M/S Paul Gauguin offers Luxury and Adventure with their SCUBA Dive Program

The Paul Gauguin was built with adventure in mind. There is an amazing Watersports Marina off the back of the ship where all of the watersports equipment is launched. From this marina you will easily be able to access the ocean and come face to face with a colorful parade of marine life, from magnificent parrot fish and clownfish to stately sea turtles. You will be able to hop aboard a windsurfer, launch a kayak, or embark on a Zodiac for optional diving adventures. Your first dive into crystal-clear waters will spoil you for anything else under the sun-or the seven seas. Also the ship’s small footprint enables it to navigate hidden lagoons that larger ships would never dare to enter.

While cruising the French Polynesia take advantage of the crystal clear water teaming with sealife and learn how to SCUBA Dive! The Paul Gauguin is the only luxury ship in the South Seas to offer PADI certification onboard for novice divers as well as classes at all levels, from snorkeling to advanced scuba diving techniques, supervised by their own staff of PADI dive masters. For the convenience of their guests, all necessary equipment, including an air compressor to refill scuba tanks, is onboard.

For more information contact the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

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Wedding Guide: New Marriage Laws in Tahiti!

The islands of French Polynesia are incredibly romantic - the perfect destination for a wedding. Let the Travel Gal and the Paul Gauguin assist you in planning your fantasy destination wedding.  The Gauguin would make a perfect venue for a weeklong reception with friends and family!

A new law just recently passed makes it possible for American and Canadian nationals to now get married in Tahiti! Below are some frequently asked questions about the requirements for a legal Polynesian wedding. For more information and a free destination wedding guide, please contact us at 800 644-6659.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a Tahitian wedding?
A: Couples must meet these requirements to be legally married in French Polynesia:

Both spouses must be at least 18 years old.
Neither spouse can be currently married.
Spouses must be of the opposite sex.
The couple cannot be related by direct lineage.
The couple cannot be French nationals or residents of France.
The bride and the groom must each choose a witness who must be 18 years of age or older. (If the couple does not have a witness of their own choosing, the mayor’s office can provide one).

Q: Can I get married aboard the ship during my cruise?
A: No. Paul Gauguin Cruises provides wedding receptions but not a legal marriage ceremony. Instead, you and your spouse-to-be, along with your guests and witnesses, must go to city hall in the commune in which you wish to be married and have the mayor (or an appointed representative) perform the ceremony. See below for details and required documentation.

Q: Are any documents required in advance of the ceremony?
A: Yes, the couple must obtain and complete the following documents (available through the Tahiti Tourisme website):
The “Marriage of Foreign Citizens in French Polynesia” application
A letter signed and dated by both future spouses, addressed to the mayor of the commune chosen for the marriage ceremony
A copy of both spouses’ passports (required for proof of identity)
A certified copy of both spouses’ birth certificates, authenticated with an “Apostille” translated into French by an approved translator and legalized by the French Consulate (approved translators can be found on the consulate’s website)
Note: The birth certificates must have been issued less than 6 months prior to the date of the marriage.
A “Certificate of Non-Marital Status” (”Certificat de Celibat”) signed by a lawyer, translated into French, and legalized by the French Consulate (approved lawyers can be found on the consulate’s website)

Proof of residency for both of the future spouses (a utility bill or any bill noting names and physical address will suffice)
Note: A photocopy of the bills is acceptable for both spouses.

Q: Is it possible to have a prenuptial agreement?
A: Yes, prenuptial agreements are optional. If such an agreement is desired, it must be translated into French and authenticated by the French Consulate.

Q: What do I do with all these documents once I gather them?
A: Once the required documentation is gathered, it must be sent to the mayor’s office of the commune in which the couple is getting married. The mayor’s office will then contact the bride and groom to advise them of the approved date and time of the wedding.

Q: What is the timing for sending in the required documentation?
A: Documents must be received at least 45 days prior to the ceremony.

Q: What does a Polynesian wedding ceremony consist of?
A: On the day of the ceremony, the couple, together with their guests and witnesses, go to city hall (Mairie). The mayor (or an appointed representative from the mayor’s office) will perform the ceremony, in the presence of at least two witnesses and in the language chosen by the wedding couple. After the ceremony, the mayor will give the couple a Marriage Certificate. This certificate will be dated and signed by the mayor’s office of the commune in which the marriage takes place. A “romantic ceremony” can be held afterward, if the couple so desires.

Q: Can Paul Gauguin Cruises help me with organizing the wedding?
A: We can help you with your reception and an “exchange of vows” ceremony, but you are responsible for the logistics of your legal wedding. We suggest that you make the necessary arrangements far in advance and that you make plans to spend extra time ashore.

For more wedding information or renewal of vows and other special occasions, contact the Travel Gal

at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Cruise French Polynesia on the Paul Gauguin & Check out the Savings!

NOW is the time to reserve your winter cruise vacation to the islands in the South Pacific.  Do not miss the boat - take advantage of these great savings on all of the Tahiti and French Polynesia cruises. Right now the Paul Gauguin is offering 50% off plus FREE Airfare From LAX! Choose from these intoxicating itineraries aboard a ship that carries only 320 lucky passengers:

*  Tahiti & the Society Islands (7 nights)

*  Society Islands & Tuamotus (10 nights)

* Cook Islands & Society Islands (11 nights)

* Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands (14 nights)

*  The South Pacific (20-night- 2012)

* Fiji Islands (12 or 13 nights - 2012)

* Australs & Society Islands (11 nights - 2012)

Your Polynesian experience begins the moment you step onboard The Gauguin. The Paul Gauguin is an excellent value - see what is included with your fare:

• Spacious, all-oceanview suites and staterooms, nearly 70% with balconies
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages served throughout the ship
• In-suite bar setup and butler service in categories B and above
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• Space ratio of 58 - among the highest at sea
• Complimentary use of our exclusive, private white sand beach in Bora Bora with bar service, volleyball, and great snorkeling.
• Complimentary day on our private islet, Motu Mahana-off the coast of Taha’a featuring snorkeling, watersports, barbecue with full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality.

Contact the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@Luxuryhideaways for more details

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Planning for Your Vacation - Planning for Emergencies

When planning your holiday there are a few key points you should do to protect yourself in case of an emergency or unexpected delay. Here are a few ideas:

1. Check with your credit card co. to see what the exchange rate will be when using your card;
2. Check www.zvs.com to make sure you don’t need a visa or shots when entering foreign countries;
3. Let your credit card company know you will be in a foreign country with your dates of travel so they can expect charges coming in from that country;
4. Bring 2-3 credit cards to make sure you are not caught in an embarrassing situation where your card is denied because the cc company is “safety conscious”;
5. Photo copy your credit cards and passports, keep a copy at home;
6. Photocopy your complete itinerary and leave with friends/family;
7. Photocopy your travel insurance information and leave a copy with friends so if you need it in a hurry you can call them;
8. I always give my Clients my 800 number and tell them to give it to their friends so if someone needs to reach them and it’s a foreign country, I will be able to assist in an emergency;
9. Buy a small travel purse with a “cross shoulder” strap to carry your passports and money next to your body;
10. Immediately check your passport - is it valid for at least 6 months AFTER you return home?

For more tips and information contact the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Travel tip: How to Pack for a Cruise Holiday

1. Plan your wardrobe so you can wear an article with 2-3 outfits;
2. Coordinate your jewelry, belts and shoes so you can cut down on items packed;
3. Generally there are 2 “dress up” nights; pack accordingly;
4. Be sure to bring good walking shoes;
5. Wear your walking shoes and heaviest coat on the plane so they don’t take up too much room in your suitcase and weigh it down;
6. Buy small plastic containers to transfer your lotions so you are not carrying more lotions/crèmes then necessary;
7. Pack your medicine in your carryon bag in case your suitcase is lost;
8. If you are traveling to a foreign country, check with your bank to exchange a few hundred dollars so when you arrive you are not immediately searching to exchange your money;

For more tips, feel free to call the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Islands of Tahiti - Where to Scuba Dive - Here’s the Guide!

Are you planning a winter vacation that must have fantastic scuba diving? Look no further then the islands of Tahiti.  I have listed below just a few of the amazing and pristine dive sites in the islands:

* Moorea: Explore the remains of ancient shipwrecks, glimpse a black tipped reef shark, impressively large moray eels, sea turtles and barracudas;
* Bora Bora: View Lemon sharks and manta rays close up;
* Raiatea: Discover shipwrecks and the marine life that thrives among mushroom shaped corals including octopus, tuna and leopard rays;
* Rangiroa and Fakarava: In this premier diving location, look for hammerhead sharks (Dec - Feb) or manta rays (Sept-Oct). In addition, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays and other fascinating fish species are often spotted here among coral reefs and canyon passes;
* Nuku Hiva: The steep cliffs and caves off this island reveal a variety of unusual marine life, including hammerhead sharks, melon-headed whales, moray eels and scorpion fish.

Are you convinced yet?  The two of you will find yourselves surrounded by the most beautiful and romantic islands, set amid endless Pacific waters. You have discovered paradise!

Contact your tropical island specialist at 800 644-6659 - lets begin planning your trip today!

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Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay - Paradise is still available for Christmas!

Looking for a fabulous family vacation resort for Christmas?  Perhaps a “luxury hideaway with the little ones“? A little slice of heaven in Hawaii? Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay is where you will want stay!

This Five Star resort offers impeccable service and is the perfect island getaway… so relaxing. While you are lounging by their lovely pool you will be treated to Evian spritzers, ice water, chilled towels and fruit kabobs. Steps from the resort, just down the beach path, you will find Hulopoe Bay and a great stretch of white sand beach. You can sit back and enjoy the sun or snorkel and explore the underwater world at best spot on the island for snorkeling and swimming. It will be the perfect time of year to see the Humpback whales and Spinner dolphins.

The Island of Lanai is a wonderful playground where you will find * Horseback riding * Golf * Snorkeling & SCUBA diving * Mountain biking * Skeet shooting * Lanai Art Center

The Spa is incredible and has 11 treatment rooms including red cedar dry heat saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms and rainforest showers. Dining is fabulous at both Manele Bay and their sister resort, The Four Season Lodge at Koele! You can also take a complimentary shuttle to the Lodge for the day or just to have a nice dinner.

The Four Seasons Manele Bay is a fantastic resort for children: they will be greeted with a welcome amenity, child size bathrobes, complimentary infant and children’s toiletries, welcome milk and cookies on the evening of arrival and even a teen center is available.

Two Island Tip: If you are looking for something a little extra, would like to visit 2 islands but don’t want to deal with the airports, a Maui-Lanai combo vacation is a great idea! Expeditions Ferry cruises five times a day with service between Lahaina Harbor, Maui & Manele Harbor, Lanai. The pleasant 45 minute crossing makes a Lanai add-on to any Maui stay easy and affordable!  Plus you’ll be getting a whalewatching opportunity so be sure to bring your binoculars!

For more Christmas vacation ideas call us at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net today!

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Hawaiian History Tip - Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs on the Big Island

Insider tip of the day: If you are vacationing on the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. You will enjoy an easy to moderate hike to the archaeological site of Pu`u Loa which traverses older lava flows to one of the Hawaii’s most extensive petroglyph fields.

To access it drive past Halema‘uma‘u Crater, where the ash-laden fume cloud reminds you that you are on the edge of Kilauea Caldera, and down Chain of Craters Road. Park along mile marker 16, where a small sign marks the trail head through a barren volcanic landscape, ending at a boardwalk viewing platform encircling a large petroglyph field dated geologically between AD 1200-1450.

From the trail head, the hike is 2 miles roundtrip (expect 1.5 hours). Petroglyphs are fragile, so stay on the boardwalk — walking on the lava surface will fragment petroglyphs and destroy them. Bring water and wear sunglasses and a hat.

For more insider tips contact Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net or call 800 644-6659

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Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i opens its doors for business

The newest luxury hideaways opens its door - it will combine the wonders of Hawai’i and the magic of Disney.  Mickey & Minnie arrive on the island of Oahu on August 29, 2011 where a whole new kind of family vacation is beginning, the Island that truly is the heart of Hawai‘i.

Aulani will be a Resort like no other. Inspired by the wonders and traditions of Hawai‘i, Aulani has been uniquely designed for families. Perfectly placed on a beautiful beachfront cove, Aulani will offer kids, adults and families Hawaiian vacation experiences with a special magic that only Disney can create.

The resort was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers working hand in hand with locals to create a place celebrating Hawaiian culture and history. Everything from the wondrous volcanic peaks to the breathtaking Resort architecture honors the fundamental connection between nature and humanity that the Hawaiian people have cherished since the beginning of time. And because Hawaiians layer rich meaning in their words, so the name “Aulani” has more than one meaning. It is “the messenger of a chief”, yet it is also “the one who delivers a message from a higher authority.”

Lushly detailed rooms and suites as well as two- and three-bedroom villas invite you to unwind. Handmade distressed quality furniture welcome everyone home to their very own beach place. Families can look forward to experiencing amazing spaces created to bring everyone together.

Stay tuned for incredible packages and more details.

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