Moorea

Moorea

Moorea is located 19 kilometres across the lagoon from Tahiti, accessible by a 30-minute ferry ride or ten-minute flight. The island, renowned for its jagged peaks, lush vegetation and pineapple crops, is encircled by a stunning lagoon filled with colourful coral and brilliantly hued fish.

Covering an area of around 80 square kilometres, Moorea is the second largest island after Tahiti in the Seaward group of islands.

In addition to its dramatic interior mountains and luxuriant vegetation, Moorea is unique among the Society Islands in having long expanses of both white and black sand beaches. Many believe that Moorea’s beaches are the most beautiful in the world.

Moorea is also an island full of myths and legends. The shape of its silhouette, said to resemble a pregnant woman lying on her back, is widely believed to promote fertility. Indeed many couples from around the world come here when trying to get pregnant.

French Polynesia

While French Polynesia covers over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean its combined land mass is just 3500 square kilometers. Comprised of 118 islands spread over five archipelagos, the most famous of which are the Society Islands, including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa.

Located midway between California and Australia, French Polynesia is a place of postcard-perfect scenery with sugary white, palm-fringed beaches, warm aquamarine waters, friendly welcoming people – and surprisingly few tourists.

The open Polynesian culture has long wooed artists such a Paul Gaugin, James Michener and Marlon Brando seeking respite from the modern world in a setting of unrivalled beauty. Art and literature have flourished through the centuries in this peaceful haven, and continue to thrive today. Markets where local craftspeople sell their wares offer colourful hand-dyed pareos, mother-of-pearl jewellery, tiki statues, hats and bags made of pandanus leaves and hand-made baskets. Polynesia is also world-renowned for the quality of its pearls including rare black, green and pink pearls.

Temperatures in French Polynesia fluctuate only 12-14 degrees year-round and include a low-humidity summer season from May to October with perfect temperatures between 20-28 degrees celcius.

Underwater, the islands are a diver’s paradise with sponges, brilliantly hued sea anemones and pearl oysters creating a spectacular display of textures and colours. Sharks, morays, barracuda, manta rays and over 400 varieties of fish inhabit the waters which are also great for game fishing, with abundant marlin, sailfish and tuna.

Pamper yourself

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