Arue
Go BackElegant, Seaside, Exclusive
Arue, located along Tahiti’s northern coast just east of Papeete, offers a refined and exclusive atmosphere that sets it apart from the capital’s bustle. Once the home of Tahitian royalty, Arue is a place where history, natural beauty, and luxury hospitality intertwine. For event organisers, it represents a destination where elegance meets authenticity, perfect for weddings, corporate retreats, and high-end gatherings seeking both sophistication and seclusion.
One of Arue’s defining features is its royal heritage. The Maison de la Reine Marau, a former residence of Queen Marau, still stands as a reminder of the area’s regal past, and the broader district retains a sense of prestige and distinction. This atmosphere lends itself particularly well to events that require a touch of formality or exclusivity, whether that be diplomatic receptions, destination weddings, or luxury incentive retreats.
The leading event venue in Arue is the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, perched along Lafayette Beach, a striking black-sand shoreline framed by lush hillsides. This resort is one of the few in Tahiti to offer direct access to a black-sand beach venue, making it an extraordinary setting for weddings, private receptions, or corporate gatherings. The resort provides versatile event facilities, from conference rooms with ocean views to expansive outdoor terraces ideal for banquets or cultural showcases. Dedicated event services ensure smooth logistics, while Polynesian design elements keep the island’s character central to the experience.
The natural environment also plays a key role in Arue’s event appeal. Lafayette Beach, with its dramatic contrasts of black volcanic sand and turquoise waters, creates a bold and memorable backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The surrounding hillsides provide options for retreats, workshops, or exclusive villa events, offering privacy without sacrificing convenience. Guests enjoy views across Matavai Bay and beyond, allowing events to feel connected to Tahiti’s most historic seascape.
Arue’s location enhances its practicality. Just 10 minutes by car from Papeete, it is close enough for guests to access the capital’s restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, yet far enough removed to feel like a private escape. This balance of convenience and seclusion makes it highly attractive for organisers managing both international arrivals and local logistics. Transfers from Faa’a International Airport take around 20 minutes, meaning that within hours of landing, guests can be checked into an oceanfront venue in Arue.
The event types best suited to Arue highlight its exclusive and elegant character. Destination weddings are a natural fit, with Lafayette Beach providing one of Tahiti’s most dramatic ceremony sites. Corporate retreats and executive incentives find the resort’s facilities ideal, balancing meeting spaces with leisure opportunities such as spa treatments, lagoon excursions, and cultural performances. For diplomatic receptions or cultural showcases, Arue’s regal heritage and refined setting offer a dignified tone that resonates with formality while still celebrating Tahitian culture.
Cultural and natural activities can easily be woven into itineraries. Guests may enjoy excursions to Point Venus nearby, where Captain Cook landed and where a lighthouse still marks the shoreline — a site with both historical resonance and scenic charm. Local artisans from surrounding villages can be engaged to provide demonstrations of traditional crafts, while Polynesian dance troupes bring vibrancy to evening receptions. For smaller gatherings, private villas in Arue’s hillsides offer bespoke settings for intimate celebrations or creative workshops.
The atmosphere in Arue is distinctly elegant and exclusive, yet deeply rooted in Tahitian tradition. Events here feel both luxurious and authentic, with the dramatic coastal scenery reinforcing a sense of occasion. The sound of waves against black sand, the warmth of Polynesian hospitality, and the historic resonance of the area combine to create an event environment that is as memorable as it is unique.
For organisers looking for a Tahitian location that offers prestige, privacy, and distinctive natural settings, Arue stands out. It is a destination where events can take on a regal quality, framed by black-sand beaches, ocean horizons, and a heritage of elegance that continues to define this stretch of Tahiti’s coast.