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