We are pleased to announce that the spectacular island of Bora Bora was voted by viewers as being the winning destination on NBC’s, “Today Throws a Wedding: Race to Altar” segment.

The vote began right after revealing of this year’s selected honeymoon segments on June 20th.

According to the Today Show' s Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg, “Virtuoso had planned the Today Show honeymoons consecutively for the past eight years, and every year they find new ways to wow our audience.”

The winning couple stayed at the stunning St Regis Bora Bora, where they spent four unforgettable nights in a deluxe overwater bungalow, before meeting up with Nomade Yachting Bora Bora’s Ti’a Moana, one of the most sumptuous yachts in the world.

To view the segment on Bora Bora and find out about the winning couple, please click here.

TTNA is honored by this award and would like to thank Virtuoso’s amazing team for their ongoing effort to emphasize the best of our islands and for delivering magnificent, creative honeymoons trips.

Summer 2008
“Taking the Plunge”

In the Summer 2008 issue of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, writer Don Yaeger, covers his honeymoon throughout the islands in an article, entitled “Taking the Plunge.”

This six-page spread opens with a two-page photograph, enhancing the diverse and unique dive experiences our islands offer.

“We chose a spot locals call Le Cirque because it has an overwhelming collection of fish, coral and the occasional large predator which are the equivalent of a three-ring underwater circus.”

Considered to be an ideal dive destination, Tahiti and her islands offer “a visibility that often reaches a diving-perfect 130 feet” and provide a “diverse diving experience” throughout the five archipelagoes that are “geographically distant” from each other.

Through this spread, Don paints a beautiful portrait with words of his trip with his wife, Jeanette, providing readers with a unique view of our wonderful islands both above and below the water.

“We ended up completing a dozen dives, staying in bungalows on three islands, and spending seven days aboard the Ti’a Moana, the 20 cabin yacht operated by Bora Bora Cruises”.

July 2008
“A Magical Week”

The July edition of Sport Diver Magazine dedicates an exclusive article, titled “A Magical Week,” covering the 2008 Tahiti Dive Festival.

The Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, TOPdive and the PADI Diving Society joined forces  for this years’ dive festival. During this event, society members from the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica, met for a week to explore the islands, experience diverse cultural events, and discover the exotic marine life particular to the islands of Tahiti.

Theresa Gullegde provides readers with an amazing description of the underwater world and adventures in Tahiti.

"The water was filled with schooling gray sharks, fat lemon sharks and cute little black and white-tip reef sharks. We saw schooling eagle rays nearly 30 deep, clusters of playful clownfish, anemones and lionfish, and I got a hickey from a stingray.”

TTNA would like to thank Theresa Gulledge for this wonderful feature and her continued passion for our islands.

We’d also like to thank the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, TOPdive, as well as, the PADI Diving Society for their amazing work during the festival.

June 2008
“The Survivor’s Guide to Tahiti”

With a coveted cover mention, the June 2008 issue of En Route magazine boasts a special feature “ The Survivor’s Guide to Tahiti.” Author Ilana Weitzman offers readers advice on how to survive and experience the wild life on the islands like Robinson Crusoe.

Each tip is illustrated with original imagery, “Here is how you crack a coconut: drive a large pointy stick into the sand. Smash the soft part of the shell on the point, then peel. On the nut inside, find the area that looks like a face and hit it between the eyes with a stick or rock. The coconut will crack open.”

The beautiful six-page feature tells every step of the excursion taken in Tahiti, which was organized by Longitude 180 (now known as Planet Tahiti). Planet Tahiti is a travel company that organizes wellness excursions for people who want to get away from everything and enjoy relaxation and specific activities.

The author emphasizes the added values of our destination in the article, “The process of inner exploration is aided and abetted by spa treatments, overwater bungalows and tropical drinks that are blue and/ or made with coconut ice cream, the archetype for tiki drinks the world over.”

The author writes about wellness and mind therapy with simple and primitive activities, such as fishing, meditation, snorkeling, and diving to name a few.

“Forget rest and relaxation, the true panacea for the obsessive compulsive is regular activity.”

While highlighting the wonders of our islands, she also gives expert advice on where to stay, what to know and where to eat. 

April 2008
“Happy Returns”

In the April 2008 issue of Diversion, the author covered his journey with his wife in a spread, titled “Happy Returns.” In this three-page article, Laurence Shames emphasizes the particularities of our destination that makes it a return destination.

Throughout the piece, he presents an original and colorful portrayal of his trip, embracing all senses and highlighting the most striking attributes of our islands. While visiting the islands, all senses are constantly stimulated, inevitably creating a wish for this exaltation to never end.

A place whose colors and smells and rhythms and customs we want in our lives. According to Laurence Shames, “it is something to do with being, not doing, that calls people back (to the islands of Tahiti).”

Colors are omnipresent throughout the entire feature, the “shades of green and blue water, the green clouds, to the butter yellow hibiscus in the morning, searing orange ion the afternoon and a rich but exhausted red by evening.” This is also accentuated by his reference to Tahiti as “a revived painting of Gauguin.”

June 2008
“The World’s Most Beautiful Escapes”
Special Photo Issue

The long awaited Islands magazine hit the stands!

Islands Magazine dedicated the June issue to its 19th Annual Photo Contest with the beautiful island of Bora Bora on the cover. We are pleased to say that five of our islands were photographed by travelers and top-rated in this contest. Every year, Islands magazine asks the most passionate travelers to submit photos that captured their "island dream" for the contest. This year, more than 1,300 images were submitted.

The magazine introduces the special feature with a two-page photograph, illustrating an aerial view of Bora Bora, highlighting the exceptional and mystical colors of the lagoon. The picture won the grand prize of this year’s photo contest!

Several comments from the traveler, Joan Scala, also accompany the stunning photograph,“The day was cloudy during this short helicopter ride over Bora Bora, so it was difficult to find lighting. Then the sun suddenly angled out and the sky opened up near the end of the flight. The colors were unbelievable.”

The following pictures of our islands earned honorable mentions:

- Raiatea by Joan Scala from Pennsylvania

- Rangiroa by Penelope Van Osten from Connecticut

- Papenoo Valley in Tahiti by Lorie La Fon from Texas

June 2008
“The Real Bora Bora”

Luxury SpaFinder’s special June 2008 issue, titled “The Real Bora Bora,” grants an exclusive 11-page feature to our Polynesian spas on the island of Bora Bora.

While evoking the sense of calm and relaxation exclusive to our destination, Ann Abel guides readers through the island of Bora Bora, offering a full description of five of the hotels and spas on the island.

As a picture is worth a thousand words, the spread is illustrated by stunning shots, by photographer Preston Schlebuch, noting each of the spas’ attributes. During her stay in Bora Bora, Ann Abel, went in search of the real and authentic Bora Bora .

The author highlights her stays at the hotels and explains the characteristics of the spas and how they tie back to the Polynesian tradition. “I find that the real Bora Bora still exists - at a chain hotel where I have extraordinary treatments from therapists who aren’t massage-school graduates, but products of their culture.”

At the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa, she highlights traditional offerings. All massage therapists are native; and share the experience of the true art of Polynesian massages.

The entire design intensifies all the more the experience, "Two of the six treatment rooms are twelve feet off the ground, in the branches of two 40-foot caoutchouc."

Offering a trendy kind of flair, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is synonym of modernity. As you get into the room, a flat screen TV is suddenly presented to the guest. In addition, the spa, which specializes in Thalassotherapy, offers five treatment rooms built over water with large glass panels in the floor.

Ann Abel does not hide her excitement when experiencing the spa menu at the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. Referring to the spa as the “real Bora Bora,”she emphasizes the uniqueness of the “Avae Taurumi” massage therapy (barefoot bodywork).

A wonderful photograph of the therapist Frédéric Lauret also completes the spread.“He sets to work in the Avae Taurumi, hanging from bars and using his feet to massage my back.”

It is far beyond a simple massage for the therapists. It is a work of art coming from ancient Polynesian traditions. The therapists’ families consider "taurumi" sacred and share the traditional belief that the ability to heal in this way is a gift from God.

Referring to the Bora Bora Nui Resort as a Polynesian fantasyland, the author stresses all the attributes of the spa.

“It’s staffed with Polynesians and Balinese therapists; the latter do a faithful rendition of the Balinese massage, albeit with a sweet mango-monoi oil that you’d never find in Bali.”

And finally the author covers the luxury of the St Regis Bora Bora from the fabulous restaurant to the high-end spa highlighting the spa and its international cadre of therapists and signature treatments using an ultra-luxe product line based on black pearls.

Summer 2008
“Sun, Sand and Spiritual Healing in French Polynesia”

With a cover mention, the summer edition of Nuvo magazine features our destination as being the ideal place to find rest and mind therapy. Carol Besler begins her article titled “Sun, Sand and Spiritual Healing” by sharing her experience within our islands, escorted by Planet Tahiti’s team.

Throughout the biography of Philippe Lacaille, she boasts the splendor of our islands and demonstrates the necessity of relaxation and seclusion in people’s life. 

This three-page article offers readers a unique glimpse into the islands of Tahiti, Fakarava, Bora Bora and Tikehau with unique imagery, highlighting along the way key elements needed to well being.

Nuvo Magazine
Circulation: 46,432
Readership: 116,080
                                            Full-page ad cost: $12,950

April/May 2008
“Tahitian Triple Play” 

With a highlight on the cover, the May/April 2008 edition of Go magazine dedicated a fantastic spread on the Moorea Raid held on the 25th of May 2008.

Considered one of the top-notch exotic sporting events by perfectly combining nature and sport, the Moorea Raid includes mountain biking, running and kayaking.

In this spread, the author wonderfully details each step of the triathlon and offers readers a seven-week training plan for those who want to attend the event. He includes a list of exercises allowing participants to be fully prepared for a the hot and humid weather as well as the challenging activities.

The event starts with a 12.4 mile mountain bike ride through “lush foliage studded with huge rock formations.” Then, the race follows its course with a 5-mile run, and finally ends with 3.1 miles of kayaking.

The author combines sport with relaxation throughout the feature by suggesting a stay at the St Regis Resort Bora Bora to overcome the fatigue over a “glass of Mahana Majic.”

Palm Beach Illustrated Magazine
July/August 2008
“Escape to Paradise”

The new edition of Palm Beach Illustrated magazine is out!

The July/August 2008 issue of Palm Beach Illustrated draws readers’ attention to an extraordinary three-page spread on the St Regis Resort Bora Bora. The article, “Escape to Paradise”, covers the St Regis Resort Bora Bora with beautiful text and breathtaking photographs.

Apart from offering a magnificent estate, the St Regis Bora Bora devotes itself to deliver the most private environment and the best service.

In this amazing spread, the author Robert Ragaini, notes every attribute of the hotel that makes it so special in the eyes of the world, from the bungalows, restaurant, the view, the service, to the spa.

The St Regis Bora Bora is not only a secluded paradise, but also a reference in terms of service. Each guest staying at the resort has a private butler who spoils at any time of the day. The Spa at the resort is also quite unique for its very luxurious line of products made from actual black pearls.

The author highlights the attributes of the hotel through a detailed list of all diverse activities available for every guest, from scuba excursions, swims with rays, jeep excursions on volcanic trails, to bike riding and jet skiing, to name of you.

InStyle Wedding Magazine
Spring 2008
“Eco-friendly honeymoons”

The Spring issue of In Style Wedding offers an exclusive article on eco-friendly honeymoon spots around the world. We are proud to say that the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa was noted as being one of the best eco-spot.

The InterContinental, very eco-oriented, was recognized in that category for its use of cold seawater for its air-conditioning system.

Gentry Magazine
April 2008
“Sweet Fifteen”

Glen Putman, Gentry magazine’s travel editor, celebrates its 15th year at Gentry. For this event, Glen chose to dedicate a special column entitled “15 Reasons I Love Travel” to fifteen destinations worldwide.

He shares with readers some of his preferred travels, experiences and highlights. We are proud to say that he noted French Polynesia as being his 7th preferred destination!

Glen Putman highlights his unforgettable trip aboard the Paul Gauguin, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Travel + Leisure Magazine
June 2008
“World’s Best Service”

The long-awaited Travel + Leisure hit the stands!

Travel + Leisure dedicated the June Issue to the 2008 “World’s Best Hotel Service.” We are very thrilled to announce that two of our hotels 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.

- Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa- Orient Express: 93.75
- Hotel Bora Bora - Amanresorts: 85.87

Out of 10 resorts under the Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific Category, two of our resorts are honored as offering the best service. Congratulations to Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Hotel Bora Bora.

Modern Bride Magazine
August/September 2008
"50 Best Honeymoon Spots”

The expert magazine in honeymoon hideaways covers in an exclusive feature the “50 Best Honeymoon Spots” and the best hotel brands in the August/September 2008 issue.
We are delighted to say that among 50 destinations worldwide, Tahiti was considered as being the third best honeymoon spot in the world.

In addition, six of our resorts have been rated amongst the best in seven different categories:
- Ultimate Honeymoon Suites: # 1
- Royal Overwater Pool Villa at the St Regis Resort, Bora Bora
- Resorts with the Best View: # 1- Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
- The Ultimate Resort for Seclusion: #1- le Taha’a Private Island & Spa
- Resorts with the Best Beach- # 2- Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
- Resorts with the Best Service: # 3- St Regis Bora Bora
- Resorts with the Best bathrooms: # 4-The InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa
- Resorts with the Best Spa: #5- InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa.

Toronto Star Newspaper
April 3, 2008
“All Ashore!”

The Toronto Star spread of April 3rd 2008 entitled “All Ashore!” focuses on the shore excursions the cruise lines offer.

Cruise lines seem to enter a new era by offering attractive and original breaks on land, from private tours of museums like the Hermitage in St Petersbourg, Russia, heli-hiking in Alaska, to a stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora to name of few.

Shore excursions have become a new way of pulling travelers for major cruise lines, offering them more attractive adventures and activities.

TravelAge West Magazine
July 2008
“Secluded Bora Bora offers more than sunshine.”

In the July issue of TravelAge West, Jimmy Im tells his magnificent journey on the island of Bora Bora in an article entitled “Secluded Bora Bora offers more than sunshine.”

The article provides readers with a unique view of our island that differs from a tourist’s description of the destination. Jimmy Im shares with readers his favorite hotels, attractions as well as activities, including shark and ray feeding, water-skiing, snorkeling and excursions to the Turtle Sanctuary.

The author boasts wonderfully all the offerings of the island, including all the top-notch hotels, featuring Le Méridien Bora Bora, the soon-to-open Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Hotel Bora Bora and Le Taha’a Private Island and Resort.

On the Newsstands Soon!

- Architectural Digest- August 2008, covering the art of living on Bora Bora

- Travel + Leisure Magazine- September 2008, covering Hiva Oa and the island of Tahiti

- Islands Magazine- September 2008, featuring Nuku Hiva, Fakarava and Huahine

- Scuba Diving Magazine- September 2008, featuring Tahiti, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Moorea,

Huahine, Rangiroa, Manihi and Fakarava with mentions of “Tahiti’s Wild Side”- Nuku Hiva and

Rurutu