HONEYMOON IN PARADISE
Tahiti & Her Islands, Part II
By Michelle R. Mangio
Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialist of Magical Escapes Vacations

     Last month we took you to French Polynesia – commonly referred to as Tahiti and Her Islands – to explore the tropical island destinations of Tahiti, Moorea, and Manihi. One lucky bridal couple will win a 7-night Honeymoon to these islands from Magical Escapes Vacations, as part of the Grand Honeymoon Giveaway at the Western New England Bridal Show on November 20, 2005.

While Tahiti, Moorea, and Manihi capture the essence and beauty of the South Pacific, there are many islands within French Polynesia, each offering its own unique experience. For honeymooners considering Tahiti as their destination of choice for that most special of vacations, let us now take a look at a few of the other popular islands to visit within this tropical paradise.

In Modern Bride’s recent “Honeymoon Top Tens” survey, Tahiti (and her Islands) ranked #3 overall in the Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations, taking first place in Sexy Ambiance and second place in Romance, Seclusion, and Beaches. But if that wasn’t enough to convince you that this amazing set of islands isn’t the perfect destination, just talk to a couple who has honeymooned in the South Pacific. Their stories of tropical romance will be enough to convince anyone that there is no better tropical honeymoon destination for couples in search of romance and seclusion.

Bora Bora is, perhaps, the most famous of the French Polynesian islands, and photographs of her have adorned almost every honeymoon publication ever made. It has been said that Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world. While some would argue that Moorea holds that crown, none would argue that Bora Bora has the most amazing and beautiful lagoon in all the world. The lagoon ranges from pure crystalline blues to sparkling emerald greens, complimented by an array of colorful fishes swimming among bright coral gardens.

In all things romance, Bora Bora scores a perfect ten – from pristine white beaches to Mount Otemanu, rising like a castle amidst the crystalline lagoon, to overwater bungalows poised to watch the sun rise or set over the ocean waves. The privacy of the resorts, offering bungalows in secluded lush gardens, on the edge of white sand beaches (complete with private hammocks), or over the blue waters of its lagoons, coupled with the exclusive amenities offered by the different resorts, provide couples with a honeymoon experience catered to them. From private dinners on a motu, to breakfast brought by outrigger canoe, each day on Bora Bora will offer something new. Popular activities also include dinner at Bloody Mary’s, snorkeling with the sharks, sunset catamaran cruises, and so much more.

Near enough to Bora Bora to reach by an unforgettable helicopter ride, Taha’a (the Vanilla Island) is quickly becoming as famous as its more glamorous cousin for the ultimate in luxury and romance in the Tahitian Islands. And if your goal is to achieve seclusion, while still being pampered, Taha’a is the best place in all French Polynesia to do it, with only two resorts located on its shores. The Le Taha’a Resort & Spa has one of the best spa facilities in this country, and a stay at this exclusive resort will leave any couple feeling like royalty.

Vanilla plantations, intimate yet luxurious accommodations, and a peacefulness found nowhere else will make you fall in love with Taha’a.

Raiatea, the Sacred Island, is also a sister island to Taha’a, as the two islands share a reef and lagoon. Are you truly looking for that swept away to a deserted island feel? Then Raiatea is the perfect island for you, with only one resort located on its shores. The Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel is an experience unlike any other in French Polynesia. This resort takes you away from the modern world with simple accommodations with few extras. While at first this may seem less than ideal, you will quickly discover that this is a warm, welcoming resort – and that, suddenly, you are able to focus on the sheer beauty and amazing character of this island, to see and experience the world like you never have: the clear beauty of the night sky, the sound of the water lapping beneath you, the brilliance of the sun as it rises in the morning. The knowledgeable staff will help guide you around the island, revealing parts you might never have known existed otherwise.

If you are looking for the best kept secret of Tahiti, however, then look no further than the island of Huahine. With its lush forests, untamed landscapes, and quaint villages, Huahine is often considered the Eden of French Polynesia. This island is relatively unchanged by the modern world, and the people who live here are friendly and willing to share their ways of living with visitors. Pristine white beaches meet crystal blue waters at the edges of vibrant forests – a painter’s palette of paradise.

There are still other islands worthy of exploration within Tahiti, from Tikehau and its pink sand beaches in the Tuomotu atolls to the Marquesas Islands, but never enough time to experience it all. But if you visit these islands once, a part of you will always remain with them. If you seek romance secluded away on a tropical island for your honeymoon, then look no further than Tahiti and Her Islands. They will help you create a honeymoon experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.

About Michelle Mangio
Michelle Mangio is the owner of Magical Escapes Vacations, based in Attleboro, MA. She is a certified Honeymoons & Destination Weddings Specialist, with expertise in many popular honeymoon locations, including Tahiti & the South Pacific, Australia, Aruba, Hawaii, Cancun, and more.

About Magical Escapes Vacations
Magical Escapes Vacation is a full-service travel agency specializing in complete destination planning for any occasion. “Don’t just make reservations. Make experiences. Create memories. Live your dreams.” Let Magical Escapes Vacations take the stress and uncertainty out of vacation planning by assisting you in creating a vacation to remember for a lifetime. Our unique personalized approach will exceed your expectations. We treat each vacation like it was our own, and will work with you to find the perfect getaway. So escape away today… because everyone deserves a vacation.
For more information, contact Michelle at Magical Escapes Vacations toll-free at 866-698-7849 or locally at 508-717-2535, by email at michelle @ magicalescapes.com, or online at http://www.magicalescapes.com

The Grand Prize Honeymoon Giveaway at the Western New England Bridal Show will consist of Roundtrip International Airfare for 2 out of New York City on Air Tahiti Nui, Inter-Island Air from Tahiti to Moorea on Air Moorea, Inter-Island Air from Tahiti to Manihi on Air Tahiti, 1 Night on Tahiti at the Radisson Resort Plaza Tahiti, 3 Nights on Moorea at the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, and 3 Nights on Manihi at the Manihi Pearl Resort & Spa. Some restrictions apply. Must be redeemed by December 12, 2006. This prize is brought to you by Magical Escapes Vacations, in partnership with Air Tahiti Nui and Pearl Resorts, and with Air Tahiti, Air Moorea, and Radisson Resorts.

Magical Escapes Vacations – http://www.magicalescapes.com
Air Tahiti Nui – www.airtahitinui-usa.com
Pearl Resorts – www.pearlresorts.com
Air Tahiti – www.airtahiti.pf
Air Moorea – www.airmoorea.com
Radisson Resorts - http://www.radisson.com/aruefrp

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(This article originally appeared in the November 2005 Edition of the Wedding Day Sourcebook)