IA ORANA (pronounced yo-rah-na).  That’s “hello” in Tahitian.  I recently traveled to four of the most beautiful and wondrous islands in French Polynesia - Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tikehau.  Throughout my 9-day adventure, I did site inspections of the various resorts on each island.  In this newsletter, I will highlight the top four resorts I visited that I feel offer the very best in accommodations, service, and amenities.  I have to say that in all of my travels around the world, Tahiti is now my absolute favorite.  I recommend this destination highly!

Tahiti and her islands are the ultimate South Seas paradise – lush mountains, crystalline lagoons, magnificent coral reefs, and a rich cultural heritage.  Bask in the warmth of a secluded, sugar-white beach.  Explore lagoons of breathtaking clarity, their waters teeming with rainbows of tropical fish.  Sail the warm trade winds to your own private islet surrounded by vistas of unparalleled beauty and drama.

The islands’ foremost attractions include relaxation, spectacular scenery, ancient stone temples, watersports, cruises, extinct volcanoes, mountain climbing, snorkeling & diving, music & dance, and fishing.  French Polynesia is for travelers interested in the classic South Pacific experience:  great beaches, clear water, gorgeous scenery, and friendly people.

MY TOP FOUR PICKS FOR THE FINEST RESORTS IN TAHITI

# 1  INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT AND THALASSO SPA BORA BORA

This luxurious new resort sets a high benchmark in elegance and service on the island of Bora Bora.  Opened in May 2006, the resort showcases the first Thalasso and Balneo spa center in the Southern Hemisphere, which uses deep-sea water to replenish the body’s minerals.  Situated on a motu (islet), each of the 80 overwater villas are 1,000 sq. ft. and designed with authentic Polynesian decor.  The villas feature a separate living room with glass bottom coffee table for viewing the marine life, separate bedroom with walk-in dressing room, and lagoon-view bathroom.  The large shaded terrace is built around a spacious sun deck equipped with sun beds and dining table.  All villas have internet connection, and two flat screen televisions with CD/DVD player.  The resort also offers a 1,000-ft private white sand beach, a magnificent freshwater infinity swimming pool, two restaurants and bars, tennis courts, 24-hour room service, helipad, and a wedding chapel.  These unique ecological initiatives aim to create a sustained and harmonious development of this island paradise.  This resort is also the first hotel in the world to implement an air-conditioning system that uses deep-sea water from 2,500 feet below the surface.

Activities at the resort:  Swimming pool, tennis, kayaks, and snorkeling.

# 2  INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA LE MOANA RESORT

This truly exotic and romantic retreat reopened in May 2006 after extensive renovations.  It is located on one of Bora Bora's finest white sand beaches and, for the second year in a row, recognized as "French Polynesia's Leading Resort" at the 2006 World Travel Awards.  Each of the 50 overwater suite bungalows and 14 beach suite bungalows overlooks the lagoon and features a large, private sundeck.  All suites are air-conditioned and equipped with mini-bar, direct dial telephone, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, tea/coffee maker, television, DVD, in-house movies, radio and safe.  In the overwater suites, glass-topped coffee tables afford views of the lagoon below.  The resort has a swimming pool, boutique, bar and restaurant, and offers diving and motorized water sports.

Activities at the resort:  Snorkeling gear, outrigger canoes, windsurfing and table tennis. Demonstrations of Tahitian activities such as basket weaving, flower and shell lei making and uses of the coconut are held on various days. Folkloric dance shows are performed three times weekly, and folkloric musicians perform nightly.

# 3  SHERATON MOOREA LAGOON RESORT & SPA

This resort encompasses a beautifully landscaped setting with 54 overwater and 52 garden and beach bungalows.  Guests in the overwater bungalows will be able to step directly into the calm lagoon for a swim.  The overwater bungalows offer a glass floor viewing panel and snorkeling gear.  Exceptional views of Opunohu and Cook’s Bays make for an idyllic setting.  The resort offers a pristine white sand beach, restaurant overlooking the lagoon, cocktail lounge, Mandara Spa, fitness center, activity desk, and dock.  This is the only resort on the island of Moorea where you can see both the sunrise on one side of the property, and the sunset on the other side.

Activities at the resort:  Outrigger canoes, kayaks, tennis, beach volleyball, swimming pool, fitness center, sauna and hammam (steam room).

# 4  SOFITEL MOOREA BEACH RESORT

After an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, the Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort reopened its doors in November 2006.  Moorea’s newest luxury resort is situated on the island’s most beautiful white sand beach, with a full view of Tahiti.  The resort features traditional and elegant bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront, or surrounded by landscaped gardens.  All bungalows are air-conditioned, equipped with flat screen television, mini-bar, safe, hair dryer, tea/coffee maker, rain shower bathroom and feature the 'My Bed' concept.  The resort offers a splendid spa, two brand new Polynesian restaurants, a seaside infinity pool and wedding parlor.  The perfect place to enjoy both sports activities and just lazing about on the fine sandy beach.

Activities at the resort:  Sea kayaking, outrigger canoes, snorkeling equipment, and tennis.  On various days during the week, there are demonstrations of pareo painting and tying.  Polynesian shows several evenings a week.

Contact Janine Ortell at Travel Flair, your Tahiti Specialist, for more information or any travel inquiries.

Toll-free:  (888) 360-1199

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