Tahiti is a name synonymous with beautiful beaches where you can spend a whole day with no one in sight. Tahiti is a paradise where an eternity would not be too long and one day is not long enough. A Tahiti vacation is a must at some point in your travels or while enjoying cheap all-inclusive holidays (as the Brits would say). It has been said that the true measure of a culture is its cuisine, if this is true then Tahiti really punches above its weight with fine French cuisine (if you’re comparing it with Hawaii, their state dish is spam). French Polynesia is the honeymoon capital of the world for a reason, there is no place more exclusive and exotic than this cluster of islands. If you’ve already had a great life and need something to top any week to date, then look no further. The clear aqua waters crowned with magnificent reefs will dazzle your senses and ignite your soul. Tahiti vacations create some of the world’s most romantic memories. Take a Tahiti trip and create some of your own.
Travel to the ends of the earth, destination Austral Islands, a place so remote centuries slide by without anyone batting an eye. Check out the Gambier Archipelago: an armchair destination for most, it’s also a must for wannabe National Geographic explorers. Those searching for a little less swashbuckling and a lot more room service will delight in Bora Bora’s luxurious pampering and lush good looks; in Maupiti’s picture-perfect views and old-fashioned French hospitality.
Tahitian Beaches and Islands
Boat Tour Bora Bora Take a relaxing voyage around one of the most beautiful spots on the planet and have something to describe to envious listeners for years to come. A Bora Bora boat tour might well be the highlight of your vacation. Words can’t describe the beauty and serenity of Bora Bora; a beautiful Tahitian island.
Avapeihi (Fitii) Pass, Huahine Avapeihi (Fitii) Pass is a great Tahitian scuba diving location. If you are a certified diver, or if you would like to be, this is a great place to see the underwater world.
Fare, Huahine Fare in Huahine has a pier that is a great point to snorkel from. It is a great inexpensive Tahitian vacation activity.
Day Trips
Motu, Tahiti Ever dreamed of having an island all to yourself? At Motu, that dream can come true. This white sand island is perfect for windsurfing and the Tahiti beach is perfect for sunbathing or just some quality time relaxing in total privacy.
Teahupoo, Tahiti Whether you’re a world-class surfer or just want the entertainment of watching world-class surfers train and compete while you relax on the beach, Teahupoo has something for you.
Tahiti Iti Tahiti Iti, (or little Tahiti) is the smaller side of the dual oval island and home to the famous black sand beach, which is a great place to go for a change of pace from the white sand beaches.
Rangiroa This atoll (island encircled by a coral reef) is the second-largest in the world. It is a perfect place to snorkel. The island is sleepy and great for relaxing.
Resturants
Mango Café It is no exaggeration to say that Mango Café has the finest French cooking in the finest French-style setting. Like many things on the island, prices are not low, but here you get what you pay for.
Le Mandarin Authentic Cantonese style cooking done with the finest ingredients, this is not the typical Chinese food restaurant but could even make a great meal on a Tahiti honeymoon vacation.
Lou Pescadou (Pizzeria) Pizza is so good it’s as though you stepped from the South Pacific into the Mediterranean when you enter the Italian style Tahiti restaurant.
Casablanca Cocktail Restaurant Casablanca Cocktail Restaurant is a perfect spot for a romantic evening, whether you’re lucky enough to be on your honeymoon, or if you’re lucky enough to be here for just another vacation. The cuisine features fresh local seafood with a French-inspired cooking style typical of many Tahitian restaurants.
Captain Bligh Restaurant and Bar Moderately priced for Tahiti ($63 per person all you can eat buffet) Captain Bligh Restaurant and Bar has an outdoor eating area under a large thatch roof right on the water. It’s also the easiest way to see the local fish without getting wet, as they have realized when people pay for all they can eat, they are usually generous with their food.
Tahiti Hotels to Stay
Taaroa Lodge B.P. 498, 98713 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
This two bungalow Tahitian lodge is about as wallet-friendly of a place to stay as you can find on Tahiti. The rooms are quiet and pleasant, with snorkelling just yards from your door in the lagoon. Everything on the island can be easily reached from this discount Tahiti vacation bungalow by means of the bus.
Chez Pauline Pk 9.5 Afareatu, Moorea, Tahiti 98728, French Polynesia
The Chez Pauline is a great place to get the authentic island experience. It was the first Tahitian hotel on the island and holds a rich history. Staying in Chez Pauline is like taking a step back in time. The downside is minimal privacy, there are no doors in the rooms, just curtains. The bathrooms, which do not have hot water are communal style.
Club Bali Hai Bp 8 Maharepa, Moorea, Tahiti 98728, French Polynesia
Located on Moorea, next to Tahiti, Club Bali Hai has some of the lowest rates on the island for over-water bungalows. With an activities desk that can set up any adventure on or near the island that you might want, and the Blue Pineapple, the hotel restaurant, which serves a great fresh Poisson-cru, (a Tahitian dish consisting of tuna and coconut milk) Club Bali Hai will keep your day and your belly full. Contact them in person to learn about their Tahiti vacation specials.
Dream Island Motu Faraone, Hauru Point, Moorea, Tahiti 98729, French Polynesia
For no more expensive than a higher-end hotel, you can have your own private Tahitian getaway. At Dream Island rather than sharing a beach with other vacationers, you can have your own private white sand beach which slopes gently down to clear sapphire water, which hides coral ideal for snorkelling. A private staff to prepare your food is available.
Fare Arana Rue du Pont-Neuf, Bp 3351 Temae, Haapiti, Moorea, Tahiti 98729, French Polynesia
Fare Arana is set slightly away from the beach overlooking the water from a hill giving the patrons stunning views from amongst the lush green Polynesian plant life. Being further back from the water lowers the price of staying at this picturesque resort. The bungalows are not extravagant but are clean and well maintained.
Adventure
Lagoon Bora Bora Larger than the island of Bora Bora, this unbelievably beautiful lagoon is arguably the best place to vacation in the world. Spending a night in one of the over-water bungalows is a rare experience you will never forget.
Mt. Marau, Tahiti Mt. Marau is a completely different side of Tahiti. Climbing to the summit is an activity rarely completed by vacationers, but if you make it to the top the view is unparalleled.
Maeva, Huahine For those ameture archaeologists out there a perfect activity is to explore ruins from the marae (pre- European traditional temples) at Maeva.
Nightlife
Le 106 is a trendy nightclub where a good time is a guarantee. In addition to Disco music Le 106 also features Tahitian dance.
Le Paradise Le Paradise is just what it promises, located on the waterfront looking out on the Mo’orea docks it provides a perfect setting for an evening of dancing to their African, West-Indian or Tahitian music, as well as Karaoke once a week on Wednesdays.
Le Piano Bar Le Piano Bar has a live performance every night, it also caters to a different sort of crowd, it is a well-known place for transvestites to meet.
Le Morrison’s Café With an Outdoor area that overlooks the harbour, Le Morrison’s Café is one of the hottest spots in Tahiti. Featuring live music on Thursdays, and DJ’s from around the world on weekends Le Morrison’s Café always has something new.
L’Apetahi With fine dining and sometimes fine Karaoke on Thursday s and Saturdays, L’Apetahi draws a crowd that loves to have fun.
Traditional Dance Performance One great local activity is checking out one of the South Pacific traditional dance groups. With performances all over Papeete, you can select the venue that suits your tastes and budget.
Fun for all
Musée de Tahiti et des Îles Musée de Tahiti et des Îles (or Museum of Tahiti and her Islands) is a perfect place to start for those culture junkies who love to get to know the history and soul of the places they visit. The museum is broken down into four major sections which include geography/ natural history, the pre-European Tahitian culture, the impact of European explorers, and larger outdoor exhibits. As with everything in the Tahitian islands it is set in a beautiful place.
Musée Gauguin Musee Gauguin (or the Gauguin Museum) is dedicated to the work of Paul Gauguin who lived in French Polynesia. Although the museum owns few of Gauguin’s major work’s, it is possible that they are on loan to it when you visit.
Marché de Pape’ete Tahiti The Marche de Papeete Tahiti (or Municipal Market) is where you get the feel of the real Tahitian culture, and it’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs for jealous friends and relatives.
West Coast, Huahine The west coast of Tahiti in the Huahine area is as sleepy, quiet and beautiful as much of South Polynesia. If you came to Tahiti for a break from the fast-paced mainland, this is a good place to get it.
