Snorkeling, Dolphins, and Fire Dancing at Island Resorts in French Polynesia
“I think Moorea is the most beautiful island in the world,” says travel writer Bill Goodwin in Frommer's South Pacific. “Nothing compares with its sawtooth ridges and the dark-green hulk of Mount Rotui separating Cook's and Opunohu bays.” Just 9 miles northwest Tahiti in the South Pacific, the tiny French Polynesian island of Moorea is less congested than its better-known neighbor. But in-the-know travelers head to the island for its gorgeous mountain vistas and the chance to swim with dolphins. Nearby, residents of the even tinier Motu Tautau might politely disagree with Goodwin's "most beautiful island" assertion. There, Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa welcomes with overwater bungalows, a treetop restaurant, and a coral garden for snorkeling. With Travelscene's French Polynesian packages, travelers choose which of these two islands they want to visit after a quick visit to Tahiti.
Click here for a basic trip itinerary and valid departure dates. Click here for a FAQ page.
Both deal options begin with an economy-class Air Tahiti Nui flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tahiti Faa’a International Airport (PPT). Guests will spend one or two nights at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, a tropical retreat on Tahitian west coast. In Tahiti, daily activities range from snorkeling and participating in Tahitian quilt-making. Guests spend the night or nights in comfortable lagoon-view rooms.
Magic Tahiti Trip
Guests ferry across the bay to Moorea for three nights at the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa, located next to the mountains on the dove-shaped island’s northwestern wing. Guests retire to lanai rooms that peer onto the resort’s verdant gardens. A gourmet restaurant serves Polynesian specialties, with three theme nights each week incorporating beach buffets, barbecue, fresh fish, and Tahitian dance. Day 4 of this trip includes a lagoon cruise for snorkeling and a picnic lunch beneath coconut trees and the island's monument to John Stamos's hair. For the last day on Moorea, guests are free to explore the island or meet and greet a dolphin at the Moorea Dolphin Center, located at the resort.
Luxury Island Escape Trip
After flights from Tahiti to Raiatea, groups take a scenic 35-minute boat ride from the airport to the islet of Motu Tautau, located just off the coast of Tahaa. There, guests begin a four-night stay at Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa, called "one of French Polynesia's most luxurious and architecturally creative resorts" by Frommer's. The resort’s serene overwater suites include a private deck that stretches out above lagoon water. Hoisted into the treetops, Le Vanille restaurant serves three-course meals while diners watch fire dancing from Tavita, one of French Polynesia's most tattooed men. Following the stay, guests return to Tahiti and depart for Los Angeles.
For more information click here or call (866) 464-9374.
Deal Terms
Book by 3/16; complete by 6/4/12. 1/person, 1/gift. 1/visit. Valid for option bought. Cancel 45 days+ in advance & fee up to 20% Groupon price applies; 44-21 days & fee up to 35% Groupon price; 20-10 days & fee up to 60% Groupon price; 9 days or less & fee up to Groupon price. 18+ to check in. Not valid for solo travel. Sign waiver. Must provide full name at checkout. $1.80 city tax/person/night not included and gov't increases extra. Airfare is Air Tahiti Nui sale fare & once booked is non-refundable