bora bora

hilton bora bora nui resort and spa

With lush tropical rainforests, immaculate beaches and a dream-like aquamarine lagoon, Bora Bora is probably the most beautiful place on earth. If you’re looking for luxury, this legendary island has it all... exotic spas, five-star dining and you can even stay in your very own romantic over-water bungalow.

Tahiti Hotels and Resorts

Unlike any other properties in the world, the luxury hotels and resorts of Tahiti offer a perfect combination of experience, service, dramatic views, cuisine, ambience, and accommodations. Lodging types range from rooms and suites with ocean views to Tahiti's signature overwater bungalow- complete with glass floors and a private deck with a ladder to the water.
Come experience accommodations beyond the ordinary!

tahiti

Transportation
	Travel between Tahiti Islands Travel to the neighboring islands is short, convenient, and easily arranged. The domestic airlines, Air Tahiti and Air Moorea, are located at Tahiti Faa’a Airport. Air TahitiAs the major inter-island airline, Air Tahiti serves 40 islands with newer, twin-engine, jet-prop aircraft. Flights to the neighboring islands depart from Tahiti Faa’a Airport with frequent daily service between the most visited islands. Aremiti, Tahiti-Moorea-TahitiBetween Tahiti and Moorea, Aremiti operates the high-speed Aremiti Catamaran 4 which seats 495 passengers for a 30-minute one-way crossing. For transport of autos and passengers, the Aremiti Ferry crosses in 1 hour. Both have frequent daily schedules from the waterfront in Papeete to Vaiare, Moorea. Moorea Express, Tahiti-Moorea-TahitiBetween Tahiti and Vaiare, Moorea, the Moorea Express catamaran seats 306 passengers for frequent 30-minute crossings and the Moorea Ferry seats 300 passengers plus autos for 1 hour crossings. Other Ferry TransportationOther infrequent inter-island ferries are available but are not recommended as a transportation option for visitors.

Island of Tahiti Transportation

Getting To and Around the Island of Tahiti

Because of its larger size and population, the island of Tahiti has many transportation options.
Upon arrival, transport from Faa'a International Airport to your hotel or cruise ship is quick and should be arranged by your preferred travel professional or by your hotel or cruise ship. Connecting flights to other islands on Air Tahiti and Air Moorea leave from Faa'a Airport. Passenger ferries to Moorea depart from the waterfront in downtown Papeete.
To get around Papeete and the surrounding towns, the public transit system offers two bus services: the Le Truck allows frequent stops and a unique way of meeting the locals while the large white RTC motor coaches offer more conventional seating. Taxi service is also available from your hotel and is best arranged by your hotel's concierge. Once in downtown Papeete, the waterfront, restaurants, and shopping are within walking distance.
Escorted circle-island bus or 4x4 tours are the ideal way to explore the points of interest around Tahiti's coast and within the interior valleys. Car rentals are also available from the airport and your hotels. Other methods of exploring the island include motorboat and yacht charters, outrigger canoe tours of Matavai Bay, and helicopter tours-all of which can be arranged in advance or at the activity desk of your resort or cruise ship.

Bora Bora Transportation

Getting to and around Bora Bora

Bora Bora is within the same island chain as Tahiti and Moorea and is easily reached with regular flights.
Bora Bora is served by Air Tahiti with frequent 45-minute flights from Papeete and Moorea, and 20-minute flights from Huahine and Raiatea. Air Tahiti also has regular flights to the Tuamotu Atolls and a weekly flight to the Marquesas.
The airport, built on a beautiful motu, is accessible only by a short ferry ride to the port village of Vaitape. Resort transport is either by private motorboats from the airport operated by some of the luxury resorts or by shuttle from Vaitape. Also, helicopter transfer is available from Bora Bora airport for reserved guests of Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa.
Transport to your resort should be arranged in advance by your preferred Travel Company or resort.
Bora Bora has few taxis and operates the public transit systems, Le Truck. In the evenings, some restaurants provide transportation to and from your resort. The roads can be explored through hired excursion or rental car while the lagoon can be navigated by motorboat and outrigger canoe. Helicopters can also be hired for island tours.

Transportation

Travel between Tahiti Islands
Travel to the neighboring islands is short, convenient, and easily arranged. The domestic airlines, Air Tahiti and Air Moorea, are located at Tahiti Faa’a Airport.

Air TahitiAs the major inter-island airline, Air Tahiti serves 40 islands with newer, twin-engine, jet-prop aircraft. Flights to the neighboring islands depart from Tahiti Faa’a Airport with frequent daily service between the most visited islands.

Aremiti, Tahiti-Moorea-TahitiBetween Tahiti and Moorea, Aremiti operates the high-speed Aremiti Catamaran 4 which seats 495 passengers for a 30-minute one-way crossing. For transport of autos and passengers, the Aremiti Ferry crosses in 1 hour. Both have frequent daily schedules from the waterfront in Papeete to Vaiare, Moorea.

Moorea Express, Tahiti-Moorea-TahitiBetween Tahiti and Vaiare, Moorea, the Moorea Express catamaran seats 306 passengers for frequent 30-minute crossings and the Moorea Ferry seats 300 passengers plus autos for 1 hour crossings.

Other Ferry TransportationOther infrequent inter-island ferries are available but are not recommended as a transportation option for visitors.

Speak Tahitian

Learn a few useful words and phrases

Even though English is spoken and understood in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, learning a few Tahitian words and phrases is encouraged and appreciated.
It can also be helpful, but not mandatory, to brush up on a few basic French phrases as French and Tahitian are the official languages and both are commonly used.

The Tahitian alphabet contains only thirteen letters. Vowels: a as in car, e as in may, i as in machine, o as in cold, and u as in salute.
Consonants: f,h,m,n,p,r,t,v pronounced as in English with the exceptions of theh pronounced sh when preceded by i or followed by o and the r sometimes having a trill sound.

hello, good day, friendly greeting – ia ora nagoodbye – nana
welcome – maeva
thank you – mauruuru
no problem!, no worries! – aita pe'ape'a
how are you? – eaha te huru?
good! – maita'i
to your health, toast – manuia

house – fare
bank – fare moni
church – fare pure
post office – fare rata
hospital – fare ma’i
store – fare toa

doctor – taote
police – muto’i

man – tane
woman – vahinechild – tamarii
yes – e, oia
no – aita

small – iti
big, large – nui

islet in the lagoon – motu
ancient temple – marae
traditional quilts – tifaifai
traditional dance – tamurei
fenua – land
flower – tiare
ocean – moana
sun – mahana
moon – avaestar – fetiaearth oven – himaafeast – tamaaraa

morning – poipoi
evening – ahiahi

Heiva I Tahiti

“The Celebration of Life”

In Tahitian, the word Heiva (hei meaning to assemble, and va meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise, and festivals. Music, dancing, singing and sporting events have always held an important place in Polynesian communities. In ancient times, they were essential components of religious and political ceremonies. Dance was one of the most sophisticated and ritualized art forms performed in groups or individually.
In the 19th Century, Christian missionaries condemned these demonstrations that were described as an erotic form of debauchery. In 1819, King Pomare II legally forbade the practice. At that time, after being banished from public areas, dancing became a clandestine practice for the people.
In 1881, after a long struggle with England and Protestant missionaries, France annexed a large part of what is today French Polynesia. Bastille Day, France's national holiday celebrated on July 14th, became symbolic for the Polynesians. On this one-day, France allowed sports and dancing in an effort to overcome the Anglo-Saxon influence and to satisfy Polynesians' taste for festivities.
Traditional dance made a resurgence in 1881 after being severely restricted for several decades. That year, the first Heiva I Tahiti was organized and named Tiurai, meaning “July the month of festivities.”
In 1977, French Polynesia gained greater political autonomy from France. This political and cultural emancipation led authorities to organize the Heiva I Tahiti in June 1985, which replaced the public holiday festival of the Tiurai.
More than just a simple festival, Heiva I Tahiti has become the symbol of the Polynesian culture and an iconic event for a people proud of their heritage.
These performances highlight the drama of an opera and the distinct imprints of an ancestral tradition. The dances are unique creations, for which the dancers train for six months or more. Text music, choreography and costumes are based on a historical or legendary theme.
Live music and singing accompany the dancers. The orchestras are made up of five to fifty musicians using traditional instruments such as the nasal flute or “vivo,” made from a portion of bamboo, marine shells or “pu,” and more recently, the ukulele, a small Hawaiian guitar with soft tones.
The traditional singing competition accounts for another powerful portion of the Heiva I Tahiti. The melodies include a cappella in “reo ma'ohi” (Polynesian language), which express moments of joy and melancholy.
Since its creation, the Heiva I Tahiti, has also been a showcase for traditional sports and games. The traditional sporting events are based on ancient athletic activities and include; a stone lifting competition, a javelin- throwing event, outrigger canoe races, a copra competition, and a fruit carrying competition.

Tahiti History and Culture

History

Around 4000 BC, a great migration began from Southeast Asia across open ocean to settle the Pacific Islands. Many researchers conclude that Tonga and Samoa were settled around 1300 BC and from here colonization voyages were launched to the Marquesas Islands in about 200 BC. Over the next several centuries, great migrations to colonize all the Tahitian islands and virtually the entire South Pacific took place.

This area of the Pacific ocean is now called the “Polynesian Triangle” and includes Hawaii to the north, Easter Island to the southeast, and New Zealand to the southwest. As a result of these migrations, the native Hawaiians and the Maoris of New Zealand all originate from common ancestors and speak a similar language collectively known as Maohi.

The era of European exploration began in the 1500s when “ships without outriggers” began to arrive. In 1521, Magellan spotted the atoll of Pukapuka in what is now the Tuamotu Atolls and, in 1595, the Spanish explorer Mendaña visited Fatu Hiva Island in the Marquesas. More than 170 years later, Captain Samuel Wallis and the H.M.S. Dolphin was the first to visit the island of Tahiti during his journey to discover terra australis incognita, a mythical landmass below the equator thought to balance the northern hemisphere. Wallis named the island of Tahiti “King George III Island” and claimed it for England. Soon after and unaware of Wallis’ arrival, French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, landed on the opposite side of Tahiti and claimed it for the King of France.

European fascination with the islands grew as news spread of both the mutiny of Capt. William Bligh’s crew aboard the H.M.S. Bounty and of tales of tropical beauty and the warm nature of the Tahitian people. Knowledge of Tahiti and the South Pacific continued to grow as Capt. James Cook brought back thousands of illustrations of Tahitian flora and fauna as well as the first map of the islands of the Pacific. In the 1800s, the arrival of whalers, British missionaries, and French military expeditions forever changed the way of life on Tahiti and created a French-British rivalry for control of the islands. The Pomare Dynasty ruled Tahiti until 1847 when Queen Pomare finally accepted French protection of the islands of Tahiti and Moorea.

In 1880, following the queen’s death, King Pomare V was persuaded to cede Tahiti and most of its dependencies to France. In 1957, all the islands of Tahiti were reconstituted as the overseas French territory called French Polynesia. Since 1984, a statue of autonomy was implemented and, in 1998, French Polynesia became an overseas country with greater self-governing powers through their own Assembly and President. With these powers, the country is now negotiating international agreements with foreign states in matters of commerce and investment.

Culture

The Tahitians of the modern era maintain their heritage and traditions of their Maohi ancestors. Oral history recounts the adventures of gods and warriors in colorful legends where javelin throwing was the sport of the gods, surf riding was favored by the kings, and Aito strongmen competed in outrigger canoe races and stone lifting as a show of pure strength. The Tahitian culture is rich in the islands, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Marae
The open-air sanctuaries called Marae were once the center of power in ancient Polynesia. These large, sacred, stone structures, akin to temples, hosted the important events of the times including the worship of the gods, peace treaties, celebrations of war, and the launch of voyages to colonize distant lands.

Heiva i Tahiti
In celebration of ancient traditions and competitions, the annual Heiva festival has been the most important event in Tahiti for the past 122 years. For visitors, there is no better place in the world to be during July than surrounded by this pure display of Polynesian festivity. Tahitians gather in Papeete from many islands to display their crafts, compete in ancient sporting events, and recreate traditional and elaborate dance performances.
Tattoo
The word tattoo originated in French Polynesia. The legend of Tohu, the god of tattoo, describes painting all the oceans’ fish in beautiful colors and patterns. In Polynesian culture, tattoos have long been considered signs of beauty, and in earlier times were ceremoniously applied when reaching adolescence.

Music and Dance
The beauty, drama, and power of today’s Tahitian dance testify to its resilience in Polynesian culture. In ancient times, dances were directly linked with all aspects of life. One would dance for joy, to welcome a visitor, to pray to a god, to challenge an enemy, and to seduce a mate. Dance is still accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as thunderous drums, conch shells, and harmonic nasal flutes. Modern Tahitian music is enjoyable as well, with a sound that often blends Polynesian rhythm and Western melody.

Handcrafts
The skills of the ancestors’ artistry are kept sacred and passed on by both the “mamas,” the guardians of tradition and the matriarchs of Tahitian society as well as by skilled craftsmen. Items include weaving, quilting, wooden sculptures and bowls, drums, tapa, carvings, and hand-dyed pareu.

Canoes
Centuries before the Europeans concluded that the earth was round, the great voyagers of Polynesia had already mastered the Pacific Ocean. Aboard massive, double-hulled outrigger canoes called tipairua, they navigated by stars and winds. Today, the canoe still plays a role in everyday Tahitian life and is honored in colorful races and festivals throughout the islands.

Flowers
Tropical flowers seem to be everywhere on the islands, particularly in the hair of Tahitians. Hibiscus blossoms are worn behind the ear or braided with palm fronds into floral crowns. The Tiare Tahiti flower, which can only be found in Tahiti, is used in leis for greeting arriving visitors and returning family. Tradition holds that, if taken, women and men wear a flower behind their left ear.

Tahiti

Queen of the Pacific

Tahiti, the largest island throughout the country, towering over the ocean like a proud and royal Queen 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 green iridescence of Mother Nature's light. The coastal lands, edged with a rugged coastline, are home to fields of tropical flowers and most of the island's population.
Papeete, meaning the " water basket, " was once a gathering place where Tahitians came to fill their calabashes with fresh waters. Now the invigorating capital city and gateway of the country, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine dining and unique restaurants, nightclubs, vibrant markets, pearl shops, and boutiques.

Tahiti... Just the word...
The world's definition of paradise.

TAHITI-NUI MARE' ARE' A
Polynesian songs and legends have bestowed this famous South Pacific island many names such as ' Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze,' ' Mounting Place of the Sun,' ' Land of the Double Rainbow,' and ' The Gathering Place.'
Legends describe Tahiti-Nui and Tahiti-Iti as a great fish that swam away fron the sacred waters of Havai'i, now known as the lagoon shared by Raiatea and Taha'a.
To get a taste, download 100 Things To Do on the Island of Tahiti

Bora Bora, The Romantic Island

Bora Bora, The Romantic Island

Under a one hour flight from the island of Tahiti or Moorea, the island of Bora Bora, with a lagoon resembling an artist's palette of blues and greens, is love at first sight.Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colored fish animate the coral gardens as they greet the giant manta rays. This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatchedroof villas, and fabled ambience.
Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world.
Pora Pora - the ancient name, meaning "first born," came from legends describing this as the first island to rise when Taaroa,
the supreme god, fished it out of the waters after the mythical creation of Havai'i, now known as Raiatea. Although the first letter "B" does not exist in the Tahitian language, when Captain Cook first heard the name he mistook the softened sound of the Tahitian "P" for "B" and called the island Bola Bola.
Romance on Bora Bora

Truly, the most romantic island in the world. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale. Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.
For The Visitor, The Majesty of Bora Bora offers:

• Enchantment from the neon-lit turquoise lagoon waters with unending days of exploration through snorkeling and diving.
• Excitement above the lagoon by outrigger canoe, Boston Whaler, wave runner, jet ski, and dramatic sunset cruises aboard a catamaran sailboat.
• Exploration of the panoramic overlooks found by hike or 4x4 accompanied by entertaining local guides.
• Discovery of the world-renowned shopping for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils, and precious wood handcrafts.

Where is Tahiti?

French Polynesia more commonly known as "Tahiti" is located in the South Pacific approximately 8 hours by plane from the city of Los Angeles. It is in the same timezone as Hawaii, and the same distance south of the equator as Hawaii is north.
Tahiti primarily consists of five main island groups, called archipelagos:

Introduction

Maeva! Welcome!

Tahiti – Moorea – Bora Bora – island names that evoke a wonderful state of mind, seducing honeymooners, romantics, adventurers, and vacationers looking for escape.
Here, around these South Seas isles, a romantic sunset sea sends giant curls of turquoise breaking onto the colorful reefs that protect the tranquil lagoons of warm, bright-emerald waters and white coral-sand beaches.
Tahiti covers over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos.
Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island.
The three archipelagos most sought by visitors are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; The Tuamotu Atolls or "Tahiti's Strand of Pearls", include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or "The Mysterious Islands."
The two other archipelagos, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands, lie to the south and the southeast, respectively, of the Society Islands. While very few travelers venture to these remote islands, those that do are not disappointed by the pristine environment.
Closer Than You Think

Easier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles LAX airport, with daily nonstop flights. As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii - (only three hours behind California April-October and two hours behind California November-March).
What makes Tahiti so unique for visitors?

People
Embrace the warmth of your Polynesian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.

Overwater Bungalows
Enjoy the drama and comfort of the world's perfect hotel room while sleeping above soothing lagoon waters.

Cruising
Voyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, super yachts, or passenger freighter that travel between Tahiti's most beautiful islands.

Polynesian Spas
Experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at one of the many luxurious Polynesian spas while nurtured by the tropical ambience.

Snorkeling & Diving
Share the warm, crystal-clear lagoons and swift ocean passes with schools of impossibly-colored fish, docile sharks, and giant manta rays.

Honeymoons & Romance
Celebrate a new romance or a special anniversary in the most romantic spot on earth. Discover how the seclusion and setting of these islands create one of the world's most desirable honeymoon destinations.
If you were here you’d be you again…Discover Tahiti...islands the way they used to be.

BORA BORA

 

 

 

9 night Tahiti, Bora Bora and Tahaa Escape

$4,869*

At the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa you can discover the sparkling magic of the lagoon, admire the awe-inspiring Mount Otemanu while luxuriating in the peace and tranquility of the surroundings. Opened since July 2002, Le Tahaa Private Island Resort and Spa is designed to be the most exclusive resort in French Polynesia . Superbly located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef, the resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and offers an unsurpassed view on Bora Bora island on the ocean side.

• Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti
• 1 night Manava Suite Resort Tahiti (Lagoon Studio Suite)
• 5 nights Le Tahaa Private Islands Resort and Spa (Lagoon Overwater Suite)
• 4 nights at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa (Garden Pool Suite) with breakfast daily
• Airport welcome with fresh flower lei
• Inter-island airfares
• All airport-resort transfers
• Departure assistance with shell lei
• Ask for special offer TahaaEscape