The reason why some ocean water is more turquoise than others is due to the absorption and scattering of light, with absorption being a larger factor than scattering for clear ocean water. Waters in places like the Caribbean, South Pacific like in Bora Bora, and Greece are shallower and almost free of plankton, causing them to be a specific shade of azure blue. These waters are also usually home to heavier sand and sediment, which churn up less, leaving waters more clear. Additionally, these little slices of paradise tend to experience less "upwelling," which can turn water murkier.
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort in French Polynesia features luxurious overwater bungalows that are built on stilts over a crystal-clear lagoon. The bungalows are equipped with private decks, and glass floors, and offer breathtaking views. The resort offers a range of activities including cultural experiences, kayaking, and snorkeling. The on-site restaurant serves delectable French Polynesian cuisine. The resort is recommended for a peaceful retreat or a romantic getaway.
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As international tourist arrivals approach pre-pandemic levels, 2023 is expected to be a major rebound year for the travel industry. New and exciting international airline routes are being launched, and carriers are expanding their route networks, making it a great year for travel. Delta launched a new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, three times per week in December 2022, making it easier for travelers to visit the South Pacific archipelago.
Conrad Hotels and Resorts started out as a loophole to get around a clause that forbade Hilton Hotels from operating internationally under the Hilton name. The brand has evolved since its launch in 1982 and is now one of Hilton’s top-tier luxury brands, alongside Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts and the LXR collection. The brand currently has 44 properties globally and has grown more than 100 percent since 2015. Conrad is focused on enhancing guest experiences and developing a clear brand identity as it expands into new markets, including resorts in key leisure destinations.
Have you been on the edge of your seat waiting for Cruising to come back? Look no further than Paul Gauguin to get your cruising fix in the paradise of French Polynesia. AFAR gives a great overview of the "something for everyone" Islands of Tahiti cruise.
Tahiti Tourisme teams up with AFAR Journeys once again for a custom designed itinerary featuring the "Big Three"...Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This itinerary hits all the major sites and features 2 of our favorite resorts, the Sofitel Kia Ora Beach Resort and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. We are very glad they included a stop at the sumptuous Villa Mahana as well!
AFAR Journeys features another original Tahiti Tourisme itinerary with a 14 day immersion into Huahine and Moorea. If you are looking for a more authentic glimpse into slow, island life, this itinerary could take you there.
Are you looking for some "alone time"? AFAR featured an adventurous itinerary for the solo traveler designed by Tahiti Tourisme. If you are going solo, give it a look. It features stops on the islands of Taha'a, Raiatea, Moorea, and Tahiti.
Need a little romance in your life? Bora Bora and Moorea make Travel + Leisure's Top 25 List for the Most Romantic Islands in the World. Grab you significant other and head over for some much needed R&R (Romance and Relaxation).
Tahiti Tourisme's CEO, Jean-Marc Mocellin issued a statement that borders will remain closed through April, but with the intent to reopen to tourism on May 1st. Tahiti continues its positive trends of reducing COVID-19 numbers within its borders and looks forward to welcoming back tourism very soon.
Given discussions held between French Polynesian leaders and their French counterparts, Tourisme Tahiti expects current border closure, enacted on February 3, 2021, to be "very temporary". Eduoard Fritch, the President of French Polynesia, strenuously requested that the temporary closure of Tahiti be no more than three months in duration. Tahiti has seen much improvement in their COVID trends. However, leaders of France mandated the closure for all of its overseas territories due to fear of new COVID variants they were already seeing in Europe. French Polynesia's economy, and it people, depend on tourism. A closure of more than 2 or 3 months would be a devastating and avoidable mistake. Expectations are that the borders will be open for travel in April or May.
As of February 3, 2021, Tahiti's borders will be closed again, temporarily. We expect borders to open again after 2-3 months. French Polynesia has been welcoming back guests since July, 2020. As of February 3, 2021, their borders will be closed again, temporarily. Despite Tahiti's progress in combatting the COVID virus, other areas under French rule have not fared so well. As a precaution, the leaders of France have mandated that all French Territories close their borders for a two month period. This is due to concerns in France about new COVID variants and is not correlated to the progress made on the ground in Tahiti. In the months preceding this mandate, Tahiti was trending very positively with decline numbers of cases. The leaders of French Polynesia have been very clear that this closure should not last more than 2-3 months.
The annual Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, based in Great Britain, has chosen an image taken in August 2020 off the coast of Moorea! Winning photographer, American Renee Capozzola, captured shark's at sunset from underwater. The photo named "Shark's Skylight" is an excellent tribute to these special residents of French Polynesia. Hats off to Renee for her excellent work. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. "In French Polynesia there is strong legal protection for sharks, allowing them to thrive and balance the marine ecosystem." - Renee Capozzola
The exotic Islands of Tahiti have won Travel Pulse's Travvy Award for the "Best Destination Overall" for 2020. We are not surprised. Once you visit, you will agree!
