Paradise Is Calling in French Polynesia
Related Podcast: Travel Bistro -- Adventures in French Polynesia
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By GERRY BARKER
March 17, 2024 “La Orana!” That’s Tahitian for “hello.” It comes in handy when you’re in Tahiti, which many who have been there — us included — regard as the closest thing to paradise on earth. Pam and I made our first visit to French Polynesia to experience Windstar’s newly-deployed Star Breeze, the sister yacht to Star Legend, which we cruised on in 2022 (read about it here). Windstar, which has had a presence in Tahiti for almost 40 years, brought in Star Breeze to replace its sailing yacht, Wind Spirit. With Tahiti cruises in high demand, Star Breeze doubles what Wind Spirit could accommodate. In Windstar’s press release, company President Christopher Prelog noted: “This strategic shift in ships not only doubles capacity but also brings new experiences given the Breeze’s multiple dining options, enlarged spa and fitness center, and spacious accommodations. travelers aboard Star Breeze still navigate Tahiti’s out-of-the-way harbors, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches in Windstar’s signature, small ship style.” READ MORE. |
All Photos/Video by Gerry Barker
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Port of Call: Moorea
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Moorea, or Mo'orea (Mo-o-RAY-a) as it is also known, is one of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, located some 17 miles from the main island of Tahiti. It's a favorite destination for honeymooners, who favor the resorts located along the coastline. Tourism is the main business, and you can expect a warm and friendly welcome from the islanders.
It was a stop on our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise, and after the cruise, we spent three additional days here. One visit and you'll know why it's so in-demand for newlyweds and travelers from around the world. MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE |
Beach in Moorea
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Port of Call: Raiatea
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One of the stops on our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise was Raiatea, the second largest of the 118 Society Islands in French Polynesia. More quiet and laid-back than Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora, During our time here, we saw a pearl farm, a botanical garden and Marae Taputapuatea, a historical religious complex at Opoa on the south eastern coast of Raiatea. Let's start the tour:
MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE |
Pearl farm on Raiatea
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Port of Call: Taha'a, Motu Mahaea
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Small, private "motus" (islands) are sprinkled throughout French Polynesia. On our Windstar "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze, the cruise line arranged for us to have a beach BBQ on Motu Mahaea. We were ferried over in Zodiacs, eight at a time, to spend the day lounging on the beach, playing water sports, sipping cocktails and enjoying delicious food. Plus the scenery isn't bad, either.
MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE |
The Windstar crew prepares the BBQ
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Port of Call: Bora Bora
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Mention Bora Bora, and you think about luxury resorts with over-the-water bungalows. This 12-square-mile island is world-famous as a bucket list destination for tourists and newlyweds. On Windstar's "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze, we spent a half-day touring the island paradise. Take a look.
MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE While anchored off Bora Bora, Windstar's Star Breeze staged a special "Destination Discovery Event" on a private island: Dinner, sunset viewing and Tahitian dancers. It was a magical night to remember.
MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE |
Fire dancers perform at a special dinner event
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Port of Call: Huahine
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Windstar's Star Breeze made a stop at Maroa Bay on the French Polynesian island of Huahine, consisting of two islands, Big Huahine and Little Huahine. We took a tour that included a picnic in the water, featuring freshly-made Poisson Cru (raw fish) and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Just another day in paradise.
MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE |
Picnic in the water
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Port of Call: Papeete, Tahiti
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Our last port of call on Windstar's "Dreams of Tahiti" cruise on Star Breeze was where we started: Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti. It was an opportunity to take a quick look around the island's north coast, where we found a waterfall, a blow hole and a lighthouse, along with scenic volcanic, black sand beaches. We also saw a lot of surfing. In fact, the 2024 Paris Olympics surfing competition will be held on Tahiti.
MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO HERE |
Fa'aruma'i waterfalls
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Aboard Star Breeze
Our balcony suite stateroom
The Yacht Club
Cuadro 44, a specialty restaurant
Tahitian women talk about the pareo
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Pearl, the onboard Tahitian ciltural ambassador
Captain Simon Terry
Deck seating near the Star Grill
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Pool and hot tubs
Water sports platform
Dessert buffet
The Veranda restaurant
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The Windstar flag
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The Bridge, which is open for viewing
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Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
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Our magical time in French Polynesia was coming to a close. After a week-long, Windstar cruise and three days on Moorea, there was one day left before we would board French bee for the flight home.
We wanted to stay not-too-far from the airport, since our plane had an early-morning departure, but at the same time, experience more of what Tahiti has to offer. Our choice of Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts accomplished both. Located on Tahiti’s north shore along Lafayette beach, with its black, volcanic sands, and facing historic Matavai Bay, it offers the ultimate in luxury accommodations that blend seamlessly into the island’s natural ecology. READ MORE. |
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
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