Outrigger canoe race, MooreaTahitiSurfers at Teahupo’o, TahitiFrench PolynesiaFrench Polynesia is a spectacular landscape ofsmall islands that rise seductively above pristinecoral reefs and incredible turquoise lagoons thatare home to abundant tropical marine life. Thisexotic environment has lured artists and writerssuch as Paul Gauguin away from Western societyto a simpler existence and has been the inspirationfor many creative works. For such a small landmass the scenery is amazingly diverse here as arethe languages, cultures and traditions retained bythe local people. It is fascinating to immerseyourself in local history with a visit to some of themany ancient sacred sites scattered across theislands. Whether you’re looking for five star luxuryor an adventurous journey of discovery, you’ll findthe ultimate tropical paradise experience in thesebeautiful islands.The best known of all the French Polynesianislands, Tahiti is at once stunningly beautiful andgloriously relaxed. Dominated by the peak ofOrohena, the island has a rocky coastlineinterspersed with long beaches of black sandground from the island’s basalt by the poundingPacific surf. The narrow Taravao Isthmus connectsthe big island Tahiti Nui to the smaller island TahitiIti. To the northwest of Tahiti Nui is the city ofPapeete, the political and economic heart of thecountry and its international gateway. The interioris mountainous, criss-crossed by beautiful deepvalleys and offers great walks in the shade ofcathedral ferns. However, most visitors stay closePolynesian lady, Tahitito the coast, enjoying the charms of the island’ssophisticated hotels and lodges. Intercontinental Resort,TahitiThis large resort is positioned in a magicalsetting on the west coast of Tahiti. Nestled intropical gardens surrounded by clear oceanwaters and just a short journey from the airport,it is a convenient and luxurious base. The resorthas a comprehensive range of facilities with twoinfinity swimming pools, a dive school, a wideselection of watersports and a choice ofrestaurants. Perhaps the hotel is at its best atsunset however, when the sun drops over thevolcanic peaks of Moorea Island 19 kilometresaway across the Sea of Moons: a trulycaptivating sight.Intercontinental Resort, Tahiti76
Coral, French PolynesiaAerial view of HuahineHaapiti Lagoon, MooreaMooreaMan gathering coconutsTe Tiare Beach Resort, HuahineHuahineWith its jagged mountain peaks clothed in lushjungle dropping into the translucent blue watersof the South Pacific, Moorea rivals its sister islandTahiti for sheer beauty. Moorea is much smallerthan Tahiti and prides itself on being one of themost unspoilt islands in Polynesia whilst stilloffering the combination of complete relaxationand a variety of activities. The island is fringed bya reef which protects a shallow turquoise lagoonthat is home to thousands of species of fish,coral and other marine life, making a boat triphere an unmissable experience. The interior ofthe island offers a completely different perspectiveand climbing up to the lookout point betweenMount Rotui and Mount Tohiea gives dramaticviews down to Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.Moorea is easily reached by boat or plane fromTahiti and is well-connected with the islands ofHuahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Raiatea –collectively known as The Society Islands.Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach ResortMoorea Pearl ResortMoorea Pearl ResortSet on a long white-sand beach, the Moorea PearlResort offers 94 guest rooms and suites including28 over-water bungalows and a selection ofbeach and garden rooms. All rooms have ceilingfans or air-conditioning, have a sun deck, and aredecorated in a Polynesian style. There is anexcellent restaurant, a fantastic pool and a widerange of watersports available.Sofitel Moorea La OraBeach ResortThe Sofitel Moorea is situated on the edge of amagnificent bay with views towards the island ofTahiti. The resort is made up of luxuriousbungalows built over the water, on the beachfrontor surrounded by landscaped gardens. With tworestaurants, a bar, a magnificent outdoorswimming pool, day spa, Jacuzzi and tennis courtsthere are plenty of facilities on offer. A variety ofactivities and excursions can be arranged fromthe hotel.Perhaps the most picturesque of all the SocietyIslands, Huahine is actually two islands separatedby a narrow channel and linked by a bridge. Itsmountainous interior is ringed by magnificent baysand pristine white-sand beaches. It is home to oneof the largest and best-known archaeological sitesof Polynesia, the Maeva Marae, at the foot ofMount Mouatapu. Traditionally, Huahine wasknown as the ‘rebel island’ and famed for its fiercewarriors and its resistance to change. Perhaps forthis reason it remains a little-known gem amongstthe Society Islands and offers a unique chance todiscover a remote, untouched region ofoutstanding beauty. The island’s verdant forestsand fruit plantations create an impression of abeautiful garden.Te Tiare Beach Resort,HuahineAccessible only by boat from the nearby villageof Fare, Te Tiare is remote and luxurious, with 41air-conditioned bungalows set in lush tropicalgardens, on the beach or on stilts over the lagoon.A unique feature of this property is the mainbuilding which, like many of the bungalows, issituated over the lagoon and has a bar, loungearea, boutiques and an excellent restaurant. Theresort offers an array of watersports andexcursions to explore the interior of the islands.www.audleytravel.com/southpacific l 01993 838 830 l The South Pacific 77
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