FRENCH POLYNESIA – SOUTH SEAS CRUISING & ISLAND HOPPING
FRENCH POLYNESIA
There could hardly be a corner of the world further removed from the everyday than the South Pacific islands of French Polynesia. Over 25,000 of them lie scattered here across the ocean in a vivid green-and-gold jigsaw – the magic of their extravagant beauty and beguiling mood inspiration for Gauguin, Stevenson and countless many more.
Radisson Plaza Resort Pool Night
French Polynesia’s archipelagos form a spectacular chain of 115 rugged volcanic islands and coral atolls. The largest, volcanic in origin, are divided by emerald green valleys clothed in dense rainforests. They push skywards almost sheer from the ocean, framed by seas of improbable blue, sparkling invitingly within their own protective necklace of coral.
Here the warm breezes of the tropics carry the heady perfumes of brilliantly coloured flowers, exotic fruits and spices that flourish amid these benign temperatures. Feathery palms, white sand coral beaches, seas of dazzling turquoise and cobalt blue and coral reefs rich in colourful marine life add their own assault on the senses.
Largest and most developed of the Society Islands archipelago is Tahiti, which combines the unmistakeable ambience of the South Seas with the no less indelible style and chic of a former French colony – while, just 12 miles away, is Moorea, a vision of James Michener’s mythical Bali Hai, with jagged mountain peaks, stunning bays, lagoons and pristine beaches. Bora Bora, 150 miles north-west, lies amid the bluest of lagoons, with a filigree of tiny coral-reef-ringed atolls. Its ‘neighbours’ include timeless Huahine-Nui, Taha’a and Raiatea whilst Manihi, Tikehau, Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Atoll, are yet more remote desert island havens. Make this dream destination a reality for you!
Nomade Yachting by Bora Bora Cruises:
How better to explore the exotic South Seas world of Tahiti and her islands, than aboard a romantic ‘boutique cruise’. The Society Islands’ waters offer spectacular cruising grounds – never more so than when your cruise vessel is of a custom-designed luxury yacht. The superb yachts ‘Tu Moana’ and ‘Tia Moana’ of Bora Bora Cruises offer you a 7-day/6-night circular Tahitian voyage of discovery through the lagoons of Bora Bora, Taha’a, Raiatea and Huahine with a relaxing programme of water sports, leisure activities and à la carte menu; of optional shore excursions – from jet ski island tours, scuba-diving and shark feeding. The luxurious amenities on board include a panoramic restaurant, two bars, sundeck, two Jacuzzis, library and fitness suite.
Star Flyer Cruises:
Star Flyer French Polynesia
Further island-hopping cruises can be included in a tailor-made itinerary to suit your own schedule and requirements. Star Flyer operates a series of scheduled 7, 10 or 11-night cruises around the Society Islands on a true mega-yacht sailing experience. Although this unique vessel reflects its proud heritage in its gleaming brightwork and polished brass, it is a modern cruise ship in every way, created for luxury-loving passengers who also seek the tradition and romance of the legendary era of sailing ships. By day enjoy the many water sports activities included, help with the sails or simply sit back and enjoy sailing. By night, relax in the lounge, the Piano Bar or enjoy the locally flavoured entertainment. Life aboard a Star Clipper cruise is blissfully relaxed and informal!
Island Hopping:
A journey to the South Seas demands a visit to more than just one Polynesian island. ‘The Pearls of Polynesia’ is a relaxing island-hopping itinerary with excellent diving opportunities featuring the idyllic islands of Moorea, Bora Bora and Tikehau in the Tuamotu Atoll for an enchanting stay at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort – heavenly!
Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort Swimming Pool
From jade green to purple lagoons – it almost defies belief. Come see and believe in the ‘Gems of Polynesia’ itinerary featuring Moorea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Atoll. Warm water and amazing visibility – a diving experience above the rest in ‘Divers Paradise’, an extension of ‘Gems of Polynesia’, itinerary featuring Fakarava – teeming with marine life and a number of dive sites still virtually untouched!
Finally, ‘The Society Islands Par Excellence’ – la crème de la crème of Polynesian hospitality and luxury. Four exquisite nights in Bora Bora following by a 6-night Bora Bora cruise around the Society Islands. Then enjoy an exhilarating helicopter ride to Le Taha’a Island & Spa for pure relaxation – 4 nights of absolute bliss!
Stopover Plus – USA + French Polynesia:
An ideal option is to combine your trip to French Polynesia with a fabulous stopover in the USA for a worthy ‘city break’. Options include the stylish ultra-bold post modern Mondrian in Los Angeles with its location on fabled Sunset Boulevard, the spectacular Bellagio in Las Vegas or the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, in the heart of the city, a short stroll from Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
