Exploring French Polynesia (aka Tahiti)
The word paradise often evokes visions of white sandy beaches, palm trees, frozen libations adorned with miniature paper umbrellas and a warm breeze drifting through the air. Add an overwater bungalow, crystal clear water and total seclusion… and you’ve found a paradise called The Islands of Tahiti. Surrounded by the vast south Pacific Ocean, the islands are flanked by South America and Australia. It is only an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles, and you arrive in French Polynesia. People will often refer to the entire island group as “Tahiti” but there is so much more to this destination than people assume.
Remote, secluded and luxurious, it is truly a couple’s getaway destination. It is full of romance and the leisurely pace of the islands is a respite from the everyday. Ideal for honeymooners or anniversary celebrators, you’ll find yourself among both celebrities (this is a popular backdrop for the Victoria’s Secret Swim Catalog models) and natives, all enjoying the change of pace and anonymity.
Most travelers opt to fly into Pape’ete on the main island of Tahiti. Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia. It is known for black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and 2 extinct volcanoes. It is also the launch point for many of the smaller islands. Just a short boat ride or island hopper flight away are the two most popular destinations: Moorea and Bora Bora.
Although either island destination offers plenty to do and see, I can’t promise that you will have any desire to leave your tropical over water bungalow. Because you can’t NOT stay in your own private hut equipped with a partial glass bottom floor, private dock and massive canopy bed. Afford yourself the opportunity to swim in the ocean whenever your heart desires. A moonlight swim with the love of your life just might be what dreams are made of!
If you do decide to explore the islands, there are plenty of excursions for both land and sea. Moorea is the home to the native distillery and juice factory and there are some fabulous tours available. This is also where the majority of the pineapple crops are grown. There is no pineapple on this earth as tasty as the ones in Tahiti. The mountainsides are packed with acres and acres of this sweet smelling, albeit prickly, fruit. The jeep tours are a fun way to see the native farming and the hiking excursions will put your heart to the test. But the mountain top views are unlike any other and an experience that you will carry with you forever.
Bora Bora has great snorkeling. I know this will sound scary, but swimming with the sharks and stingrays is a HUGE thrill and such a fun way to spend an afternoon. Many of the resorts also offer private island dining. You can take a guided boat out to one of the small islands and dine at sunset with your feet in the water. Most resorts also have amazing mountaintop spas with spectacular views. A couple’s massage is just what paradise ordered!
Dining on the islands can be rather pricey. If you aren’t particularly adventurous, I suggest a semi-inclusive dining package with your resorts for all of your meals. These include at least two of your meals with your accommodations. The island resorts do a great job providing lavish breakfast spreads, delicious native lunches (fruits and coconut ceviche) washed down with a the most amazing milkshake of your life. They also offer four course dinners with fresh seafood as the star ingredient. Because tourists to the islands are often European or Asian, there is a variety of food options to suit many preferences.
A trip to The Tahitian Islands is a once in a lifetime experience, and should be on every bucket list! Is it on yours now?
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