The Tikehau atoll in the Tuamotu is one of the last known santuaries in the South Pacific of the lori nonnette,  or scientifically known as the Vini peruviana,  or Lori bleu de Tahiti, an endemic bird with a purple blue coat with silver streaks and an orange beak.  For ornithologists and bird watchers alike, it is of particular interest given that there are only a few dozen pairs sited in French Polynesia.  Another species found in this remote string of islands, are also the commonly known: turtle doves, having chosen a peaceful romantic setting on this remote paradise.

Off the grid
We are rougly 200 miles north of Tahiti, on a small atoll, which is only eight square miles wide.  Roughly 500 inhabitants populate the atoll, scattered over a series of islets (the motus) that surround a crystalline lagoon. Don’t even look for the local Starbucks nor a wifi connection.  The airport is actually an airfield when you arrive in Tuherahera, the main town. Here, best you leave your city references as well as mobile phones at the bottom of your suitcase … Upon arrival, your senses will go into overide… with eyes only for your partner and for the beauty of the pink sand beaches of the atoll … and ears for the peaceful surf that incessantly lap the virgin coral reef devoid of any signs of human passage…

An invitation to let yourself go

With a 10 minute boat ride from Tuherahera, one reaches the wooden pontoon of the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort and only a few steps from your overwater bungalow or your beach bungalow, ocean side with private terrace.  Your new home away from home with overwaters range from 55 m2 to 93 m2 for the superb suites!   The Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort is a human-sized property that is beautifully integrated to blend into the natural surroundings.  Built with its traditional pandanus roofs and the fine wood for its structure.

Every aspect has been well planned out for one’s complete relaxation.  The sheer wonderment of a snorkeler gazing at the sea floor as he lets himself go with the current that flows into the lagoon and shapes the beautiful coral gardens here and there…recharge yourself with a monoï massage at the Manea Spa…Savour the catch of the day at the restaurant “le Pohero”… this is how time passes ever so slowly, simply…and it feels good.

Other « must do » activities : the hotel has its own dive center on the premises and proposes fishing excursions in one of the most abundant lagoons in French Polynesia…

The Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort is composed of:

• 12 beach bungalows
• 9 overwater bungalows
• 7 premium overwater bungalows
• 8 overwater suites
• 1 beach villa with pool
• A restaurant: Le Pohero
• A bar : Le Tianoa
• A spa : nestled by the water and amidst a tranquil garden

Complimentary activities for all guests : snorkeling, volleyball.

And if you absolutely need to get connected, wifi access is available at the bar and the restaurant.

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In Polynesia, one comes to seek exoticism, tranquility, a certain refinement tinged with an authentic culture … and breathtaking landscapes, which will forever remain engraved in our memories. The island of Tahaa is the perfect blend of all this and the Tahaa Island Resort & Spa is its perfect reflection. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful stars of the distinguished l “Relais et Châteaux»…

The ideal hotel, in an enchanting setting…

Nothing left to chance when, in 2002, the Tahaa Island Resort & Spa was created. Immediately, the motu Tautau (pronounced Taoutaou) was the obvious place for this beautiful paradise. Bordered by the most beautiful coral garden of the Leeward Islands (Bora Bora included!), But also by the most sublime sandy beaches of the surroundings, its western part reveals a horizon completely clear on the Otemanu mountain of Bora Bora, a few leagues away … come sunset, only the distant surf of the waves on the reef are heard. All around, the coconuts cease to fall, the discreet lights are sifted and all is silent … before the magic of this suspended moment, out of time.

In terms of hotels, the Tahaa Island Resort & Spa surpasses the most demanding expectations and deserves its label “Relais et Châteaux”. Both by the harmony of its architecture, by the refinement of its welcome and the comfort of its suites or overwater villas, everything exudes Polynesian culture and craftsmanship, in a perfect balance between authenticity and 5-star comfort. Wood is ever-present and beautifully hand-crafted, highlighted by large bay windows offering a superb panorama on the lagoon … Around, only the pure blue of the lagoon can compete with all the colors of a Polynesian garden … resembling a garden of Eden.

The Tahaa Island Resort & Spa:

• 45 overwater suites
• 10 beach villas
• 2 royal beach villas with swimming pool, terrace and private garden, a must!
• 3 restaurants, the Vanille, la Plage and its star: the Ohiri, whose setting is as refined as the local specialties concocted by the chef.
• A multitude of activities: under water a few feet away from your suite, or a 5 minute shuttle (Must see: the vanilla plantation of vanilla, the nectar of Tahaa).
• A Spa nestled in a beautiful exotic garden is a haven of peace.
• Numerous distinctions cited in different magazines: Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler or Trip Advisor and the guaranteed stamp of a “Relais et Châteaux” service.

Want to visit this hotel? Try this Special Offer with e-Tahiti Travel, the Polynesian Agency since 2002 : www.etahititravel.com

The Tahaa Island ressort & Spa video:

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Bora Bora, pearl of the Pacific, is graced by the presence of one of the largest luxury hotel chains for its grand re-opening. The Conrad, named after its illustrious owner, Conrad Hilton, is no stranger to luxury destinations. The Conrad franchise is present in 26 destinations and perfect for “smart luxury worldwide travelers “. E-Tahiti Travel has selected the Conrad as one of its quality establishments in Bora Bora. It has been redesigned and is ideally located on the west of Bora Bora, one of the most preserved areas of the island.

114 suites and luxury villas, with views!

With the beautiful backdrop of black volcanic rock of this small peaceful island and the myriad shades of blue, the lagoon of Bora Bora is known for, the Conrad has the perfect location…as well as the most beautiful white sand beach in the area.

Contrary to all the other luxury establishments of Bora Bora, mainly located east of Bora Bora – the Conrad is located in the southern tip of To’opua, just west of Bora Bora. Come dusk, you will soon understand why this detail makes all the difference: it is here, and only here, will see the sunset over the Pacific from your suite or from the private motu (islet) of the hotel, exclusive only to Conrad guests. A must …

Contact us to take advantage of special opening rates of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui for stays booked between January 25 and March 31, 2017.

The post A soon to be inaugurated Conrad Bora Bora Nui appeared first on The Tahiti Traveler.

For the common man, the tiki is primarily this anthropomorphic statue carved in stone or wood. Originally from the Marquesas, the tiki embodies the spirit of a deceased person, a deified ancestor. Even if all the tikis resemble each other more or less, their sculpture is highly codified: its meaning is meticulously engraved in each pose and each pattern, especially in terms of social hierarchy. On a more esoteric perspective, one attributes a certain “mana”, a virtuous divine charge conferred to the statue by the recitation of the divine genealogy. The tiki statue, quickly becomes a protective entity of a place and its hosts. It is venerated upon to bestow security and abundance…

Behind the mask, the demi-god

The tiki is so much more than the evocation of an ancestor, as respected as it is. We find this figure in countless themes in Marquesan art, each containing its share of Polynesian mythology. Because the tiki was, above all, one of the main figures of the founding Polynesian mythology. Half-man half-god, it is found in all the eastern Polynesia in the role of the demi-god, the creator deity of the world …

Behind every fiber of each tiki, unfolds a chapter of the mythological origins of Polynesia … the creative force embodied by the tiki, the father of all Polynesians.

Can you unlock its mysteries? Visit at the Musée de Tahiti & ses Iles to find out. More than 100 new artifacts, a beautiful tribute to this pillar of Polynesian culture.

Useful information:

Tiki exhibition, Musée de Tahiti & ses Iles – Te Fare Manaha
Until March 19, 2017
Open from 9am to 5pm, everyday except Monday.
Admission: 800 Fcfp for exhibition, 1000 Fcfp all access pass. Free for students and children under 18 years.

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On a calm day, during the season, one scans the horizon with baited breath, looking for whales signs. With a bit of luck, you will see in the distance, off the horizon the mighty “spray” of one or more whales. Indeed a magical moment and not unusual in Polynesian waters, where each year attracts tens, sometimes hundreds of specimens.

“The whales are here!”

Polynesians of the Austral islands have first encounter with these magnificent behemoths. Which makes perfect sense, since the seasonal migration of the humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, originate by a departure from the very rich waters of Antarctica to migrate from August to October to the peaceful Polynesian waters. A sort of nuptial for one of the largest mammals in the world … For in French Polynesia they comes every year to breed and calve, after an eleven month gestation.

The arrival of whales each year is a big event. With exclamations of “Did you see them?” to “They are here!!!” Everywhere, from the marinas to the dive centers. This year, they have been observed as early as end-May in the Austral. This migration that quietly makes its way to the Marquesas for the bravest of the species.

The Society Islands, a privileged whale watching destination

En route to warmer water than Antarctica, the Society Islands is a privileged haven for the observation of these giant mammals each year.

In 2002, French Polynesia has even been classified as one of the marine mammal sanctuaries, where the humpback whales are on the top of the list. Since then, whale watching has been strictly regulated and the territory allocates annual authorizations to professionals who specialize in “whale watching” excursions.

The public is urged to trust these accredited professionals that propose safe observation in the best spots, and with the greatest respect for the whales. For your enjoyment and for the safety of these mammals, the regulations are clear:
– Keep a safe distance (50 meters from an adult and 100 meters in the presence of a whale calf).
– Let the animals come to you and do not approach them from behind
– Keep a constant speed and change course gradually
– Do not block or encircle the whale against the reef.

And now, time to get your feet wet!

If the observation of a group of whales from a small boat already remains forever etched in your memory, get your snorkel gear on and it’ll be the icing on the cake! Once in the water, one is amazed by the whale song! The haunting sounds of the males that resonate in your ears. And, with a bit of luck, you may get to see the gentle giants, in their unique ballet, a subtle blend of supreme grace and heavenly power.

A once-in-a lifetime experience that e-Tahiti Travel and Topdive, an accredited whale watching professional, can offer. It’s time to take the plunge!

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The pearl through the ages

Opened in 2002, it is the only museum dedicated to the pearl in French Polynesia. It tells the story of the pearl through the ages… In mythology, the arts and in numerous civilizations. From Cleopatra to modern day. Throughout history, the pearl has symbolized fertility and the cycle of life, the presence of the divinities and the path of the soul that walks towards perfection.

Discovering the origin of the cultured pearl

As described in the Robert Wan pearl Museum, perfection is the guiding force throughout the pearl culturing process. First, the location of the pearl farm is crucial. The Tuamotu archipelago, renowned for its lagoons of incomparable purity, have since been the prime location with the best conditions. Next, the oysters, the Pinctada margaritifera species is endemic to French Polynesia, of prime quality, and remarkable color are bred and primed for years before they are grafted. Indeed, these are the colors of the pearl of the grafted oyster that will determine the nuances of the pearl obtained at the end of the culturing process.

But at this point, nothing ventured, nothing gained! The grafter and his skill will come into play. A small piece (barely a millimeter) of the mantle of the donor oyster is cut into small pieces and is essential in the grafting process. The recipient oysters are mature oysters of at least 2 years before they are ready for grafting. They are surgically grafted through an incision into the recipient oyster’s pearl sac.

Did you know? A natural pearl is born of a foreign body inadvertently arriving in the pearl’s sac. The oyster’s defense mechanism is to envelope the foreign body with layers of nacre. Thus, the pearl grafting process involves placing a small round bead made from the shell of a giant clam originating from Mississippi with the mantle membrane. The size of this nucleus determines the size of the pearl that it will yield if, and only if … the oyster survives the operation. Statistically, 20% of the oysters die in the months following grafting process unless it is later rejected … When they have not simply fallen prey to predators like stingrays and other fish from the lagoon…great lovers of the Pinctada margaritifera oyster…

About 18 months later, the oysters are harvested and the pearls reveal their beauty … If the pearl obtained is exceptional, the same oyster is grafted it a second time, with a larger nucleus (the size of the harvested pearl), this in time will yield an even bigger pearl although less remarkable in luster compared to those of the first harvest.

This is the pearl culture process in a nutshell. An interesting and educational visit to the Robert Wan “Musée de la perle”will prove enlightening and part of the Polynesian heritage.

Useful information

The Robert Wan « Musée de la Perle » is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 :00 – 5 :00 pm. Admission is free.

As of 1 September 2016, the museum is open until 20:00 on Thursdays and Saturdays : while waiting for your international flight , enjoy your stay until the last moments and bring back one of the precious souvenirs of our islands.

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