We arrived at the tiny aerodrome on the island of Rangiroa in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia - marveling at the narrow air strip surrounded on both sides by aquamarine waters. Unlike all passengers we did not have any hotel reservations and we lingered around until all the passengers left and the steel gates began to close - completely locking down the small airport building. One guy walked up to us and asked us if we needed … [Read more...]
The Most Unique Vineyard & Winery in the World
In 2002, Oenologue, Sébastien Thépénie responded to an ad to work at a winery in French Polynesia. Wait a minute. There is vineyard and a winery in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean? The answer is yes - on the remote Rangiroa atoll, one of the world's largest coral atolls. And certainly one of the most isolated vineyards on the planet. Today Sébastien oversees the viticulture and winemaking for Domaine Vin de Tahiti. This extremely unique … [Read more...]
Tahiti, Exploring this Gem in the Middle of the Southern Pacific Ocean
I've wanted to visit Tahiti for years but the high cost of airfare has been a barrier to visiting the country. But with recent flights from the west coast of the USA launching earlier this year and prices much more affordable then in the years past, my decision to visit Tahiti became more realistic. The capital city of Papeete is by far the largest city in the country - and yes there is even traffic downtown. But as far as cities go, this is … [Read more...]
Club Med: An Unpaid Advertorial Paradise Lost: A Travel Survivalist Kit
Crashing a Club Med in French Polynesia, nonpaying guest intruder John M. Edwards discovers life is no picnic. . . . I awoke on the rooftop of Tahiti’s international airport with a heavy jackboot nudging me in my ribs--! “Monsieur, Monsieur, allons-y!” All of the other sleeping backpackers, alerted by a piping yelp evocative of a vicious French poodle being savagely rogered insensate, rubbed the sleepy seeds from their eyes and gloomily … [Read more...]
New Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card Launches with Bonus Miles and a Gift for Sustainability
Up to $100,000 Total Donation to the Polynesian Voyaging Society For All New Credit Cards Activated Between Today and May 31, 2014 HONOLULU - Hawaiian Airlines® with MasterCard®, Barclaycard US and Bank of Hawaii today announced the official launch of the richly rewarding Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard® for consumers and the Hawaiian Airlines Business MasterCard for small businesses. In celebration of the new card, new consumer and … [Read more...]
Bora Bora Named A Top Island in the World By TripAdvisor Travelers
LOS ANGELES March 1, 2014 The island of Bora Bora, one of the 118 islands and atolls that make up the Islands of Tahiti, was recognized as the number three island in the world in the Top 10 Islands in the World 2014 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice awards. The Travelers Choice Top 10 Islands in the World awards honor top travel spots worldwide based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. Award winners … [Read more...]
Tahiti Tourisme Offers Destination App to Help Travelers Explore the Islands of Tahiti
Paradise can now be found in the palm of your hand with Tahiti Tourisme launching its first travel app for Android and Apple mobile users. The app features augmented reality and a travel guide providing information on dining, accommodations, transportation and activities for most of Tahitis islands and atolls including contact information and maps. The app functions as a quick reference resource while travelers are in the islands. Once … [Read more...]
World’s Best Beaches
Beaches provide a beautiful escape from the daily grind of life. Laying back on a relaxing beach towel and soaking up the sun is a luxury that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing. However, as there are thousands upon thousands of beaches to explore on this beautiful planet of ours, it may be difficult to distinguish which sandy destination is truly paradise and which is merely a mirage. Rest easy friends because we have put together … [Read more...]
Why French Polynesia Should Be on Your Bucket List
Establishing a bucket list is the ultimate way to kick-start your life goals. As Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman demonstrated in their movie The Bucket List, some are a little more extravagant with their lists than others. Some wish to own a Corvette, others prefer to see the sunrise, and there are those who want to travel the world. If those last two items are part of your bucket list, then a trip to French Polynesia will kill two birds … [Read more...]
South Pacific Films by David Stanley
Over the past eight decades the paradise isles of the legendary South Seas have provided a backdrop for many Hollywood productions. French Polynesia has been the most popular location by far, followed by Fiji and Samoa. Both Hollywood films set in Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal Diary (1943) starring Anthony Quinn and The Thin Red Line (1999), were about the Pacific War. Easter Island features in Kevin Costner's Rapa Nui (1994) while The Other Side … [Read more...]