Hawaiki Nui Va’a : Meeting with the Aito

At any time of the year, you may notice Va’as (traditional canoes) racing, training or fishing, on the lagoon. However, there is one particular event that will trigger electrifying excitement in all islands and further abroad.

Just imagine: Hundreds of teams of six paddlers rowing as strong as their arms will let them, thousands of boats following the race on 120km distance, during 3 entire days! This is what you can expect from the Hawaiki Nui Va’a race, which will take place from November 1^st to 3^rd, 2017.

Unique Race, Unbeatable paddlers

In French Polynesia, paddling is a pride, and most of the time, it’s a pure vocation, especially when your family have rowers in its past generation. The top athletes are often referred to “Aito”, the iron wood. In fact, most paddlers need to show mental steel and iron arms, for a chance to win.  On season, trainings start before dawn, and you can still see tiny canoe shadows when the sun sets each evening. For all participants have one thing in mind: give their best and shine during the Hawaiki Nui Va’a race.

Leaving Huahine on November 3rd, the race will slowly and painfully lead paddlers to the island of Raiatea. This segment will ask for 4 to 6 hours of commitment. Next day, they will perform around the island of Taha’a, and finally the last part will bring all canoes to the Matira Point, the most beautiful beach of the island of Bora Bora. Thousands of supporters, family members, amateurs and visitors will gather to cheer for the braves. The beach and lagoon literally look like an international stadium filled with bubbling effervescence. This unique event, is one of the most important gathering to Polynesian people, they prepare all year for this one race, which they hold in their heart. So, what are you doing next 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd of November 2017?

Hawaiki Nui Va’a official website : http://www.hawaikinuivaa.pf/

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If you are reading this, you are probably in search for the best deals, added values and dream vacation, but be careful; French Polynesia is a complex destination, with as much as 118 islands, tricky inter-island flight paths and hidden gems that will considerably affect your travel experience if missed. But don’t you worry, I will share with you today, the best when it comes to design and customize a trip that will literally blow your mind!

Who?

Let me introduce you to e-Tahiti Travel. This local agency based in Tahiti has been providing dream vacations since 2002. The handful of experts know the destination like the palm of their hands, and once you talk to them, they will know exactly how to assemble a perfect stay in the islands. They cater for many different interests, from diving to honeymoons, adventure, family, cruising, etc. and they can come out the best mix and match offers available on the market.

e-Tahiti Travel’s website has just been through a major make over and their new website will just make you drool with spectacular pictures and will create serious wanderlust, be warned! If you are serious about travelling to Tahiti and its islands, you should definitely bookmark their website or subscribe to their newsletter, in order to receive their monthly exclusive offer. These limited deals include crazy value, from free upgrades, discounted rates and amazing inclusions, only valid for determined periods of travel.

You will find plenty of profitable information about each island and practical advices for any travelers in French Polynesia. Each property page displays a detailed description, fabulous imagery and a list of free activities. Definitely worth checking!

If you need any help or advice for your next vacation, don’t hesitate to contact me, I would be very glad to help you out.

Until next time

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Imagine a virgin atoll composed of 12 small islets, like confetti scattered on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Add the finest of hotel amenities with the utmost respect of the environment, all in the pure Polynesian spirit. You are at the Brando and here begin the most memorable holiday of your life.

We are only about 27 nautical miles north of Tahiti, yet everything seems far away. Walk on the fine sand of the sublime beaches of the Tetiaroa atoll is like discovering another planet. That of superlatives. “It’s even more beautiful than anything I could have imagined,” says Marlon Brando when he saw the atoll while filming “Mutiny on the Bounty”. It was in 1960 that the seed of an idea was planted in his mind.  The hope of a utopia had begun: “Establish in Tetiaroa a self-sufficient community in which research, training, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism would be associated. An environment preserved for the benefit of all … “

From dream to reality

From a dream to a reality, the Pacific Beachcomber group, having already garnered great success in the hotel sectors, notably in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, had taken a giant step opening the Brando.  In July 2014, “The Brando” was born. ++ 3 ……… -3 … ..

35 villas were then imagined, perfectly integrated into the magical setting of Tetiaroa. Each of them embodies the perfect fusion between modern comfort and design in the purest Polynesian essence. With a private pool, free and unobstructed view of the lagoon … nothing is left to chance and everything seems so natural. Time stands still, the sun shines only for you … sit back, relax and let the magic of the Brando enchant you.

In a few words, “The Brando” signifies …
– Air Tetiaroa, an airline at the service of the guests of the hotel, and the only way means of access to the atoll.
– A low ecological footprint thanks to a 100% natural air-conditioning system by deep sea water cooling.
– Two restaurants run by Guy Martin, the chef of the Véfour in Paris and two bars, including Te Manu Bar, suspended from the top of the coconut trees and offering an exceptional panoramic view of the lagoon.
– A multitude of nautical activities: stand up paddle, kayak or traditional pirogue … And total immersion in the fauna and the flora thanks to exceptional snorkeling site or nature tours…
– The Varua Spa, a temple of relaxation nestled in the heart of a half mile square  of wild and exotic landscape.

 The Liquid Festival in Bora Bora: celebrating water in all its forms

For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Ironmana Liquid Festival returns this year to Bora Bora. For a week, the cream of “watermen” flock from all over the Pacific to compete in different watersports. A festival! … where water and strength rule …

It starts with a mad race of Polynesian sailing canoes (the holopuni va’a), and ends with the coronation of the waterman of the year celebrated with a giant party at the Sofitel Marara of Bora Bora.  In the midst of all of this is a festival of water sports in one most beautiful lagoon on French Polynesia, the Ironmana Liquid Festival and it is without a doubt the most wonderful to Bora Bora one can imagine.

Water, their best adversary

The most adventurous will water start in Tahiti. Their destination, Bora Bora, in the first event … the sailing canoe! Rendezvous in Bora Bora 7 days later, with some stop overs on the islands of Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa, and a few sporting aches and pains along the way.

Here is where the competition really starts.  With athletes from all over the Pacific: Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, California and, of course, all of Polynesia rise to the challenge. For the pros, the events include stand up paddle, swimming, prone paddling or even sea kayak racing.

From 2 to 7 December, the whole island of Bora Bora lives to the rhythm of the raging strokes of these peaceful warriors who clash for a whole week in order to elect the waterman of the year. The spectacle of the competition is breathtaking and magnificent in this temple of azure blue. On the entertainment side, the opportunity is even given to all lovers of surf to rub elbows with the pros thanks to the many discovery workshops offered throughout the week! A must for the aficionados, as much as for those wanting to discover the sports… Thrills and excitement guaranteed!

The Ironmana Liquid Festival de Bora Bora

From December 2-7 in the lagoon of Bora Bora

For more information, log on to: www.boraboraliquidfestival.com

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Sanctuary for a multitude of shark species, French Polynesia has emerged in recent years as THE dive spot for thrill seekers. The tiger shark is a specie that inspires awe and most of the time, fear.  During your underwater visits, you would have a good chance of crossing its path.

No less than 20 shark species are listed in French Polynesia! Small wonder, given that all have been protected since 2006 … Feared everywhere else, the shark has become one of the French Polynesia’s main tourist attractions takes the front page of all  brochures of all scuba dive clubs.

Anatomy of a daunting predator

With its sleek, however, massive profile, its bluish-gray form punctuated by dark stripes like those of a tiger, recognizing it is unmistakable:  you have in front of you the famous tiger shark! Its imposing size measures from 10-15 feet! – More accustomed to deeper waters, it rarely ventures near the surface except at night when it is time to feed.

Its reputation precedes it, earning it the moniker of the “garbage disposal” shark, referring to its particular penchant for its indiscriminate diet.   Turtles, dolphins and other whales therein, fall into the same ranking as some ocean trash: cans, pieces of wood … This lack of discernment classifies it in the category of potentially dangerous sharks, although no attack has ever been identified in French Polynesia.

In the aim of keeping shark observation safe, the practice of shark baiting is highly regulated in French Polynesia and is strictly prohibited in lagoons and within two miles of passes. It has credited the notoriety of many famous dive spots for shark observation, like the “Vallée Blanche” (the White Valley, located on the West coast of Tahiti where one finds a multitude of species: black tip, gray reef, lemon sharks … and with luck (and a dose of courage), the famous tiger shark! Certainly a good entry into your dive logbook!

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Arriving at the port town of Vaiare, either by 30 minute catamaran ferry or 7 minutes by plane, one swiftly escapes the hustle and bustle of Tahiti and instantly regains a feeling of relaxation upon reaching Moorea. Is it the lush vegetation along the road around the island, or the tranquility of the small “fare” with your feet in the turquoise water of one of the most beautiful lagoons of the Society Islands or is it the succession of small craft shops that will delight your eyes here and there? … probably all at once. Yet more surprises await you at the Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

Moorea, Polynesia in a nutshell

An ideal stopover for travelers looking to experience the art of Polynesian living. One might think that Moorea would have sacrificed its identity on the altar of tourism … Far from it! You will soon see, enjoying a good “poisson cru” or raw fish salad with coconut milk in the traditional snack bars that border the lagoon or enjoying the many hiking trails that crisscross the island … In Moorea, culture and nature preserves give your getaway all the ingredients of an authentic immersion in what Polynesia is best for you to discover.

Our selection: Manava Beach Resort & Spa ****

At the heart of the village of Maharepa, located not far from the famous Cook’s Bay, the Manava Resort & Spa is nestled in a lush garden which gives the hotel a tranquil  and green atmosphere. The property is also the only one in Moorea to propose garden bungalows with a private pool. Rather have your feet in the water? The overwater bungalows with an authentic Polynesian touch overlook a large coral nursery that promise superb snorkeling right there, literally under your floor! Look no further for your hotel in Moorea, the Manava Beach Resort & Spa awaits ..

In brief, the Manava Resort & Spa is composed of…
28 garden bungalows with each a private pool
28 overwater bungalows
8 beach bungalows
26 duplex bedrooms with a garden view
A restaurant “the Mahanai”
A Bar “Autera’a”
A gift shop
The “Manea Spa” to explore the benefits of traditional Polynesian massage that use herbal extracts and Monoi (traditional prepared oil) with a hot bath massage (Rumiavai) and even a Polynesian tattoo artist.
The coral nursery “To’aNui” at the foot of the overwater bungalows.

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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.

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