| Where in Tahiti can we expect to get the most | | | | Do you have any favorite "hidden gems" in |
| for our money? | | | | Tahiti? |
| | | | |
| Michelle Ziettlow: I find you get the most | | | | Michelle: Definitely the private motus (a |
| for your money in Moorea. Less than 10 | | | | motu is a small islet on the reef). I would |
| minutes away from Papeete by air (or less | | | | highly recommend taking a lagoon and motu |
| than one hour by ferry) are the deep, | | | | beach picnic, and discover the beauty of the |
| spectacular bays and white sand beaches of | | | | lagoons by catamaran on your way to a |
| Moorea. | | | | secluded relaxing motu. The operator will |
| | | | usually pick you up at your hotel around |
| No one will argue that Moorea is a land of | | | | 9:30am and drop you off at 3:00pm. Typically, |
| unsurpassed beauty. The majesty of the | | | | your host will set up a table in the lagoon |
| island rises above its twin bays, to the | | | | water on a private motu and serve you a feast |
| Belvedere Lookout, where the tops of the | | | | of lobster, crab, steak, chicken, traditional |
| soaring peaks dominate the skyline. | | | | Tahitian foods, fruit and champagne. You will |
| | | | also have time to enjoy snorkeling around the |
| Moorea's loveliest beaches are located | | | | island, strolls along the beach, or napping |
| between the Moorea Village and the Hotel | | | | under a palm tree. |
| Beachcomber, as well as near the Sofitel Ia | | | | |
| Ora. | | | | Compared to Mexico or Hawaii, what makes |
| | | | Tahiti a special destination? |
| Besides relaxing on the beach overlooking | | | | |
| multi-hued waters, you can occupy yourself | | | | Michelle: Well, that's an easy one! For |
| with numerous activities. One unique | | | | starters, these are the most beautiful |
| experience that you won't forget is 'Dolphin | | | | tropical islands in the world thanks to their |
| Quest', where you can actually swim with | | | | dramatic geography, lush tropical vegetation |
| dolphins. There is a Tropical Aquarium Center | | | | and their unique multicolored crystal |
| at Cook's Bay, the perfect spot to | | | | lagoons. |
| investigate some of the underwater wildlife | | | | |
| prior to a day of snorkeling. Learn about the | | | | The weather is a big plus and even during the |
| region's sea life at this exceptional | | | | periods of November through April, Tahiti |
| aquarium so you can identify the beautifully | | | | averages more sunshine hours than Honolulu. |
| colored fish and coral. Be sure to visit | | | | The average ocean temperature is in the low |
| Papetoai Temple, a uniquely shaped octagonal | | | | 80's. |
| church and the oldest European building in | | | | |
| the South Pacific, or Moorea Distillery and | | | | If you want big hotels, lots of people around |
| Fruit Juice Factory, to sample excellent | | | | and an ordinary vacation, then Tahiti is not |
| juices, liqueurs and spirits. | | | | for you. Tahiti receives fewer tourists in an |
| | | | entire year than Hawaii gets in a single day! |
| Moorea's underwater world is as amazing as | | | | |
| well, with coral sea beds and rich sea life. | | | | There are no big resorts in Tahiti and very |
| Many of our customers learn to dive in Moorea | | | | few tourists or locals to be seen, so you |
| because of the favorable conditions of | | | | have the entire magical environment basically |
| crystal clear, fairly shallow water around | | | | to yourself. |
| the lagoon. | | | | |
| | | | If you compare a week in Tahiti to a week in |
| When is the best time of year to go to | | | | Waikiki or Cancun it will not be a fair |
| Tahiti? | | | | comparison. For the price, Hawaii or Mexico |
| | | | will not include private bungalows on |
| Michelle: This is always a big question: | | | | pristine secluded beaches or overwater |
| "What is the weather going to be like when I | | | | bungalows surrounded by turquoise lagoons |
| take my vacation in the month of _____???" | | | | with glass floors for feeding and viewing |
| Tahiti enjoys warm, tropical weather year | | | | tropical fish. Tahiti is not for every |
| round, but is subject to intermittent | | | | budget, but it is an excellent value for |
| rainstorms throughout the year. The rain | | | | extraordinary memories. Also, in Tahiti, |
| comes in the form of a tropical storm that | | | | there will be no tipping or added taxes. |
| usually arrives quickly and disappears just | | | | |
| as fast. There is no noticeable temperature | | | | Where do celebrities like to stay? |
| variation throughout the year. | | | | |
| | | | Michelle: Tom, Katie and his kids (Tom Cruise |
| Roughly speaking there are two "seasons": the | | | | and Katie Holmes) were just reported staying |
| slightly warmer and more humid period between | | | | in an overwater villa at Le Taha'a Private |
| November and April, when rains can fall | | | | Island and Spa this past March. |
| intermittently (highs of 85F and lows of 70F | | | | |
| at night), and the cooler, drier season | | | | Other favorite resorts of the rich and famous |
| between May and October (highs of 82F and | | | | include Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa, Hotel |
| lows of 70F). | | | | Bora Bora and Te Tiare Beach Resort. |
| | | | |