by Tiffany Bowne
Tahiti is one of my favorite destinations and if you live on the West Coast and haven’t gotten there yet, you are missing out! It’s one of the most exotic destinations one can reach easily from Los Angeles International Airport. Most people think it is far, but it’s pretty easy to get to. My equation is that it is “an in-flight movie past Hawaii.” There is a red-eye flight there and a red-eye flight on the return, so you get extra time on the ground in Tahiti, which means if you stay four nights, you get six full days!
Two carriers get you there: Air Tahiti Nui and Air France. Getting flights and availability on your dates can get tricky as there are limited flights daily and the same carriers sometimes don’t run every day. Based on the timing of these flights, it might be necessary to overnight near Papeete Airport and get a day pass at a nearby hotel while waiting for your flight. Planning is important.
Tahiti is for water lovers. It is a place to enjoy crystal-clear water and spend time relaxing and absorbing the views. It truly is visually spectacular, and you can get the over-water bungalow experience that you’ve seen in magazines. Take advantage of the many amenities your resort of choice offers: water activities like snorkeling, ray and shark dives, and private beach picnics.
Usually, when I plan trips to Tahiti, I incorporate Bora Bora with another island option. There are many properties to choose from on Bora Bora, and each has its unique feel. A few of my favorites are The Four Seasons Bora Bora, The Intercontinental Thalasso, and the Conrad. But the newest property is the renovated Westin Bora Bora. This is a great addition to the island, and the location of property (it used to be the Le Meridien) is outstanding. After being closed for a full renovation, it’s the newest product there right now.
Visiting two islands makes for a perfect trip, and The Brando is a wonderful addition to Bora Bora. It is a private island experience, an absolute dream of a property with exquisite accommodations and curated activities. Because it is an island with no other resorts, it naturally becomes an all-inclusive experience that includes a selection of activities with your meals. This hotel does not offer any over-water bungalow options, but their beach villas each come with a private pool. It does require a seat on their charter plane to get there at an additional cost, but the flight in (with the extraordinary aerial view upon arrival) will be a total WOW.
