time we came across a vehicle coming down, we were somewhere we could slightly pull off the side of the road so they could pass. It was a “hairy” drive!
Crazy road to O’ Belvedere
O’ Belvedere
After that drive, we all needed a drink to calm our nerves. The outside of the restaurant is really nothing to look at (see top right photo). They did not put much effort into making you feel welcome as you approach from the outside.
However, the inside is amazing! Immediately when you walk in you pass through the kids play area with a small foos ball table, cards, games, and puzzles. Then you pass the glassed-in kitchen where you can watch your dinner be prepared, and a fully stocked bar.
O’ Belvedere
The bathrooms, which are off to the side, offer the best views in the world. As you sit on the pot you have sweeping views of the valley and Tahiti lagoon through the floor to ceiling windows. In one bathroom, you can even do your sewing.
Bathroom view from O’ Belvedere
We were here mid-day to enjoy the pool before dinner. So, the dining room was pretty empty, but we still grabbed our table and had a few cocktails before heading to the pool.
There is also an adult game room with a pool table, darts, foos ball and more games.
The Views
From every angle you have amazing views. So beautiful.
The Pool
As you descend the stairs you come to the pool level with a negative edge. They have a small lounge area and a lift to deliver your cocktails.
The pool offers beautiful views as well.
It was a beautiful day to hang out at the pool. Cocktails in hand, cooling off in the water, and enjoying good company.
Matt always has me laughing.
The sunset was magnificent.
And it just kept getting better and better.
The Food
I must admit that I was not too impressed with the menu selections. They had a lot of red meat, which I don’t eat. No fish, chicken, or port. I ended up with Camembert au Four which was baked brie and cold cuts for a whopping $29!. It was a super-duper expensive restaurant, but the views make it worth it. The others had the Rib steak with a pepper sauce and said it was delicious.
In our last blog, we shared delicious photos of the underwater pearl Champon pearl farm and of Bay Nao Nao. Events from this blog post occurred early October. Our blog posts run 10-12 weeks behind our adventures.
