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lose your eyes and picture a landscape of dreams. A strand of tiny islets shimmering in the South Seas—clad in emerald peaks, ringed by iridescent reefs, and infused with the floral aromas of Eden itself.
It’s no wonder the enchantments of Tahiti, Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Moorea have become the stuff of legend, forever capturing the imaginations of all those fortunate enough to happen upon these shores. After experiencing this week-long voyage aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin, you’ll be able to count yourself and your travel companions among them.
What’s more, you’ll share all that castaway bliss while immersed daily in the casual five-star sophistication of a ship purpose-built for exploring this region. Intimate in scale, equipped for adventure, and renowned for its joie de vivre and warm personal service.
OK. You can open your eyes now. And begin to prepare for the proverbial adventure of a lifetime.
Tahiti & the Society Islands
TAHITI Sporting its signature triple crown of volcanic peaks, the island of Tahiti seems well aware of its nickname, “Queen of the Pacific.” And justifiably proud of its majestic role as both capital of French Polynesia and everyday namesake of the Society Islands archipelago.
Awaiting you in the harbor isTe Gauguin. You’re no doubt eager to board your new floating home, and you’ll soon find the onboard staff just as excited to welcome you as their guest. Once settled in, though, the temptation to check out Papeete’s vibrant waterfront might prove irresistible. Known for its lively markets and welcoming locals, the atmosphere is a unique blend of French sophistication, Polynesian warmth, and tropical charm.
But don’t dawdle; your ship sails for Huahine this evening.
HUAHINE In the crisp light of early morning, Te Garden Island flaunts its wondrous beauty. Fellow travelers are already on deck snapping photos and exclaiming as you indulge in a leisurely breakfast in bed.
Exquisitely green and astoundingly tranquil, Huahine remains one of French Polynesia’s most unspoiled gems— a cultural sanctuary brimming with intriguing archeological sites, fragrant vanilla plantations, and mountainsides bursting with breadfruit, bananas, coconuts, and other tropical bounty.
An excursion here is a must; there’s so much to see. Ancientmaraes (temples) dating back to 700 AD. Curious stone fish traps in Lake Maeva and even more curious sacred blue-eyed eels (that’s right), hand- fed daily in a stream near Faie village. A local pearl farm reached by outrigger and a Belvedere offering jaw-dropping outlooks over Maroe Bay.
Feeling like some cardio, with an electric
assist? Consider signing up for Huahine Iti by E-bike, a 16-mile pedal around Huahine’s smaller twin isle—with a well- earned swim or snorkel break at a white- sand beach along Avea Bay.
Tere are a dozen ways to spend your day here. All of them equally magical.
TAHA’A [Motu Mahana] How’s this for an intriguing Tropics Fact: Te “bean” we know as vanilla isn’t a bean at all, but the slender seed pod of a vining orchid whose flowers need to be fertilized by hand. Tat delicate maneuver is performed countless times each season here in the vanilleries of Taha’a—and gourmets and aromatherapists ‘round the world get to enjoy their much-prized Tahitian vanilla. Sweet! You’ll likely catch its intoxicating scent even as Te Gauguin anchors offshore.
Day-to-day life on this serene, flower- shaped isle is on no one’s schedule, except perhaps that of Mother Nature, who clearly reigns supreme here. With her kind permission, several excursions offer opportunities for an up-close and personal Taha’a inspection. Like say, Exploration of Taha'a, a guided 4x4 foray that traverses a high mountain, ventures inside a typical vanilla plantation, and tours a coastal farm that grows lustrous black Tahitian pearls.
But you might find it tough to do much at all, when confronted with the laid-back beauty of this place. No worries; got you
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