Tahiti & Bora Bora :

No one who hears the word Tahiti doesn't associate it with paradise, luxury and a time to get lost in relaxation. I had been to Tahiti’s main island once before but only for one short day--in the capital city of Papeete. Then I was off on a cruise to the remote Marquesas Islands. This time it was an all touristy and “what to do when you’re in Tahiti” type of trip, but nevertheless I still had a luxury experience beyond comparison.

Of course, Tahiti is not inexpensive so if you’re worrying about paying $10 for beer or $30 for a hamburger, keep saving your money.  However, that’s the best thing about Tahiti for readers who understand the implications of a vacation in paradise; it’s a place where you truly can rub elbows with the Kardashians in Bora Bora or sit next to a family who just flew in for the day to have lunch at Le Lotus.

I started my 10-day trip to tranquility on a flight from Los Angeles to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui.  While the airline is like any other economy class and business class is more or less equal to the domestic airlines in the United States, you will get a real thrill seeing the flight attendants make
three costume changes within the eight-hour flight.  There is the business look as passengers are boarding, the relaxed attire while serving food and drinks and finally the, “we have arrived” in Tahiti costume change as the plane lands in paradise. Another note to those wondering about economy versus business class, spring for the latter if you can. While I was not upgraded unfortunately, the folks at Air Tahiti Nui did offer me a lounge pass to enjoy while waiting for the flight on the outgoing leg and they also managed to move me to a bulk head seat.  How many ways to say thank you in Tahitian was called for because let’s face it economy just hasn’t been fun since I was about 12 years old.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort
Upon arrival in Papeete my first stop was at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort in the capital city.  I waited for my cruise there the following day and in the meantime was treated to excellent service and rooms.  It made me wonder did I really have to leave, I could have just stayed right there for the next 10 days. InterContinental Tahiti Resort is considered one of the top hotels on the island of Tahiti. It is located on a lagoon with majestic views of Tahiti’s sister island, Moorea. There are two restaurants, three bars and a spa. The resort is also home to Bathy’s Diving Club, the only dive center in French Polynesia rated "Five stars by Gold Palm IDC PADI.”   There are two pools, a private beach, tennis courts and 30 acres of private gardens.

Le Lotus Restaurant
One real standout of Papeete’ InterContinental is the Le Lotus Restaurant where I had lunch. I also watched the chef make some excellent dishes, which I was later served while sipping on fine French wine and gazing out into the South Pacific over to the island of Moorea in the distance. Le Lotus’ chef Franck David’s designation goes something like this, Vice Best Chef of French Polynesia, Chef of La Lotus Restaurant and L’Auberge de
L’ill, the three-star Michelin partner restaurant in Alsace, France. Choices are from two to four courses or a la carte and all the dishes on the menu are made from famous recipes of Chef Haeberlin who is associated with the restaurant.  You might start with the Lemon Sole topped on mashed potatoes with melting spinach and truffle sauce or go for the cold starter of simmered shellfish and crab topped on artichoke.  Dig deeper into the menu and there is the Lamb rib with herbs or the grilled duck breast.  Finally desert is delightful with a half ball chocolate mousse with salty butter caramel and hazelnut sorbet or Black Forest cake Haeberlin Way. Before heading out on the Paul Gauguin cruise I also embarked on a Tahitian Excursion of the island for an adventure that included visiting the interior of Tahiti, Papeenoo Valley and Maroto Waterfalls.  The best way to see this main island is to take some time to explore the interior, rich in culture and beauty. Ask the concierge at the hotel for tour recommendations.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship
It just got better as I boarded the Paul Gauguin cruise ship the next day to island hop for four days before taking leave in Bora Bora for an additional three nights. Just a side note about Paul Gauguin, the ship is named after the French artist who eventually took his inspiration from the islands in the latter part of ....