Small Ship Cruise Options for the Islands of Tahiti

Aloha and Ia Orana,
Cruising around the islands of Tahiti for a romantic cruise celebration sounds like a fabulous idea to me! Lets review some small ship cruise options for you:

7 Night Haumana Cruise

A unique experience of discovery in the pristine ocean environment of Rangiroa!  Cruise in luxury in one of 12 well-appointed cabins, with all-inclusive gourmet dining and charming motu picnics. Swim, snorkel, hike, or relax on the deck at sea in this romantic paradise. The 7 night cruise departs from Rangiroa on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The guests fly into Papeete, stay overnight 1 night, then they will be transferred by plane to Rangiroa.

Location: Rangiroa, Tahiti.

Haumana Cruise Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Bar (On upper deck & open all day.), Bathroom Amenities, Boutique, CD Player, DVD Player, Hair Dryer, Housekeeping (Twice daily), In Room Safe, Jacuzzi, Mini-Bar, Television, VCR.

Haumana Cruise Activities:
Dolphin Watch, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Jacuzzi, Jet Skiing (At an additional cost), Kayaking, Nature Excursions (Visit unspoiled motus and virgin reefs), Polynesian Dance Lesson, Snorkeling, Surfing, Vineyard (Dominique Auroy’s Vineyard).

Attractions:
Snorkeling, swimming, authentic island craft demonstrations and performances by local cultural groups.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

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The Aranui III offers 86 cabins & is an Inter-Island Freighter!

Have you ever longed to hop a freighter to the romantic South Seas? Well, now you can, with Aranui Cruises - a delightful alternative to the more sumptuous cruises in and around Tahiti. The Aranui III is a state-of-the-art freighter that delivers supplies to the Marquesa Islands and also carries passengers.

Inspired by the tales of Herman Melville, Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson, travelers go along to get in touch with the spirit of adventure that lies dormant in us all, and because no other cruise offers such an authentic slice of Polynesian life.

The Aranui III offers 13 to 16 night trips with Saturday departures.

Aranui Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Balcony or Patio, Bathtub, Cocktail Lounge, Gym/Fitness Center, Laundry Service (Washers & Dryers available; No Dry Cleaning), Library, Live Entertainment (Members singing and playing hand craft ukuleses), Refrigerator, Shared Bathroom.

Aranui Activities:
Fishing, Horseback Riding (On Ua Huka Island), Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Swimming Pool.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

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Paul Gauguin Cruise

Named after France’s greatest Post-Impressionist painter, whose work is indelibly linked to Tahiti and Polynesia, the Paul Gauguin is the ideal ship on which to explore the world’s last natural paradise. The ship accomodates 318 passengers and departs out of Papeete. Come experience the ultimate in luxury, service and impeccable cuisine aboard a ship that celebrates the art of living in true Gallic style.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Bathrobe, Bathroom Amenities, Bathtub, Beauty Salon, Boutique, Business Center (There are four computers and a printer), Butler Service (In Suites only), CD Player, Concierge, DVD Player, Direct Dial Phone, Dry Cleaning Available, Fax Machine Available (Sent/received through the reception desk), Fruit, Gym/Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness Center, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Laundry Service, Library (A wide selection of books is available), Medical Services (Doctor & nurse equipped to provide medical care), Mini-Bar, Refrigerator, Room Service, Room Service (24-hour room service), Shower, Spa Services (Carita Spa & Beauty Salon), Television (TV/ VCR), Video Library.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Activities:
Art Gallery (Fare Tahiti Gallery), Casino, Casino, Dance Club (La Palette Lounge, Piano bar & romantic nightclub), Diving, Island Excursions, Kayaking, Kayaking, Night Club (Polynesian performances, dancing, cabaret singer), Outdoor Pool, Scuba Lessons, Snorkeling, Swimming Pool, Water Skiing, Windsurfing.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

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Helpful Tips for Travel to the Hawaiian Islands

Here are a few tips to ensure a great trip to Hawaii:

*  Reconfirm your flight, seat assignment and frequent-flyer number with the airline 24 hours before departure;

* You must present legal photo identification upon check-in in order to receive you boarding pass.  Passengers without boarding passes will not be allowed through the security checkpoint;

*  You should consider using the curbside porter service to expedite check-in, if available;

*  You should keep check-in bags fit and trim, and under the airlines’ maximum weight allowance. Call the airline for weight and quantity restrictions;

*  Excess luggage may trigger additional fees from the airlines, and in some cases, may not be allowed on the plane at all;

* Be sure to pack photo film in carry-on bags. The equipment that screens check-in luggage can be hazardous to undeveloped film;

* Do not pack food and beverages into check-in luggage;

* Do not bring gifts pre-wrapped.  The baggage screeners may need to examine them;

*  Upon check out of your hotel, be sure to check with the Hotel Concierge or Front Desk how much time you should give yourself to drive to the airport.  Allow sufficient time to drop off your car;

* Upon your return flight to the U.S. Mainland, plan on sending your check-in luggage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) baggage inspection station before you head for the ticket counter. USDA regulates the export of flowers, fruit and other plant materials from Hawaii.

Bringing Fruit Home
USDA regulations do not allow un-inspected fruits, flowers and other plant material to leave Hawaii. But if you would really like to take some home, the easiest way is to place an order in advance from one of the several companies that will select, pack, and deliver produce to the airport. These pre-ordered products (including pineapples, papaya, onions, macadamia nuts and protea flowers) are pre-inspected and cleared for shipment out of state.

For more travel tips and information contact

The Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or

call 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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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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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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Things You Gotta Try while on the Island of Molokai

Visit the main town of Kaunakakai stop by Kanemitsu Bakery’s “Hot Bread Run,” a local favorite from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m., Wednesday through Sunday only. Go to the back door of the bakery down the alley, knock on the door and order your favorite treats, including fresh Molokai Bread smothered with choices of butter, cinnamon, cream cheese, raspberry and blueberry jam or have the works (everything) guava, cream cheese, cinnamon, apples and more.

NOTE: A few years ago I participated in a midnight breadrun on Molokai - its fantastic but also the best kept secret in the islands. This is the first time I’ve seen the Molokai Breadrun mentioned in print. Also I have met very few kaamaiana that have participated in it. Truly not to be missed!

Enjoy the music at Hotel Molokai’s Ocean side Restaurant every Friday afternoon from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. That’s when Molokai’s kupuna (elders, pronounced koo-POO-nah) gather to sing and play Hawaiian music Molokai style. Cocktails and pupu (hors doeuvres, pronounced poo-poo) served ocean side.

Stock up on food at Misaki’s Store in Kaunakakai, especially if you’re arriving on Sunday morning before 11 a.m. In the afternoon, Molokai’s grocery stores all close for the rest of the day. Molokai Wine and Spirits is open daily until 10 p.m., selling some of the finest wines and beers. They also offer snacks, ice cream, ice and non-alcoholic beverages.

Attend a church service. Known as an island of prayer, Molokai has more than 23 churches representing numerous denominations. Many of them offer services twice a day as well as evening services. The Molokai Dispatch newspaper publishes a guide to church services, hours and locations.

Go on a guided hike to discover the heart of Molokai.

Watch Moana’s Hula Halau (school, pronounced HAH-low) practice their art at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Although Molokai is known as the birthplace of hula, you won’t find any commercial hula shows on the island, and this is the best way to experience this traditional dance.

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Explore Australia Aboard Indian Pacific Train

The Great Southern Rail - What better way to explore the natural beauty of Australia than aboard one of Australia’s great train journeys between Perth - Adelaide - Sydney.

INDIAN PACIFIC TRAIN
The Indian Pacific gives you two oceans on one of the world’s longest and greatest train journeys.  Named after the two great oceans it joins and symbolised by the magnificent wedge-tailed eagle that so often soars above it, the mighty Indian Pacific traverses 4,352km (2,698 miles) between Perth and Sydney.

More than three million guests have already enjoyed this epic journey, which spans a continent, travelling the whole distance in three days and three nights. Setting off from Perth, your train climbs through the scenic Avon Valley and into Western Australia’s expansive wheat belt, before arriving late evening at your first stop in the city of Kalgoorlie.

Next day, you’ll discover the landscape takes on a richer hue as the journey moves through the mallee scrub into the ancient Nullarbor Plain, with the landscape unmarked by the passing millennia.

Stepping off during a brief pause at Cook in the middle of the Nullarbor Plain, you will experience Australia’s vast open spaces from a unique perspective.

Arriving in Adelaide the following morning you can choose to break your journey for a few days touring this picturesque city, or continue directly on to Broken Hill, with its countless tales of riches won and lost.
From here you’ll travel through some of Australia’s most productive farming country and into the arid outback as the sun sets. Next morning is the finale of your journey through the spectacular Blue Mountains.

Naturally, you can also do this journey from Sydney to Perth - it’s just as unforgettable.
Whether your final destination on the Indian Pacific is west to Perth or east to Sydney, you’ll have many opportunities to leave the train and take in some of the region’s highlights. With so many wonderful sights to enjoy, this isn’t just one of the longest train journeys in the world, but also one of the most memorable.

Route: Sydney - Adelaide - Perth
Duration: 3 nights in either direction
Distance: 4352 kilometres
Frequency: Twice weekly in both directions

Call us if you are interested in experiencing Australia by train, boat or private tour

800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

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Thank you for the wonderful honeymoon - we’ll be back!

Dear Teresa,

MaryAnn and I want let you know that we had a wonderful time on our honeymoon. This was due to all of your planning. We cannot thank you enough for all that you had done for us. Thank you for the delicious chocolate covered strawberries. We will be in contact with you to help plan our next trip to Australia/New Zealand or Hawaii.
Thank You
Armand Cilento

[Read more]

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The History of Hula Dancing

Hula is a dance form accompanied by chant or song. It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. The chant or song is called a mele. The hula dramatizes or comments on the mele.

There are many styles of hula. They are commonly divided into two broad categories: Ancient hula, as performed before Western encounters with Hawaii, is called kahiko. It is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments. Hula as it evolved under Western influence, in the 19th and 20th centuries, is called auana. It is accompanied by song and Western-influenced musical instruments such as the guitar, the ukulele, and the double bass.

Terminology for two main additional categories is beginning to enter the hula lexicon: “Monarchy” includes many hula which were composed and choreographed during the 19th century. During that time the influx of Western culture created significant changes in the formal Hawaiian arts, including hula. “Ai Kahiko“, meaning “in the ancient style” are those hula written in the 20th and 21st centuries that follow the stylistic protocols of the ancient hula kahiko.

Hula is taught in schools called halau. The teacher of hula is the kumu hula, where kumu means source of knowledge. Hula dancing is a complex art form, and there are many hand motions used to signify aspects of nature, such as the basic Hula and Coconut Tree motions, or the basic leg steps, such as the Kaholo, Ka’o, and Ami.

There are other dances that come from other Polynesian islands such as Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga and Aotearoa (New Zealand); however, the hula is unique to the Hawaiian Islands.

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Get to Know Brisbane, Australia

The city of Brisbane offers the traveler a range of luxury hideaways that include modern architecture to classic buildings dating from as far back as colonial times.

The lucky visitor will also find museums that were built by convicts and housed Generals, to the Brisbane City Hall that holds the city’s museum, Brisbane is rich in a history that can be traced by simply walking around.

Qantas Airways offers daily services to Australia from Los Angeles, and their newly launched service from DFW, Brisbane has never been more accessible.  So, whats there to do in Brisbane?

Tours & Sightseeing: There’s so many ways to discover Brisbane! Take a balloon ride, cruise the river or take in the sights on one of many bus tours.

Arts & Culture: Take the time to discover some of the pockets of expressions reflection scattered around Brisbane. Including independent theater companies, art galleries and indigenous galleries.

Fun for Free: This foot friendly city offers world-calls galleries, parklands, museums, tours, live music, and more… absolutely FREE!

Shopping & Fashion: Dynamic, positive, forward thinking and creative sums up Brisbane’s impressive fashion scene.

Parks & National Parks: The stunning fringes of Brisbane are world-class, and often heritage listed, and best of all, they start less than one hour away from downtown.

Heritage & Architecture: Discover Brisbane’s life during colonial times, the influences and the events that changed the city forever…

Bikeways & Walkways: Brisbane is truly a foot friendly city with over 750 miles of walkways, paths and bikeways.

Sport & Recreation: Outdoor enthusiast? You can test yourself in Brisbane without leaving the city. Want to be closer to the water? Then kayak your way around every bend of the Brisbane River.

For more information contact http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net and lets go to Brisbane!

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