You may feel you need to ‘Keep up with the Kardashians’ or a nudie Justin Bieber and book a trip to Bora Bora to see the best of Tahiti, but Jo Jeffers from FCGP South Pacific recently discovered otherwise.
So let’s get some facts! Tahiti is made up of 118 Islands and atolls and is known for it’s coral reefs, untouched white sandybeaches and turquoise blue lagoons.
Of course it’s romance central and an idyllic honeymoon destination with plenty of luxurious Conde Naste endorsed resorts featuring overwater bungalows, and we’re close… just an 8 hour flight away via Auckland.
Moorea is just a few minutes by plane or 30 minutes by ferry from the Island of Tahiti and this is where Jo’s adventure began.
Voted ‘Best Island in the South Pacific’, (not only by Jo but also Trip Advisor), Moorea is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise lagoons and rainforest clad rugged mountains.
Raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk a ‘must do’.
All bases are covered in terms of accommodation with something for everyone and every budget from Sofitel Moorea la Ora Beach Resort and Moorea Pearl Resort to Hotel Les Tipaniers to Hotel Hibiscus for the more budget conscious.
Of course being the inventors of the overwater bungalow, you need to stay in one for at least one night and enjoy your own private marine-world peek a boo floor!
Given Jo came back with enough food selfies to fill a cook book – the food was obviously a highlight. Fresh fish and seafood seemed to be the most popular with poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk) a ‘must do’.
Jo also rated the pineapple as being the ‘tastiest’!
Moorea has been voted ‘Best Island in the South Pacific’
Moorea boasts a variety of tours and activities, more so than Bora Bora, according to Jo.
The coral around Moorea was plentiful boosting the variety and numbers of fish and you can snorkel straight off the beach in some parts! Moorea even has a Dolphin Centre which is supposed to be the only natural refuge where you can swim and play with dolphins.
Recite your vows beachside in a traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony, indulge in a Motu picnic where you’re transported to your very own private islet or indulge in a couple’s spa treatment. Moorea’s romance factor is even higher than ‘The Notebook’.
Just to recap here’s Jo’s top tips for Moorea:
- Don’t go past the pineapple – actually all the fruit is amazing
- Be sure to try Poisson Cru
- Book an overwater bungalow for at least 1 night
- Must do tour: Jet skiing in Moorea – such a nice way to take in the amazing mountain scenery & also the Shark and Ray feeding!
Must do activity: Visit the Tiki Village for a Tahitian feast and Polynesian show for a bit of fun!
