Page 165 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Islands of Tahiti —

MOOREA

Like all Polynesian islands, capacity, with accommodation ranging Rotui mountain.
Moorea is enveloped in folklore. from luxury resort over-water or beach Moorea has many talented artisans
bungalows to hotel rooms and small
Legend has it that a golden-skinned local-style thatched roof ‘ fares’. whose creations are sold in boutiques
lizard abandoned by its human parents around the island. Ideal for the tropical
became stranded on the reef of Emeho One of the best ways to get to know climate, handpainted pareus, sundresses,
as it swam after them. The merciful this magnificent island is hire a car or bikinis, shirts and beachwear add instant
gods turned it into the island of Moorea scooter and tour the single road around beach chic to any wardrobe or make
(which means ‘golden lizard’), one of the the island, visiting secluded beaches, perfect gifts.
true jewels of French Polynesia. pineapple and vanilla plantations and Tahiti’s prized black pearls are available
small picturesque villages. The trip
Only 17 kilometres from Tahiti or an should take about four hours depending loose or set in designer jewellery from
eight minute flight and regarded as her on how many stops are made along the jewellers and boutiques on Moorea,
sister island, Moorea is renowned for its way. Inland, lush forests cover Moorea’s while the public market in Pao Pao
natural beauty and tranquillity and often mountains, which offer spectacular beside Cook’s Bay has locally made
thought to be the inspiration for James views of the island’s valleys as well as its shell jewellery as well as hats, tote bags,
Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai. lagoons and bays. baskets and mats woven from palm
The island’s steep volcanic peaks rise The beautiful large garden and old fronds, pandanus and banana plants.
sharply from the island’s basalt base and colonial home in Opunohu Bay at Moorea plays host to a number of
are best viewed from Cook’s Bay and the Kellum is worth a visit, built last special events each year that are well
Opunohu Bay.
century and well preserved. Opunohu worth attending, including the Tahitian
Moorea’s laid-back atmosphere provides valley is also home to stone marae Tamara’a Show. Visitors arrive by
the perfect backdrop for relaxation but temples and archery platforms used outrigger canoe at sunset, try foods
the island also has a wide variety of by Polynesian royalty in pre-Christian cooked in a traditional underground
recreational activities to suit the most days. Le Belvedere Lookout Point offers oven, enjoy a spectacular Polynesian
active traveller. The island is home to an unequalled panorama of Cooks and dance performance and stay for the
a third of French Polynesia’s total hotel Opunohu bays, divided by the sacred bringue, or party, that follows.

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