Tahiti, Morea, Bora Bora

Celebrate a new romance or a special anniversary in the most romantic spot on earth. Experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at world-class spas while nurtured by the tropical ambience. Enjoy sun-drenched white sand beaches, tranquil lagoons and turquoise waves on colorful coral reefs

Bora Bora means 'first born' in Tahitian. According to local mythology, Bora Bora was the first land mass to emerge from the sea after the sacred island of Raiatea was created. The island is known as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ and its lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

A brief 50-minute flight from The Islands of Tahiti or Moorea, Bora Bora, with a lagoon resembling an artist’s palette of bright blues and greens, is love at first sight.  Romantics from around the world celebrate Bora Bora where the lush tropical slopes and valleys of Mount Otemanu blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace.

Bora Bora’s perfect white-sand beaches give way to blue waters where tropical-colored fish animate the coral gardens and giant manta rays glide leisurely past. This could easily be defined as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and a fabled ambiance. Simply put, Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

MADE IN TAHITI 

In these eden islands where Mother Nature is so generous, locals have mastered the technique of transforming every piece of wood, or stone into art, flowers into creative bouquets and leis, leaves into intricate woven hats, bags or mats.

Monoï, the Sacred Oil

Made from pure coconut oil infused with "Tiare" flowers, vanilla or sandalwood, the "monoï" is Tahitian women's beauty secret. It has become quite popular on the international scene for its moisturizing, antioxidant qualities, and its delicate aroma that transports you to the islands. In ancient times, this precious oil was used by priests to anoint newborns and purify objects. It is a great souvenir to bring home! Use it a moisturizer on your skin, a conditioner for your hair, and a few drops in your bath will leave your skin nice and soft.

Tahitian Vanilla

Born from the "Vanilla Tahitiensis", a hybrid between several types of vanilla, Tahitian vanilla is one of the most fragrant ones, sought after by many Chefs around the globe. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron as it is truly labor intensive. Bring a few pods for cooking, baking, or let them soak in a bottle of rum. You may also leave a few pods in sugar or for the perfect wake-up in the morning, try coffee infused with vanilla!

Pareu (Polynesian sarong)

The "pareu" is the traditional outfit in The Islands of Tahiti. Either a hand-made, hand-dyed piece of fabric or now a more modern fabric printed with Tahitian flowers or symbols, use your "pareu" at the beach, back home to decorate a wall, or as a sofa throw.  They are many ways to tie a "pareu" and there are even classes in resorts in the islands that will teach you the different techniques. It is an art!

Tifaifai

The "tifaifai" or Tahitian patchwork comes from the English patchwork tradition. The technique was brought into the islands by the missionaries. Use as bed spreads or to decorate a wall, the "tifaifai" represents scenes of the daily life, or Polynesian symbols such as flowers, fruits, and trees. Originally there were fully hand-sewn. Nowadays, while some "mamas" still use their patience to put the piece together, younger generation use sewing machines.

Tahitian Cultured Pearls

These beautiful gems are one of the most popular souvenirs to bring back from Tahiti. They come all in all different colors, shapes and sizes. From a pendant to a whole strand of pearls, it is hard to resist but after all, there is no better place to get your Tahitian pearls. It is recommended to purchase them from reputable stores, guarantee of the quality of the pearls.

The most challenging part of your Tahitian vacation will be deciding exactly where to go. Wherever you land, you can feel the mana, or life force, in the gentle trade winds, turquoise waves and magical smiles washing across friendly faces. It is always the perfect time to experience the natural wonders, cooling rains, ancient cultures, and fragrant vanilla plantations and tiare flowers of the Islands of Tahiti.

What to Do

Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the sparkling isles of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora. Dive for exquisite Tahitian black pearls. Peer into a sparkling ocean teeming with tropical fish from your overwater bungalow. Go sportfishing and scuba diving. Speak French with the locals at Tahiti’s colorful marketplace, Le Marché, in the capital city of Papeete.

Explore Raiatea’s sacred marae (stone statues) at Taputapuatea, considered the original home of the ancient Polynesian people. Cruise along Raiatea’s relaxing Faaroa River, the only navigable river in Tahiti. And sample some wine from the world’s only vineyard on an atoll at Rangiroa’s Vin de Tahiti. To see the most of the islands, consider one of several Tahiti cruises, including small ship and luxury yacht cruises in the South Pacific.