January/ February 2008
“South Pacific Paradise”

The January-February issue of Elite Traveler magazine dedicates an exclusive article, entitled “South Pacific Paradise” to the top suites in our islands.

The author, Carol Dixon, highlights the unique attributes of each of the selected suites throughout this wonderful feature and the most inviting photographs accompany the story.

As a picture is worth a thousands words, the five-page article is further illustrated by a stunning aerial shot of Mount Otemanu and the lagoon.

Carol offers beautiful descriptions of six hotel suites, four of which are located on the island of Bora Bora:

- “The Royal Estate” at the St Regis Bora Bora
- “The Panoramic Suite - Antares” at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort
- “The Diamond Suite” at The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
- “The Overwater Royal Suite” at the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa”
- “The Villa” at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa
- “The Royal Beach Villa” at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
 

February/ March 2008
“Tahiti in Technicolor”

In the February - March 2008 issue of Modern Bride, writer Elaine Stuart, covered her 10-day journey throughout our islands in an article titled “ Tahiti in Technicolor.”

As the title of the article implies, the author emphasizes our beautiful islands by providing readers with an original and colorful description of her trip, highlighting along the way the most striking attributes of the destination.

Referring to our islands as “ a visual wonderland, ” she paints a beautiful picture with words of every step of her trip on the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Fakarava, using the lexicon of color and light.

“ Three rays separated the low-lying clouds, illuminating the horizon like natural spotlights. They began to multiply and in a matter of minutes, the sun made an entrance so grand, its radiance saturated the island with a depth and intensity of color unlike anything I’d ever seen.”

She also offers full descriptions of each of the hotels she stayed with, including the Sofitel Moorea, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and the Matai Dream Fakarava.

Colors are omnipresent throughout the entire article, from the dominant “green” landscape of Moorea, “the azure lagoon” and “ruby red heliconia flowers” of Bora Bora, to the colorful food “ yellow pineapples and pink guana.” Stuart provides readers with a unique and picturesque view of the islands as well as the countless attractions.

While evoking the color palettes unique to our destination, she gives expert advice on where to stay, what to know, and how to get around on the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Fakarava. 

March 2008
“World’s Best Hotel Values”

The long-awaited Travel + Leisure hit the stands!

Travel + Leisure dedicated the March issue to the 2008 “World’s Best Hotel Values.” We are very pleased to say that two of our resorts were rated by readers and featured amongst others in that category.

Below we have included the ratings specific to two of our partners, both located on the island of Bora Bora.

- The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa – Orient-Express: 76.32
- Hotel Bora Bora – Amanresort: 72.83

Out of 27 beach resorts, two resorts honored as part of the 2008 most valuable hotels in the world, are located on the island of Bora Bora. Manuia to Orient-Express’ Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Amanresorts’ Hotel Bora Bora! 

March 2008
“ The Best Island Spas”

With a coveted cover mention, the March issue of Islands features the Marü Spa at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa as being part of the best island spas in the world.

In this issue, Islands Magazine not only introduces the entire article with a two-page photograph, illustrating a rain massage, but also enhances the exceptional services and treatments the Spa Menu offers.

The Marü Spa is unique for many of its services including rain massages and creating its own line of products made from local flora.

Islands Magazine
Circulation: 213,241
Readership: 703,695
Full-page ad cost: $22,230

March/ April 2008
“ Pearly Blacks ” 

In the March- April 2008 issue, Tahiti veteran writer Laurel Delp shares the magnificent story of the renowned Tahitian cultured pearl, considered today amongst the greatest pearls in the world.

The 12-page article offers readers a glimpse into the islands of Tahiti with unique and original imagery of the Tahitian black pearl, highlighting its history and the “Pearl Ambassador” Robert Wan.

Today, Robert Wan produces more than half of the Tahitian pearls and also runs the most prestigious black pearl auctions in the world market, including Hong Kong, and Kobe, Japan. His true dedication to black pearls undeniably helped creating what is today, after tourism, the second most important segment market in Tahiti’s economy.

While telling the fascinating history of our pearls that she refers to as “ the world’s most ravishing pearls” she also emphasizes their particularities such as their unique colors, ranging from pale silver, blue, green to gold, as well as their shapes and sizes.

Throughout this special feature, the author also provides readers with expert recommendations on where to shop Tahitian pearls, what aspects to consider before buying them and how to maintain them.

TTNA would like to thank the author Laurel Delp for her wonderful work and her continued passion for our islands. We’d also like to thank Culture + Travel Magazine and their photographers Kathryn Hillier and Rebecca Veit for the unique shots used in the article to highlight this feature.

April 2008
“In French Polynesia, A Luxurious Take on Tahitian Tradition”

The April 2008 issue of Architecture Digest dedicated an extraordinary seven-page spread to the St Regis Resort on the island of Bora Bora. 

The article, “In French Polynesia, A Luxurious Take on Tahitian Tradition” tells the wonderful story of the architecture of the incomparable St Regis Resort. The evolution of the resort is also very well illustrated with beautiful text and breathtaking photographs.

The feature highlights the amazing work of the Architect Pierre Lacombe and the Interior Designer Meriem Hall, creating the St Regis Resort to what is today: one of the most beautiful resorts in the islands of Tahiti.

“ Pierre Lacombe spent an entire year planning what was to become the St Regis Resort on Bora Bora.” Pierre and Meriem were concerned about creating a feel reflecting the Polynesian culture as well as an environment that would be “serene, convivial, intimate and more like a village than a hotel.”

As Hall notes “ rooms are just rooms until you imagine a life for them.” She definitely brought to life wonderful and unique rooms, reflecting the story of early visitors, who came to the South Pacific on liners.”

This beautiful feature on the St Regis Resort Bora Bora offers amazing shots of the resort, relating to readers how hard it is to believe that it all started from an idea.

The last feature the islands of Tahiti received in Architectural Digest was in 2003, for the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa which is also part of the Starwood family and a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection. We would like to tip our hats to Starwood’s PR firms, both the Marshall Plan for securing the first feature in Architectural Digest several years ago as well as Meg Connolly Public Relations for securing this feature. This is quite a coup not only for the St Regis Resort Bora Bora, but also for the entire destination!

Summer 2008
"Mondays in Moorea”

The 2008 Summer Charter of Yachting, featuring the “ 20 Best New Sport Cruisers” has been released!

In the 6-page article, entitled “Mondays in Moorea,” Larry Dunmire covers his 3-day cruise experience aboard the “Big Aron”, French Polynesia’s newest charter yacht, offering breathtaking imagery of our destination along the way.

The author describes every moment of his journey, providing readers with a unique view of each of the islands he visited aboard the yacht, including Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a ad Huahine.

Throughout this feature, he boasts the particularities of our islands as well as the attractions and activities available while cruising in the stunning waters of the Tahitian islands such as “ river baths, exotic massages, private beach parties, PWC tours of island lagoons followed by lobster lunches, motu picnics, and guided visits to the black pearl farms on faraway Fakarava.”

He gives a beautiful portrait of the Tahitian nautical world, which as he notes is “home to 800 species of fish, 350 species of sharks and 15 species of dolphins and whales.”

February/ March 2008
“High, Dry, and Satisfied”

With a cover mention, the February-March issue of Go Magazine, Outside Magazine’s luxury publication, exotic private islands where multimillionaires can fulfill their dream of seclusion are covered. Amongst other tempting islands, Kate Siber covers our destination through the portrait of Ralph Fäsi, who owns his private island, Motu Tetaraire, on the atoll of Rangiroa.

Ralph Fäsi, CEO of a California-based multinational software company, was longing for relaxation and privacy when he discovered Motu Tetaraire. After visiting the islands of Tahiti several times, he finally decided to make Motu Teraraire his second home in 2003.

Islands have become synonym for privacy. Since Marlon Brando secured a 99-year lease on a the Tahitian atoll of Tetiaroa after filming “Mutiny on the Bounty,” the sense of seclusion has been quite an attraction for many celebrities including Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, and Mel Gibson, to name a few. A private island is undeniably the prefect place for those who want to loose the notion of space and time.

“When I get here, I take my watch and all my rings off and forget about them.”

The idea of owning a private island becomes even more tempting through the photography provided in the article, which illustrates Fäsi’s Balinese Bungalow he had shipped in from Indonesia. 

Released 2008
“Tahiti”

The long-awaited Secret Hotels book is on shelves! Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel recently launched a book by Editor Erik Torkels, titled “Secret Hotels,” which includes the beautiful story of Tahiti’s “Pensions de Famille.”

The 20-page article, derived from a feature titled “Sweet Tahiti” a few years back, covers pensions on three of the Tahitian islands. Featuring Tahiti, Moorea, and Huahine this chapter discusses wonderful travel alternative for travelers who wish to visit our islands with a limited budget. The author also offers unique and stunning shots of their selected pensions, emphasizing each of their distinctive offerings.

“All pensions offer all the activities you would find staying at a high-end resort in Tahiti. On the island of Huahine, the pension Mauarii provides everything a visitor might need, from wakeboarding, kite surfing, motor board, free kayaks and scooter rentals, to a gourmet restaurant.”

Family pensions also cater to surfers such as the “Hiti Moana Villa” on the main island of Tahiti. The property, located 40 minutes from Papeete, is one of Tahiti’s best “surf breaks.”

Staying at a family pension allows visitors to have a true Tahitian experience. The “Punatea Village” in Tahiti, which was built from scratch by the Bordes family three years ago, offers four beach bungalows.

La Baie de Nuarei, located in Moorea, also offers very private and artistic scenery that differs from topnotch resorts available on the island. It is the prefect retreat for visitors who want to feel at home while visiting the island. As the author notes “ this enclave of secluded wooden homes feels more like an artist’s retreat than a pension.”

Throughout this chapter, the author highlights the possibility for visitors to experience an amazing and unique journey at family pensions in Tahiti, without sacrificing the sense of relaxation, seclusion and many of the luxurious services you would find in a resort.

Luxury and comfort is possible at the Moorea Fara Arana, which offers each guest “ a furnished patio and a deck overlooking a lagoon, air-conditioning, usually quite rare on the island, a pool, a wonderful dining experience “ trés Tahitienne ”. The pension also features 2-day and 4-day packages, which include not only the accommodations, but also island tours by boat or four-wheel drive and a visit to renowned Tiki Village.

Outside Magazine
February 2008
“Tahitian Beast”

The February issue of Outside covers a stunning two-page feature, titled “Tahitian Beast.”

As a picture speaks louder than words, the article emphasizes an incredible shot of one of the deadliest waves ever surfed at Tahiti’s Teahupoo. The photograph pictures Ian Walsh, professional surfer, confronting the “monster wave” at the Billabong XXL Pro.

Fort Lauderdale Magazine
March 2008
“Temptation of Tahiti”

The March 2008 issue of Fort Lauderdale magazine included an article titled “Temptation of Tahiti” for their premiere issue.

The spread includes the five-star InterContinental Tahiti Resort located on the main island of Tahiti as part of the many destination ideas for either a short getaway or for a vacation.

It also embellishes on the numerous added values the topnotch hotel offers, such as a “lagoonside location, 30 acres of tropical gardens, over-water bungalows as well as live music and Polynesian dance shows on private beaches,” to name a few.

Destination I DO Magazine
Spring/ Summer 2008
“Honeymoon Hideaways”

The expert magazine in honeymoon hideaways covers our destination in the Spring Summer 2008 issue. The four-page article highlights our islands’ richest offerings for newlyweds, including perfect settings, beautiful lagoons and luxurious over water bungalows.

Throughout the article three honeymoon plans in different parts of French Polynesia are brought to readers.

The author notes that Huahine is one of the most perfect honeymoon destinations as it offers the “broadest selection of virtually unspoiled hideaways,” and postcard perfect views from over water bungalows.

Newlyweds can experience the magical beauties of Huahine and complete seclusion at the Te Tiare Beach Resort, the only resort on the island and accessible only by boat.

For honeymooners who wish to “go to the islands away from the islands,” they can cruise the exquisite Tahitian waters aboard the Haumana, a 110 feet Luxury Catamaran with 16 staterooms and a crew of 16. On board of the Haumana honeymooners can enjoy an incomparable experience while touring the most beautiful atolls of French Polynesia.

Honeymooners also have the option to enjoy the actual island of Tahiti where they can visit the traditional Tahitian markets and shop for famous Tahitian cultured pearls.

MSNBC
January 15th 2008
“Find Inspiration in this Lush and Untamed French Polynesian Paradise”

MSNBC featured a beautiful article previously covered in Sport Diver Magazine highlighting the rich nautical world of our destination, entitled “Find Inspiration in this Lush and Untamed French Polynesian Paradise.”

The author begins the article by sharing with us his experience exploring the waters of Bora Bora, which offers surreal and unique underwater scenery.

“The lagoon lights up, showing hundreds of shades of blue, from Windex, to royal, to pale, and the trade winds pull the drape of clouds from Mt. Otumanu, which now shimmers in vibrant emeralds and electric greens as it pierces the sky. The beauty of Bora Bora seems impossible in this light as if the sun brings a special enchantment and balm that will satisfy anyone’s imagined ideal of South Pacific perfection.”

Tahiti and her islands cover a vast swath of the Pacific Ocean almost 1200 miles long, offering, thus, different dive experiences from one island to another. Author Ty Sawyer emphasizes it well through the description he provides on the waters of Rangiroa, where as he notes “sharks can be seen on every dive.”

From the calm waters of Bora Bora to the exploration of the shark’s cave in Rangiroa, he shares with readers a snorkeling experience in Rurutu that he refers to as “a perfect whale nursery,” as well as the island of Nuku Hiva which he notes as being “home to all predators.”

Travel Channel
March 28th 2008
“21 Sexiest Beaches in the World”

We are pleased to announce the Matira Beach is featured as being part of the top 21 sexiest beaches in the world! Lexus magazine editor and Tahiti fan Drew Llimsky was also interviewed during the segment, aired on March 28th 2008 at 7pm.

Travel Channel’s team travels around the world to exclusively select the 21 sexiest beaches. The Matira Beach located in “the magical island of Bora Bora” was ranked number 15 out the 21 sexiest beaches for its unique crystal-clear water and the famous Mount Otemanu. The island, being 18 miles long, provides also tremendous activities for adventure seekers.

TTNA would like to thank Hotel Bora Bora for their hard work and assistance with the shoot.

Indagare.com
January 16th 2008
“Tahiti By Boat”

The online travel expert indagare.com features distinct content from field experts, journalists and tastemakers from around the world to offer each consumer the most relevant travel recommendations.

We are proud to say that indagare.com featured Bora Bora Cruises’ Ti’a Moana in an article, entitled “ Tahiti By Boat.” The Ti’a Moana, offers luxury private yachting experiences from Bora Bora to Huahine via Taha’a and Raiatea.

The author provides readers with her cruising experience within the Leeward Islands and personal feedback on the service and activities aboard the yacht.

“ The menu had as many as 10 options, including fish, chicken, meat, pasta, vegetarian and chef’s selection both for Lunch and Dinner”

“ All island tours were led by longtime locals, who gave us inside information about life on Bora Bora. Along the way we were treated to an a capella concert by a choir of local Polynesians on a beach in Huahine, a tour of a vanilla plantation on Raiatea, and dined on the exquisite private beach of Hana Iti.”

The author shares personal experiences and customizes suggestions for customers interested in discovering our islands by luxury yacht.

Newsweek
March 17th 2008
“Grand as Well as Green”

Newsweek featured an exclusive article on topnotch hotels’ ecological programs, entitled “Grand as Well as Green.”

The author, Jaime Cunningham, highlighted the innovative ecological program developed by high-end hotels; aimed at keeping the planet safe and green.

The InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa rehabilitates turtles at the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, which serves as a temporary hospital for injured turtles and a permanent home for severely injured turtles unable to leave the center.

The resort is also home to the Moorea Dolphin Center, where employees devote their time to care for the bottlenose dolphins.