Ready … Set … GO! Hawaiki Nui Canoe Race Nov. 10, 11 & 12, 2010

July 10, 2010

canoe paddlersEvery 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

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

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

September 1, 2009

South Pacific IslandsThe 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.

map of cruiseThis 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.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Sail the Islands of Tahiti - Best Vacation Value on the Market!

May 17, 2009

tahiti 1/2 priceStar Clipper Cruises - Don’t miss the boat!! ½ price Tahiti - rates from $1,013.00 per person!
Now is the time to cruise the exotic islands of Tahiti aboard a yacht at large cruiseship pricing - this is too good to pass up!

Tahiti is traditionally one of the more expensive destinations for honeymoon couples as there are no all inclusive resorts and their dollar is based on the Euro.

The most cost efficient way to visit the romantic islands of Tahiti is on a cruiseship due to the all inclusive nature of your meals, transfers and accomodations (stateroom) are included in the price.

Why I am so excited is that the costing Star Clippers is offering their guests are the rates to be found on a ship that holds 2,000 plus people whereas the Star Clipper Cruises carriy a mere 128 passengers. It is really more of a yacht then a cruiseship.

Even more reason to jump on board now, is beginning Feb 2010 the Star Flyer will be leaving Tahiti! Prior to her leaving for the Mediterranean, I urge you to slow down, step back in time and see the islands the way they were meant to be seen.

You must hurry - offer expires June 15, 2009! Cruise only rate - restrictions apply. Ask about low airfare from LAX too.

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@luxuryhideaways.net for more information.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

« Previous Page