FRENCH POLYNESIA

"DISCOVER MANA"



French Polynesia- Tahiti has long been immortalised in many famous movies as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and romantic locations in the world.

The towering volcanic peaks and the beautiful coral reefs that surrounds so many of the islands in the group have attracted the best luxury hotel brands in the world who have built a whole range of spectacular resorts. It was here in French Polynesia that the overwater bungalow was perfected, so just step off your private balcony into the azure waters surrounding you. The latest additions to Tahiti’s hotel offerings are a range of small very exclusive uber luxury resorts, offering a complete island to themselves. The waters around the different islands provide the perfect location to enjoy some luxury cruises allowing you to visit a number of the islands and enjoy the coral, sand and beautiful blue sea that exists only somewhere like French Polynesia.


Our Islands of Tahiti


MOOREA




The “Magic Island” as the locals call it, only takes 10minutes by air or 30 minutes by fast catamaran ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. Moorea is definitely a place where you can unwind and relax but that does not mean just lying beside the pool or the lagoon all day, though for some that is exactly what it means. There are definitely more active pursuits, bikes, cars and scooters can easily be hired at the resorts for those who want to explore on the 62kms of road around the island, regular stops can be enjoyed at the many bakeries, cafes,restaurants and bars or at some of the special snorkelling and diving spots . One can also venture along some of the side roads into the farms and plantations giving a view into local life and then head up to the Belvedere Lookou, take in the panoramic views over the coastline, island peaks and back over to Tahiti.

Your resort will ensure you can take full advantage of the activities in the lagoon, snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking and sunset cruising , the marine life abounds and sunsets on the water amazing.

For those wanting the romance and beauty of French Polynesia but to be able to combine that with more options for activities and dining options , Moorea is the perfect choice.


BORA BORA




The 50 minute flight from Papeete on Tahiti to Bora Bora could be classed as a scenic flight in its own right, as soon as you catch sight of Bora Bora from the air you know that there is something very special in store ahead for you on this island, known all over the world as “The Romantic Island”.  Much has been written about the legendary beauty of Bora Bora, of how it lured the sailors of HMS Bounty to their famous mutiny and of its promise of South Seas romance, so as you catch your first glimpse of the craggy central Mt Otemanu with its ring of motu islands, and its amazingly beautiful beaches and lagoon you realise that it’s all true. Even the arrival is special. The airport is built on one of the many lagoon islands, and your transfer to your chosen resort is by boat through the lagoon.

On Bora Bora you are spoilt for choice between resorts on the central main island which face out into the lagoon and are handily located to the main town - Vaitafe, resorts on small islands in the lagoon surrounded by white sand beaches and resorts on the fringing reef islands which face the romantic mountainous mainland with calm lagoon beaches on one side and wild natural outer reef beaches on the other . Bora Bora’s main claim to fame is its superb range of up-market resorts; many with overwater bungalows which stretch right out into the lagoon off perfect white sand beaches. Swimming and snorkelling directly off your overwater bungalow deck is amazing. Some of these overwater bungalows are set so far out on the lagoon that bicycles are provided for guests as an option to walking between the deep water bungalows and the restaurants and bars of the resort  If you would prefer a bungalow on the beach with a private horizon plunge pool or a secluded luxury family villa ,our specialist Travel Concierges will ensure that you experience the holiday you have been dreaming about.

Activities on Bora Bora focus on the lagoon although guided treks are available on foot or by 4WD through the mainland forest to spectacular lookouts on Mt Pahia and Mt Otemanu.  If you can tear yourself away from lazing in the lagoon, you might try a jet-ski trip right around the lagoon, a swim with the sharks, a sunset cruise by outrigger canoe, scuba diving or a Boston Whaler lagoon trip.  Whatever you do, don’t miss getting out on the water first thing in the morning or at sunset to fully capture the sheer romance of Bora Bora. 


TETIAROA - BRANDO




Originally created by Marlon Brando, Brando leads the world as one of the most luxurious, authentic and sustainable resorts that is so in tune with nature and with the culture and traditions of its location on the breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetioroa.

Access Brando by private aircraft ,the 35 villa resort is on its own island in the atoll of a dozen small island surrounding the azure lagoon frequented by abundant marine life , turtles, manta-rays and tropical fish of every imaginable colour.

A stay on Brando is the ultimate experience for someone seeking the privacy of this unique location and knowing they will leave a very light footprint on one of the most beautiful island on the globe.


RAIATEA AND TAHA'A




These two islands share the same lagoon and were probably joined together in ancient times.  Raiatea, the second biggest island in French Polynesia after Tahiti, is 40 minutes by air from Papeete, and is known as The Sacred Island, Raiatea is considered by the local people to be the birth place of the Polynesian Gods and is thought by some to be the legendary Hawaiki of Maori folklore.  There are many important sacred historical sites especially around the Taputapuatea area which are certainly worth visiting.  The port and main town is Uturoa; enjoy the pleasant little fisherman’s wharf area and its outdoor cafes and food stores.  Raiatea and Taha’a are both known for their pearl culture and vanilla plantations, take time to explore both. There are two top-class resorts here, one on each island.  The snorkelling in the enormous lagoon surrounding these islands is some of the best in the Pacific and the scuba diving among the coral gardens and wrecks is spectacular.   From the resort at Taha’a you get a clear view right over to the mountains and motus of Bora Bora making the scenery in and out of the water perfect. The lagoon is a colourful wonderland offering beautiful coral and abundant tropical fish, ensuring that snorkelling is a must. Just as much enjoyment is enjoyed when kayaking as these pristine water allows amazing views of the marine life from above .

Everything is perfect and imagine going to sleep every night with the rich aroma of vanilla lingering in the air.


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Currency:  US Dollars (USD) / Euros (EUR) / French Pacific Francs (CFP / XPF)
Most major credit cards are accepted.

Hotels will echange US Dollars, but at a less favourable exchange rate.


Electricity: 220V. An adapter is often required.

Flying time: approx. 5 hours from Auckland, New Zealand.

Local Time: 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Weather:
During summer, November to April, the climate is warm and humid. During winter, May to October, weather is cooler and dryer. Average temperature is 27 degrees celcius.


Entry requirements:
* Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay (NZ passport holders)..

* A valid return or onward air ticket and sufficient funds.