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If your desire is to get to a beautiful beach, unpack and settle into a complete holiday, head to Bora Bora or Moorea. There's enough to do and see in between the naps and swims. |
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When packing for Tahiti let cool and casual be the buzzwords of the bags. Bring light, loose, easily washed clothes of natural fibers. |
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Remember your feet when you pack your swim gear. Those coral lagoons and black sand beaches can cut. Bring aqua socks or old tennis shoes for walking in water. |
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Tahiti is ground zero for cultured black pearl production. While all pearls will be pricey if you buy your pearls at a pearl farm such as to be found on Manihi, Rangiroa and Fakarava you will avoid middleman costs and gain value on your selection. |
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When buying pearls in Tahiti, get a receipt and a certification of origin and authenticity for each pearl you buy and receive a tax refund on departure. There is no import duty on black pearls levied when passing through US customs. |
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If you want to use mobile phone service while in Tahiti you can bring an unlocked, tri-band cell phone from the U.S. and swap out the company's chip for a "Vini" chip upon arrival. |
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Die-hard golfers can get in the game at the 18-hole Olivier Breaud International Golf Course located about 25 miles from Papeete, which can be booked by a hotel concierge. |
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Tipping is not required throughout these islands, nor is it a custom. Often, instead of money, guests will present gifts to their attendants or send a "thank you" letter from home. |
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To truly get away from it all consider a Robinson Crusoe experience at Kia Ora Sauvage Rangiroa. It's a private islet of five thatched bungalows off Hotel Kia Ora in Rangiroa. It has no electricity but does have one of the freshest seafood dining experiences in Tahiti and offers plenty of activities, including feeding the local sharks from the shore. |
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Have a romantic and soothing high tea session on the beach at the Hotel Bora Bora in late afternoon. It is flavored with fresh vanilla beans and served up with banana or coconut cookies. |
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If you receive a lei of leaves it might be the mystical Ti plant. This sacred plant will protect you from fire, especially if you plan on walking on flames, and be used to protect your dwelling fire if you hang it on the door. |
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Remember to reconfirm international flights no later than 72 hours before departure. Unused francs can be converted into dollars inside the airport terminal. |
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Tahiti has some of the best scuba diving conditions and attractions in the world where it is not only possible to see a range of sharks species but also dozens of rays and even humpback whales (off the island of Rurutu during the mating season from July to October when they come up from Antarctica). |
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Non-certified scuba enthusiasts must present a certificate from a doctor indicating good health. Doctors are available in Tahiti to provide these services. There are more than 30 scuba diving clubs in French Polynesia to supply information and arrange dives. |
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When in the water, take care. Avoid: "crown of thorns" starfish, jellyfish, sea anemone, stone fish, scorpion fish, fire coral, urchin spines and cone shells. Wear protective shoes and watch where your hands go. Leave bright jewelry in the room. |
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There are no snakes on this island chain, nor poisonous spiders or scary land animals. Ignore the yellow lizard you may see on your ceiling. These harmless geckos will eat your mosquitoes, but they also like bananas. |
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Consider visiting a remote island off Australia. Check out Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage Site that measures 11 miles by 2 miles, tabbed the "last virgin of the South Seas." |
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Sleep under the stars at Eagles Nest Resort by the Bay of Islands off New Zealand's northern coastlines. The First Light Temple Villa offers a dramatic skylight that allows the couple to stargaze in bed. |
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Book a week at the Wakaya Club, a 2,200-acre private island in Fiji, which hosts only nine couples at a time |
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Learn to dive at Yasawa Island Resort in Fiji through a private PADI diving instructor. Reserve the Lomalagi bure, secluded at the end of its own. |
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Stay at Royal Davui in Fiji. The private island offers 16 gorgeous villas and can be accessed easily by boat from Viti Levu. |
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Say I do in the Cook Islands, where vows are internationally recognized and legally binding worldwide. |
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