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Dream Destinations - Tahiti |
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Instead of day dreaming of our perfect honeymoon destination, we though we'd share them with you. County Wedding Magazines' feature writers Danielle, Laura, Kerry and Rowena each reveal their favourite spots across the globe |
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| Click on any of the images below to view a larger version |
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Seduced by Tahiti
Magical landscapes, fragrant frangipani, and ancient dance rituals have seduced many artists and adventurers to the shores of Tahiti. Travel editor Rowena Marella-Daw vows to fulfil her lifelong dream of dancing with the natives
There are so many paradise islands around the world, but one particular group - the Tahitian archipelago - fascinates me the most. It isn?t just the enticing turquoise waters and still lagoons protected by coral reefs, or even the white sand beaches and dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanoes, waterfalls and lush rainforests. It's the beguiling culture I discovered while learning Tahitian dance as a young girl growing up in the Philippines, that left an indelible mark.
Women wearing striking headdresses shake and swivel their hips to the feverish rhythms of drumbeats and chanting, their grass skirts swishing and undulating with every move. Warrior-like men show off their agility in a dance ritual that celebrates life, love and tradition.
A total of 118 islands and atolls make up Tahiti and her islands, also known as French Polynesia. These islands are grouped into five archipelagos, the most popular of which is the Society Islands, made up of Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea & Taha'a and Bora Bora.
Tahiti - Queen of the Pacific
A great starting point would be Papeete, Tahiti's capital, where visitors are greeted with warm smiles, Tahitian love songs, fragrant frangipani blossoms, and the Tiare, the native flower traditionally placed behind the ear. The largest of the islands, Tahiti?s topography is marked by towering peaks, turquoise lagoons and cascading waterfalls. Other places to visit include the Museum of Tahiti, the Paul Gauguin Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Marae Arahurahu, an ancient Tahitian outdoor temple.
www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk, www.tahiti-explorer.com, www.borabora.com
Bora Bora - Romantic Island
Bora Bora is definitely not one to be missed. Reputed to be the most beautiful island in the world, it is protected by a coral reef and has many secluded beaches. An exciting start to this journey is landing on a runway on an islet or motu. From here, hop on a boat to reach the main island to peruse the interiors on a jeep, then take a boat trip to explore the lagoons.
Moorea - The magical island of Moorea
Next stop would be the heart-shaped island of Moorea, only 11 miles from Tahiti and a 30-minute catamaran ride. It was also used as location for many films, including Mutiny on the Bounty. I can?t wait to see the breathtaking views of Moorea?s twin bays, Cook?s and Opunohu, and to visit the local distillery to try exotic liqueurs made from pineapple, mango, coconut, vanilla and other Tahitian staples.
Raiatea - Sacred Island, and Taha'a - Vanilla Island
These two islands are encircled by the same barrier reef. Raiatea is the most revered island in the South Pacific - the Marae Tautapuatea is where kings from neighbouring islands are said to have held important ceremonies. Raiatea is ideal for year round yachting and sailing, but worth searching for is the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower found only on the slopes of Mt Temehani. Two miles north of Raiatea is Taha'a, where the air is said to be sweeter owing to its vanilla plantations.
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