South Pacific Paradise
Tahiti’s magical coasts beckon travelers and honeymooners from around the globe
A visit to Tahiti conjures up visions of
thatched roof bungalows over striking
shades of turquoise waters half a world
away. Scenery similar to that viewed in “South
Pacific” (filmed in Moorea) is truly as breathtaking
as it appears in the 1962 movie, and the long
distance from the mainland United States adds to
the exoticism and intrigue. Even so, many worldly
travelers inevitably ask “Where exactly is Tahiti?”
The islands officially known as French Polynesia
are in the eastern South Pacific, halfway
between California and Australia. The area covers
over two million square miles and is made up
of 118 islands spread over five archipelagos: the
Society, Austral, Tuamotu, Gambier and Marquesas
islands. The Society Islands include Tahiti,
Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and
Maupiti. Each have their own unique traits and
distinct flavor, which is why many who have traveled
there recommend visiting more than one.
The calm, crystalline waters, laid-back island
mentality, world class restaurants and luxuriously
appointed accommodations make Tahiti and its
surrounding islands a honeymoon hotspot— so
much so that you’ll be hard pressed to find travelers
other than those gazing into one another’s
eyes and celebrating a wonderful break following
the hectic turn of events involved with a
wedding. And why not? The year-round tropical
temperatures, spectacular vistas and calm waters
make Tahiti nothing short of paradise.
GETTING THERE
Several airlines service Papeete on Tahiti from
Los Angeles, but Air Tahiti Nui now flies directly
from JFK, making New York the first East Coast
city to offer direct flights to the region. Since
the inception of the route in July, travelers have
praised the pleasant experience they’ve had on
the long (12 ½ hour) journey.
The only international airport is located on
Tahiti’s Faaa district, just five kilometers away
from downtown Papeete. However, most visitors
treat Tahiti as a transfer point, normally spending
one or two nights there before heading to other
motus (islands) via Air Tahiti. To make reservations
and view schedules from New York, visit
www.airtahitinui.com. MOOREA
Located just 30 minutes by boat or 10 minutes
by plane ride from Tahiti, Moorea seems to rise
up from the sea. A teal lagoon surrounds its magnificent
mountains with lush green foliage and
hidden waterfalls. Roadside produce stands and
small villages give it a primitive feeling, despite the
upscale resorts lining the beaches. Moorea has just
one 40-mile road that bounds its circumference,
making it the perfect spot to explore by rented
scooter, car or bicycle. Truly the finest spot to see
the entire island is le Belvedere lookout (the best
photo opportunities are before 10 a.m., when the
sun is behind you.)
NOT TO MISS
Moorea is known for its pineapple plantations
and pineapple factory, Jus de Fruits de Moorea,
where visitors can sample juice and liqueurs made
at the on-site distillery. Most island tours include
a visit to the factory. Jus de Fruits de Moorea,
(689) 56 11 33
WHERE TO STAY THE INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT & SPA MOOREA
features luxurious beach and
over-water bungalows winding around its
calm lagoon. Guests enjoy every water sport
imaginable, including snorkeling, scuba diving,
sailing, canoeing or simply swimming right off of
their bungalows. In the secluded spa, treatments
begin in an outside rainwater bath surrounded
by colorful chirping birds and fragrant flowers.
The InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea, rates
from $325 for a lanai room and from $700 for a
bungalow; www.ichotelsgroup.com
WHERETOEAT
Most hotels offer delicious authentic Polynesian
feasts with delectable cuisine, including meat
baked in an underground oven, fresh fish, vegetables,
plantains and fruit plus live Polynesian
dancing and singing. For a different experience,
try Le Bateau restaurant, a restored fishing boat
that serves local seafood. Le Bateau, located at the
Hotel Linareva, (689)15 35
BORA BORA
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful of the
Society Islands, possessing a lagoon of brilliant
shades of blue, turquoise and teal. The white
caps of the waves of the Pacific can be seen
in the distance and on a quiet night, visitors
can hear them crash. Bora Bora is made up
of a collection of motus and can only really
be explored by boat, so all resorts offer water
transportation to the main village, Vaitape, where
many restaurants are located and the annual
Heiva festival occurs, featuring traditional dance
competitions, delectable Polynesian cuisine and
other festivities. Tip: arrange all off-site dining
plans with your concierge. Many restaurants
are not within walking distance of Vaitape’s
dock, and restaurants offer free transportation at
scheduled times.
NOT TO MISS
Bora Bora is the perfect place to feed sharks
and stingrays, a favored South Pacific pastime.
Most excursions include both; after a short boat
ride, tour operators will direct passengers to
grab onto a long rope and toss fish into a circle
of gentle sharks mere feet away. The boat then
heads to another spot to feed the stingrays as
they glide past. More cautious travelers view the
feeding process from the safety of the boat. Visit
www.tahiti-tourisme.com for tour operators
WHERE TO STAY
Guests praise the fantastic service at the BORA
BORA NUI a Starwood luxury property. Visitors
are greeted by the hotel’s private yacht before
being shuttled to the floating lobby. Checkin
occurs on board, so all that is left when
you arrive is a mini tour of the resort by golf
cart before you reach your accommodations.
Bora Bora Nui offers only large bungalows,
ranging between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet,
which are rumored to be the largest on the
island. The over-water bungalows all have large
decks with partially glass floors to view the
abundance of fish in the clear waters below. Feel
like feeding them? Just lift the top of one of
the see-through end tables in the living room.
Bora Bora Nui, rates from $620 to $2,750; www.
boraboranui.com
WHERE TO EAT
BLOODY MARY’S
is possibly the most visited
restaurant on the island, as well as the most
touristic. All for good reason: the floor is made of
sand and the atmosphere is lively, living up to its
motto, “Where on any given night, anything can
happen.” The menu consists of grilled meats and
fresh fish and reservations are recommended—
two to three days in advance.
For a quieter atmosphere but equally
excellent seafood, visit
TOP DIVE RESTAURANT
at Top Dive Resort and Hotel. Bathed
in candlelight, you can’t go wrong with
anything you select on the menu. Blood
Mary’s Restaurant, (689) 67 72 86; Top Dive
Restaurant, (689) 60 50 50
|
