TAHITI TIMES

Sure, Cocoa Island Resort in the Maldives boasts beautiful views of the cobalt blue sea and luxurious room accommodations, but what makes this resort unique is its dedication to wellness- both inside and out.

Starting with the menu, the food on the resort is created specifically to nourish the body by included organic vegetables and the fresh fish of the day.

Along with plenty of activities for the more active traveler, this small, private island resort also offers revitalizing wellness therapies such as: massages, facials for restorative skincare and authentic Ayurvedic (the ancient Indian tradition of healing) therapies. There are even complimentary classes in Yoga (six days a week!) and meditation (once a week).

“Couples Retreat,” the 2009 film featuring Jon Faverau and Vince Vaughn, takes place on an exotic resort called “Eden.” In fact, it was shot in a place many of us would consider Eden-like, the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora. And while there is no couple’s therapy resort on Bora Bora called “Eden,” you can stay where the film was shot at the St. Regis Resort and Spa.

Below we’ll give you a sample of how to Eat, Stay, and Play like the stars from “Couples Retreat.”

Eat:

St. Regis’ signature restaurant, Lagoon, is a shining star in celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurant empire. Suspended over the water, Lagoon restaurant not only delights your taste buds, but also offers spectacular views of Mount Otemanu. Jean-George has created several signature dishes for the restaurant – including an appetizer of rice cracker-crusted ahi tuna with sriracha -citrus emulsion that is not to be missed.

Stay:

Mr. Vaughn and his sister (“Couples Retreat” executive producer) stayed in Royal Over-water Pool Villas which are 3,455 sq. ft., feature a private pool, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and 2 private terrace gazebos.

Play:

The beautiful, crystal clear lagoon of Bora Bora presented by “Couples Retreat” is not the work of technical cinema wizardry; you too can swim in the same pristine waters and meet the friendly marine inhabitants while staying at the St. Regis.

If getting up close and personal with lagoon inhabitants doesn’t suit your fancy, there’s a host of other activities to choose from such as: jet skiing, yoga, spa treatments, and more.

Tahaa is the place that I love most in the world. It is truly an unspoiled island with the most amazing and kind people. It is far different than what I have experienced in my years of travel on any of the other islands. Of course, I also have a personal investment in Tahaa- my Godson Akitea lives there.

Twelve years ago while cruising on the Haumana in French Polynesia, I met his uncle. We became close friends and over the years I have met his entire family. There are 7 kids total- 3 girls and 4 boys. His sister Magali and I became very close, (like sisters!) over the years, so when Magali became pregnant with Akitea she asked me to be his Godmother.

In 2002, I traveled to Tahaa for his baptism and afterward his family prepared a huge feast to celebrate. It is a very special memory for me. When I visit his family (and vice versa) it is always interesting because they do not speak much English, but we always get by and have a lot of fun.

- Christine Butler

We received some very kind feedback from two of our clients about their recent stay in French Polynesia. Stacey and Dan spent seven days in Tahiti and Bora Bora, and came home with some very authentic (and permanent) souvenirs!

Thank you, Stacey and Dan for entrusting your travel arrangements to Tahiti Legends. We truly appreciate your business.

This is what they had to say about their Anniversary trip:

“Thank you so much for your help. We had a wonderful time in Tahiti and Bora Bora. We really enjoyed the 1/2 day circle island tour - the waterfall, grotto, blow hole, even just going around the island was wonderful. Our guide was wonderful! We also went downtown, and walked through the market and then took the bus back to the hotel - it was very easy!

Bora Bora was wonderful. The suggestions for places to eat helped out a lot - we loved Kaina Hut - it was excellent! We bought pearls from Arc En Ceil - Wendy was great! We also loved the lagoonarium – we got to see turtles and Steven and Joseph were a riot!!

We rented a buggy and had a great time driving around the island. All in all it was wonderful!!

Also, we love our tattoos - Marama Olsen was great! Thank you for setting it up for us. It was all very easy and wonderful. Your tips and suggestions were greatly appreciated and really enhanced our trip.

Thanks!

Stacey and Dan”

This exclusive tour of Bora Bora’s world famous lagoon is a private way for you to create everlasting memories with the one that you love. On the day of your excursion, you will be picked up at your hotel dock via a comfortable speedboat where you will circle the island taking in the beauty of Bora Bora. You will encounter: myriads of tropical fish, the beautiful sting rays gracefully dancing in the lagoon, majestic coral gardens and more. Your guide will stop at a quiet motu where a picnic will be set up for you. A shade umbrella, table and chairs will be set up for you in the warm shallow water of the lagoon- right alongside a beatiful white sandy beach. With majestic Mt. Otemanu in the distance, you will dine on barbecued fish, chicken, or steak, potatoes, salad, and an assortment of local fruits- all topped off by a bottle of champagne.

After enjoying this relaxing meal, you may enjoy the motu at your leisure while the guide stays and cleans up the picnic area.

For more information on this experience please call your Preferred Travel Agent, or call Tahiti Legends at: 1-800-200-1213.
www.TahitiLegends.com

The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Club, on Moorea is a spectacular Jack Nicklaus designed course; the first golf course on the island in 35 years. From the championship tee, this 6,596 yard par 70 course promises challenges for every golfer from novice to expert. The signature hole on the back nine’s mountain side provides an incredible view of the course, the lagoon, and Moorea’s sister island of Tahiti in the distance.

There is a dress code on the course of: no jeans, tank tops or short shorts. You will need to wear a golf shirt and Bermuda shorts. You will also need shoes that are soft spike golf shoes or tennis shoes (no sandals).

For more information on golfing in Moorea, please contact your preferred travel agent or call Tahiti Legends at: 1-800-200-1213

Visiting French Polynesia in the Summer generally is appealing because of the the optimal weather that occurs during these three months. Our summer, is Tahiti’s winter meaning that the weather in these months is ideal for travel- with temperatures ranging from 75 - 80 degrees Farhenheit.

However, there is another reason to visit Tahiti during the summer months and it is something not often associated with the tropics- Wine. In August, on a small island (motu) located just off of the main island of Rangiroa, bottles of red, rose, and dry/sweet wines are produced from Vin de Tahiti- the islands very own vineyard.

During your stay in Rangiroa, you can visit the Vineyard and take a tour of the grounds and then of course enjoy a tasting of the wines produced here!

For more information call your Preferred Travel Agent, or call Tahiti Legends at 1-800-200-1213.

If you would like to learn how to surf or perhaps perfect your skills, why not visit Tahiti and attend the Tura’i Mataare Surf School? Established in June 1995 by instructor Olivier Napias, the School’s objective is to allow everyone from age 5 on to develop their surfing skills with discipline and safety while providing proper supervision and quality equipment. Classes take place on Tahiti’s east coast, in a sector ranging between the point of Venus and the mouth of Papeeno. A surfing spot is selected each day, according to weather conditions and the age and skills of the students. Classes are supervised by instructors with Government diplomas such as BEES 1st degree and life guards.

All necessary equipment (surf boards and body boards of various sizes, lycra, wax, etc.) are supplied by the school, which also covers transportation within an area between Paea (PK18) and Papeeno (surf spot where the class is taken).

For accommodations in Tahiti, please call your Preferred Travel Agent or call Tahiti Legends at: 1-800-200-1213

For more information about Tura’i Mataare Surf School, please click here!

Discover the best of Papeete on this half day or full-day 4-Wheel-Drive safari adventure. You’ll travel through almost impenetrable rainforest to discover some of the many jewels of Tahiti. This is a rare opportunity to see places that most tourists cannot gain access to, on foot. Experience the majestic beauty of Papeete and uncover archeological sites on this jeep safari tour.

If you have a full day to devote to exploring the island interior, you’re in for a treat. A full-day jeep safari includes lunch at the unique Relais de la Maroto and a visit to their extensive wine cellar.

For more information, please call your Preferred Travel Agent or contact Tahiti Legends at: 1-800-200-1213
www.TahitiLegends.com

On the “Garden Isle” of Huahine, a stream that is located under a bridge in the main town of Fare is home to 3 to 6 foot (1.8 m) long eels. These eels are deemed sacred by the locals in accordance with Polynesian mythology. Legend has it- The first eel crawled across the mountains from a pool in Arue, which is on the north coast of Tahiti. Feeling lonely, the eel courted a beautiful maiden from Mataiea and ended up marrying her. Huahine’s present day inhabitants supposedly descend from this unusual couple.

While viewing these unique creatures you can buy a can of mackerel and feed the eels at your own risk!