Tahiti
and her Islands
Ia Ora Na, Maeva, and Manava are the various
ways that the French Polynesians say "greetings & welcome" ! All part of the legendary
Tahitian hospitality, which if you really want to enjoy to the full, you must
at least try to learn a few Tahitian words.
There are 188 islands in the far flung archipelago of French Polynesia, many of
which are called the "high islands", These have a high peak covered in lush green
vegetation descending down to white sandy shores which are then circled by a turquoise
lagoon fringed by coral reefs.
International travellers will find themselves arriving at Faa'a airport on the
island of Tahiti. The most popular choice of accommodation is usually amongst
the Society Islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and of course Bora
Bora. For those who wish to venture further out we can arrrange hotel accommodation
in Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava and Manihi.
Tahiti
The main island and international gateway with a choice of hotels, restaurants
and shopping in the capital city of Papeete. It is large enough to rent a car
and travel around the mountainous island exploring the valleys and secluded coves.
There are some tourist class hotels in town which are ideal for shopping, but
whilst you could also choose from Sofitel, Le Meridien or Sheraton they are not
very Polynesian. However whether you choose a Lagoon Room or Motu Bungalow the
Tahiti Beachcomber Parkroyal is ideal for either a stop-over or multi island component.
Moorea
 The closest
island to Tahiti is reached either by ferry, catamaran or short domestic flight.
It is also still large enough to rent a car to drive around the mountainous island
exploring the valleys and coves, including Cook's Bay and the Belvedere lookout.
There are a number of tourist class bungalow style resorts around the island such
as the Bali Hai Moorea which has beach and overwater bungalows. In the luxury
category there is the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa or the Moorea Beachcomber
Parkroyal, both of which have Polynesian Overwater Bungalows.
Huahine
Actually consisting of two islands, is still large enough to explore by car. Its
is more wild and rugged, and as a result has some magnificent bays, coves and
lovely white sand beaches. It is reached by regular domestic flight from Tahiti.
For accommodation The Huahine Te Tiare Beach Resort has some lovely Polynesian
Bungalows including some overwater.
Raiatea
Also reached by regular domestic flight, is still worth exploring by car. The
Raiatea Pearl Beach Resort has Polynesian Garden and Lagoon Bungalows, and is
best suited as part of a combination.
Bora
Bora
 The island
that features on television and in magazines the world over. Reached by regular
domestic flight, the only reason to rent a car is to drive around one of the most
beautiful lagoons in the world ! Bora Bora is different in that some of the best
resorts have chosen to build on outer motus thus facing back across the lagoon
towards the mountain peaks rather than out to sea, and for this view several of
the resorts offer "premium" overwater bungalows.
One of the most exclusive resorts in the world is the Hotel Bora Bora, but of
those that are located on outer motus we recommend Le Meriden Bora Bora, Bora
Bora Pearl Beach Resort and the Sofitel Coralia Motu. There is also the Moana
Beachcomber Parkroyal which has mostly overwater bungalows.
Island
Cruises
For those who wish to cruise around this fantastic island scenery we can offer
a choice of either the M/S Paul Gaugin which has 160 cabins & suites, or the smaller
Haumana which has just 19 cabins. It is of course possible to combine a cruise
with one or more selected island resorts.
We can also arrange for you to charter bareboat or crewed sailing yachts to sail
around the Society Islands or perhaps out to the Leeward Islands. Typical capacity
is 6-12 passengers.
All of the Islands have Internationally recognised Diving Centres for both the
novice and experienced scuba diver. There are wrecks, reefs, coral gardens, friendly
fish, turtles, eels, and manta rays.
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