Tahiti, it's little wonder this archipelago continue to inspire artists and romantics alike

Bora Bora

Manihi

Moorea

Taha'a

Tahiti

Tikehau

Tahiti holidays map   

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A garland of flowers is the ultimate sign of hospitality in Tahiti. Its tissue-soft petals, with their fresh fragrance, seem to whisper, “Relax! You’re in the South Pacific!”  Exotic flowers abound in Tahiti, so much so that natives use them for home décor, personal adornment, and even symbolically, as part of an elaborate “language of flowers.” During your time in Tahiti, be forewarned that if you wear a tropical bloom behind your right ear, it means you are single and available, but behind the left, it means you are happily married or engaged!

The Tahitian gardenia is a dazzling white star of a flower, and its purity, silky softness, and subtle fragrance are found throughout Tahiti Island from resort hotel gardens to jungle pathways and verdant mountain slopes. It is the very symbol of Polynesia, the region defined by an imaginary triangle between Hawaii, Easter Island, and New Zealand. Originally settled by tribal Indonesians and Philippine sailors, the remote islands and atolls of Polynesia were later governed by France and converted to Christianity. Today, though still referred to as “French Polynesia,” the region enjoys an autonomous government whose magnificent efforts to preserve the ancient beauty of Tahiti are appreciated by young lovers, families, and retiree’s alike while on their Tahiti holidays.

Speaking primarily French and Tahitian, Tahiti natives consider surfing to be the sport of the gods. They enjoy telling oral histories based on the adventures of Polynesian warriors and also communicate through the mysterious, ancient art of the “otea” dance. In this entertaining traditional performance, hip-shaking dancers in grass skirts and elaborate head-dresses relate scenes of island life. Tahitians have a rich tradition of tattoo art, where each beautiful and colorful symbol represents a meaningful rite of passage. The natives live in simple villages, primarily along the coast, enabling Tahiti’s rugged interior to remain unspoiled and a perfect secret getaway for honeymooners and families on Tahiti holidays. The coastlines of Tahiti also play host to some of the world’s most impressive, 5-star Tahiti hotels, where every extravagance imaginable is merely part of the everyday, posh, Tahiti resort lifestyle.

Made up of two extinct volcanoes linked by a central isthmus, Tahiti’s interiors boast several traditional plantations. There, Tahitian natives maintain time-honored gardens and grow fields of festive hibiscus and flamingo flowers. Natives also harvest sweet bananas and such unusual delicacies as sweet and sour starfruit, fragrant soursops, irresistible mangoes, and the addictive Tahitian vanilla bean familiar to bakers worldwide. Visiting a plantation is a wonderful adventure, where the ephemeral scent of orchids tantalizes those on Tahiti holidays.

Tahiti is famous for its generous seafood buffets and its national dish—the melt-in-your-mouth “poisson cru,” or raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Every type of seafood is prepared expertly by gourmet chefs in the numerous five-star restaurants of Tahiti; meanwhile, lovers on Tahiti holidays can also enjoy delicious bistro fare from folksy sidewalk cafes called Roulottes. Delicious French croissants and vanilla-bean coffee are also available at Tahiti hotels and luxury getaways all over the Tahiti map.
In addition, this pleasant island paradise is famous for its pork chops and curries. Traditionally cooked in underground ovens called ahimaa, they are served to hungry holiday-makers as part of the great “tamaaraa” feast—a hedonistic celebration complete with song, dance, and plenty of island hospitality.

Situated just below the equator, Tahiti is nothing less than a tropical paradise, where the weather is warm and comfortable year-round. August is the perfect season for planning Tahiti weddings, as it is the driest month. May through October also feature low rainfall, making this a perfect time for a Tahiti vacation. The wet season, from November through April, is a wonderfully quiet time to visit, when vacationers may enjoy bird-watching and sunbathing among the mysterious black beaches and sylvan glades wrought by Tahiti’s volcanic past.

Except for those viewing Polynesia on exotic yachts and cruise ships, most vacationers on Tahiti holidays arrive at the Tahiti-Faaa international airport, in the capital city of Papeete. Tahiti accommodation can be arranged from there, but most travelers pre-arrange pick-ups from the luxury Tahiti resorts where they plan to marry on private beaches, honeymoon in indulgent spa retreats, or simply enjoy family holidays in Tahiti. Flights connect to Tahiti from most major international hubs, including Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland, and Tokyo. 

Visitors on Tahiti holidays will revel in the superb diving, snorkeling, and surfing throughout this culturally rich region of Polynesia, where ancient standing stones create an aura of mystery and magic. Here, hammocks swinging in the shade of tall palms beckon every smiling couple to fall into the embrace of pure island enchantment.