Totem Travel Blog

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I made my first trip to the South Pacific many years ago and have returned several times visiting all the most popular islands and resorts.   On a recent trip to Tahiti, I was fortunate to spend a few days on Manihi in the Tuamotu Islands.

Manihi is an atoll, meaning that the highest point of elevation is only a few feet above sea level and the island itself is a coral reef. For an avid scuba diver and snorkeler like myself, atoll is another word for heaven. 

To reach Manihi you must first fly to Papeete, which is approximately 8 1/2 hours non stop from LAX.  If possible,  I recommend an overnight flight for several reasons - sleeping makes the flight seem shorter, you can get to Manihi without an overnight stay in Papeete, and an early arrival means more time on vacation.

The one hour interisland flight is your first opportunity to sightsee, so make sure you take a window seat!  You’ll be flying over dozens of tiny islets and reefs and see every shade of blue imaginable.  When you arrive on Manihi a golf cart will whisk you and your luggage from the airport to the Pearl Resort, the only accommodations on the island.  Hint - after the daily flight the airport is deserted and becomes a bicycle path, so don’t miss your chance to do wheelies on the runway!

Your first view of the resort will probably be the horizon swimming pool which disappears into the turquiose lagoon beyond.  An adjacent open air bar offers refreshments and shade and the peaked roof restaurant  has seating indoors and out.  Manihi accommodations come in 4 flavors - beach & premium beach bungalows, overwater and premium overwater bungalows.  I loved both beach and overwater accomodations for different reasons but would skip the standard beach bungalows which have a limited view. 

The premium beach bungalows are very spacious and have open bathrooms (the toilet is enclosed), louvered windows to let the tropical breezes blow through, a big porch and beautiful views of the lagoon.  The overwater bungalows are lovely and offer Tahitian t.v. (viewing windows in the floor) and stairs leading from the deck into the water.  Premium overwater bungalows have A/C. 

Snorkel gear is complementary for all as are kayaks, outrigger canoes and mini golf.   The snorkeling and scuba diving is fantastic with water temperatures between 79-84 degrees and schools of barracuda, turtles, deep-water sharks and dolphins year round.  November through April, you can dive with Hammerhead sharks or Eagle Rays and July through October you’ll see Manta Rays and Grey Sharks.

Other popular acitvities include a trip to the Black Pearl Farm, a motu picnic, reading in a hammock or biking about the island.  Manihi is not for those wishing a fast pace.  But for those seeking privacy, beauty and romance, it just might be paradise!

It’s easy to spend $10,000 or more for a week in Tahiti. In fact on my last trip I stayed in fabulous villas at Hotel Bora Bora and Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa that run $1000 per night. Yes, they are worth it! 

But what if your budget isn’t that generous? You can still enjoy Tahiti on a $4-6K budget; you just need to plan carefully. 

One place to economize is by eliminating airfare to a more remote island. Moorea is a fantastic destination with wonderful beaches, fabulous views and reasonably priced overwater bungalows. And, best of all, you can get there by ferry from Tahiti! That will save most couples $6-700 right away.

Another option is to stay in a traditional hotel room rather than an overwater or beach bungalow. This will save you thousands of dollars and you’ll still enjoy 4 star resort amenities without the luxury price tag. On the other hand, I don’t recommend an overwater bungalow at a 2 star property. It’s like buying an expensive house in a lousy neighborhood. You’ll get much better value with the cheapest room at a nice resort - better beach, better pool, better service, better restaurants.   

Speaking of food, food is expensive in Tahiti so your best bet is to starve… I’m kidding… a little…

There are a few options that will keep body and soul together at a reasonable price. In Papeete, Les Roulottes offers inexpensive outdoor dining along the waterfront and a number of downtown restaurants are moderately priced. On Moorea you can buy cheese and fruit at a local market or have a pizza for dinner. However be forewarned, most couples spend $180 -200 dollars per day for meals. So plan accordingly!

Remember, once you’ve taken care of transportation, food and shelter all the really great things in Tahiti are free! Fabulous beaches, romance, turquoise water, time together, tropical breezes, unlimited sunshine, snorkeling, sunsets, more time together… you get the picture! 

Call me when it’s time to make your plans - Linda, your Tahiti Tiara Specialist

On my most recent trip to the South Pacific I visited six of the Tahitian islands including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Manihi, Tikehau and Taha’a.  Although it was a working trip for Tahiti Specialists, I was thoroughly spoiled with luxury accommodations at some of the most popular resorts, gourmet dining, warm tropical weather and a bit of free time (too little of course) to enjoy the fabulous snorkeling, beautiful beaches, turquoise water and sunset evenings.

I have lots of resort information and pictures to share so I’ll add to Our Blog as time permits. But since it’s almost time for the Bellevue and Lynnwood wedding shows, I thought I’d start with Tahiti - the perfect honeymoon destination!

Many couples choose the summer months for their wedding and honeymoon, so what should you expect?  Perfection!  May through October are the driest months in the South Pacific with air and water temperatures usually in the 80’s. April and November are lovely with just a bit more rain and December through March are the warm, wet months.  That’s when you’ll find the lowest prices in paradise. 

Island activities center around the beach, pool and turquoise water and you can enjoy every sport and pastime offered near, in, under and on the water.    Adventurous types can scuba dive, sail, kayak, moped or bike around the island, head out for a motu picnic or try a shark & ray feeding excursion.  More leisurely options include hammocks, fabulous Polynesian spa treatments and relaxing on a pristine beach. 

Honeymoon evenings often begin with a spectacular sunset followed by gourmet, open air dining under the stars.  After a leisurely dinner perhaps you’ll enjoy music and dancing, a romantic beach walk or just more private time together….  Tahiti really is the perfect honeymoon destination! 

In my next Blog I’ll talk about the wonderful resorts like Le Taha’a Private Island and Spa, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, the Pearl Resorts, the Intercontinental Resorts and more.  In the interim please call if I can help with your travel plans, mark your calendar for our Tahiti night in February and see us at the January wedding shows! (See Groups & Events for dates)

Linda

Tahiti Tiare Specialist