Leading Spas of the World, an extension of the Leading Hotels of the World, has added the Manea Spa, located at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, to its endorsed list of exclusive spa facilities.

A key component to becoming a member of Leading Spas of the World is "a benchmark of hospitality excellence, while upholding a rigorous and innovative global certification standard for quality and integrity."

The Manea Spa opened in April 2006 on site of the 80 bungalow/suite Pearl Beach Resort Bora Bora, and is the company’s third resort to offer a signature spa. The Manea Spa’s authentic signature treatments utilize a proprietary line of spa products based on natural flowers and plants found only in Tahiti.

InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora was recognized as "French Polynesia’s Leading Resort" for the second year in a row at the 13th annual World Travel Awards held in the Turks & Caicos.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward, and celebrate advancements found in all guest service sectors of the global travel industry. Award candidates are selected by travel agents from more than 200 countries around the world.

"We are pleased to again be recognized by the World Travel Awards as French Polynesia's Leading Hotel," said hotel General Manager, Silvio Bion. "We pride ourselves on a commitment to providing a truly authentic experience in French Polynesia, while exceeding the needs of today's experienced travelers."

TTNA is pleased to announce that Pacific Holidays has joined TTNA’s list of preferred tour operator partners. The announcement was made by TTNA managing director Al Keahi on November 21, 2006.

New York-based Pacific Holidays has been in business for 14 years and is a member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), International Airlines Travel Agents Network (IATAN), and Pacific Asia Travel Association New York Chapter (PATA). Over the years, the company has gained a stellar reputation for its broad and innovative selection of itineraries to Asia, Latin America, and now, Tahiti.

“We're excited to have Pacific Holidays become one of our preferred tour operator partners," said Al Keahi. "Their track record of success in this industry, combined with an extensive knowledge of and passion for the destinations they offer, fit perfectly with our criteria for becoming a preferred tour operator partner. We’re pleased to welcome them to the TTNA team.”

Regent Seven Seas has announced that the 700-passenger, all-balcony Regent Seven Seas Voyager will include Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti on an exclusive seven segment, 115-night cruise encompassing 51 ports in 26 countries. The cruise sets sail from San Francisco on January 6, 2008.

The French Polynesia stops are included during the first segment of the cruise, en route from San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand. Papeete will be among the ports – and the only overnight stop – during the first segment.

The ship is scheduled to arrive in Bora Bora on January 19, Moorea on January 20, and Papeete on January 20. Per person prices for the world cruise range from $59,995 to $209,995. Individual segments may be booked starting at $6,597.

The 320-passenger Regent Seven Seas Paul Gauguin sails throughout the islands of Tahiti year-round.

Tahia Collins, one of Tahiti’s premier black pearl companies, has opened a new boutique in Papeete. The store is located in downtown Papeete, across from the waterfront area where cruise ships dock.

In addition to the new Papeete location, the company has boutiques on Moorea, onboard the M/S Paul Gauguin, and at the Hotel Bora Bora. Through a recently formed marketing partnership with Air Moorea, the airline’s fleet of Twin Otter aircraft will be decorated with colorful and unique Tahiti Collins pearl jewelry designs.

A Moorea resident, Tahia Collins is a former Miss Moorea and model, and currently a mother of two. She oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, with 40-plus employees. Founded in 1993 as The Black Pearl Gem Company and re-branded in 2005 as Tahia Collins, the stores offer exclusive and unique pearl jewelry designed by Tahia.

As part of its To ‘A Nui environmental initiative, South Pacific Management, owner and operator of the Pearl Resorts & Spa and Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa brands, has established a second coral nursery site at the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa. The first site was established in 2001 at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa.

The To ‘A Nui project is inspired by three major objectives: to help coralline populations that live in danger on sensitive sites; to attract the maximum quantity of fish to the area; and to educate both locals and tourists about ecological responsibility.

The Moorea site encompasses 63 artificial coral reefs. In recent weeks, two releases of fish have taken place to populate the nursery, including a total of nearly 480 fish. A third release of approximately 400 fish will take place in November, with underwater signage planned to explain the details of the marine life, while emphasizing the importance of preservation.

In coming months, the resort will debut a series of educational activities focusing on the coral nursery, creating a unique guest experience which combines the beautiful marine life with an emphasis on ecological preservation.

“We are hopeful that we can make an ecological impact on the delicate marine life in our lagoon, in an effort to preserve it for generations to come," said Jean Pierre Challeau, general manager of Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa.