For over twenty years, La Villa Mahana has been more than a restaurant. It has been a sanctuary for art, a celebration of culture and a home for the extraordinary creative talent that flows through the heart of Bora Bora.

From the very beginning, Damien and Vaere Dovio-Rinaldi made it their personal mission to seek out and support the local artists of Bora Bora and its surrounding islands. Artists like Teva, Victor, Gigi, Myriam, Prokop, JC and many others found in Damien not just a patron, but a genuine believer in their talent and their story.

Their works — vibrant, soulful and deeply Polynesian — filled every corner of La Villa Mahana and transformed it into something truly unique. Paintings adorned the walls, beautiful sculptures were nestled amongst the lush tropical gardens, and hand carved Polynesian spears and swords stood proudly in elegant glass casings throughout the restaurant. Colourful pottery lined the walls, each piece radiating its own warmth and energy, wrapping every guest in the rich colour and spirit of Polynesian culture.

Guests who came for the exquisite cuisine stayed for the art. Word spread, and soon people were travelling from every corner of the globe not just to taste the food, but to feel the very soul of Bora Bora. Many of those artists who were given their first real platform at La Villa Mahana have gone on to achieve international recognition. That is the quiet, enduring legacy of Damien and Vaere's belief in their people.

It is this same belief — that investing in people creates something beautiful and lasting — that gave birth to the LVM Foundation. What started as a love of art has grown into a love of community. Today the foundation continues to champion the artists of Bora Bora while expanding its reach to support the broader community — from handicapped children and the elderly, to animal shelters, land preservation, cultural festivals and the protection of this island's irreplaceable natural environment.

Art opened the door. Humanity walked through it.

Championing emerging and struggling artists across Bora Bora and greater Polynesia — providing financial support, platforms, and recognition so that Polynesian art and creativity can flourish.