Ever since peripatetic Captain Cook first set eyes on Polynesia, the mystique and romance of these idyllic South Pacific isles have beckoned travelers with their irresistible allure. While Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea are familiar to 21st century jetsetters seeking to satisfy their wanderlust desires, other equally exotic islands such as Manihi and Tikehau are unfamiliar to most international travelers. As a result, they remain uncrowded, unsullied escapist havens with rates 30 to 50 percent lower than their better known sister isles.
Both islands are part of the Tuamotus, a Polynesian archipelago consisting of 76 low-lying islands scattered across more than 12,000 square miles of ocean. I recently flew via Air Tahiti Nui to the South Pacific where I spent a sublime week "getting away from it all" at Pearl Resorts on Manihi and Tikehau. From the air, the Tuamotus resemble tiny specks afloat in crystal clear lagoons glistening in shades of turquoise, lapis and aquamarine.
Tranquillity Guaranteed
Those fortunate to spend time on Manihi or Tikehau can partake of the pleasures of profound privacy and quintessential quietude. Guests literally have an entire island to themselves as the Pearl Resort is the only resort property on either island. Manihi's population is just over 800, while Tikehau is home to just 400 inhabitants with only one town on each island. There are also very few automobiles out here—the main modes of transportation are bicycle and motorboat—which adds to the overall sense of being far removed from the "real world." For urbanites like me fleeing the asphalt jungle, these isles are the perfect place to chill out and truly "get away from it all." For the ultimate in relaxation, spend a few hours lying in one of the super-comfy hammocks tied between the coconut palms. Nothing is more soothing to the soul than gently swaying back and forth in synch with the rhythm of palm fronds flapping in the balmy breeze.
Super Scuba and Black Pearls
For those with a more active mindset, scuba diving and snorkeling are two favorite pastimes as divers will encounter magnificent coral formations as well as creatures ranging from colorful angel and parrot fish to manta rays, barracudas and hammerhead sharks. Resort guests can also go kayaking, participate in deep sea fishing excursions, take a boat ride to an all day picnic on a secluded islet or join a sunset cruise. Known as the "Pink Sand Island," Tikehau is well known as an exceptional dive destination since Jacques Cousteau noted on one of his expeditions that the lagoon here contained the highest concentration of tropical fish anywhere in the Tuamotus. Fish are so plentiful that resident fishermen have constructed fish arks (underwater fenced areas) where they trap parrotfish as a primary source of food and income.
Manihi sits on the edge of a large lagoon with conditions especially favorable to the cultivation of black pearls. Commonly referred to as "black jewels," these highly sought-after gems are valued worldwide for their distinctive coloration. The first pearl farm in all of Polynesia was established on Manihi, and today the island is a leading supplier for the cultured pearl industry. Guests at the resort can join an escorted tour to one of 60 pearl farms on the lagoon where they can observe the intricate techniques used in cultivating mother-of-pearl.
Accommodations/Flights Pearl Resorts/Air Tahiti Nui
Accommodations at both Pearl Resorts consist of over-water and beach bungalows; there are 19 over-water and 22 beach bungalows at Manihi, and 16 over-water and 14 beach bungalows at Tikehau. Over-water bungalows are constructed on pilings suspended above the lagoon while beach bungalows are just steps away from the pristine white sand beach. Amenities in all bungalows include sundeck, air conditioner, ceiling fans, television, mini-bar, and hair dryer. All over-water bungalows feature a unique glass bottom table, which provides an unobstructed view of the ocean below.
Besides Manihi and Tikehau, there are also Pearl Resorts on several other Polynesian islands, including Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Le Taha'a, Hiva Oa, and Nuku Hiva. For reservations and information, call 800-65 PEARL and/or contact the website at www.pearlresorts.com.
Award-winning Air Tahiti Nui offers a total of 16 weekly non-stop flights to Papeete, capital of Tahiti, on Airbus A340-300 from two U.S. gateways; there are 13 flights from LAX (8 hours 35 minutes) and three flights from New York City/JFK (12 hours 40 minutes). Air Tahiti Nui also offers a range of packages which include airfare and accommodations at Pearl Resorts on several different islands. For additional information, contact www.airtahitinui.com; 877-824-4846
The inter-island flight from Papeete to Tikehau takes 50 minutes, and it's a 60-minute flight from Papeete to Tikehau.
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