Discovering French Polynesia
Did you know that French Polynesia is an archipelago that's made up of 118 islands? The most well known is Tahiti but French Polynesia, situated in the South Pacific, refers to many groups of islands. Tahiti is situated in the group of islands known as the Society Islands and is the most populous.
Six island groups comprise Tahiti and her islands, but the Society Islands tend to draw the most tourists. Moorea, Taha'a and Bora Bora are some of the most popular destinations. These heavenly islands are almost impossible to describe, boasting crystal, jewel-tone waters, white-sand beaches and friendly and welcoming locals.
Moorea
The island of Moorea is a short ferry ride (just nine miles) from Papeete, Tahiti, where international flights land. Moorea, which means "yellow lizard" in Tahitian, covers an area of 53 square miles and has a population of about 15,000; 85 per cent are Polynesian, 8 per cent are European, 5 per cent are Chinese and 2 per cent are other nationalities. If you love outdoor adventure, Moorea is full of things to do. While water activities are most popular, this spectacular island should definitely be explored by land. Albert Tours (Tel: 56.13.53) offers ATV tours to must-see spots, through the hills and valleys of the island and to Belvedere Lookout, a breathtaking lookout point that offers an unforgettable view of Mount Rotui, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.
As you might expect, fresh, delicious seafood is abundant in Tahiti and her other islands. While the tourist resorts offer up delectable meals (at a price!), try to get off your resort and explore the cuisine at local restaurants.
Taha'a
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa is a private and exclusive island escape located on a motu, which is a small island made of coral and sand. Because there's nothing else on the island besides the resort, the feeling of escape is inescapable.
While rest and relaxation might be the foremost things on your mind, there are still plenty of ways to while away your time here. There are three restaurants and two bars; Ohiri offers up world-class dining with its impressive menu while Vanille is straight out of a storybook, situated high up in the trees.
When it's time to drag yourself out of your hammock, enjoy water activities like outrigger canoeing, kayaking and snorkeling or go swimming in the lagoon or in the resort's gorgeous infinity pool.
For more information, visit: www.letahaa.com/main.php
Bora Bora
While Moorea and Taha'a are both beautiful in a you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it kind of way, Bora Bora is truly exceptional in its beauty. The sky seems bluer, the sand seems whiter, the water seems more turquoise than anywhere else in the world and the result is... paradise.
Bora Bora is located about 230 km northwest of Papeete and is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. This makes the waters here some of the most breathtaking in the world.
Where should you stay on this fairytale island? The newly opened Four Seasons Bora Bora is idyllic luxury where you'll want for nothing. Set against a spectacular backdrop, with Mount Otemanu keeping watch in the distance, the Four Seasons resort offers travellers luxe living accommodations with 100 overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas.
The Spa at the Four Seasons has an aroma steam room, outdoor vitality pool, a sensory shower experience and a drench shower. When you're ready to get active, there's no shortage of things to do: Snorkeling, wind- and kite surfing, parasailing, jet- or waterskiing, jet boating, deep sea fishing and canoeing are all easily accessible.
For more information, visit: www.fourseasons.com/borabora
Are you ready to take a photo tour and see some of these beautiful places for yourself? Let's go! Click to view photos of French Polynesia...
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Six island groups comprise Tahiti and her islands, but the Society Islands tend to draw the most tourists. Moorea, Taha'a and Bora Bora are some of the most popular destinations. These heavenly islands are almost impossible to describe, boasting crystal, jewel-tone waters, white-sand beaches and friendly and welcoming locals.
Moorea
The island of Moorea is a short ferry ride (just nine miles) from Papeete, Tahiti, where international flights land. Moorea, which means "yellow lizard" in Tahitian, covers an area of 53 square miles and has a population of about 15,000; 85 per cent are Polynesian, 8 per cent are European, 5 per cent are Chinese and 2 per cent are other nationalities. If you love outdoor adventure, Moorea is full of things to do. While water activities are most popular, this spectacular island should definitely be explored by land. Albert Tours (Tel: 56.13.53) offers ATV tours to must-see spots, through the hills and valleys of the island and to Belvedere Lookout, a breathtaking lookout point that offers an unforgettable view of Mount Rotui, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay.
As you might expect, fresh, delicious seafood is abundant in Tahiti and her other islands. While the tourist resorts offer up delectable meals (at a price!), try to get off your resort and explore the cuisine at local restaurants.
Taha'a
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa is a private and exclusive island escape located on a motu, which is a small island made of coral and sand. Because there's nothing else on the island besides the resort, the feeling of escape is inescapable.
While rest and relaxation might be the foremost things on your mind, there are still plenty of ways to while away your time here. There are three restaurants and two bars; Ohiri offers up world-class dining with its impressive menu while Vanille is straight out of a storybook, situated high up in the trees.
When it's time to drag yourself out of your hammock, enjoy water activities like outrigger canoeing, kayaking and snorkeling or go swimming in the lagoon or in the resort's gorgeous infinity pool.
For more information, visit: www.letahaa.com/main.php
Bora Bora
While Moorea and Taha'a are both beautiful in a you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it kind of way, Bora Bora is truly exceptional in its beauty. The sky seems bluer, the sand seems whiter, the water seems more turquoise than anywhere else in the world and the result is... paradise.
Bora Bora is located about 230 km northwest of Papeete and is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. This makes the waters here some of the most breathtaking in the world.
Where should you stay on this fairytale island? The newly opened Four Seasons Bora Bora is idyllic luxury where you'll want for nothing. Set against a spectacular backdrop, with Mount Otemanu keeping watch in the distance, the Four Seasons resort offers travellers luxe living accommodations with 100 overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas.
The Spa at the Four Seasons has an aroma steam room, outdoor vitality pool, a sensory shower experience and a drench shower. When you're ready to get active, there's no shortage of things to do: Snorkeling, wind- and kite surfing, parasailing, jet- or waterskiing, jet boating, deep sea fishing and canoeing are all easily accessible.
For more information, visit: www.fourseasons.com/borabora
Are you ready to take a photo tour and see some of these beautiful places for yourself? Let's go! Click to view photos of French Polynesia...
Page 1 of 1
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