10 things to do in Tahiti

It's time for the travelers! Today we return to this fabulous journey French Polynesia in the discovery of Tahiti and its islands : Moorea and Bora Bora. It’s been almost a month and a half since we returned and we still can’t believe that we went to the other island. End of the world in these fabulous places...

If you followed the journey live on our social media channels, you saw that the weather was not on our side, yet this trip had a very special flavor… When one thinks of Polynesia, one thinks of these magnificent postcard-like landscapes. Admittedly, that was the case and we really got our fill of it. But beyond the beauty of the scenery, it was especially culture, traditions and that famous energy that the Tahitians call The Mana which fascinated us above all else!

Ever since I was little (Thibault), I dreamed of finally discovering this exceptional region of the world that my family had so often spoken about to me. At my birth, my older brother and older sister had just returned from Tahiti; they had lived there for a few years and had also fallen in love with this destination at the end of the world… I had a Tahitian baptism and my parents even gave me the second name Teiva.

As they recounted their memories, I saw their eyes light up and convey this emotion. indescribable energy. I traveled by proxy through the postcards that were pinned above my bed, next to my large globe, but also with all the memories that had been given to me: a blue mini truck (which I still have here in Nice!), a birthstone black pearl, my Hinano T-shirt that was 4 times too big, and all those veils that covered a good part of my room.

Later, around the age of 8, I even watched the videos by Antoine the explorer who was traveling the world on his banana-split catamaran (you remember? ), I was ecstatic at the beauty of the Polynesian landscapes And under the charm of this unique ancestral culture… I had sworn that one day I would go to the other end of the world to discover «Tahiti» and feel that famous energy… What A great experience Finally… I’ll present you my 10 favorites in Tahiti and its islands, those that left me with an unforgettable memory.

1 – Arriving at the airport in Fa’a on the island of Tahiti

There are some magnificent airports in the world, but the one in Fa’a It simply makes you dream… No, I’m not talking about its architecture or any other aesthetic aspect, but rather about the exceptional welcome we received after more than a year of waiting. 24 hours of travel Just as they got off the plane Air Tahiti Nui You can already feel this warmth combined with the scent of flowers and sweet fragrances… My sister told me that it was something magical that had always left a mark on her, and she was right! A little further down on the tarmac we are welcomed by musicians who play Polynesian music with their Ukulélé. It’s not a dream, we realize that we’re finally here. arrived in Tahiti with tears in my eyes.

Once we have collected our suitcases, we arrive in the arrivals hall of the airport and this time we are greeted by Tahitian singers, dancers and musicians dressed in pareos, pearl necklaces, and other traditional Tahitian clothing. Beautiful flower crowns on their heads, and who displayed a wonderful smile on their faces. A Tahitian came to meet us to offer us a necklace of tiare flowers, then a second one, and a third one! Pfiouu, the words are not enough to describe the emotion I felt at that moment… Everything was perfect, magnificent, moving, it was an unforgettable welcome !

2 – The Mana and the Tahitians

Tahiti and its islands are not just «lagoon», «luxury bungalows on stilts» and «hamacs suspended between two coconut trees»; no, Polynesia, or rather our Polynesia that we have discovered has left its mark on us. The people are so warm, welcoming, and smiling and also thanks to that famous Mana… The Mana? Actually, I realized that it was this famous force, indescribable energy that animates the entire Polynesia, and it’s also this pleasant sensation I’ve been feeling deep inside me for so many years (see intro)

The Mana is present everywhere in Polynesia…

It is found in the strength of the waves, in the grace of the movement of a manta ray, in the jungle of the Papeno’o valley, and many others… All the inhabitants are inhabited by Mana, who helps them to be happy, to find the strength to surpass themselves, to be in harmony with nature, or to understand where they come from (their roots) and where they are going. This is the unique bond of all Polynesians; a bond and a force that can only be found there…

Throughout the entire stay, we asked the people we met: »What does Mana mean to you?» We always got a different answer… For example, for Eva, a champion of Tahitian canoe racing, Mana is the strength that allows her to To surpass oneself, to go further and find in him the necessary energy to go to victory. While for Olivier, the guide in the valley of Papenoo, Mana is the power of nature.. He senses this energy in the wind noise, in the trees and in the ancient religious sites… You will understand, when you visit Tahiti, it is imperative to go off the beaten track in order to better understand the Tahitians and their incredible connection with the elements and their roots… You will then also be like caught by the Mana 🙂

3 – The Papenoo Valley in Tahiti

The day after our arrival, we set off into the lands of Tahiti Island, heading towards the magnificent green valley of Papenoo in the company of the guides Olivier and Teuai, two enthusiasts of Polynesian culture who taught us a lot about the The fauna and flora of the valley, the Ancient traditions, the Mana, and who have shown us fabulous and majestic settings where one feels cut off from the world, yet in harmony with nature. First step: the legendary site of Tepahi, also known for being a beautiful surfing spot.

After 30 minutes of 4×4 driving through the valley, we arrive at Fare Hape, an ancient ceremonial site Very important in Tahiti, where you can only enter after a welcoming speech in Tahitian (Orero). For lunch, we went for a picnic by the river in a remarkable setting, with a delicious «Tahitian tuna» on the menu (we’ll be back for that later). It’s one of the most famous local specialties.

This is followed by a digestive walk in the forest for half an hour before reaching the magnificent waterfall. Give me the Teura Vahine... the opportunity to take a break, cool off and even get a little higher to dive! And as our guide Olivier so aptly put it,  »It is when the clouds make love to the mountains that waterfalls are born.« 

Prices: 59€ / adult and 34 € / child (4 to 12 years old)

Website: IaoranaTahitiExpeditions.com

Reservation: iaoranaexpeditions@gmail.com // (689) 87 75 88 07

4 – Tahitian cuisine

Mmmh we love it! Tahitian cuisine is rich and quite varied, with a strong emphasis on seafood products that are subtly paired with fruity flavors. Here are some local specialties:

• The Poe Banane, a delicious dessert based on banana (of course)
• Tahitian oven «Ahi Ma'a» where they make pork leather, sweet potato leather, and urie leather in a hole filled with hot stones and embers, completely covered with banana leaf leaves. A convivial dish prepared for festive occasions!
• The Tahitian Tuna, We ate a lot of it during the entire stay, and everyone prepares it in their own way, adding their own secret little touch to it!

Here is the Tahitian tuna recipe for 4 people:

You will need 600 grams of tuna, 1/4 green pepper, 1 cucumber, 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, lettuce, grated carrots, 25cl of coconut milk, 2 green lemons, a clove of garlic

1 – Cut the tuna into small cubes and let them soak in sea water or salt water with the garlic clove.
2 – Cut the tomatoes, onion, green pepper and cucumber into very small pieces
3 – Drain the tuna and place the pieces in a bowl with the green lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and let marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator
4 – Add the vegetables and then pour in the coconut milk to cut the cooking time of the tuna with the green lemon juice
5 – Enjoy yourself!

You can enjoy these dishes in any restaurant in Polynesia, but don’t miss the opportunity to try Tahitian haute cuisine in a great restaurant like the one in Villa Mahana in Bora Bora, an unforgettable experience in the company of Chef Damien Rinaldi Dovio Originally from Corsica. Probably one of the best meals I have ever had. However, be sure to book well in advance (at least 6 months…)

5 – The belvedere of Moorea

Well, even though we didn’t have exceptional weather, we really loved the calm and beauty of Moorea! A must-see stop on a trip to Polynesia, especially since the island is Easily accessible from Tahiti, located right opposite:
– By boat 13€ /person, Bike 10€, 30 minutes of crossing by boat or plane from Papeete, book here on the Aremiti website
– By plane : 40€ per person, 15 minutes of crossing, book here on the site Air Tahiti

The island is renowned for its beautiful diving spots, Its remarkable fauna and flora, its white sand beaches, but also for its Beautiful green settings in the heart of the island. We went there in a quad up to the Belvédère crossing streams and going deep into the forest on the main track. 2h30 of pure pleasure! At the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and the surrounding mountains. spectacular view of the lagoon and the ocean, beyond all measure.

And here are some photos of Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora where we stayed. A real little corner of paradise…

6 – Swimming with sharks and a manta ray in the lagoon of Bora Bora

Without a doubt the most beautiful memory of that trip... Just thinking about it makes my blood boil so much because this spectacle of Mother Nature was so wonderful... We went on a motorized pirogue for a session snorkeling in the lagoon and go to meet the black pointed shark… At first I wasn’t at all reassured and Capucine even less, but I decided to dive and I even convinced her to join me! She did it 😀 Once in the water, just avoid staring at the sharks and extending your arms towards them if they come within about 2 meters of you. Anyway, no need to be afraid, it’s really a beautiful experience 😉

But the most magical moment arrives just before we get back into the boat… The pilot spotted it. a huge manta ray and we point the finger at her. I was right next to her and no one else was around! I took a deep breath and dove after her… She was right in front of me and she moved with so much grace and delicacy… A brief moment that will remain etched forever 🙂

7 – Polynesian culture and traditions (chants, pirogues, tattoos, dances, etc…)

You cannot consider traveling to Polynesia without discovering this ancestral culture which is what makes the destination so charming. During the stay we had a discovery session of the kayaking courses on a balance board on the island of Tahiti in the company of members of a pro club! On the island of Moorea we spent the afternoon at Tupuna Culture Center and Capucine learned to To weave flower crowns and to dance while I was playing football on the sand with the neighborhood kids 🙂

It’s a shame we didn’t have enough time to get a small Polynesian tattoo! Forget the tribal patterns (vulgar ones), no, here Every tattoo has a story very special. They tell the story of a person, their achievements, adventures, values, philosophy of life, etc… By the way, many Marquesans have their bodies almost covered up! We were also told that July is the best time to return to Polynesia because the weather is ideal and there is the festival Heiva in Tahiti, The largest gathering of troupes of traditional Tahitian dances, songs and sports.

But some «Tahitians» fear that traditions and culture will fade over the generations... When I spoke with Olivier, a guide in the Papenoo Valley in Tahiti, he told me that he spends more than 6 months of the year in the mountains, in contact with nature, and works with associations that participate in local life in the valley. He teaches Tahitian to children, tells them about the ancient legends of the Pacific, and teaches them about the history of their ancestors. Olivier confided to me that it is preferable for children to learn history, the culture and traditions of the Fenua (from their territory) so that one day they can pass it on to the younger generation, instead of prioritising learning about Napoleon’s conquests! And he’s so right… In just a few decades, everything can be lost…

8 – An unforgettable encounter in Bora Bora

We were staying at Pearl Beach Resort in Bora Bora And one evening we went to dinner at the restaurant of the Saint Régis hotel (two really exceptional addresses, by the way!). The rain kept falling and the disappointment was easily visible on our faces, all of us covered in sweat. After the transfer by boat to a pontoon on the island, we took a taxi that took us to the restaurant. I spent the entire journey chatting with the native driver from Bora Bora, He is 85 years old and managed to tell me all the highlights of his life in 20 minutes!

He briefly told me about the time when the American army landed on the island during the Second World War to set up an airbase. He even starred in the film «The Bounty» with Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins! Then he started telling me about his (beautiful) life in Bora Bora and his travels to the USA and Asia, etc… Once we arrived at our destination, I didn’t want to leave the van to listen to his stories any longer and learn more about local life… Of course, as with many people throughout the entire stay, I asked him What the Mana represented for him. For him it was the celebration and the joy of Polynesian life! What I love about these kinds of encounters 🙂

9 – Sleeping in a bungalow on stilts in the lagoon of Bora Bora

Who hasn’t ever dreamed of it? It really is A unique experience to live at least once during a stay in Tahiti and its islands! We stayed two nights at the Pearl Beach Resort in Bora Bora, a magnificent 5-star hotel in traditional style local located at Tevairoa, The largest Motu on the island. We had a superb wooden bungalow on stilts located at the end of a long pontoon in the heart of the lagoon. The room is equipped with a beautiful bathroom with bathtub and on one side and on the other a large comfortable room with a comfortable king size bed and even a glass coffee table to see through the multicolored fish swimming in the turquoise water…

The happiness! But it’s not over… When we open the curtains we have a magnificent view of the mountains of the island and the lagoon. There is a large terrace where we have breakfast and even a staircase to go swimming in the lagoon. Even though the sun wasn’t always shining, we still had a fantastic 3 days there.

If you wish to book a All-inclusive stay in Tahiti We recommend you to contact Agence Moana Voyages, which offers turnkey stays with very beautiful itineraries.

10- Fly over the islands by plane

From the beginning to the end, the emotion is guaranteed, but I guarantee that you will shed a small tear when you leave these paradisiacal islands. The views are sublime and words begin to be insufficient to describe them. the beauty of the decor I recommend that you arrive a little early at the airport to be placed in front of the boarding gate in first class and thus be able to board the plane. Choosing your place by the window is imperative. But above all, ask the flight crew Air Tahiti Which side should you set up to get the most out of the view and take beautiful photos? They are generally safe at 80 % 😉 Well, just in case, Capucine and I are separated during the flight, on each side of the plane, just in case we don’t miss anything! Anyway, it’s by taking a bird’s-eye view that we realize that we’re in one of the most beautiful regions in the world… Not too long ago GoVoyage They conducted a survey among 9000 travelers and Tahiti was named the most beautiful island in the world. As a bonus, a competition is being organized starting March 20 to win a round trip flight for two people from Paris to Papeete! (More information on their website)

 

Casting for Tahiti Tourism: #TakeMeToTahiti

If you too want to discover Tahiti and its islands feel the Mana, Tahiti Tourism is organizing a big event until April 5th. International casting For families and couples to be part of the future official video!

To participate, create a 15-second video indicating :

1/ What Tahiti And Its Islands Inspire Yourent
2/ Your three favorite activities in Tahiti and its Islands
Then share your video publicly on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with the hashtag #takemetotahiti

For more information, visit the website www.lesilesdumana.fr

Below you can find the video made with Michel and Elisabeth

* Stay was made possible thanks to a partnership with Tahiti Tourism

The content of this article only reflects my opinion; I maintain complete freedom in my statements, and my recommendations are always objective.