Polynesian paradise

IDYLLIC: The pool, sea and the over-water bungalows at the Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort.

HAVING not been to Tahiti for over 30 years, my wife and I were really excited to be returning to these French Polynesian islands. We stepped on board Air Tahiti Nui greeted with a friendly smile and gardenia flower and got to experience their new aircraft.

With a great selection of movies, due to the flight time of approximately four hours, we managed to squeeze in two movies. The inflight service and food was outstanding, from a shrimp cocktail to chocolate eclairs, with extremely attentive cabin crew topping off a great flight. We even received a small gift which included flight socks and ear plugs.

We arrived to Tahitian singing and warmth which was nice at 10pm. After a quick transfer we arrived at the Tahitian Pearl Resort. We were amazed at the sheer size of our room — separate lounge, two toilets, balcony and huge bathroom with his and hers basins.

Breakfast was a smorgasbord of cooked and continental including an array of fruit, cheese, hams and pastries. As we devoured our breakfast, in the distance we saw a whale frolicking in the sea. The view from the Tahitian Pearl Resort was breathtaking. Although the sand is black, the bay is calm and the waters as pure as those of Bora Bora.

Whether you prefer to be pampered in their day spa, do a spin class in the pool or longboard out around the bay, the Tahitian Pearl has a very relaxed atmosphere and that makes you feel like you never want to leave.

Our friendly transfer man picked us up and we got to see Papeete in daylight, through the little back streets to the ferry terminal. There we met a real character who told us all there is to know about the ferry and the island of Moorea. He was a wealth of knowledge and we received a great little booklet which has many sightseeing options and eateries.

A ferry to MooreaThe older of the ferries, the Aremiti, took us across to Moorea. Sitting out on the top deck is a must. The 45-minute ferry ride was a lovely time to relax and view the beautiful scenery plus sample the local beer, Hinano, very light, easy to drink and made at the local brewery.

On nearing Moorea we were amazed at how truly mountainous it is, covered in lush greenery almost like a rainforest. Our next destination was the Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort. We were greeted with a welcome pineapple juice and had a look around this beautiful resort. The over-water bungalows were pretty special, set above the water with coral and tropical fish. It was the best place to snorkel. The beach is covered in white sand with a tide that rises less than half a metre. With Papeete in the distance, the sea between Moorea and the mainland is crystal clear and the bluest of blues.

Our garden bungalow was just lovely with its own little deck with a view of the sea, an extremely comfortable bed, big bathroom with a shower that opened out into a little private garden, not to mention the Nespresso for the coffee lovers.

Our group decided to eat out and chose the Moorea Beach Café. Set on the beach, it’s a delightful restaurant with the most beautiful food: raw tuna that didn’t even taste like fish, New Zealand steak that melted in your mouth and just when I thought maybe a small brûlée is all I can fit in, the rather large dish of brûlée arrived. Nothing in Tahiti is done by halves so no ramekin dishes here but it was so delicious, it was criminal to leave any. Needless to say we left with stomachs bulging but smiles on our faces.

We awoke to a bright day of sunshine and after another amazing breakfast with a couple of helpings of croissants and pastries we had a day to enjoy at our leisure. We went to Moorea village with a Tahitian pearl in mind. It’s a great little village with eateries and many a pearl shop. The Tahitian pearls have to be seen to be believed — so many variations in colours, size and price. There certainly is a pearl for everyone’s taste.

An afternoon by the poolOur afternoon was spent by the pool which overlooks the bungalows and the beautiful blue waters, but you are certainly not limited to this with many excursions available — jet skiing, ray feeding with beach picnic, 4WD touring to name a few.

After a glorious day of relaxing we reluctantly left Moorea this time by the Terevau ferry, a newer one which only takes 30 minutes. Obviously a local favourite, we got to enjoy the ride with the locals and enjoy their Polynesian music as one of them had brought his stereo. We rode the waters with a sense of peace, admiring the beautiful scenery before us and the gorgeous Tahitians surrounding us.

On arrival at Papeete we travelled to our last stop, the Le Meridien Tahiti. With a fresh fruit juice in hand from reception, we looked down on to the bar area and above it on the roof, there was a huge pond complete with fish and water lilies. The Le Meridien is beautiful — the whole complex looks out on to the sandy-bottomed pool which is surrounded by sand on a man-made mini beach.

Our hotel room was lovely with plenty of space and a large bathroom, fresh décor and a comfy bed to guarantee a great night’s sleep. We were lucky enough to strike their Tahitian night which was full of great Polynesian dancing of an extremely high standard. This was our last night and we were sad it had come to an end.

Our Air Tahiti flight to New Zealand was on one of their older aircraft but the in-flight service, meal and comfort were again of a high standard.

Tahiti is such a beautiful destination, with the French influence, the most amazing food, and waters that are just so blue, pure and clear.

It’s a destination that doesn’t have to be expensive, contrary to what many people believe. Tahiti has roulettes where you can sample the local food, supermarkets called Carrefour where you can buy all your groceries including beer, wine and delicious baguettes filled with ham, cheese and salad.

I’m sure we won’t leave it another 30 years before we return to this Polynesian paradise.