Tahiti is not for every budget, but it is an excellent value for extraordinary memories. There is no tipping or added taxes in Tahiti. What you read is what you pay. NO hidden costs!
Although Tahiti is actually just one island; in the minds of many people the name represents the entire group of islands that comprise Tahiti and Her Islands, located in the South Pacific. The region actually consists of 118 islands in 5 archipelagos, or groups of islands. The best known group is probably The Society Islands whose most visited islands are Tahiti, the largest island, for the person who wants to try a little of everything that the modern and natural worlds have to offer, Moorea with its deep and spectacular bays surrounded by green-covered mountains that rise from the bottom of the sea, and quite simply the most beautiful island in the world... Bora Bora, with its palm-fringed beaches!
Tahiti and Her Islands are what you've always imagined the South Seas to be - an idyllic getaway from the stress of the modern world, resembling heaven more than earth. It's a very sensual place - a feast for your eyes, ears and nose. Time and stress melt away in Tahiti and you soon understand why so many people came to Tahiti and never left its shores.
On all the islands, you can spend endless days snorkeling and diving, or swimming side-by-side with turtles and manta rays. Feel the cooling breeze in your hair as you parasail or jet ski. Check out the local markets for original art, pearls and wooden carvings. Sample fine dining with influences from France and the South Pacific, and stay in accommodations ranging from exquisite beachside resorts to intimate bungalows. No matter which island you visit, you'll find the same untouched environment that inspired the great paintings of Gauguin, and countless others.
Fun Fact:In Tahiti, it’s common for women to walk around with a fragrant white blossom called tiare, the island’s national flower, behind one’s ear. However, the placement of the tiare is very telling, so couples take note. Placing the flower on the left side means you are taken, and the right side means you are available.
Featured Video: InterContinental Tahiti Resort
One of the leading Resorts on the island of Tahiti - A 5 Star property managed by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
Bora Bora
For many people, the name Bora Bora brings thoughts of jumping off life’s treadmill and moving to an island paradise. In fact, the romantic and the world-weary have sought out this magical island for decades. Bora Bora is entirely surrounded by a world-famous lagoon, colored a light shade of blue so striking that it resembles something outside of nature. The lagoon's overwater bungalows give the expression 'close to nature' literal meaning, as guests can almost literally roll out of bed into a refreshing swim or any other watersport. All this is situated under the watchful eyes of Mt. Pahia and Mt. Otemanu – two green peaks that rise like exotic island gods, just waiting to be hiked and explored.
Moorea
Moorea has always been the choice of painters and writers, soaring out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet pinnacles. A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the mountains where threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Moorea is circled with simple pastel-painted villages, surrounded by hibiscus gardens and exotic birds. Eco-tours are a popular way to take in natural wonders such as these, and other pursuits like whale watching and hiking the legendary Opunohu and Cook Bays. For those less adventurous, Moorea's white sand beaches and golf course are nice, laid-back alternatives.
Featured Video: InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa
5 Star resort on the island of Moorea. managed by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts. Home of the Moorea Dolphin Center, sea turtle sanctuary and helene spa.
Taha'a
Taha'a is known as the Vanilla Island because the air is filled with the strong aroma of the beans from its many vanilla plantations. Many visitors take a strong interest in the island's other major export by visiting one of its many pearl farms, whose product is legendary for its superb quality, visual appeal and value. The Taha'a lagoon is a giant natural aquarium of colorful fish and enchanting coral gardens where you can feed rays and swim with dolphins, or perhaps cruise in a canoe or catamaran. If it's absolute seclusion you seek, explore one of the many tiny islets called motu - often the perfect spot to picnic under a coconut tree, snorkel around the island or relax with a book.
Fun Fact: Taha’a and neighboring Raiatea are enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island. Featured Video: Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa, French Polynesia's sole Relais & Chateaux property, is the ultimate exclusive hideaway for relaxation and romance, set amidst the South Pacific's radiant beaches and luminous waters.
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa - Overwater Suite - Terrace and Bedroom Side Click the symbol all the way to the right to expand view
Rangiroa
One of the largest atolls in the world, is a tropical sanctuary with discoveries at every turn. All together, Rangiroa consists of about 250 islands, islets and sandbars - each as unique as its visitors that seek a vacation from the everyday. And with about 100 narrow passages called hoa that divide this atoll, there's practically no spot that's beyond exploration. Dive with dolphins in the sparkling lagoon, and with other friendly marine animals in the world famous Tiputa Pass. In Rangiroa, your mind and worries will simply float out to sea.
Huahine
While Huahine has all of the natural beauty of the other islands, this one is more remote and may be the best ambassador of Tahitian culture, archaeology and mystery. The island is home to the largest concentration of pre-European ancient temples known as marae, of which local guides are quite knowledgeable. A small, scenic road runs throughout Huahine, giving you a glimpse of beautiful vistas and quaint villages where local arts and crafts are displayed and sold. Vacationers often rent their own transportation to travel this road, and to visit the banana, coconut, and melon plantations that make the air so fragrant.
