Planning a trip of a lifetime requires some tough decisions. Do you book an indulgent week in luxurious accommodation, with ample beach and poolside relaxation time? Map out a culturally immersive experience where you mix with the locals, try the traditional cuisine and visit historically important sites? Or plan an action-packed adventure complete with helicopter ride, volcano bike excursion and scuba-diving with sharks?
One of the South Pacific's best known luxury small-ship operators offers all of the above. French Polynesia specialists Paul Gauguin Cruises have been around for two decades but earlier this year the ship underwent an extensive refurbishment overseen by renowned French architect and interior designer Jean Philippe Nuel. Each of its spacious 165 staterooms – along with the pool, spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and lounges – have been elegantly appointed in a chic, ocean-inspired palette; its onboard amenities and services have also been elevated to match these new levels of luxury. Because it only takes 332 guests, that means a guest to crew ratio of 1.5-1. Now they're preparing to set sail on 39 voyages in 2022 and 2023.
Guests have to option to explore Tahiti and the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas Islands, plus neighbouring Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji. Some of the voyages also include a day in Tahiti's Taha'a lagoon, so you can unwind, movie-star style, on the private island of Motu Mahana, a desert island paradise of dazzling turquoise waters, with white sand and swaying palm trees. It's a picture-perfect spot to relax on a sun lounger with a book, play beach volleyball or try your hand at coconut cracking, before your Tahitian chefs prepare a gourmet barbecue right on the beach. And the next day? A whole new destination, taking in another of the world's most beautiful islands, coral reefs or lagoons.
It's that unique combination of top-end service and geographical diversity that makes luxury small-ship cruising an enticing and cost-effective alternative to the overwater bungalows many couples and families seek out in French Polynesia. Because the ship has shallow draught it is able to quickly, easily and sustainably access the islands and lagoons.
"It's why our tagline is 'This overwater bungalow sails,'" says Paul Gauguin Cruises business development executive Bianca Bratton. "We take the fuss and stress out of a Tahitian holiday by organising all the inter-island transport. It means guests can relax completely and arrive at a new destination each day."
Travellers can choose between seven, 10, 11 and 14-night excursions, at just over NZD 4,000 per person (for a seven-night voyage), all inclusive of activities and meals. Each itinerary is packed with highlights, from archaeological ruins to Polynesian temples, black pearl farms, and vanilla and fruit plantations. The classic week-long voyage throughout Tahiti and the Society Islands includes secluded Huahine, where visitors can explore the local village on foot, wander through lush rainforests or trek to archaeological remains. The trip also takes in mystical Bora Bora, with its captivating white sandy beaches (including another private location), stunning azure lagoons and tropical vegetation. Two-week excursions to the Marquesas Islands offer a fascinating opportunity to explore exceptional flora and fauna, black-sand beaches and stone sculptures, said to be linked to the famous statues of Easter Island; it's also where you'll find the gravesite of Paul Gauguin, the famous artist and the ship's namesake, whose bold post-impressionist paintings adorn the ship. West of the Tuamotus is the atoll of Fakarava, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve, home to grey sharks and untouched coral reefs, the ideal spot for snorkelling or (for an extra charge) scuba diving – dive novices even have the option to get certification while on holiday.
If venturing underwater is a step too far but you're keen to experience just about every water sport you can think of, each small-ship cruise offers everything from paddle-boarding to kayaking, underwater scooting and jet skiing.
Cultural immersion is part of the experience, with both local communities and onboard hosts sharing their heritage. Joining the guests are hosts Les Gauguins and Les Gauguines, Polynesian dancers and entertainers who enrich each cruise with their culture and traditions, from singing to dancing to arts and crafts.
Meanwhile, the 'Moana Explorer Programme' Kids club is based on sustainability and the environment, which ties in with Le Paul Gauguin's commitment to environmental responsibility through its new energy-saving initiatives. After ditching the use of heavy fuels, the operators have adopted a cleaner alternative (low-sulphur marine gas oil), allowing it to maintain and preserve the beautiful environment through which it sails.
Book a Paul Gauguin luxury small-ship cruise for 2022 and 2023, with itineraries including: 10-night Society Islands and Tuamotus; seven-night Tahiti and the Society Islands; 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands voyages and 11-night Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands. For more information, contact your travel agent or Paul Gauguin Cruises on 0800 854 777, email Paulgauguin.aus@ponant.com or visit Au.ponant.com/paul-gauguin