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Michelle Ziettlow is one of the top travel specialists at TheBigDay,
specializing in Tahiti and Fiji. Prior to joining TheBigDay,
Michelle worked for one of the largest South Pacific travel wholesale companies.
Just recently, Michelle returned from a business trip to Tahiti, where she
inspected many of the top resorts first-hand.
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| What's the best time of the year to go to Tahiti? |
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Customers often ask us what the weather will be like in Tahiti around the time they plan to take their honeymoon or vacation.
Tahiti enjoys warm, tropical weather year round, but at any time of the
year you might experience the occasional brief rainstorm.
The rain usually arrives quickly and disappears just as fast.
Roughly speaking there are two "seasons": the slightly warmer and more humid period between November and April, when rains
can fall intermittently (highs of 85F and lows of 70F at night), and the cooler, drier season between May and October
(highs of 82F and lows of 70F).
| What's special about Tahiti, compared to Hawaii or Mexico? |
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Photo copyright SPM Hotels, Resorts & Spas
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Probably the #1 difference is the in the style of resorts in Tahiti--we're talking about
overwater bungalows, of course!
Typically in Hawaii and Mexico
the resorts are built either high-rise style, or at least many units to a
building (Kona Village
on the Big Island of Hawaii would
be a notable exception).
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In French Polynesia, nearly all of the accommodations are separate bungalows--whether they're over-the-water,
or along the beach, or tucked away in a garden setting. It's like having your own little house (rather than an apartment in a big building)...and
for overwater bungalows, your own private deck to swim from.
You'll also notice some cultural differences. While English is generally spoken by all the resort staff, the French and Tahitian heritage means is
reflected in the style, decoration, what's on the menu in the restaurant...and everyone has a very cool and exotic accent!
It's important to note that while accommodation in Tahiti tends to be more expensive than in Hawaii or Mexico, food, wine & drinks in restaurants
is about the same price as in similar restaurants in Hawaii or in big cities on the U.S. mainland...however, there's no tax or tipping expected
in Tahiti, which brings the price down perhaps 20-30%. Some excursions can be more expensive in Tahiti, however, we've found that scuba diving, for instance, is
the same price or less in Tahiti than it is in Hawaii or the Caribbean.
| Where in Tahiti can we get the most for our money? |
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I find you get the most for your money in Moorea. Less than 10 minutes away from Papeete by air (or less than one hour by ferry)
are the deep, spectacular bays and white sand beaches of Moorea.
No one will argue that Moorea isn't a land of unsurpassed beauty.
The majesty of the island rises above its twin bays, to the Belvedere Lookout, where the tops of the soaring peaks
dominate the skyline.
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Photo copyright Sofitel Ia Ora
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Moorea's loveliest beaches are located between the
Moorea Village
and the Hotel Beachcomber, as well as near the recently fully renovated
Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort (pictured above).
Besides relaxing on the beach overlooking multi-hued waters, you can occupy yourself with numerous activities.
One unique experience that you won't forget is 'Dolphin Quest', where you can actually swim with dolphins.
There is a Tropical Aquarium Center at Cook's Bay, the perfect spot to investigate some of the underwater
wildlife prior to a day of snorkeling. Learn about the region's sea life at this exceptional aquarium so you
can identify the beautifully colored fish and coral. Be sure to visit Papetoai Temple, a uniquely shaped
octagonal church and the oldest European building in the South Pacific, or Moorea Distillery and Fruit Juice Factory,
to sample excellent juices, liqueurs and spirits.
Moorea's underwater world is as amazing as well, with coral sea beds and rich sea life.
Many of our customers learn to dive in Moorea because of the favorable conditions of crystal clear, fairly shallow water around the lagoon.
| What are your favorite "hidden gems" of Tahiti? |
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Definitely the private motus (a motu is a small islet on the reef).
I would highly recommend taking a lagoon and motu beach picnic, and discover the beauty of the
lagoons by catamaran on your way to a secluded relaxing motu.
The operator will usually pick you up at your hotel around 9:30am and drop you off at 3:00pm.
Typically, your host will set up a table in the lagoon water on a private motu and serve you a feast of
lobster, crab, steak, chicken, traditional Tahitian foods, fruit and champagne.
You will also have time to enjoy snorkeling around the island, strolls along the beach, or napping under a palm tree.
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