SEARCHING FOR PARADISE

KIA ORA RESORT & SPA RANGIROA: INFINITE RELAXATION

2012-02-28T23:55:00.000-08:00

On September 3rd, the recently refurbished Kia Ora Resort & Spa reopened to the public.

This 4-star boutique hotel is set amid the lush white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon waters between the two passes of Rangiroa. It is built in one of the best (if not the best) locations on the main motu of Rangiroa and is has one of the few beaches on the island.

@Gina Bunton

After the 50 minute flight from Tahiti, the staff of the Kia Ora will greet you at the airport to drive you to the hotel which is situated only 5 minutes away. A fruit juice and cold towel will be waiting for you and after a speedy check in, you will be driven to you accommodation in the hotel's buggy.

@Gina Bunton

You can choose from a variety of accommodation types as the hotel has 10 overwater bungalows, 20 private pool villas 4 junior suites, 3 Beach deluxe bungalows, 3 beach suites and 19 Beach bungalows. All have been designed with feng shui principles in mind and offer a modern yet traditional feel. They are equipped with wooden furniture, interactive TV, wifi and an iPod docking station...and the king size beds are simply sublime.

In the bungalows, the headboards are carved in Tahitian motifs while pieces of tapa painted by local artists adorn the walls. The decor is between traditional craftsmanship and modernity

All the villas have their own private pools, an outside patio and daybeds while the beach bungalows have their own jaccuzzi (pool and outside bathtubs for the deluxe bungalows).

@Gina Bunton

The hotel also offers guests a fitness center, a spa, a bar, a large infinity swimming pool with jacuzzi and a restaurant.

@Gina Bunton

10 best things to do while at the Kia Ora Resort & Spa:

- Enjoy a warm bath under the tropical night stars in your deluxe bungalow's outdoor bathtub;

- Gaze at the turquoise colored lagoon from your outdoor individual jacuzzi in your beach bungalow;

- Jump straight into the crystal clear lagoon from your own private terrace on your overwater bungalow;

- Laze around in the private pool of your garden villa;

- Go for a relaxing walk among the coconut grove and the serene garden of the resort;

- Treat yourself to the spa's signature massage with traditional essential oils;

- Have a house cocktail at sunset in the Miki Miki overwater bar;

- Appreciate the marriage of Polynesian and french cuisine at the Te Rairoa Restaurant;

- Discover Rangiroa's underwater world with Bathys Diving;

- Go for a snorkel in front of the resort.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: STORMY MOOREA by John Stember

2012-02-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

Photo @ John Stember

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain"

Vivian Greene

HAPPY FRIDAY!

2012-01-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

It's Friday everyone! Hope you have a fab weekend!

@ Le Taha'a ilsnad Resort & Spa

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: LAGOON DREAMS

2012-01-26T22:53:00.000-08:00

Beautiful footage by our friends at Matarai Video...

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

2012-01-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Wishing a happy Australia day to all our aussie fans!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: TEAHUPOO SEEN BY COLBIE CAILLAT

2012-01-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

Last year, during the Billabong Pro, Grammy winner Colbie Caillat travelled to Tahiti to give a unique concert in Teahupoo. This video is a sneak peek of her stay featuring featuring Queensland Champion surfer Ellie Jean Coffey.

Teahupoo is one of my favorite places in Tahiti... the luxuriant nature, the awe-inspiring waves, the kindness of the people...it simply is a magical place!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!

2012-01-24T00:26:00.000-08:00

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI... SAN NIN FAAI LOK...GONG HEI FAT CHOI... HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Dragon dance in Chinatown in San Francisco

Photo @ Cindy Poon

AS THE WORLD CELEBRATES THE "LUNAR NEW YEAR" AND WELCOMES THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON, WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU GOOD FORTUNE, PROSPERITY, WEALTH AND HEALTH.

IT IS TIME TO FORGET YOUR GRUDGES AND SINCERELY WISH PEACE AND HAPPINESS FOR EVERYONE. A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO START THE YEAR AFRESH!

Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown

Photo @Choo Yut Shing

Actors perform the dragon dance on the eve of the Year of The Dragon at a Beijing park

Photo @ Diego Azubel / EPA

The dragon dance represents the end of the year and welcomes a new start, driving away evil spirits, and bringing good luck and fortune.

Photo @ Jester qadir

Dragon made out of lucky money enveloppes

Photo @ Howard Poon

HAPPY SUNDAY

2012-01-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

@ Gina Bunton

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BORA BORA by Chris McLennan Photography

2012-01-22T00:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'! -Audrey Hepburn.

Happy New year to you all! Whatever your dreams, whatever your hopes, may 2012 be the year of wondrous travels and extraordinary adventures. Paradise awaits!

xoxo

Image @ Chris McLennan Photography

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: MOOREA - A PIECE OF PARADISE

2012-01-21T22:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you for sharing Tuki Huck, this video tells a thousand stories and shows the various faces of Moorea and the great time to be had there!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: DIVE INTO PARADISE

2012-01-17T23:53:00.000-08:00

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: ANGELS IN PARADISE

2012-01-08T00:50:00.000-08:00

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BORA BORA, WHERE ELSE?

2011-12-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

@Gina Bunton

BORA BORA, HEAVEN ON EARTH?

2011-12-02T00:08:00.000-08:00

@Mota-ru

Bora Bora needs no introduction. Novelist James Michener described Bora Bora as the most beautiful island in the world and the "Pearl of the Pacific" is considered one of the most desirable and romantic islands to visit. Its very name induces a state of intense reverie and visitors often lack the words to describe the feeling of awe that overwhelms them when arriving in this mythical island.

@Tim-mckenna.com

According to the legend, "Pora Pora" (the first born in Tahitian) is believed to be the first island to have risen from the waters after the creation of Raiatea. It seems that its ancient name, "Mai Te Pora", meaning created by the Gods, predestined the island to greatness.

@Gina Bunton

How do you describe paradise? A place of timeless enchanting beauty, this volcanic island with a palm-fringed coral reef that forms a lagoon of crystal clear water where a myriad of multi-coloured fish play, unaware of the curious visitors.

@Chris Mclennan Photography

The island is a 50 minute flight from Tahiti and you will first discover its beauty when landing at the airport which has been built on motu Mute, a small islet off the main land. A boat shuttle will take you to your hotel or to the main land where your paradisiac holiday can start.

@Gina Bunton

Time will stop once you land and you will wish you had more time to enjoy the magic of the island. Whether you dream of a romantic hideaway, an unforgettable experience, an escape to your own tropical paradise or an exotic adventure, Bora Bora will fulfill your dreams.

@Gina Bunton

Just take the time to breathe and fall in love...Fall in love with Mount Otemanu, standing proud at the center of the island, fall in love with the warm turquoise lagoon, fall in love with your overwater bungalow, just fall in love...

@Pierre Lesage

Bora Bora is the place where dreams take over reality... enjoy the magic and be enchanted.

@Tim-mckenna.com

THE MANY FACES OF MOUNT OTEMANU IN BORA BORA

2011-11-26T02:26:00.000-08:00

Most probably the most world renowned mountain in French Polynesia, Mount Otemanu is the remainder of a 3 millions year old instinct volcano in Bora Bora. Majestically rising in the center of the island, the iconic silhouette of the mount pierces the sky at the highest point of the island (725m/2,379 ft.), overlooking a postcard perfect turquoise lagoon, contributing to create the legend that is the island of Bora Bora, the Pearl of the pacific.

Just for you, here a a few of my favorite shots of this almost mythical giant.

Photos @St Regis Bora Bora

Photos @Four Seasons Bora Bora

Photo @Greg Nagel

Photos @Gina Bunton

Photos@ Tim McKenna

Photo @Rizwan Anzari

Photo @ Bugbog

Photos @wanna have a break in Bora Bora

RANGIROA'S TOP TEN "TO DO" LIST

2011-11-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

Planning to visit Rangiroa and wondering what to do there? Here is my top 10:

- Take a day trip to the Blue Lagoon;

- Shoot the pass either snorkeling or diving;

- Explore some of the world's best diving sites;

- Discover the Pink sand;

- Become a modern Robinson Crusoe at the Kia Ora Sauvage;

- Look for Huri, a celebrity on the island (his entire body is tattooed);

- Don't miss the dolphins frolicking in the pass;

- Visit the vineyard and enjoy some "coral white" wine, the only wine made in Tahiti;

- Go fly-fishing.

I hope you enjoy Rangiroa as much as I did. Please share your preferred activities with us!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ROMANCE AWAITS AT THE ST REGIS BORA BORA

2011-11-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

@ Gina BUNTON

MUST DO IN RANGIROA: THE BLUE LAGOON

2011-11-16T02:54:00.000-08:00

@Pierre Lesage

@Gina Bunton

The sun-drenched Blue lagoon in Rangiroa should be on the list of island paradises. I didn't think that the palette of blues in Rangiroa could become any more spectacular, however this was before I discovered the Blue Lagoon. This lagoon within the lagoon accented by eight white-sand beach motus fringed by coconut trees is the perfect postcard paradise getaway. The coral reef has formed a natural pool no deeper than 5 meters isolated at the west of the atoll accessible only by boat after a one hour crossing.

@Pierre Lesage

On arrival you will be greeted by your hosts on the site: tens of black tip sharks. No need to be afraid, they will not attack and are just hoping you might share your lunch with them.

@Gina Bunton

This paradise is all about relaxation and leisure. Spend some time snorkeling in the crystal waters and walking on the pristine beaches.

The motu picnic on the island is an unforgettable experience. Put a flower on your ear, kick off your shoes, dig your feet in the warm white sand and enjoy grilled fish, coconut bread and other local delicacies with Tahitian music playing in the background and a breathtaking view. Enjoy!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: FOUR SEASONS RESORT BORA BORA

2011-11-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

@ Gina BUNTON

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BORA BORA...

2011-11-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

RANGIROA: ENDLESS SHADES OF BLUE FOR HOLIDAYS IN PARADISE

2011-11-05T00:50:00.000-07:00

The atoll of Rangiroa, in the Tuamotu, is the second largest atoll in the world. The atoll, a string of coral encircling a lagoon of amazing shades of blue, is also known as Rairoa, meaning "Endless sky" in the Tuamotu. It is home to 240 small motu (islets) forming a 100-mile ring around an infinite lagoon.

@ clesenne, Creative Commons

As you approach Rangiroa by air, you can only be amazed by the different shades of blue that will welcome you, the blues of the lagoon, the blues of the ocean, the blues of the sky... There are 3 main colours in the paradise: white, for the white sand and coral beaches, green for the coconut trees and tiare bushes that grow everywhere and blue for the water and the sky.

@ Philippe Bacchet / Tahiti Tourisme

Life in Ragiroa is serene, time seems to stop on the island as you will want to just sit down and listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the reef. You are surrounded by the sea, the motu are not very wide and on either side, you can see the ocean and the lagoon. The contrast is amazing, on the one side, the dark ocean, almost wild and mysterious, on the other side the lagoon, calm and inviting, with dreamy shades of blue.

@ D. Hazama / Tahiti Tourisme

No surprise Rangiroa is one of the world's greatest dive destinations and home to hundreds of marine species including various fish, eagle rays, sharks and dolphins. An incredible underwater fauna, 6 different dive centers to choose from, whatever your level diving in Rangiroa is a must.

We arrived in Rangiroa on a Thursday morning and could not wait to discover the treasures that were waiting for us underwater. As soon as we were settled, we booked one of the most popular activities on the island: Drift snorkeling in the Tiputa pass. This excursion lasts about 2 hours and is best done when the current is flowing into the lagoon. This is not your typical snorkeling in the lagoon, your guide will take you where the wild ocean (Moana-uri) meets the peaceful lagoon (moana-tea) at the end of the pass. Don your mask and fins before jumping in the water where you will let the force of the water carry you while you enjoy the underwater scenery.

The boat will be waiting for you at the other end of the pass to take you to the lagoonarium, a natural aquarium where you will meet hundreds of fish and home of some of the biggest eels I have been given to see. Truly a great way to start a holiday!

Once you finish your snorkeling, make sure you go back into the pass as you would not want to miss the dolphins playing in the waves. It is truly an exhilarating moment and watching them jump in the waves is magical. If you are not a fan of boats and waves you can always watch the show from the shore on the point overlooking the pass.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: THREE FOR TAHITI, SITCOM PILOT FROM 1970 - PART 2

2011-10-16T20:45:00.000-07:00

VINTAGE POSTCARDS OF TAHITI & HER ISLANDS

2011-10-14T01:14:00.000-07:00

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: THREE FOR TAHITI, SITCOM PILOT FROM 1970 - PART 1

2011-10-10T01:54:00.000-07:00

This is a pearl I came across: the unsold pilot of a sitcom based in Tahiti. Stay tuned for the rest of the episode!

Tahiti's Top 10 "to do" list

2011-10-04T22:24:00.000-07:00

Planning your trip to Tahiti and wondering what to do? Here is my top 10:

1. Papeete Market - soak up the local atmosphere every day at the center of Papeete.

2. Teahupo'o - the end of the road, mythical surf spot in Tahiti. Don't forget to catch a taxi boat to go watch the waves!

3. The 3 Cascades in Tiarei - perfect for a walk in exotic and luxuriant settings.

4. The Monoi Route - a tour of the island on the traces of this unique Polynesian oil.

5. Tahiti & her islands Museum - a natural and historical site where Polynesian history, culture, religion and environment come together.

6. Go diving - you will find numerous diving centers around the island, it's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm waters and discover the treasures of the Tahitian underwater world.

7. The roulottes - enjoy an authentic Tahitian dining experience.

8. Visit a Marae - soak up some mystical vibes at Marae Arahurahu in Paea.

9. Sample Tahiti's traditional dish: raw fish with coconut milk.

10. See a Tahitian dance show - don't worry if you are not here during the Heiva, most hotels offer a Tahitian dance show at least once per week.