HOW TO SELL TAHITI
TAHITI Tantalising
BY EVELYN WRIGHT Turquoise waters, soul-warming
weather and the ‘mana’ feeling which words struggle to describe – Tahiti and her islands is that desert-island paradise! Located in the southeast Pacific Ocean
and officially known as ‘French Polynesia’, Tahiti covers an area of over four million square kilometres, comprising 118 islands sprinkled over five large archipelagos. Tahiti, the largest island, is the first port
of call for visitors who can look forward to a traditional welcome of hand-made scented flower. Island accommodation varies from the InterContinental, close to the airport, to the Radisson, on the black sands of Lafayette Beach. Tahiti and the other well-known islands
of Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Maupiti belong to The Society Archipelago, high-tropical islands surrounded by white sandy beaches and blue lagoons, and popular for weddings. The Austral Archipelago is situated in
the extreme south and is made up of five wild islands. It's a great place for spotting humpback whales during their migrations (July to October). At the eastern end of the Polynesian
territory, The Gambier Archipelago consists of Mangareva and its circle of small, less-populated islands. The Marquesas Archipelago is a collection of 12 high islands (just six of which are inhabited) rising up like fortresses with thick vegetation and steep mountains. Islands like Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Pou have a rugged coastline but fewer white beaches. The archaeological site of Ipona,
guarded by the 2.43-metre-high Takai’ tiki, is well worth a visit. Adventure cruises such as The Aranui, which departs from Tahiti for two-week trips, provide a unique vantage point to experience the Marquesas. The Tuamotu Archipelago is formed by
a collection of low islands or ‘atolls’ including Rangiroa, Manihi, Fakarava and Tikehau, each encircled by a ring of coral. These islands offer a contrasting experience to the likes of Bora Bora, which is dotted with five-star luxury, gourmet spas and postcard-perfect scenery, filling the self-proclaimed title of the 'Island of Romance'. The Tuamotu Archipelago has some of the best diving in the world: it's home to
walls of white- and black-tip reef sharks, multicoloured fish as far as the eye can see and giant mantas and dolphins. Fakarava is one of the hidden gems of
the Tuamotu Archipelago. An hour’s flight from Tahiti, this designated UNESCO biosphere reserve is hugged by white, sandy coral beaches and lapping sparkling turquoise waters. The island's sole guest property, White Sand Beach Resort, is made up of 30 traditional beach bungalows, each with a private deck. Guests on Fakarava can experience a
number of novelty activities including a 'water picnic' where lunch is served to a table set amongst circling reef sharks! For a more subdued dining experience,
local families congregate once a week to entertain and teach guests how to do the Polynesian traditional dance, Otea, between being served gourmet French- Polynesian inspired courses. The local raw fish dish of ‘Poisson Cru’ is a must. All Tahiti’s island paradises are easily accessible via a short flight. Air Tahiti services 41 of the islands, with several flights a day between the main Society Islands, daily flights from Tahiti for the Tuamotus and Marquesas Islands, and five flights a week to the Austral Islands. Air Tahiti Passes’ are available. A wide variety of accommodation is
available on most islands, from the high- end luxury to mid-range resorts to cost- effective individually-run pensions.
TAHITI Must Dos...
• Enjoy a picnic on your own 'motu' (tiny islets in the lagoon) with gourmet meals served in banana leaf bowls under a coconut tree or in the warm, shallow waters along the beach
• Regarded as the Fisherman's friend, make sure you plant a kiss on the lips of a stingray – give it a go, it'll bring you luck
• Sip a delicious freshly fallen coconut whist watching a Tahitian sunset
• Try the local ‘Poisson Cru’ of fresh raw fish marinated with lime and coconut, mixed with vegetables
• Indulge in an ultra-luxury spa treatment such as the Polynesian flower-laden Coconut Milk Massage or Hydrating Black Pearl Facial
From the Front Line LARA COWTAN
sales consultant The Turquoise Holiday Company
“Tahiti is utterly romantic and breathtakingly beautiful – perfect for a honeymoon or very special holiday. It has varying dramatic landscapes, stunning turquoise lagoons with mountainous backdrops and amazing snorkelling and diving. Tahiti is the main island but we advise using it as a stepping stone for exploring the outer islands – of which Moorea and Bora Bora in the Society Island group are the best known. "Ideally, split your stay between two islands. Most clients want to spend at least some time on Bora Bora – and Moorea’s deep cut bays and vibrant lifestyle provide the perfect complement. "Or play Robinson Crusoe on one of
the Tuamotu Islands (low lying coral atolls), where we recommend Tikehau, and end on legendary Bora Bora.”
Contact Information For information on Tahiti and her islands contact Tahiti Tourisme: 020 7367 0931;
www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk
Where To Book It For a full list of recommended tour operators please visit www.tahiti-
tourisme.co.uk
www.sellinglonghaul.com • September 2011 45
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TIM-MCKENNA.COM
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TIM-MCKENNA.COM
LUCIEN PESQUIE
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