Recommend April 2013 - (Page 12)

TAHITITOURISM.COM TAHITI Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, is appropriately crowned by a circle of majestic peaks. The mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls, all bathed in the green iridescence of Mother N ature’s light. The coastal lands, edged with a rugged coastline, are ho e to fields of tropical owers and ost of the island’s population. Papeete, meaning “ water basket,” was once a gathering place where ahitians ca e to fill their calabashes with fresh water. N ow, Papeete, the invigorating capital city and gateway of the country, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine dining and uni ue restaurants, nightclu s, i rant arkets, useu s, pearl shops, and outi ues. 4x4 excursion vehicles for half- and • Family-sizedinto the lush interior exploration with afull-day expeditions picnic • • • • under a waterfall. Guided hiking and boating excursions with a naturalist who provides a close up study of the bird, plant, and marine life. Tours of the museums and points of interest around the island with exhibits of interest for the whole family about geology, art, history, and exploration. Regular performances of music, sport, and dance featuring local children. N ightly outings to the waterfront where the roul ottes offer a fun way to enjoy food and dessert along with local families and their children. Family Time On Tahiti Shopping at the Public Market Tahiti offers a world of adventure for families and for children of all ages. W hether here for a day or a week, the ur an and island en iron ent pro ides a uni ue lend of accommodations and activities for families including: L e Marc h e i s the bustling public market founded more than 17 0 years ago where visitors can shop at hundreds of stands filled with ahitian- ade crafts, oils, anilla, fruits, and owers. Open everyday except holidays, the market is especially colorful and lively on Sunday mornings when locals stock up for a day of family gatherings. L oc ated tw o b l oc k s f rom th e w aterf ront and eas i l y reac h ed b y tax i f rom any res ort. arge resort swimming pools; some with waterfalls and • Lsand bottoms. hite- and • Wsnorkeling. black-sand beaches with calm and shallow HISTORY ON DISPLAY T h e M u seu m o f T ah iti & H er I sl ands: Considered to be one of the best and most beautiful museums in the South Pacific, here Pol nesian histor is carefull recorded and presented. Highlights include rare collections of art carvings and historical artifacts. N i ne mi l es South w es t of P ap eete, ad j ac ent to L e Meri d i en T ah i ti R es ort. T h e J am es N o rm an H al l H o m e: James N orman Hall, one of Tahiti’s most famous resident authors, co-authored Muti ny on th e Bounty and wrote many other fables of the South Seas. The home is carefully maintained, as it was when Hall lived in Tahiti from 19 20 to 19 5 1. T h ree mi l es E as t of P ap eete i n A rue, near th e R ad i s s on P l az a R es ort T ah i ti . T h e G au g u in M u seu m : This museum is dedicated to Paul Gauguin’s life during his years on Tahiti and in the ar uesas. T h e mus eum s i ts w i th i n th e b eauti f ul Harri s on Smi th Botani c al G ard ens ; 3 2 mi l es f rom P ap eete i n P ap eari . T h e R o b ert Wan P earl M u seu m : This is the only museum in the world devoted entirely to cultured Tahitian black pearls. Boul ev ard P omare near D ow ntow n P ap eete i n th e P aof ai T emp l e. 12 april 2013 PAGES-Tahiti-DIGITAL.indd 12 Circle–Island Tour This route takes in more than 7 1 miles of dramatic coastline scenery with wave-pounded cliffs, peaceful beaches, and brightly colored churches. Popular stops include many overlooks, waterfalls, and ancient sites. An extended tour takes travelers to the peninsula of Tahiti iti. The Monoï Road Tahiti is the worldwide source of monoï oil, the famous beauty and skin oil used in cosmetics, creams, and lotions. visitors can now experience all facets of the monoï oil industry with a newly organized collective of experiences concentrated along the circle-island road. Choose from any of the 22 botanic workshops, coconut gro es, iare ahiti ower growers, traditional and modern manufacturers, and spas that specialize in using monoï oil in their treatments. Diving The island of Tahiti is perfect for both beginning and advanced divers. Highlights include shallow waters, oceanic drop-offs, sunken ships and planes, bright coral walls, and schools of smaller species. The Atoll of Tetiaroa Historically, a private getaway reserved for Tahitian royalty, this 4.5 -mile-wide atoll comprised of 13 motus ( small coral islands) , is now accessible by private charter from Papeete or Moorea. in addition to its former designation as a royal vacation spot, it was also once used by the K ing to hide treasures during times of trouble. recommend.com 3/25/13 8:13 AM http://www.TAHITITOURISM.COM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend April 2013

Editor's Notes
The Islands of Tahiti
Hotel Desk: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Tour Talk: Islands in the Sun
A Med Escape: Greek Isles & Cyprus
Set Sail
The Seychelles' Private Island Resorts
Portrait of Israel
Booking 2 on the Isles: Easter Island & Galapagos
Island-Hopping in Mexico: Cozumel, Isla Holbox & Isla Mujeres
The Pulse of Poipu, Hawaii
Florida's Islands: Amelia, Captiva & Sanibel
The Real Caribbean: Grenada & Martinique

Recommend April 2013