The Islands of Tahiti
A Landscape of Luminous Lagoons and Green Spires
The Islands of Tahiti Overview
The setting is the seductive stuff of daydreams. Verdant volcanic peaks rise above palm-studded beaches that line an electric-blue lagoon. It is the land of flowers in the hair and pareo-clad dancers, of bold tribal tattoos on bronze skin and ritual offerings to the shark gods. Adding to these iconic notions are luxurious thatch-roofed bungalows that perch on stilts above clear shallows, and resorts that deliver five-star vacation experiences with a unique flair for barefoot luxury. Private waterfront terraces encourage languor, but the reefs are never far away, and blue waters promise adventure above and below the waves.
Diving
Mingle with black tips and lemon sharks in sheltered lagoons, or go outside the reef to swim with turtles and watch for passing pods of dolphin. Relax in shallows filled with coral heads and tropical fish. Make an easy drift with a cluster of Napoleon wrasse or ramp up the excitement with a high-speed run through a channel filled with gray reef sharks.
Adventure
Paddle to a deserted beach. Ride a four-wheeler to a scenic peak or bike back roads and forests. Cruise into blue water to meet whales and dolphins. Hike into the Valley of the Kings and zip through the jungle.
Wellness
Indulge in treatments that tap the vitality of Polynesian oils, flowers, and plants grown in Tahiti. Book a massage in an open-air pavilion overlooking the lagoon. Wake up to a private yoga session in an over-water bungalow.
