FRENCH POLYNESIA


and naturalist-led tours are also on offer here, as well as excursions to the neighbouring isle of of Taha’a, known for its vanilla plantations and pearl farms.


Culture meets nature


French Polynesia isn’t only about the boutiques, of course. We started our trip in Tahiti – the gateway to the archipelago’s smaller isles – which has a busier vibe and a slew of big-name resorts. Despite the more commercial feel, there’s plenty to see on the island, with tumbling waterfalls, local villages and cultural sites scattering the interior, and mountainous landscapes luring hikers. I visited Polynesian capital Papeete for a glimpse into local life, and it was well worth the trip, with a palm-lined waterfront and a bustling covered market among the draws. From Tahiti, a 30-minute ferry hop took us to Moorea.


Here the vibe was completely different, with a fraction of the visitors of its bigger sibling and a calm, tranquil feel aided by the setting – all vertical peaks soaring into the sky and serene lagoons the colour of curaçao. We headed out on a boat across the lagoon with Corallina


Tours, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. Within half an hour, we were docking at a sandbank frequented by stringrays and reef sharks, descending into the water to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. It started with one ray, then two, then three. By the end, I was nigh-on surrounded, while black-tipped sharks brushed by beneath me and a turtle glided past a few metres away. It was a surreal moment, and one that completed the


viilin} ½` h>` Ìhi Üholi ÌÀi« ov Liin} on Ãomi ÃoÀÌ ov wlm set. And that is exactly what brought Marlon Brando here 60 years ago. Everything about French Polynesia is the stuff of Hollywood, and it’s not hard to see why it has inspired so many artists, writers and explorers. I might have barely scratched the surface, but I’d wager


there are few places on Earth that bring culture, history and landscapes together in such an extraordinary way. If you’ve got clients seeking a once-in-a-lifetime getaway, this enchanting archipelago deserves to be top of their list.


For more information and resources, visit: tahititourisme.uk


THE INSIDE track GETTING THERE


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