Taha'a

Taha'a ~ The leeward island of Taha'a is known as Tahiti's Vanilla Island for its plantations. It now produces more vanilla than anywhere else in Polynesia -there is the scent of vanilla in the air! We flew from Moorea back to Tahiti, then took another flight to Raiatea. Once on Raiatea, we took a boat ride to the private Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa, which opened in 2002. It is 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and 35 min by boat from Raiatea Island . Private helicopter service is also available. The resort offers 48 overwater suites & 12 beach suites more than a hundred square meters in size. The 12 Beach Villas have a private swimming pool, tropical gardens, and are surrounded by rock walls, offering complete privacy. There is a king size bed (or twins), TV and living room with sofa and a large terrace opening onto private pool and fare pote (dining table & chairs with ceiling fan).

The public areas are built in the trees, making the resort that much more beautiful. The resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and Bora Bora island on the ocean side. Activities include Jet skis, water ski, 1lighted tennis court, Bacci ball, volleyball court, beach, and Jacuzzi. There is a full range of excursions to discover the wonders of the island of Taha'a by sea or by land which includes a vanilla plantation and the black pearl farms. There are two different boutiques: one which offers every day conveniences as well as a large sample of local handicrafts, and the other one features the natural jewels of the Pacific lagoons, the world famous black pearls. Also available are helicopter tours from Taha’a and Bora Bora, daily shuttle service (am/pm) and islands discovery excursions. There is a new gym, new library/lounge area and a new dive center near the beach.

We stayed in an overwater bungalow with a sunset view. The water was beautiful and there was very little coral in the swim area by the bungalows. All garden bungalows have a plunge pool and are supplied with snorkel equipment. They sleep 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults and one child.

There are three restaurants, two bars, freshwater swimming pool, tennis court, spa and an on-site dive center on the property. La Plage restaurant is located by the pool and beachside; Vanille (main restaurant) & Ohiri (fine dining) restaurants are located in the heart of the resort among the trees.  After dinner, we saws a Polynesian show (see picture to right).

***Taha'a ~ This resort the picture of luxury and my favorite of all the resorts we visited.