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Polynesian Perfection
In a region known for spectacular resorts, these gems shine bright.
Known for idyllic weather, thatched-roof bungalows stretching over blue water teeming with fish, lush mountains covered in flowers, and performances by fire dancers, French Polynesia is one of the world's most magnificent destinations. Comprised of 118 islands and atolls, including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, the country exudes splendor and romance.
Last year Air Tahiti Nui added a nonstop flight from New York-JFK (three times per week), and it also operates 11 weekly flights from LAX. There is a range of accommodations available in French Polynesia - following are some of the truly spectacular properties that make a trip worth the splurge.
InterContinental Resort Tahiti
Many visitors use Tahiti as a jumping-off point to the other islands of French Polynesia, but the InterContinental Resort Tahiti, just five minutes from the airport, is a destination in itself. With two infinity-edge pools, one with a swim-up bar (the only one on the island), a lagoon teeming with fish and rays, and two restaurants, not to mention the resort's proximity to Papeete (five miles away), InterContinental Resort Tahiti offers plenty to do. Activities include shark feeding, snorkeling, four-wheel drive excursions to waterfalls or historic sites, and day trips to nearby islands.
The resort has 263 rooms: 170 lagoon and gardenview rooms (from $400 per night), 60 panoramic-view rooms (from $500 per night), 32 overwater bungalows (starting at $700 per night) and one panoramic suite (from $900 per night). The garden and panoramic-view rooms are in the main building, which overlooks the sandy-bottom swimming pool with swim-up bar, Le Lotus Restaurant and, in the distance, Moorea.
The main restaurant is the open-air Te Tiare, overlooking the pool and lagoon, where a Tahitian dance show is performed three times a week. It has an extensive menu, with international choices and many Asian selections. There are special menus during the week, such as barbecue on Wednesdays and "Bounty Night" on Saturdays. The full-service Tiki Bar, adjacent to Te Tiare, serves appetizers and ice cream. For more information visit www. tahiti.intercontinental.com.
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InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea
The resort also has two restaurants, the casual Fare Hana, on the pool terrace, and the gourmet Fare Nui. On Monday nights, Fare Nui hosts the "Soiree Polynesienne," featuring a Tahitian menu and dance show. On other nights, buffets are served on the beach followed by a Polynesian show. Wednesdays feature a barbecue menu, and on Saturdays there's a seafood buffet on the beach. Breakfast delivered by traditional outrigger canoe can be arranged for guests staying in over-water bungalows. For more information visit www.moorea.intercontinental.com. InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa Le Taha'a Private Island & Spa |
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Te Tiare Beach Resort |
propery dotted with bungalows. The "over-water" bungalows are mostly on land, with balconies protruding over the clear lagoon. In addition to 50 Over-Water Bungalow Suites (from $1,000 per night), the property offers 28 Beach Suite Bungalows (from $600 per night), 17 Garden Suite Bungalows (from $500 per night) and 48 Garden View Rooms in a main building (from $450 per night). The bungalow suites are large and feature a living room, bedroom and marble bathroom with an open shower. The decoration is traditional Tahitian, with wicker fruniture and natural colors.
The family-friendly resort is also home to the Moorea Dolphin Center, Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, A PADI dive center, the Helene Spa and a gift shop. (Four bottlenose dolphins cared for by a scientific and veterinary team, live in a huge natural lagoon home on the resort's grounds.) There is a "gym bungalow," and complimentary snorkel gear and kayaks/canoes are available. Thatched umbrellas and lounge chairs speckle the lagoon beaches. Wireless Internet access is available in the lobby.
Each of the 80 bungalows is over the water, but there are three categories with varying views. Emerald Villas (from $1,000 per night) have a view of the beach and resort, Sapphire Villas (from $1,200 per night) offer views of the lagoon and island of Bora Bora, and "Diamond Villas" (from $1,400 per night) provide the best view of Mount Otemanu. All bungalows are suites with a separate bedroom and living room, contemporary furnishings and modern amenities, including a safe, coffeemaker, hairdryer, bathrobes, Internet access and a large porch with a covered dining area and steps to a swim platform that takes advantage of the most magnigicent amenity: the lagoon. 
Arriving by boat directly from the Raiatea Airport or by helicopter from nearby islands, guests are whicked along the winding docks to one of the 48 overwater suites (from $900 to $1,250 per night) or 12 Beach Villas, each with a private plunge pool (from $1,000 per night). Bungalows are designed in distinctive Tahitian style, with elegance and modern amenities. All have spacious terraces, a coffeemaker, minibar, hairdryer, makeup mirror, safe, TV, CD player and IDD telephone.
Manihi, and with only 40 bungalows, it's intimate and private. Guests are greeted as they step off the plane in Manihi and transferred by golf cart to their bungalow. There are four choices of bungalows: beach bungalows (from $280 per night), premium beach bungalows (from $380 per night), over-water bungalows (from $520 per night) and premium over water bungalows (from $600 per night). Eash is equipped with a mini-fridge, TV, phone, balcony with lounge chairs and swim platform with a shower. Premium bungalows have air conditioning.
The staff blows a conch horn as guests approach Te Tiare Beach Resort by boat. Located on Huahine, which is as beautiful as the more popular islnads but less developed, Te Tiare is a secluded gem. And with only 41 bungalows (11 Deep Water Bungalows, from $740 per night; five Shallow Bungalows, from $590 per night; six Beachfront Bungalows, from $400 per night; and 19 Garden Bungalows, from $335 per night), it is intimate and romantic.
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