THE SECRET SIDE OF TAHITI

Tahiti’s hidden paradise Islands are quintessential South Pacific.   I never get tired of the islands in the South Pacific.     If you have already been to the Hawaiian Islands, why not visit the Tahitian islands, very different, or the Cook Islands.       Colorful depictions by famed post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin introduced much of the Western world to this oceanic wonder and untouched beauty still exists on the fringes of this 118 isle chain spanning over two million square miles.  Experience a rare world only found in Tahiti’s secluded sunny corners.  To give you a glimpse of the utopian allure beyond popular Bora Bora and Moorea, why not visit lesser known Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a within the Society Islands as well as the snow white sands of the Tuamotu atolls and the depths of Marquesas lush jungles. Main thing to buy are black pearls which are magnificent, and of course, vanilla and wooden handicrafts like salad bowls.   Fun to go visit a pearl farm, and you will be spoilt for choice.

Sights and Spices of the Society Islands

Though many of Tahiti’s Hidden Paradise Islands lie far from the main islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora, a handful are just a short flight from the capital city, Papeete.   Among them is Huahine, a pair of islands joined by a bridge and ringed by a calm lagoon.   Eight sleepy villages perfect for low key ambling, dot the landscape rife with lush forests and beaches.  Another hidden gem not far from Papeete is Raiatea.   The island’s name means “faraway  heaven” and locals consider it to be one of the most sacred spots in the South Pacific. 

We recommend a visit to the historical site of Taputapautea, a Polynesian marae temple complex, now restored as a national monument.   Sharing the coral fringed lagoon with Raiatea, Taha’a boasts vast Tahitian vanilla plantations and the sensual aroma of the spice wafts on the island breezes.   You can taste its sweet notes spooned over fresh caught fish in the delicate French-Polynesian sauces popular in the islands.

A short boat or helicopter ride from either of these islands take you to the secluded motu (islet) of Le Taha’a island Resort and Spa where you will find your personal heaven among luxurious suites suspended on stilts over the lagoon.   

Delicious Adventure in the Tuamotus

The vast Tuamotu chain comprises dozens of coral atolls whose unique topography creates perfect conditions for the most thrilling underwater adventures in the South Pacific.   Your travel agent can arrange scuba diving tours to sites like Fakarava’s Tuma Kohua Pass.   You slip into the water on an incoming tide and let the current do the work, sweeping you thru the reef channel to fin alongside bicycle-size Napoleon wrasse and Technicolor corals.

At Map’s Edge, the Marquesas

At the farthest reaches of French Polynesia are the Marquesas.  Of the 12 islands, only six are inhabited and the sheer isolation has given the people a fierce pride for their language and culture, including world renowned woodcarving and the most beautiful bowls made from local hardwoods.  I must have at least six large salad bowls which I have bought over the years.    These islands get very few tourists.

Hotels which are recommended:  Le Rangiroa Blue Lagoon, and on Motu Tautau is Le Taha’a Island Resort.   Prices tend to be lower than on the more popular islands.

This is a destination for swimming, snorkelers, scuba, and just plain doing nothing but watching the sun go down.   I love the music, flowers, food, and  all the islands have wonderful friendly people.   It is a great honeymoon destination.

I’ve taken several  cruises  thru the Tahitian waters  which is also a good experience.    It’s a week thru the Society Tahitian islands, and 10 days if you want to go out as far as the Marquesas.

On one of my island visits, I  took a suitcase full of clothes.   I bought two sarongs, and never wore any of the clothes.

This is casual heaven.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel  at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.