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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Feast at Lele is the Best Luau in the Islands

The Feast at Lele is located in Lahaina, at the South end of Front Street - 505 Front Street, on the water. Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina, and on this beach is where the royals would entertain and feast. It is no wonder then that this is now the home to the “Cadillac” of luaus, the Feast at Lele – an intimate and sophisticated evening with Polynesian cuisine and entertainment.

Each presentation is designed with authenticity in mind. The tour begins in Hawaii; then they journey to New Zealand, Tahiti and end with Samoa — the show is very entertaining and beautiful. The luau is very elegant and I love that it is a sit down dinner with wonderful entertainment, food and drinks.

What makes Feast at Lele special among luaus is that it is a sit down dinner (no standing in a buffet line!), with prIvate tables reserved for the number of people in each party. The setting is spectacular, and every table offers a panoramic view.

The Menu is designed by Executive Chef James McDonald and he presents a celebration of Polynesian cuisine with each course progressing through the islands of Polynesia to match the entertainment: first course from Hawaii, second course from New Zealand, third course from Tahiti, fourth course from Samoa and fifth course is dessert. Traditional Polynesian staples like banana, taro and sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger and ogo seaweed salsa. You will not leave hungry and will love the authenticity of this fabulous luau.

If you want to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary, honeymoon or birthday - the Feast at Lelel is “doin’ it island style”.

For more Island style ideas call the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or email 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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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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Our Honeymoon at the St. Regis Bora Bora was Fantastic!

Hi Teresa!
The wedding was beautiful, Tahiti and specifically the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort exceeded our expectations! The accommodations were first class and the service was terrific. Thank you so much for your help and we’ll definitely keep you in mind for future trips.

Mahalo,  Philip & Bryn

[Read more]

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Aranui III - Cruise on a Freighter thru the South Pacific!

The Aranui is a mixed passenger/cargo vessel that operates between Tahiti and the Marquesas.

She offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations for about two hundred passengers. Passengers will be able to sunbathe on deck, swim in the pool, or enjoy exotic tropical drinks while the Aranui wens her way among the islands of the Marquesas.

The vessel operates under the French flag, and her crew are all Polynesian, primarily Marquesans. Additional vessel particulars are available, give us a call at 800 644-6659 or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net.  Your cruise itinerary is as follows:

Itinerary:

Departure from Papeete, Tahiti dock at 10:30am

Day 2 - Fakarava, Tuamotu Islands

Day 3 - At Sea

Day 4 - Ua Pou (Hakahau-Hakahetau) Marquesas

Day 5 - Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatiheu-Taipival)

Day 6 - Hiva Oa (Atuona)

Day 7 - Fatu Hiva (Omoa-Hanavave)

Day 8 - Hiva oa (Puamau-Hanaiapa)

Day 9 - Tahuata (Vaitahu-Hapatoni)

Day 10 - Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-Hokatu), Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Day 11 - Nuku Hiva (Taiohae), Ua Pou (Hakahau)

Day 12 - At Sea

Day 13 - Rangiroa, Tuamotu Islands

Day 14 - Arrival back in Papeete at around 9:30am

Facts about the ship:

Facilities aboard the Aranui, include electrical current, telephones and a ship’s boutique.

Meals

All meals are included in the price of carriage. Meals are served in the Aranui’s dining room in an informal setting. Depending on the number of passengers, there will be on or two seatings. There is buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner menus will vary depending on what fresh ingredients are available. Complimentary wine is provided at both lunch and dinner.

For shore excursions, we will provide either a picnic lunch or a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Please let us know at the time of booking, or no later than three weeks in advance of the sailing date if you need a special, medically prescribed diet.

Clothing

Recommended clothing, luggage and sundries.

Shore Visits and Excursions

Information about excursions and activities available on your voyage.

Weather

The weather in the area is generally divided between the dry season, from March to October, and the wet season, from September to February. You can expect some rain even in the dry season, so we recommend you bring a poncho or other raingear for shore excursions. Temperatures during both seasons will average in the 80’s during the day, and 60’s-70’s in the evening. Temperatures are given in Fahrenheit.

To experience the South Pacific in a more authentic & intimate way,

Contact the Travelgal at Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net or 800 644-6659

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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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Reserve Paul Gauguin Cruise by 18/December for 50% Savings & 2 for 1 Airfare from LAX!

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the m/s Paul Gauguin - the highest-rated luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific - has announced that the company has been acquired by Pacific Beachcomber, the leading luxury hotel operator in the destination the m/s Paul Gauguin calls home - including the InterContinental Resorts on the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. The m/s Paul Gauguin features award-winning itineraries to Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand.

You may rest assured that the ship’s all-inclusive value, dedicated officers and crew members, and unparalleled amenities will remain unchanged.

To celebrate the acquisition, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering Early Booking Savings with unprecedented value. Reserve by December 18, 2009 and save up to 50% plus receive TWO-FOR-ONE Roundtrip airfare from LAX on select cruises!

Merry Christmas!!

What a great gift to give your sweetie and you don’t even have to go to the Mall!!

Call the Travelgal at 800 644-6659 to reserve your cruise today!

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Paul Gauguin Ship Info & Watersports Marina

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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The Star Flyer Tall Ship is sailing to the Mediterranean in 2010

Star Clippers Tall Ships - Discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present.

Perfect for cruising in casual elegance, the Star Flyer will be leaving Tahiti and sailing for the Mediterranean, the exotic Far East and the Caribbean.

You are invited to join the Star Flyer crew on a trip of a lifetime. You’ll be able to jump on board along the way or just take the month off and sail half way around the world with them!

As the Star Flyer makes its way back to the Mediterranean from Tahiti, the itinerary includes a 34-night voyage from Papeete, Tahiti, to Balboa, Panama.
The ship will make maiden calls at Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands before heading east across the Pacific.

If you would like to cruise the world aboard a ship carrying only 128 passengers, Call Me at 1-800-644-6659
Your ‘Cruise Specialist’ at Luxury Hideaways

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