Ready … Set … GO! Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race Nov. 10, 11 & 12, 2010
July 10, 2010
Every year, in the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora, takes place the incredible Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race!
This competition has gained international fame to become THE not-to-be-missed event for fans of the sport. Approximately 80 teams from the islands and worldwide enter the race on an itinerary starting from Huahine to Bora Bora. Each day equals a segment:
Day 1, Huahine to Raiatea;
Day 2, Raiatea to Taha’a;
Day 3, the longest segment of this beautiful adventure, Taha’a to Bora Bora.
The race unveils the physical and mental strength of each canoe paddler. It does indeed require quite a mental of steel to paddle hours long with no rest!
Each departure, each arrival in the islands is spectacular! However, we have to admit that the Grand “Finale” in Bora Bora’s lagoon is just the most amazing!
You can be part of this unique adventure too!
Contact us now to book YOUR Hawaiki Nui experience at 800 644-6659!
or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net
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Waiheke Island Vineyards & Wineries
June 30, 2010
Waiheke Island is home to boutique wineries that produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties. The hot, dry summers and stony soils of Waiheke are perfect conditions for growing grapes.
There are Waiheke Island vineyards and wineries spread throughout the island and visitors can either visit at their leisure, or take a tour. Below you will find a partial list of some of the best boutique wineries on the island:
Cable Bay Vineyards - The Cable Bay winery, restaurant and cellar door are set amidst vineyards and olive groves.
Goldwater - Goldwater combines old world traditional wine making techniques with modern day technology to achieve outstanding and memorable hand-crafted wines.
Jurassic Ridge - Syrah, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc vines are planted over 155 million year old Jurassic rock.
Kennedy Point Vineyard and Olive Grove - At the International Wine Challenge, London 2009 the Kennedypoint 2007 Syrah was awarded International Syrah Trophy, Best NZ Red, Best NZ Syrah.
Man O’ War Vineyard - Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War first introduced grapes in 1993, firm in the belief that world class wines could be produced here.
Mudbrick Vineyard - Named after the Barn/House was built from mud bricks, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant offers a unique Waiheke wine and cuisine exprience, available all year round.
Obsidian Vineyard - Obsidian Vineyard nestles in the coastal hills of the Onetangi Valley.
Passage Rock - Passage Rock Wines was established in 1994 by David and Veronika Evans-Gander.
Peacock Sky Vineyard - Located in the centre of Waiheke Island surrounded by lush native bush.
Peninsula Estate - With spectacular views of Oneroa Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, Peninsula Estate is focused on producing single estate, world-class premium red food wines, that can be confidently cellared for many years.
Poderi Crisci - Poderi Crisci is a small family owned vineyard with a passion for growing Italian varietals and olives.
Stonyridge Vineyard - Stonyridge Vineyard is a specialist cabernet-blend winegrower producing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, combining traditional winemaking with meticulous organic viticulture.
Te Motu Vineyard - Te Motu Vineyard was established by the Dunleavy family in 1989 and is noted for its fine reds, notably the Te Motu cabernet/merlot.The first vines were planted in 1989, and the first vintage was produced in 1993.
Te Whau Vineyard - With breathtaking 360° views, stunning architecture, exquisite food, and a fantastic wine list, including its own five-star wines, Te Whau Vineyard and Cafe is a truly unique wine lover’s experience.
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Explore Hidden Gems of the South Pacific Islands
May 26, 2010
Join Zegrahm Expeditions, the Experts in Adventure & jump onboard the Clipper Odyssey this fall. The ship departs the islands of Fiji 19/September, 2010, setting sail for an in-depth exploration of the islands and remote atolls of the legendary South Pacific, ending in the islands of Tahiti.
The cruise includes Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna. Join expert leaders, naturalists, marine biologists, and ornithologists as we step ashore on idyllic isles to meet Polynesia’s warm and welcoming people, hike through lush volcanic landscapes, and snorkel or dive sapphire waters teeming with marine life.
Activities- Birding, Diving, Hiking, Natural history, Photography, Snorkeling, Zodiac cruises
Day by Day Itinerary
September 19-20 -USA / Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji
September 21 -Nadi / Lautoka / Embark Clipper Odyssey
September 22 -Taveuni Island
September 23 -Futuna, Territory of Wallis & Futuna
September 24 -Wallis
September 25 -Niuafo’ou, Kingdom of Tonga
September 26 -At Sea
September 27 -Neiafu, Vava’u Islands
September 28 -Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
September 29 -Palmerston, Cook Islands
September 30 -Aitutaki
October 1 -Atiu
October 2 -Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
October 3 -Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
October 4-5 -Papeete, Tahiti / USA [Read more]
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Life Aboard the Aranui III Freighter
May 19, 2010
The Aranui III is a mixed passenger/cargo vessel that operates between the islands of Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands.
She offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations for fewer than 100 passengers, creating an intimate environment for her guests. Passengers will be able to sunbathe on deck, swim in the pool, or enjoy exotic tropical drinks while the Aranui navigates her way among the islands of the Marquesas.
Vessel Particulars
Length: 104 meters (343 feet)
Draft: 5 meters (15 feet)
Cruising Speed: 15 knots
Capacity: 60-100 passengers
Displacement: 4,000 DWT
The name “Aranui” means “The Great Highway” in Maori, another great Polynesian culture. The first Aranui was purchased from a New Zealand ship owner in 1959. CPTM kept her original name, because it suited her. Serving as a link between the remote Marquesas and the rest of the world, she truly was a “Great Highway” on which cargo and passengers traveled. The original Aranui was too small to meet the needs of the islands as trade increased. CPTM therefore retired her, and purchased a new vessel, which was also named the Aranui.
The current Aranui was originally built as a freighter for the Baltic trades, with unusually thick hull plates because of floating ice often found in that area. She was modified in Germany in 1990, when additional passenger cabins were added.
The ship features a small boutique where various sundries, clothing and souvenirs are available. There are washing machines and dryers aboard. There is also a bar and video room, which has a television, VCR and a small collection of videotapes.
The vessel operates under the French flag, and her crew are all Polynesian, primarily Marquesans. They are extremely skillfull and very hospitable. It is often their custom to give an impromptu concert in the evenings, both for their own and our passengers pleasure.
For more information contact The Travelgal at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@luxuryhideaways.net
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Explore Island Cultures & Underwater Kingdoms
April 28, 2010
POHNPEI TO FIJI Sept. 6 - 21, 2010
Be one of the lucky few to join Zegrahm Expeditions Micronesia cruise for an in-depth adventure cruise that links Pohnpei to the Fiji islands aboard the Clipper Odyssey. Sail eastward to the Marshall Islands, beautiful low-lying coral atolls bathed by crystal clear waters.
Highlights include snorkeling and scuba diving, walks along pristine sands, and a chance to meet the Marshallese, renowned for superb navigational skills and ingenious canoes. Discover WWII history on Butaritari and Abemama Atolls in Kiribati, then head to the picture-perfect islands of Tuvalu and the tiny capital, Funafuti, where we are greeted by lively dances. Fiji’s exquisite gardens and bird-filled forests complete our adventure.
Day by Day Itinerary
September 6-7 - USA / Honolulu, Hawaii / Guam
September 8 - Guam / Pohnpei / Embark Clipper Odyssey
September 9 - At Sea
September 10 - Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
September 11 - Wotho Atoll
September 12 - Likiep Atoll
September 13 - Majuro Atoll
September 14 - Butaritari Atoll, Kiribati
September 15 - Abemama Island
September 16 - At Sea
September 17 - Nanumea Atoll, Tuvalu Islands
September 18 - Funafuti Atoll
September 19 - At Sea
September 20 - Taveuni Islands, Fiji
September 21 - Lautoka / Disembark Clipper Odyssey / Nadi, Viti Levu / USA
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Paul Gauguin Ship Info & Watersports Marina
August 30, 2009
The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti, French Polynesia as well as other islands in the South Pacific, visiting small ports that larger ships can’t reach and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas.
She offers an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the islands, coupled with five-star service, comfort and luxury.
• Overall Length: 513 feet • Beam (width): 71 feet • Draft: 16.9 feet
• Passengers: 332 • Crew: 215
• Passenger Decks: 7
• Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint Nazaire, France
• Gross Tonnage: 19,200 • Cruising Speed: 18 knots • Ship’s Registry: Bahamas
• Most luxurious ship to sail in Tahiti on a year-round basis;
• Only 332 guests
• Crew to guest ratio of 1 to 1.5
• All oceanview accommodations, nearly 70% with balconies
• Space to guest ratio of nearly 58 to 1, one of the highest of any ship serving the North American market
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, coffee and tea served throughout the ship
• Butler service in categories B & above, including in-suite bar setup and SoundDock® for iPod®
• In-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• State-of-the-art retractable Watersports Marina
• Onboard dive program • Onboard lecture program
• Two elegant restaurants and one pool-side grill, all with open-seating dining
• Well-being and vegetarian selections and special dietetic menus upon request
• WiFi hotspots throughout the ship • Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Complimentary in-room dining • Complimentary in-room movie channels/movies available
Watersports are a highlight of the Polynesian experience, and the m/s Paul Gauguin is constructed to take full advantage of these irresistible waters, with accessibility to ports and adventures that other ships can’t offer. The ship’s small footprint enables it to navigate lagoons that larger ships would never dare to enter. Their retractable, onboard Watersports Marina brings you down to sea level, where you can hop aboard a windsurfer, launch a kayak, try waterskiing, or embark on their Zodiac for optional diving adventures.
Even if you’ve never been diving, you can take advantage of the onboard scuba lessons. The m/s Paul Gauguin is the only luxury ship in French Polynesia 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.
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10 Reasons to cruise aboard the Tui Tai in the Fiji Islands
June 29, 2009
Tui Tai is the only luxury-adventure ship operating in the Pacific Cultural Triangle, providing guests a remarkable look at three distinct cultures that history and circumstance have put together within a nearby triangle of islands.
Travel with the Best
Tui Tai is the only operator in the South Pacific featured in National Geographic’s annual survey the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.”
Truly All-Inclusive
Everything is included: every service, mixed drink, glass of wine or beer, evey meal, all scuba diving (even dive courses), snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments - everything. Once you board Tui Tai, the details are in our hands, and your only responsibility is to have the experience.
Customize Your Day
Whether snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, visiting remote villages, relaxing on a beach, or just sailing the clear blue waters, all our activities have been equally enjoyed by a 26-year old tri-athlete and an active 74-year old world traveler - and everyone in between. You can opt in and out of as much as you wish.
Travel in Style
We only have first class service. Includes a gourmet menu served from the fresh cook outdoor kitchen, bar service, housekeeping/laundry service, spa treatments and yoga classes.
Incredible Scuba Diving
Sites visited by Tui Tai described by Lonely Planet: “snorkeling and diving sites are some of the world’s best.”
Humanitarian
Tui Tai’s Charitable works continue on every trip, including delivery of school and medical supplies to remote locations.
Exclusive Access
The Ringgolds include a scattering of tiny volcanic atolls with beautiful sandy beachs and black rocks. One atoll is a crater where you can hike to the summit in the morning and in the afternoon kayak within the crater center! Accessible only with Tui Tai.
Intimacy
Tui Tai takes only 22 guests on each expedition
The Tui Tai Touch
Onboard crew of 18 staff. In the words of travel writer Tim Neville: “The Tui Tai crew have only one purpose: to make sure you go to sleep each night swearing you just spent the best day of your life.”
Healing
Healing for yourself may come from a massage done to the sound of a cascading watefall, a morning yoga class on the top deck, or just relaxing in a beautiful location.
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Golf on Oahu - Options & Pricing Sheet
June 27, 2009
The Islands of Hawaii boast year around perfect weather as well as many opportunities for Golfers. Below you will find a nice selection of Golf Courses on the Island of Oahu. Stay tuned, we will list golfing options for the outer islands in a later article for you. If you are a Golfer planning on visiting Oahu, you would be very interested this this price list below.
Ko’olau Golf Club from $70
Luana Hills Country Club from $77
Coral Creek Golf Course from $80
Pearl Country Club from $84
Turtle Bay - Fazio Course from $94
Mililani Golf Club $99
Olomana Golf Links $99
Hawaii Kai Golf Course from $104
Turtle Bay - Palmer Course from $115
Makaha Resort & Golf Club from $119
Ko Olina Golf Club from $124
Waikele Golf Club $136
Royal Kunia Country Club $141
Ewa Beach Golf Club from $146
Hawaii Prince Golf Course from $151
Kapolei Golf Course from $157
The rates are per person rates include green fees & shared cart. Rates do not include course transfers or rental clubs and may be dependent on tee-time.
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We are back home and had a wonderful time in Maui…
May 25, 2009
Aloha Teresa;
We are back home and had a wonderful time in Maui... the beach wedding was perfect and all the activities you arranged for us were great. The surfing lessons with the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy and the Old Lahaina Luau you arranged were both wonderful! The Hyatt Regency Maui worked out great and we all enjoyed all it had to offer… the beach, pool, spa, restaurants, etc.
Thanks for all your help setting this up for us. We appreciate it and will be happy to share your name and contact information with others headed to Maui.
Thanks again.
Debbie
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The Feast at Lele is 1st Class Dining Hawaiian Style!
February 19, 2009
What could be better than spending an evening enjoying one of the most authentic Hawaiian luaus? My friend Petra and I were treated to a night out of island music, great food, drinks and entertainment at the Feast at Lele held beach-side at 505 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui. Whether you arrive by land or by sea - this is a special island treat.
The Feast at Lele is a first class luau under the stars, complete with intimate dining and white table linens - not the usual fare at most luaus. Every table had a great view of the dancers with the backdrop of the setting sun over West Maui. Couples enjoy individual table side service while feasting on 4 courses of local island cuisine and a very entertaining and educational trip thru the South Pacific. We tasted island cuisine from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand while the dancers performed in traditional attire.
The grand finale is a spectacular fire/knife dancer - and you thought your job was tough! Open bar, including those fun and colorful drinks are included. It’s been ages since we enjoyed an “umbrella drink” so decided to have a chi-chi - which is a cocoanut, pineapple juice and vodka drink - delicious! A wonderful way to end the evening with a happy opu! (full tummy!)
If you too would like to enjoy the best Luau in Hawaii
Call Me at 1-800-644-6659
Your ‘See the South Pacific Specialist’ at Luxury Hideaways
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