Aerial view of Taha’aRaiatea & Taha’aThe second largest of the Society Islands, Raiateais at the heart of the indigenous culture. It isthought the island was the main stop for theearliest of the region’s settlers and today has afascinating wealth of history and legend. Raiatea ismost often visited as the gateway to its smallersister island, Taha’a, which shares the same lagoon.However, it also boasts beautiful landscapes withmountainous peaks and some good beaches aswell as the only navigable river in French Polynesiawhich passes over numerous stunning waterfalls.The island also has great surf spots, excellent Vahine Island Resortdiving and sailing, and is home to several luxuryyacht charters. Vahine Island ResortThis tiny private island resort offers the feelingof complete isolation whilst still providing all thecomforts of an idyllic stay. The nine bungalowsare dotted around the edge of the sandy motu(little coral island) while in the centre, tall palmsshade the grassy interior. The bungalows aretraditional in style with king size beds, mosquitonets and fans, and all have air-conditioning.There is a small and intimate bar area with plentyof books and local information. Staff can helporganise trips to Taha’a or Raiatea and kayaks,outriggers, windsurfers, boats and snorkellingequipment are all available for you to use.Although the accommodation is relatively simple,Vahine Island Resort is truly unspoilt and offers acharming and unique island experience.Fishing in the lagoon, Taha’aLe Taha’a Island Resortand SpaSuperbly located on the coral reef of MotuTautau, this resort, an <strong>Audley</strong> favourite, faces theisland of Taha’a on one side and Bora Bora onthe other. This boutique retreat is great value andcombines modern-day luxury with traditionalPolynesian style. Its 12 spacious beach suites havetheir own patio and tropical garden, while the 48stunning over-water suites have separate loungeareas and sun terraces. The three restaurants areset amongst the trees, and along with a diveschool and spa, there is a wide range of activitiesand excursions on offer. Getting here is easy, just30 minutes by boat from Raiatea or 15 minutesby helicopter from Bora Bora.Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa78
Tiare flowerBora BoraFamily watching the sunset, Bora BoraIntercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa, Bora BoraPearl Beach Resort, Bora BoraBora BoraPearl Beach Resort,Bora BoraThe elegant Pearl Beach Resort is located onMotu Tevairoa, one of the white-sand isletssurrounding the Bora Bora lagoon. ThePolynesian-style bungalows are all air-conditionedand are either secluded in the tropical gardens,perched along the beachfront or set over thelagoon itself with direct access to the water froma private deck. The resort offers two restaurantswith superb views back across the lagoon to thepeaks of Mount Otemanu and a wealth ofactivities and excursions. With regular shuttlesavailable to the main island you can choose todo as much or as little as you like in this tinyisland paradise.Intercontinental Resort& Thalasso Spa, Bora BoraOffering the ultimate in Polynesian luxury andcontemporary style, the Intercontinental Resortand Thalasso Spa has a selection of 80 fabulousover-water villas, each with stunning views of thebeach, the mountains or the lagoon. Superblyappointed and very spacious, the villas have aseparate living room, bedroom, bathroom, dressingroom, shaded terrace and bathing deck. There isan infinity pool, tennis court, dive centre andseveral bars and restaurants, as well as the ThalassoSpa Bora Bora which offers treatments using theextraordinarily pure local sea water. Located onMotu Piti Aau and looking back over the dramaticpeaks of Mount Otemanu, the resort benefitsfrom a beautiful and utterly tranquil location.This dreamy island with sandy beaches set againstthe backdrop of Mount Otemanu is known as the‘pearl of Polynesia’ and is just a 45 minute flightfrom Papeete in Tahiti. The charm of Bora Bora islegendary and inspired some of the world’s mostfamous writers, painters, philosophers andpleasure-seekers. Today the island plays host tothe finest Pacific cuisine, yachts, art galleries,jewellery shops shimmering with black pearls,and a selection of luxurious hotels offeringsophisticated facilities. Its most treasured featurehowever, is its beautiful translucent lagoon whichis ringed by tropical islets and is popular for divingand watersports.Le Maitai Polynesia, Bora BoraLe Maitai Polynesia,Bora BoraLe Maitai is a small, intimate resort located onMatira Point, which has the best beaches on theisland. It looks over a stunning lagoon and isflanked by the impressive dormant volcanic peakof the island which is covered in dense rainforest.The resort has a variety of accommodation fromluxurious over-water bungalows to well-appointed,air-conditioned rooms. There are two lovelyrestaurants and a bar, and you can take advantageof a number of excursions including a day-longtour of the island complete with picnic.www.audleytravel.com/southpacific l 01993 838 830 l The South Pacific 79
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N e w Z e a l a n d &T h e S o u t
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Introducing AudleyAfter developing
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Savai’iSAMOASOUTH PACIFIC OCEANMa
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IIIIIIIISky Tower, Auckland, North
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Auckland Harbour at twilightAucklan
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Waikare Inlet, Bay of IslandsBay of
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Cape Reinga lighthouseNorthland Pen
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Te Pare Point, near Hahei, Coromand
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Champagne Pool, RotoruaRotoruaKnown
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Kayaker on Lake TaupoLake TaupoThe
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Napier, Hawke’s BayNapierDevastat
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