A short inter-island flight finds us on Manihi where transportation vehicles (read: two golf carts) are parked adjacent to the open-air airport (read: supports with a roof) next to the runway (read: airstrip).  These await arriving passengers and will shuttle them down the road (read: sandy track)to the smaller Manihi Pearl Resort, the only hotel here.

Once you get settled, relax on the beach or at the poolside bar with a cool drink. It’s very easy to meet other travelers at such a small, intimate place. Staff members may entertain guests with music, song and dance this evening. After dinner, stroll back to your fan-cooled beachfront bungalow.

There is an almost eerie solitude here at night – no air conditioners whirring, no external lights, only the sounds of the waves and the wind.

Ah, peace and quiet for a few days.

For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597

Imagine a tropical breakfast delivered by room service to your overwater fare or bungalow via outrigger canoe for a private, romantic and leisurely start to your new day in paradise.

Photo Courtesy of Tahiti Tourism

I’ll stop talking now and let you savor that image.

For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597

One of your first observations will be the contrast in geography. The high peaked mountains, lush valleys and hidden caves characteristic of the Society Islands are replaced by stretches of empty beaches and groves of coconut palms, silent except for the lapping of waves and the gentle rustle of trade winds. These are low-lying atolls where life is relatively simple and with few distractions.

That is NOT to say you will be limited to living Robinson Crusoe style. The small Hotel Kia Ora provides creature comforts albeit with a certain rustic charm. Do not expect the fashionable features of a world-class Bora Bora Resort . But they are not really needed or missed here.

Their overwater bungalows are extremely popular, especially with honeymooners.  The glass coffee table that serves as a viewing window and direct access to the water from the deck are lovely appointments.

For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597

Rangiroa is the most popular visitor destination within the Tuamotus and  is one of the best known dive sites in the Pacific.  It is the second largest atoll in the world after Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. In fact, the lagoon is so sizable that it could actually contain the entire island of Tahiti.

Photo Courtesy of Tahiti Tourism

As a certified scuba diver myself, I can tell you that one of the main attractions is the Drift Dive through the Tiputa Pass. Divers and snorkelers are taken by boat to the ocean or outside of the reef and dropped off into the water. Participants are asked to join hands so no one gets separated. The strong, swift-moving current takes hold and carries them along rapidly back into the lagoon.

As you float by in a rush, you can view an abundance of marine life below, including gray reef sharks and perhaps even manta rays. This is repeated several times just for the fast fun of it all. And as you return out past the reef, playful dolphins may accompany you.

For non-swimmers, a glass bottom boat excursion can be arranged.

For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597

Our adventure continues . . .

In the very heart of French Polynesia, between the high-peaked volcanic Society Islands and Marquesas Islands lies the giant arc of  Tuamotu Atolls.

Photo Courtesy of Tahiti Tourism

Atolls are created as the coral reefs surrounding an island rise just as it sinks. Over time, as the land gradually vanishes beneath the surface of the sea, a donut-like atoll remains around the lagoon.

This is the place to indulge in a desert island fantasy.

Breathtakingly beautiful. Remote. Uncrowded. Quiet. My kind of place.

These far-flung specks of coral that form the largest Polynesian archipelago are also known as the Dangerous Archipelago. Here around low-lying islands, razor-sharp reefs are littered with wrecks. In fact, Thor Heyerdahl’s famous rafting expedition on the Kon Tiki, was a casualty here on the Raroia reef.

Pictured above is Rangiroa’s Blue Lagoon. We will perform a closer inspection tomorrow.

For more information, contact:
Jacintha Perera, Tahiti Tiare Specialist
www.IslandGetawaysTravel.com
(916) 897-9597

For a view of Tahiti from a different vantage point, the luxurious and intimate mv Paul Gauguin,which was designed specifically for French Polynesia, sails through the Society Islands on a 7-night cruise itinerary part of the year. Unlike larger cruise ships, this vessel blends well with the environment rather than dominating it with sheer size. Ports of call include the islands of Tahiti and Raiatea with overnight stays in Moorea and Bora Bora. The European staff is gracious and accommodating to your vacation needs and wishes.

This small ship has an upscale yacht-like ambience with a maximum of 330 passsengers. As  a 6-star luxury product, it features all oceanview staterooms ansd suites, gourmet meals with pouring wines and spirits, shipboard activities and entertainment with a local emphasis, plus 24 hour room service.

The unique rear watersports platform offers complimentary watersports such as kayaking, windsurfing and waterskiing. Snorkeling equipment is provided for guest use throughout the voyage and comes in handy during the stop on their private Motu Mahana, next to the island of Tahaa neighboring Bora Bora. And the onboard Carita Spa of Paris is an oasis of pampering.

This is truly a seamless way to travel through these idyllic islands. It is one of those rare experiences that warrants repeating just for the pure pleasure of it. Many passengers do return for a repeat performance. Out of decades of worldwide travel experience, it remains one of my personal top 3.

Luxury for Less: You can experience the Paul Gauguin for yourself on the September 26 – October 3 Society Islands cruise at very attractive discounted fares. Rates expire August 15 but I anticipate that space will be gone before the deadline! I recommend that you act quickly to get this travel steal.
http://www.islandgetawaystravel.com/Gauguin.htm

I will discuss other sailing options in August: yacht charters in the Tuamotus Atolls and freighter travel in the Marquesas Islands.

The Pearl Resorts of French Polynesia are laid across the Society Islands, Tuamotus Atolls and the Marquesas Islands like a strand of pearls. I will take you to the latter two collections as this tour progresses there next month.

The Bora Bora Pearl Resort has two outstanding features. As a truly polynesian style resort, it has garden and beach bungalow suites that are a unique alternative to the classic overwater bungalows and villas.

These units have interior bedrooms with outdoor bathrooms incorporating  natural materials: palm, bamboo, driftwood, coral and shells. The bathroom area is open to the air but enclosed for privacy within a private garden courtyard. Some have a small plunge pool or jacuzzi. The garden units are set in a lush tropical setting while the beach suites front onto the beach with views of Mt. Otemanu. I prefer these to the overwater bungalows at this location.

As an aside, for some unexplained reason, there is a 18 hole miniature golf course in the gardens for guest use. I noticed this as I walking back to the the spa. Quite amusing. I haven’t seen this at any other resort in Tahiti.

The Manea Spa at the Bora Bora Pearl is one of the finest here. I will just give you a quick sneak peek for the time being.

The resort also offers a weekly yoga class and more extensive one week 6-session workshops offered as scheduled. Classes last approximately an hour with mats and props provided.  The emphasis is on basic yoga poses for stretching and relaxation. There’s nothing quite like yoga on the beach!

The Bora Bora Inter-Continental Thalasso Resort has taken things to another level. It was designed in  a very hip, contemporary style with public areas (restaurants, bars, pool) deliberately facing Otemanu. The beautifully appointed spacious 3 room villas perched over the lagoon waters all have stunning views of the main island and lagoon as well.

This is the first hotel in the world to have cold deep ocean water pumped up to the surface to air condition the entire facility. Not only is this cutting edge in terms of technology but it is also environmentally friendly at the same time. This is the same source for the water that is used in the Thalasso spa treatments at the elite Deep Ocean Spa, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

Thalassotherapy treatments are based on the benefits of sea water and marine elements. The marine climate, seawater, marine mud and seaweed are all employed for their preventative and curative properties.  Water drawn from the depths of the Pacific Ocean is particularly rich in minerals and trace elements. It is heated to near body temperature so essential nutrients can be absorbed by the body.

This world class destination spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, a veritable ocean of well-being. I would begin with the special jet lag massage and go from there. Hmm, the foot reflexology sounds good too.

Excuse me while I slip into a spa robe. See you in the tea lounge later.

Continuing our fish theme, tonight we boat transfer over to the mainland and visit one of the most famous restaurants in French Polynesia.
Bloody Mary’s is a not-to-be-missed institution on Bora Bora. Take a moment to read the wooden signs on either side of the entrance listing the names of famous people from all over the world who have dined here.

 
As you will step under the thatched roof, you will be entering a polynesian fantasy world. Take off your shoes, place them in the conveniently located cubbies and feel the sand floor under your feet. Just inside you will see coconut-tree stump bar stools and the dining area beyond.

Fresh seafood is brought in daily by local fishermen. A  hostess will show you everything that is available from an iced display. You may choose fish, lobster, even steak or chicken for the chefs to prepare on the grill. Enjoy a tropical cocktail as you wait for your meal to be delivered to your table.
You will get very relaxed. Just keep track of how many drinks you have or you may not be able to find your sandals at the end of the evening.
Good thing there’s a designated boat driver to get you back to your resort!

For those of you who seek an activity that is a little more edgy and exciting, I suggest a shark feeding excursion.

Earlier, Captain Arii had attracted small black tip sharks within the reef area.  These are a smaller, less aggressive type of shark that generally avoid human contact.

Here, he looks on as swimmers float on the surface and view sharks on the lagoon bottom. Catch of the day takes on  a whole new meaning!

 My underwater photography skills are non-existent. I have neither the specialized equipment nor the technical know-how. My disposable waterproof camera produced murky blue-green impressionist images that only I would recognize. Normally, my camera is an extension of my right arm. This is a time to leave it behind and be fully present. Just float, breathe, and observe.

There is some controversy surrounding the way this activity is conducted by some operators. Some tours take participants into the water and hold them at a distance before bait is thrown out, causing a feeding frenzy. Animals in the wild are unpredictable and they probably haven’t read the script. I wouldn’t want to be mistaken for shark bait.

When I am selecting soft adventure activities, I consider interest level, fitness level and safety. I don’t believe in forced fun or undue risk. With me, there is never any pressure to exceed your comfort zone. Overall, it must be enjoyable and memorable, not extreme or dangerous.