Travel to Tahiti and follow the 21st Hawaiki Nui Va’a this November

This year the annual 3 day canoe race is set for Nov. 7-9, 2012 in the Leeward Islands of Tahiti.  Va’a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sport of Tahiti.  Over 100 canoes will race between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora.  The finishing line will be at the Matira Point in Bora Bora.  Travel Gal is making plans to be there - who wants to join me?

For more information contact me at Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

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Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti aboard the M/S Paul Gauguin

The premier luxury small ship in the South Pacific, m/s Paul Gauguin is celebrating Valentines day by offering an exclusive gift package for guests celebrating romance.

From January 30 through February 18, 2012, guests booking any seven-night sailing will receive a special gift package, including Leonidas chocolates, flower turndown service, and a $100 per person credit at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, compliments of Paul Gauguin Cruises (a $230 value)*.

As with all 2012 sailings aboard The Gauguin, guests also receive 50% off standard cruise fares and FREE airfare from Los Angeles.

There is no place as tranquil and romantic as the picturesque islands of French Polynesia. Designed and decorated to sail the seas of the South Pacific, the cozy 332-passenger ship offers the perfect setting to celebrate love or commemorate a wedding, renewal of vows, anniversary-or simply each other.

Couples can take in the beauty of the South Pacific from the privacy of their suite or stateroom, sway to the sounds of a chanteuse at La Palette Lounge, explore paradise on island excursions, dine al fresco under a starry sky, and enjoy a Polynesian blessing ceremony.

With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios at sea, The Gauguin is renowned for the extra touches and attention to detail that make every occasion special.

Paul Gauguin Cruises also offers a Gift Registry, where guests celebrating their honeymoon, anniversary, or other milestone event can choose a “wish list” of gifts, ranging from shore excursions to dining and spa options.

**One Valentine’s Day gift package per booking. New bookings on 7-night sailings only.

Please refer to promotion code: Valentine’s Package - call the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details.  Offer expires February 18, 2012. Call for details.

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Travel Tips for a Fabulous Vacation in the islands of Tahiti

Are you planning to run away to a deserted island with your true love?  Perhaps a romantic escape to a remote tropical island in the South Pacific? Is Bora Bora or Moorea calling you? Here are a few travel tips to consider while packing your suitcase:

Plan your spending money

Although major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available in Papeete, Faa’a airport as well as several locations throughout the islands, its a good idea to have cash on hand.

* The currency used in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (CFP or XPF)

* There are approximately 100 CFP or XPF to one U.S. dollar, although actual rates vary

* Travelers checks, US dollars and credit cards are accepted in tourist areas

* The hotels will also exchange money

Phone calls:
* Phone cards can be purchased at the local post office.

* Phone calls from Tahiti to the US are very expensive, so we advise calling your party and then having them call you back.

* Fax services are also available at the hotels.

* Some cell phone service may be available in Tahiti.   Call your provider before departure to check for availability.

Clothing

The islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia are very casual. Pack lightweight, loose-fitting cotton washables. Synthetic fabrics can be too hot and sticky.

* Casual slacks or walking shorts and sport shirts are fine for men at dinner.

* Women wear shorts, skirts or casual slacks during the day and cool dresses at night.

* Bring reef walkers or old sneakers so you don’t cut your feet on the coral.

* Most importantly, be sure to bring a swimsuit, a hat, sunscreen and a backpack for carrying any necessities.

* You may want to pack a light sweater or jacket. You probably won’t use it except maybe on the plane.

Other Important Items to Pack

* Make sure to pack any medications you are taking in your carry on bag. While there are medical facilities, some medicines may not be readily available.

* Pack lots of film since film is more expensive in Tahiti. Each person is allowed to bring 10 rolls through customs.

* You may also want to purchase a disposable underwater camera as the sea life is beautiful. A disposable panorama camera would be fun, too. And make sure to pack an extra battery for your camera or video camera!

* Extra memory cards for digital camera.

* Don’t forget toiletries, sunscreen and insect repellant as these are also expensive to purchase in Tahiti.

* You will want to bring an adapter for any appliances you bring with you. The current is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location.

For more great tips and assistance with your luxury island getaway,

give us a call at 800 644-6659

or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

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Thank you for organizing our Honeymoon!

Hi Teresa,

The honeymoon was amazing!!! Tahiti is beautiful! Expensive though!!

Thanks for your help in planning this trip, we had a wonderful time. We were upgraded at the Intercontinental in Moorea to a premium beach bungalow. That was pretty cool except that the waters were a little choppy so it was a little difficult to snorkel.  Still beautiful though!

In Bora Bora, the Hilton was amazing! Unfortunately, they were completely booked and we were not able to get an upgrade but our bungalow was still amazing.  Being able to jump off the deck into the water to snorkel was cool as well!

I’m so glad that you were able to get some of the meals covered under our package. The food was ridiculously expensive! We were very shocked at the quality and the price.  The quality was mediocre and the price was outrageous.  However, we did have an amazing meal at one of the local restaurants in Moorea. The Polynesian buffet at the Intercontinental was very entertaining as well.

As for the excursions, the ATV tour in Moorea was so much fun! It was definitely a good choice.  We also signed up for deep sea fishing in Moorea, which was a BAD choice. We didn’t catch any fish and I was sea sick the entire time.  I normally don’t even get sea sick! As for Bora Bora, the jet skiing was a lot of fun as well. It was bascially a circle island tour on jet skis. However, we signed up for a Lagoon Safari and that was by far the best excursion! We got to swim with sharks and sting rays!! The jungle safari in Bora Bora was the least fun.  It involved just sitting in a jeep and touring the island with some off roading, but not much. Luckily, it was the cheapest!

Thanks again for organizing the trip!  We had a fabulous time and are very sad to be back at work!

Jocelyn

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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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Time to plan your winter escape to the Islands

Do you hear a little whisper in your ear? Perhaps the swaying palm tree or ocean breeze? Are the islands of Tahiti calling you?  Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine…come and explore lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, pineapple and vanilla plantations. Private island beach picnic on a deserted motu? Champagne & lobster are a great combination!

Do you dream of strolling along a white sand beach with swaying palms, hiking spectacular mountain peaks, or snorkeling in the multi-hued lagoons of a tropical island?

In an overcrowded, overdeveloped and overcomplicated world, Tahiti and her islands offer a welcomed trip back. Go back to a time of simple, natural beauty-where no structure is taller than a palm tree. Time to begin planning your winter vacation…

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50% off Sale at Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa Resort

Add on to your fantastic cruise around the islands of Tahiti by ending your amazing holiday and enjoy Incredible savings at the one of Tahiti’s premier luxury resorts!   Stay 7 nights stay at Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa Resort.

Designed to be one of the most luxurious hotels in French Polynesia; it is the only one of its kind in the archipelago. Le Taha’a is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux association which confers on it the symbol of quality known as the 5C’s: Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm & Cuisine.

Superbly located on the coral reef of Motu Tautau and facing the island of Taha’a on the lagoon side, it offers an unsurpassed view of the island of Bora Bora. In addition to a wide range of activities & excursions available in Raiatea & Taha’a, the resort has its own scuba dive center. It also offers a wide variety of unique treatments in the onsite Manea Spa - ranked among the top 3 spas in the world according to the Robb Report Magazine.

Package Includes:
* Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
* Meet and greet and assist by local operator
* Inter island flights
* Roundtrip hotel transfers
* 7 nights stay in a Sunset Overwater Suite
* All taxes and service fees

Prices begin at $4,129.00 per person depending on occupancy.

Valid for travel from 1 October - 14 December 2011 and from 7 January - 31 March 2012)

Call your Luxury Hideaways Travel Gal for more information at 800 644-6659

or email Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net today!

Ask for SSPOT 2011

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Ready … Set … GO! Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race Nov. 10, 11 & 12, 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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Explore Hidden Gems of the South Pacific Islands

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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The Ultimate South Pacific Cruise visiting The Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

The small luxury cruise ship m/s Paul Gauguin has scheduled a fantastic 14 day cruise where your first port is the breathtaking isle of Bora Bora. Then it’s on to the Tuamotus, specifically Fakarava, an atoll known for its pristine beaches, rare wildlife, and exceptional scuba diving.

Next, explore the mist-covered Marquesas, where you’ll discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, and Nuku Hiva. On these wild islands you’ll find waterfalls, wild stallions, tiki sculptures, and an arboretum, among other delights. More enjoyment awaits on Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Paul Gauguins own private motu, and a day at spectacular Moorea. Check out the day by day itinerary below and then give us a call ASAP!

Day 1 Embark Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti - Begin your journey through paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands.

Day 2 At Sea - Spend the day enjoying the m/s Paul Gauguin’s Polynesian ambience: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, then dine in the evening over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.

Day 3 Fakarava - Explore the clear waters of Fakarava in the remote and pristine Tuamotus. The island is a sanctuary for rare birds, plants and crustaceans - stroll the pink-sand beaches and you will view many of them. You may also want to visit the island’s black pearl farm, or the ruins of the first church in French Polynesia built entirely of coral.

Day 4 At Sea - Take another day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific slip by, play some table tennis, or take advantage of our Reading Library.

Day 5 Hanavave, Fatu Hiva - Fatu Hiva is wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water’s edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges and luxuriant valleys briefly open to view as the boat glides past, close to the sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf.

Day 6 Atuona, Hiva Oa - Hiva Oa is an island marked by wild beauty and a somber bearing. The main town is Atuona, where Paul Gauguin is buried. You might visit the village of Puamau to see the largest stone sculptures of Marquesas. The are considered links to the tikis of Easter Island and Necker Island, north of Hawaii.

Day 7 Vaipaee, Ua Huka - Home to the only arboretum in French Polynesian, the people of Ua Huka have a commitment to the conservation and the preservation of their culture that is palpable. The oldest ruins in the Marquesas are located in the Hane Valley and date back to AD 254-300.

Day 8 Tiaohae, Nuku Hiva - As the governmental and economic center, Nuku Hiva is the most important island in the Marquesas. It’s also stunningly beautiful, with three major bays on the south coast and similarly gorgeous inlets on the north coast as well.

Days 9 - 10 At Sea -Take more time to enjoy shipboard life on the m/s Paul Gauguin , your own personal South Seas isle.

Day 11 Huahine - Known as the “wild” Society for its untamed, verdant forests, Huahine remains relatively untouched by modern development. Explore some of the abundant archaeological treasures - ancient homes, buildings, and marae (stone platforms that served as places of worship) - excavated and preserved throughout the island. Or dive in Huahine’s crystalline lagoon, which teems with over 450 species of fish.

Day 12 Bora Bora - Bora Bora’s lagoon is a must-see: this is your chance for a swim, snorkel or outrigger cruise. The lagoon is constantly replenished with ocean water from the swells that crash between sandy motus (small islets) and over the fringing reef.

Day 13 Taha’a (Motu Mahana) - Arrive at our South Seas paradise island - featuring white sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, guests will spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island, and relaxing with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment which features strolling musicians and singers.

Day 14 Moorea/Papeete, Tahiti - The island of Moorea’s scenery is like a dream. Try out some exciting optional watersports like scuba diving among a host of interesting sea creatures - including sea turtles, a staggering number of fish species such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red snapper, moray eels, trigger fish, various sizes and shapes of rays and more. At the end of the afternoon, we cruise to our home port in Papeete, docking there for the night.

Day 15 Disembark in Papeete - In the morning you’ll disembark the m/s Paul Gauguin , capping off your epic journey through the South Pacific.

This cruise is offered just 4 times in 2010 and there are fantastic early booking discounts - call The Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net for details, dates and pricing.

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