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Spa Vacations
Spa Vacations are becoming increasingly popular. In French
Polynesia, tradition has always cultivated nature as a source
of beauty, balance and the blooming of body and soul. The
‘Helene’ Spa at the Intercontinental Resort Moorea
offers several kinds of massage, body scrubs, wraps and masks
in a tropical garden setting. Mandara Spa offers a treatment
menu that honors the healing traditions of the Pacific Rim
at superb facilities located at the Sheraton Resorts on Tahiti
and Moorea and at the Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa. More facilities
are opening all the time so ask us about new Spas.
Diving
Most resorts in Tahiti offer wonderful diving facilities.
Many have an in-house Dive Shop and certified instructors
offering all the equipment and experience you need. All islands
have different types of diving and many things to see, however
the lagoon at Rangiroa is especially great. You can scuba
dive anywhere with confidence. Visibility can be up to 150
feet, the water clear and a balmy 80+ degrees year round.
Enjoy shallow, ocean or drift dives and see unique coral and
marine life. At 60 feet below, hand feed non-threatening sharks
and rays. Dive on a scuttled PBY and an old sailing ship in
the Tahiti lagoon. You can even get PADI certified while you
are on vacation. Ask us about the dive facilities at the resort
that you are considering.
Family Vacations
While Tahiti has more of a reputation for romantic couple
vacations, there are facilities for families with children.
Ask us about resorts that have room configurations suitable
for families such as Le Maitai on Bora Bora that has family
villas and the Sofitel Ia Ora and the new Sheraton on Moorea
that have interconnecting rooms.
The Moorea Inter-Continental Resort has a ‘Kids Only
Club’. This includes outdoor games in the swimming pool,
beach activities, tropical fruit tasting, Petanque and Croquet.
Art and craft lessons include flower crown and shell lei making,
coconut tree palm weaving, Pareo tying and Tamure dance lessons,
Pareo dyeing and much more. Kids choose from the Kids a la
carte menu. Ages range from 4-10 years. The Kids Club is open
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Lunch is at 11:30am and there is a snack at 3pm. The cost
per day is approx. $60 and reservations should be made a day
in advance. There are alternative indoor activities for inclement
weather. Optional activities at additional cost and additional
restrictions include Dolphin Quest and Scuba Diving tuition.
Golf
French Polynesia has only one golf course. It is on Tahiti,
25 miles from Papeete and is accessible by rental car or on
a pre-arranged tour. It is a 6,950 yard, par 72 course designed
by Californian architect Bob Baldock who has designed over
350 courses throughout the USA and Mexico. Green fees are
approx. $54 and a full days outing, including equipment rental,
green fees and transfers, can be arranged from your Tahiti
Hotel. The course offers majestic views of the island and
outer reef.
There are a couple of resorts with driving ranges including
the Sofitel Maeva Beach on Tahiti which has a 220 yard driving
range at the property.
Surfing
There are two seasons for surf in Tahiti; Summer from November
to March and Winter from April to October. Summer swells are
from the north however winter is the best time for quality
surf as the southerly storms from New Zealand deliver lots
of swell. The most famous break for surfing in French Polynesia
is off the island of Huahine. The renowned waves are Avamoa
Pass. The regular waves of the reef passages are appreciated
by keen surfers, particularly in the north opposite Fare and
Fitii and in the south opposite Parea. You will find young
Tahitians surfing here on weekends.
Escapism
Looking for some places far from the madding crowd? Do you
want to escape to the ends of the earth and slip into a forgotten
paradise? If this sounds like you, we recommend you try Kia
Ora Sauvage in Rangiroa or the Vahine Island Resort on Tahaa.
These resorts offer simplicity and solitude, creature comforts
and adventurous activities.
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