Tahiti and Her Islands – The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
By Lindsay Wolfe
Look no further for the ultimate romantic getaway in true paradise, say “Ia ora na” (hello) to the islands of French Polynesia. Comprised of 118 different islands and spanning over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is separated into five archipelagos (chain or cluster of islands). The most visited of these island chains are the Society Islands which are geographically divided into two groups; the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands. From the magnificent lagoons to the lush volcanic peaks, the Society Islands are often referred to as some of the most romantic and beautiful places on earth.
TAHITI
Tahiti is the largest of the Society Islands and also serves as the gateway to French Polynesia. Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, is a modern day busy city harboring many businesses and shops. Here you will find large hotels, restaurants, night clubs and shopping centers galore. A must-see while in Papeete is the La Marche (town center marketplace) that features local handcrafts, fresh fish, tropical fruits and vegetables all sold by local vendors. There is much more to Tahiti than the city of Papeete. If you are looking for lush valleys, scenic volcanic mountain tops and historical places they can all be found on this island. Some points of interest you may want to consider are the Botanical Museum, the Paul Gaugin Museum, Tomb of King Pomare V and the Marea Arahurahu. Helicopter rides, circle island tours and walking tours are some of the best ways to experience the diverse scenery of Tahiti.
MOOREA
Just a 30 minute ride from Tahiti on the Aremiti 5 (www.aremiti.pf/anglais), a high speed catamaran, is the beautiful island of Moorea. Here you will find white sand beaches and jagged mountain peaks surrounded by a deep blue lagoon with bays that are among the world’s most photographed bodies of water. The hotels and resorts in Moorea are more spread out than those in Tahiti but are still easily accessible by bus, taxi or rental car. If you are looking for private romantic accommodations that will not break the bank, opt for the Deluxe Garden Bungalows at the Moorea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa (www.pearlresorts.com). Complete with their own private swimming pool secluded by tropical gardens, these bungalows are adorned with fine Polynesian furnishings and include upgraded amenities.
The best way to experience Moorea’s treasures is by taking a guided jeep tour. Driving through the mountainous interior you will see breathtaking sights and learn about the islands agriculture. Make sure to bring your camera so you can capture the beautiful views over Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay and from Belvedere Lookout. Along the way you will sample some of the finest tropical fruits, visit a vanilla plantation, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a blue-eyed eel. Most resorts can book the tour for you but keep in mind that parts of the jeep tour are truly off road so make sure to wear good walking shoes.
For the ultimate cultural and dinning experience in Moorea, venture away from your lavish resort and visit the Tiki Village Theatre (www.tikivillage.pf) for a dinner show. As you enter the village, you will walk among the old-style fares (houses) to view demonstrations of jewelry making, traditional tattooing, stone and wood carvings, and other crafts. If you see something you like, buy it because the items are authentic and priced well below other stores on the island. Before viewing the most spectacular dance show preformed by more than 60 artists in elaborate yet traditional costumes, you will see the unveiling of a traditional Tahitian earth oven that has been cooking your feast throughout the day. All the Polynesian and Western dishes served are unique and inviting but make sure to try the fafa (chicken and taro leaves served in coconut milk), a local favorite. After the meal, you will witness a 1 ½ hour high energy, action packed show with dancers and fire twirlers performing to live Polynesian music. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about Tahitian culture and enjoy local fare!
BORA BORA
A trip to Tahiti isn’t complete without seeing the legendary lagoons of Bora Bora. Only a short flight from Tahiti or Moorea, the airport for Bora Bora is located on a “motu” or islet so you will be escorted to your resort by boat. Since Bora Bora lies in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, the over-water bungalow experience is essential on this island and worth the extra expense. For romantic tranquility and absolute luxury, try the over-water bungalows at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa (www.pearlresorts.com). These bungalows are the ultimate way to experience the beauty of Bora Bora. Each bungalow has a secluded sunbathing porch with spectacular views of the lush volcanic peak, a glass bottom coffee table so you can see an array of multicolor fish pass right by your own coral reef under your room, and a private staircase that allows you to submerge in the translucent waters of the lagoon whenever you choose. If you are too relaxed in your bungalow to go to one of the resorts fine restaurants, order room service which will be delivered to you by an outrigger canoe.
French Polynesia is known for its deluxe spas that use natural products such as coconut oil and flowers. The Manea Spa (www.maneaspa.com), conveniently located at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa, is one of the most well known on all the islands. Built from exotic timber and situated on stilts above a lake surrounded by a tropical garden, the spa combines traditional Polynesian design and state of the art equipment, creating the perfect tranquil environment for body and mind. The spa menu includes body treatments, massages, facial treatments and so much more. For the best spa experience, book the Te Vai Roa, and you will be pampered like a king and queen in the privacy of a lavish suite while you endure your royal footbath, body mask, massage and floral bath.
Bora Bora offers a large range of activities for both the land or water lover. The underwater world of Bora Bora presents marine life in pristine turquoise waters that is a diver’s heaven. If you are not certified, opt for the aqua helmet dive which allows you to roam effortlessly along the bottom of the lagoon. As you encounter multitudes of colorful fish and other lively marine life, you are given oxygen within the helmet making this a great activity for anyone who can breathe comfortably on their own. For an extreme experience like no other, try the ray and shark feeding guided by the island’s own famous “shark boy.” During this thrilling encounter, you will be swarmed by stingrays as you submerge into their natural environment and then see a shark feeding frenzy only a shocking ten feet in front of you. Some of the other activities you can enjoy on Bora Bora include hiking, horseback riding, lagoon rides, motu picnics, helicopter rides and parasailing.
OTHER ISLANDS
Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora are not the only destinations to visit in the Society Islands. With only a handful of hotels and located only a short plane ride from Tahiti, Huahine is a great destination to experience untouched old-Polynesian charm. The ancient culture of the island can be seen through the restored temples and the old stone fish traps preserved by the proud natives of Huahine. Nicknamed the “Garden of Eden,” Huahine is an agricultural rich island with groves of papya, breadfruit, mango and has vast plantations of vanilla and coffee. If you are a surfer, the world-class waves in Huahine are sure to please. If you prefer sailing, then make sure to visit the island of Raiatea which is the sailing capital of French Polynesia. Due to the deep lagoon and lack of beach, Raiatea provides optimal sailing conditions for luxury yachts and charter boats. For a more secluded experience, try the island of Taha’a . Located only two miles north of Raiatea, Taha’a boasts one of French Polynesia’s top resorts, Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa (www.LeTahaa.com).
INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL
In order to truly experience the beauty and diverse landscape of French Polynesia, you should travel to more than just the queen island of Tahiti, and getting around the islands is easier than you might think. If you would like to travel by boat, ferries and charters are available between most of the islands and run year-round schedules. For a quicker trip, Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui.com) has daily flights between most of the islands and discounted passes are available if you plan to visit multiple places. Always reconfirm your inter-island flights and pay close attention to the baggage limits to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Lockers and storerooms are available at the airport if you are over the weight limit.
CRUISING THE ISLANDS
If you want to island hop but don’t like making your own arrangements, there are several cruise lines with ports of call in French Polynesia. For a more intimate experience, you can now experience the Society Islands in eight days aboard the Star Flyer. Owned and operated by Star Clippers (www.starclippers.com), this grand 170 passenger vessel combines the amenities of a luxurious cruise ship with the adventure and romance of sailing. This true clipper ship sets sail in the evenings as guests dine on a five-course dinner, and casts anchor each day at a different island for excursions, tours, and water sports. The Star Flyer is a unique way to experience Tahiti and her islands and allows you to gain some nautical knowledge along the way.
CLIMATE AND CULTURE
The tropical temperatures and mild humidity of Tahiti make the climate near perfect year-round. Although there is no bad time to visit, the dry season is considered the most pleasant time to book a trip. Spanning from May through October, the temperatures are approximately 82 degrees during the day and a delightful 68 degrees at night. November through April is the wet season, and during these months sudden rain showers may interrupt the sunshine but they don’t last long. If you don’t mind a little rain, the wet season may be the time of year for you because the days are warmer reaching highs of 86 degrees and lows of 72 degrees. The months of July and August are the busiest time of the year for tourism. The largest cultural festival in all of Tahiti, Heiva, takes place in July. During this month-long celebration, airline and hotel reservations are difficult and expensive.
GETTING THERE
Due to the remote location of Tahiti and her islands, most travelers arrive by plane. When booking your reservations research French Polynesia’s award winning airline, Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui.com), because they provide more non-stop flights than any other carrier. Although the flight is eight hours from Los Angeles or twelve hours from New York, aboard Air Tahiti Nui’s new airbus fleet you can expect gourmet meals, a private movie screen and the most helpful staff in the skies to keep you comfortable during your long flight.
Most international flights to Tahiti leave from the US in the evening so you arrive at Tahiti-faa’a (PPT), the islands only international airport, in the early hours of the morning. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Tahitian musicians and given a Tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) to place behind your ear signifying you have arrived in paradise. Transportation to your next destination is easily arranged at the airport but don’t forget you will need official local currency, French Pacific franc (CFP), to pay your driver. ATMs are an easy way to get currency and they operate in both French and English. Tipping is not customary or expected in the Polynesian culture. However, feel free to tip if you feel that you have received outstanding service.
Regardless of which islands you visit, French Polynesia will truly redefine your meaning of paradise. You can choose to island hop by land or by sea but either way, the unsurpassed beauty and rich culture Tahiti and her islands await you. Visit www.tahiti-tourism.com to start planning your ultimate romantic getaway today.
Sources:
Tahiti Planning Information and Booking
www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com
Pearl Beach Resort and Spa
(Moorea and Bora Bora)
www.PearlResorts.com
Spa at Pearl Beach Resorts
www.ManeaSpa.com
Inter-Island Travel
www.AirTahiti.com
Tiki Village Dinner Theatre
www.TikiVillage.pf
Photos provided by Tahiti Tourism
www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com
