Posts Tagged ‘french polynesia’

Welcome in the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa

Nothing says “Ultimate Romance” quite like Bora Bora. The word is out — and has been for some time — about this French Polynesian island’s extraordinary natural beauty. Even the most jaded globe-trotter duly drops his jaw when facing with the spectacle of the lagoon and the iconic silhouette of Mount Otemanu in the background.
Are you ready for your ultimate romance vacation?

Enchanting Bora Bora belongs to the exclusive, “so-preposterously-gorgeous-it-doesn’t-seem-natural” club of travel destinations. What is it about islands that makes them so intriguing? Whether it is a tropical speck in the midst of a vast ocean, or a tree-shrouded hummock in the river of a great city, it is still somehow set apart, unique, proud, lonely, and even mysterious. Once you’ve reached its shores, you know you’re somewhere different.

Intimate resorts are waiting for you in Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora. In this unreal world, seclusion, overwater bungalows, and

Romantic Sunset in Moorea...

Polynesian spas are your daily life! Live exceptional twosome moments on a deserted motu (islet), savoring feet-in-water a glass of champagne served in a coconut shell, plunging into the pristine lagoon to swim with the fish, or tasting a Tahitian style dishes prepared in the most traditional of ways, in the underground oven covered with banana leaves.

You’re just a click away from your once in a lifetime romantic experience…
>> Discover a romance vacation created by Borabora.com

What best paradisiacal trip for “The Bachelorette” than a vacation on the island of Tahaa, in “Taha’a Island Resort & Spa” in French Polynesia ?

Millions of Americans took a vicarious trip there last night, when episode 10 of “The Bachelorette’s” sixth season aired on ABC. Ali Fedotowski took her search for true love – or what passes for it on TV – to the romantic tropical island resort, where she received some heartbreaking news from suitor Frank Neuschafer: he was going back to his old flame in Chicago.

To rekindle your love in a very romantic place on earth, you can choose the “Bachelorette package” which includes 4 nights in a Bungalow (Overwater), breakfast, a flower bed and a half bottle of champagne upon arrival, but also a romantic dinner on your bungalow’s terrace with a half bottle of champagne, and a Bachelorette-style “rose ceremony,” a 50-minute Monoi Vanira massage for two and a daily special turndown.

Plan your own “Bachelorette” honeymoon in this prestigious hotel, member of the French Relais & Chateaux chain, and let your dream comes true !

>> CONTACT AN EXPERT TO CREATE YOUR TAILORED-MADE VACATION

Prepare your trip…

> Live a paradisiacal honeymoon in Tahiti

> Discover the magic emotion of a traditional polynesian wedding

> Celebrate your legal wedding in Bora Bora

Tahitian cuisine artfully blends French culinary traditions with exceptionally fresh seafood and locally-grown tropical fruits and vegetables such as taro, breadfruit, sweet potato, coconut, papaya and vanilla beans. Poisson Cru, a refreshing mixture of diced raw fish, tomato, cucumber and onion, marinated in lime juice and coconut-milk – similar to Latin ceviche or Hawaiian poke but with the addition of coconut milk and a shorter marinating time – is often touted as Tahiti’s national dish. Although it makes for a delectable introduction to French Polynesian cuisine however, hungry travelers shouldn’t stop there. Tahiti and her islands offer a world of authentic flavors and local favorites that you won’t find on hotel restaurant menus. Here’s a few tips on what, where and how to eat like a local in French Polynesia.

A general rule of thumb when dining abroad is to eat where you see the locals eating. In the neighborhoods around Papeete, you can find congregations of food trucks known as Les Roulettes offering inexpensive meals and snacks such as crepes, Chinese food, Steak Frites, pasta, roasted pork, grilled seafood and fresh nutella waffles. Although certainly a no-frills dining experience, you can plop down in a shady spot by the harbor to enjoy your meal while people watching and taking in the sights. The affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere attract tourists and locals alike late into the night.

For a traditional Tahitian dining experience, attend a special Ahima’a (earth oven) feast, which rural households typically prepare for large family gatherings on Sundays. Preparation of the oven begins with a wood-fire, which is then covered with porous volcanic rock and left to heat until glowing red. Fish, chicken, pork, taro, breadfruit, sweet potato and other ingredients wrapped in coconut-leaf baskets are placed on the stones and covered with layers of banana leaves and sand to trap the heat. The meal is left underground to grill, braise and steam for 3-4 hours before being served on traditional wood plates and eaten with bare hands. For dessert, Poe, a sweet taro pudding flavored with banana, vanilla, papaya or pumpkin and topped with coconut milk is typically served.

Interestingly, one food that you’ll find in most local households but not on restaurant menus is Punu Pua’atoro, canned corned beef or the Tahitian equivalent to Spam. It’s typically pan fried or grilled with onions and served with roasted breadfruit. Crisp, salty and fatty like bacon or sausage, Punu Pua’atoro certainly isn’t the healthiest option but it’s widely enjoyed and deeply revered by the locals. Another French Polynesian specialty you won’t often find in restaurants is, Fafaru, thinly-sliced raw fish marinated in mitiafafaru (fermented seawater) and served with mitihue (fermented coconut milk sauce).

Whether you prefer fine dining, family feasts or street foods, one thing’s for sure: French Polynesian cuisine is best enjoyed in a casual setting by the sea amongst friends and family.  Bon Appetit!

*Check out our 9 Days in Bora Bora package which includes FREE breakfast and dinner daily!

As promised, French Polynesia and its 118 marvelous islands will proudly be represented during the Universal Exposition of Shanghai, China. This event will be held from May 1^st to October 31^st and will brighten the topic “A better town for a better life”.

The local government has gathered incredible resources (finances and logistics) for this exhibition that will act like a real “showcase” for Tahiti and her islands. The Shanghai Exposition will allow 200 nations to be represented. More than 70 000 000 visitors and “prospective travelers” are expected during this worldwide event. The logo chosen by the Ministry of Tourism is “steeped in traditional values” it “represents the soul of French Polynesia”, says the Tourism Minister. Tahiti and her islands will even enjoy a “double exposure” through its presence in the pavilion of the Pacific nations and also in the French Pavilion. A 3D picture of the “future” French Polynesian pavilion  has already been presented at a media conference on March 9th. The famous dance group “Tiki Village” of Moorea Island will charm visitors with its demonstrations of traditional Tahitian dance, carving, tattoo and how to wear a “pareo” (traditional piece of fabric used as a dress). This exhibition will not only allow French Polynesia and its “futures” tourists to meet but it will also give the chance to Tahiti and her islands to make new networks in business.

A 3D picture of the "future" pavilion of French Polynesia

“French Polynesia, The Pearl of the Pacific” is finally the metaphor chosen by the local government to be in line with the topic of the World Expo, including the issue focuses on sustainable development. Moreover, Shanghai is called “The Pearl of the East”, an excellent strategic gathering with Bora Bora “The Pearl of the Pacific”, perfect reference of Tahiti and her islands in China. It is finally important to know that the pearl is a symbol of purity in the Chinese culture. Putting the black pearl of Tahiti on the light shows once again that this jewel is symbolism of elegance all around the world. If you don’t want to wait for the exhibition in Shanghai, play with us and win a sublime necklace of black pearls from Tahiti offered by Tahiti Pearl Market.

Aerial view of the Hilton Moorea Resort.

Enjoy being on a typical island-bungalow!

     The Hilton Moorea Resort in French Polynesia has been elected by Internet site Tripadvisor’s readers as the best hotel in the world for “lovers”. This price is given “by the biggest Internet site for travelers opinions in the world and entirely based on millions of guests votes” said Tripadvisor.      

     The island of Moorea is located in the Society archipelago. It’s a quiet, natural and preserved island where the main resources are fishes, coprah oil (made out of coconuts) and pineapples. Moorea is also called the “sister island” of Tahiti because it’s 7mn away by airplane from the main island Tahiti. This Island is also well known for its incredible “shark feedings” (you litteraly feed wild sharks with dead fishes while you swim with them!). If you love to discover endemic plants, fruits and animals like whales and wild dolphins Moorea is definitely the island you need to stop by in!