tahiti for two
The biggest island in French Polynesia, which is made up of a chain of five archipelagos, totaling 118 islands, Tahiti is also known as "The Island of Love." Usually, when viewing pictures of a Tahitian vacation, you'll find that Tahiti is not the only spot that was visited, but spectacular neighboring islands as well. Thus, a trip to Tahiti tends to cover all the islands in the area.The sights and sounds may be familiar to the ear, but seeing them in person is a whole other story. Exploring the lagoons, mountains, blue water, and beaches can take up all of your time, if you let it. But in the place where surfing is said to have been invented, one can scuba dive, snorkel and partake in pretty much any water activity imaginable, so diversifying is important. Although a keen eye and some resourcefulness can help, anyone can have a blast in Tahiti; one of the most paradise-like places on the planet.
be prepared
Before leaving on your long flight, school yourself on what to expect upon arrival. As with most other resorts, costs can reach astronomical proportions, but as always, there are ways to get around soaring prices. If you're planning to stay at one of the official resorts, you'll most probably plunk down a large sum for accommodation, so counterbalance this by not indulging in the provided cuisine every day while there. Search for snack bars or sample different Polynesian/French dishes at the markets in Papeete, Tahiti's capital city.If you want to have a good time, there may be no way around spending more than expected, but you can lessen your expenses by keeping your eyes open for deals. Of course, a trip such as this may be a once in a lifetime experience, so any reservations and doubts should be left at the airport.
Unlike many overhyped vacation spots, everything you've seen and heard about Tahiti is true. The only problem that might arise is choosing between lying on the purple sand beaches and swimming among dolphins in the beautiful coral reefs. The opportunities in French Polynesia's many islands can be overwhelming, so I have broken down each important aspect of your stay to alleviate the pain of sacrificing one thing for another.
accommodations to suit you
When booking a hotel, do not follow your instincts and sign on with an international place that offers the same types of service, whether you're in a big city or tropical island. Go for the full Polynesian experience and make sure your room will reflect the area you're in.Ideal accomodations include a place where each room is a separate building, surrounded by lush flora, but still offers all the amenities North Americans are accustomed to. One can go even further and book a whole bungalow to himself, where room service is delivered by canoe. Now that's service.
The important thing to remember when selecting a place to stay is that, unlike a visit to a big city where a hotel is purely utilitarian, your room is an integral part of the trip. It helps you get in the right kind of mood, feel the tropical atmosphere and unwind after trying your hand at surfing.
You'll be happy you didn't give in to the lure of cookie-cutter hotels after feeling a warm breeze in your own secluded room. Check out the sights places like the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort offer and you'll be convinced that an original abode is the way to go.
where's the beach?
With each island having its own specific personality, it may be difficult to select the one that's right for you. Since spending time basking at the beach will no doubt take up a sizable chunk of your days, choosing a place with the perfect spot is important.Rangiroa, part of the Tuamotu Islands (and known as the largest atoll -- a coral island that nearly or entirely surrounds a lagoon -- in the Tuamotu Archipelago), is only an hour flight away from Papeete and consequently, there is no reason to bypass this spot. With white coral beaches, it is among the most unique places to catch some rays as up to four different types of harmless shark pass you by in the clear blue waters. The sounds of the waves are enough to lull you to sleep as you bask in all your glory.
Unlike Rangiroa, Moorea -- Tahiti's sister island -- is filled with tourists as it offers Club Med and other such resorts. If you choose to ignore the scores of families, you will discover a smaller beach unequaled for its panoramic view located between the village and the Beachcomber Inter-Continental Resort. There are volcanic peaks overlooking the sand, sure to make visitors feel small thanks to the blend of gigantic mountains, lush forests and beautiful water surrounding them.
Just in its geography, Tikehau, near Rangiroa, represents something different. The land forms almost a complete ring and offers an ecosystem separate from any other. The best part, of course, is the beach, which is longer, denser in terms of palm trees and more secluded than the other atolls. The open space alone is enough for one to explore different bends and nooks where the land meets the sea. These are just three examples of the various levels of incredible beaches Tahiti offers and while hitting all of them would be impossible, selecting a few such as the ones named above provides variety in your beach intake.
ridin' the tide
The greatest of pleasures is usually felt once you get off your butt, walk into the water and take up one of many aquatic activities offered. For surfing -- by far the most popular sport in the area -- you do not have to go far. Along the coast of Tahiti Island, three main spots await beginners and pros alike. Paea, Papenoo and Punaauia (all tongue-twisters) bring in enthusiasts from all over and for once, it is good to be among fellow tourists. Book some lessons, observe others and try your hand (or body) at catching a wave. If you can't do it standing up, boogie-boarding on your stomach could be the way to go.For many, the ultimate is to pull a Discovery Channel special and go scuba diving. At Bora Bora, for approximately $65 US, swimming with manta rays, sharks and exotic fish is only a short training session away. Unlike other sights, the Polynesian Islands are so lush with wildlife that you are virtually guaranteed a fruitful expedition. The experience is distinct, transporting you into what seems like a different world.
Something a little different and not so readily available anywhere else is lagoon exploration. At Huahine, for approximately $75 US for the whole day, you can hop on a canoe and check out abundant sea life and numerous islets. Sheltered by rocky bays and outcroppings, memorable moments are shared as you escape the island without leaving its influence.
Of course, simple swimming and personal snorkeling can be enough to satisfy anyone. On your own, at any beach, you'll find ideal conditions to swim and find your own marine life la Jacques Cousteau. The beauty of Tahiti is in the diversity of activities waiting to be taken up by the likes of you.
let's eat!
As a French territory, the cuisine available to visitors is incredible, a fusion of native and outside influences. Tahitian-French and Tahitian-Chinese menus are in every hotel and restaurant, leaving you no choice but to go nuts trying all the different varieties. Try a few expensive restaurants and make a picnic of cool fruits and other things available at a supermarket nearby.To give you an idea, a typical Tahitian dish is tuna marinated in lemon and served soaking in coconut milk. This is just the standard -- imagine what else is offered. Seafood and mango, papaya, watermelon, and pineapple are mixed together in all sorts of crazy blends to satisfy even the pickiest eater.
more in marquesas
In the Marquesas (a group of 12 volcanic islands, where the popular reality show Survivor IV was filmed), many rustic activities are available for the adventurous ones. For true believers, the uninhabited islands of this group apparently represent the possible site of the Garden of Eden, or something of equal awesome proportions.With no barrier reefs, mountains dominate the landscape and provide the opportunity for some great horsehides, the preferred method of transportation. For those who need more horsepower than an actual horse, one can follow beaten trails in 4x4 vehicles, bumping along as trees hang overhead. Even crazier are the helicopter rides that transport you from island to island and allow you to visit secluded spots where Herman Melville (of Moby Dick fame) and Paul Gauguin (French painter), among others, have spent some long years. Even on foot, the islands of the Marquesas represent a challenge and delight for those willing to brave the unexplored.
However you spend your Tahitian vacation, you will be more than satisfied; in fact, you will be in absolute awe. With the sheer visual beauty of each island, it is obvious that this truly is the pinnacle of tropical vacations. On the beach, in the water, in the flora, or even at your hotel, Tahiti takes the cake.
tips for the trip:
Resources:
http://www.tahitinuitravel.com/about/Tahiti/default.asp
http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/EN/menu-principal.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/pacific/tahiti_and_french_polynesia/environment.htm
http://www.orient-express.com/web/obor/obor_a2a_home.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1917914318.1037724506@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccciadcgjjkmhmfcfngcfkmdffkdffk.0
http://www.tahiti.com/english-version/travel-desk/travel-tips.html
http://www.gotahiti.com/islands-marquesas.htm
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