I recently returned from Paradise! I know people say that all the time but I have travelled extensively and I have to say the islands of Tahiti are truly the most beautiful I have ever seen.
After arrival from Toronto to Los Angeles I made an easy connection to Air Tahiti Nui to fly to Tahiti (Papeete). The flying time from LA was 8hrs and the flight was fine. Upon arrival we were met with a handmade flower lei, which I quickly found out was a tradition upon arrival at all hotels. We were taken to the Intercontinental Papeete, which was only minutes from the airport. It was dark upon arrival so it wasn’t until the next morning that we realized how breathtaking this hotel and grounds truly were. The view across the water to Moorea was amazing. This hotel had all categories of rooms, lots of activities, a beach, infinity pool, wonderful food etc. everything you could ask for. The next night we stayed at the Radisson Papeete which was just as nice but with a black volcanic beach. Both of these properties are excellent hotels for 1 or 2 nights before you start island hopping.
The island of Tahiti is the largest as it is the youngest of the islands. There is only 1 road (126km) around the island, which is the same on all the others as well. The island has many different historical sights and the landscape and gardens are beautiful. The city of Papeete is a large city, but very clean and safe.
From Papeete we took a 45min ferry to Moorea. The ferry is very large, modern and very clean. Up on the top deck you can be outside and enjoy the sight of leaving Tahiti and the view of arriving in Moorea.
Moorea is an island that has many activities from dune buggy rentals, to ATV adventures, to scooters, or swim with sting rays, or whale watching (in season) to a fruit distillery, just to name a few. The island itself is lots of fun to explore by foot on hikes or by the only road that circles the island (56km). The water is magnificent as well since this island is known for its reefs and snorkeling.
We stayed at the Pearl Hotel, in an overwater bungalow. What a treat! The room itself was large and its décor was very Tahitian. The water surrounding the bungalow was so clear, teal blue and right on the edge of the reef so lots of fish to see. Inside the room there was a glass floor to view the sea life as well. This hotel was my favorite in Moorea. All the room categories were wonderful…the garden had a private pool and the beach bungalows where just that on the Beach. The grounds, and infinity pool were so inviting and the service and food were excellent.
We stayed at the Intercontinental in Moorea as well which was every bit as nice, but a little larger and the overwater bungalows only had their decks over the water. If you love marine life though, they are the only hotel that has the “Dolphin Experience”. This is and up close and personal educational experience with one of the 3 dolphins they have on property. Be sure to pre book as it books up fast. Also they have lots of areas for snorkeling and the actually have a Sea Turtle hospital where they care for the turtles and release them back into the ocean. Also right out front of this property is where you can go swim with the Rays. And in July-September you can see and actually take a tour to swim with the whales!
Our next stop was Bora Bora which meant a ferry back to Papeete and then a 45min. flight on Air Tahiti. When you take this flight be sure to sit on the left side of the plane as the views are spectacular of the islands and the many colours of the water.
Bora Bora is only 26miles around again with 1 road. The island is the smallest of the 3 we visited. Many of the resorts are located on the motus which are small islands surrounding the main island. There are many overwater bungalows on Bora Bora because the water is so shallow. To get around the island and the motus you must take the hotel water shuttles or the public shuttle for a fee.
We stayed at the Intercontinental Maroma which is a very small hotel and budget. The hotel itself is located on the side of the hill and not the easiest to walk to. They do have some overwater bungalows that are very nicely decorated but they are across the road from the main hotel along with the restaurant and the beach area. We did see families at this property, as it is small and more economical.
We also visited the St. Regis…..the highest star rated hotel on the island and it is all that and more. Very high end and amazing! The grounds, the rooms, the spa….everything was to perfection. This is where many famous stars stay i.e. Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman, Carrie Underwood & Mike Fisher etc. I can’t say enough about this property.
Next stop was the Intercontinental Bora Bora. Just as beautiful as all the rest, but a bit more traditional, very Tahitian. The setting was tropical with its infinity pool, waterfall, palm trees on the beach, bar and restaurant on the waterside. Our room was a beach bungalow, very large and traditionally elegant décor. The overwater bungalows were just as great and stretched out into the water in front of the beach. Once again we did not go hungry, the French pastries and breads along with everything else met our expectations.
Last stop the Pearl in Bora Bora, my favorite for this island. The grounds were so tropical, you felt like you were in your own paradise. Our room this time was a garden bungalow, which meant you walked into an enclosed backyard with a small pool, picnic area and gardens. The bungalow itself was large with Tahitian décor and a huge bathroom that led out to an outdoor shower. This hotel had an amazing spa set back in the jungle with amazing views. This hotel had more activities going on….mini golf, rent DVD’s, kayaks, canoes, bikes, pool tables, and a tree top bar area that actually had music playing. Of course this hotel had many beautiful overwater bungalows as well.
Some adventures we did while on Bora Bora were jet skiing around the island for the afternoon. This was a great way to see the island, and lots of fun at the same time. This took about 2 hours. We also did a tour which included snorkeling on a reef, swimming with many Rays and the topper was swimming with sharks! Yes they threw small fish around us and the sharks showed up….lots of screams and laughter, something I will always remember.
This brought our trip to an end. This meant travelling by air back to Papeete, then to Los Angeles and back to Toronto a total flying time of 14hours with a couple of stops on route.
This trip to the South Pacific and the islands of Tahiti was truly the most beautiful destination I have ever been to. It is quiet, romantic, and truly relaxing. This is a perfect destination for couples of all ages. I look forward to helping my clients plan their vacation so they can experience what I did.
Check out our Facebook Page for more Photos from Tahiti
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kemp-Travel-Group/52774757803?sk=photos
Lorie Partridge – South Pacific Specialist
Kemp Travel
905 668 7955
lorie@wesleystravl.com
Along with the gorgeous natural beauty of Ireland are the
wonderful cities that we visited. We had
a most interesting city tour of Derry/Londonderry. Our charismatic guide Ronan gave some insight
to the ancient and recent history of the city and Northern Ireland as we walked
through the city. The city wall and city
hall are examples of the incredible architecture of this interesting city. Galway is compact and easy to explore on foot
with an opportunity to stop off at its shops, pubs and historic sites. Westport is a coastal resort town that offers
some water and land activities for the active and adventurous. Our last stop was Dublin where we had the
chance to easily explore the city using the hop on hop off pass. Dublin’s ‘Fair City’ is a charming city with the
old world atmosphere of many of its streets and squares, magnificent buildings
and beautiful public parks. 
