Air Tahiti Nui flight and ground crew are boasting new uniforms.

Air Tahiti Nui is one of the only airlines in the world to have its flight crew change after take-off, from conventional suiting to more relaxed, traditional attire. Air Tahiti Nui created a series of new looks in honor of its 10th anniversary.

Combining “elegance, practicality and dynamism”, the fresh new look was inspired by Tahiti’s stunning land and waterscapes, and its incredible Polynesian spirit. 

 After take-off, Air Tahiti Nui’s female crewmembers change into a choice of two styles of uniform dress – the “purotu” meaning “pretty girl” (long tight-fitting dress) or “mamaru’au,” meaning “grandmother” (long loose fitting dress).  The men change from a jacket, dress shirt and tie into a short-sleeved, Tahitian shirt.  Shirts have the traditional tiare Tahiti on them, the airline's emblem.

Located on the French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa and a product of the late Marlon Brando’s vision, construction on The Brando has officially begun with completion slated for late 2011.

The Brando will feature 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.

The construction of The Brando began with the building of a platform on the coral reef to provide logistical access to the island without causing environmental damage. Additionally, the old airstrip is being refurbished and extended to meet the government’s safety standards.

The exclusive resort will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa, the former playground of Tahitian Kings in French Polynesia’s idyllic islands.  Purchased by Brando in 1965, Tetiaroa is a 13-island chain circled by a coral reef offering a tranquil and pure paradise 35 miles from the island of Tahiti. The Brando is a product of Brando’s vision to create a project which will resonate with visitors and also foster opportunities for guests to get to know both the place and the people of French Polynesia.

The project is being overseen by Tahiti Beachcomber SA, whose CEO, Richard Bailey, owner of several luxury resorts in French Polynesia, was a good friend of Brando’s and had been working with him for many years to fulfill their joint vision to develop an environmentally sustainable resort. Bailey has a lot of experience with other sustainable projects in French Polynesia as he owns four InterContinental resorts in the region, utilizing eco-friendly practices.  
 
The hotel will operate with a “sea water air conditioning” system (SWAC), which draws on an inexhaustible supply of completely renewable clean energy. Bailey plans to use a deep-sea pipe to pump cold water from the depths of the ocean, which will then be used to chill the air in the hotel -- the same system he developed and is successfully in place at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

For additional information, please visit the Brando's official website:  www.thebrando.com

Following the last technical dry dock of the Haumana, which occurred from January to end of March 2009, Haumana Cruises would like to share with you its latest updates.

First, we are delighted to announce that the Haumana now has a massage cabin aboard, allowing us to offer clients, at an extra cost, a variety of treatments, such as Shiatsu, Reflexology, Thai, Facial Massage, Swedish, Relaxing massage to name a few.

During the dry dock, the Haumana underwent refurbishments aimed at giving the entire yacht a fresher and more modern look. The renovations included a complete upgrade of the Reception area, which now boasts black Ostrich skin.

In addition, Haumana Cruises is pleased to welcome back aboard Ms. Véronique  Niva as Haumana's General Manager, who some of you may know from before. Véronique is back onboard the Haumana after 2 years away.

Le Méridien Bora Bora is pleased to announce the completion of its renovations aimed at improving the resort’s guest rooms, services, and amenities.

These renovations included the remodeling of the premium Overwater Bungalows and pool beach villas, while adding a new resort pool, chapel, ecological center and fitness center.

As part of the renovation, the resort created a new class of accommodations, Pool Beach Villas, featuring a private infinity swimming pool with surrounding wooden terrace. With breathtaking views of the interior lagoon and Otemanu Mountain, the new 8 ft by 16 ft pools will connect two existing beach bungalows. The new villas are ideal for families with direct access to the interior lagoon for snorkeling and swimming in the Turtle Sanctuary. 

In addition, each of the 22 premium overwater bungalows now features unobstructed views of Otemanu Mountain. All 99 of the resort’s accommodations now boast new flat-screen TVs and video on demand, as well as wireless internet access. 
 
A second infinity-style pool has been be added beneath the Miki Miki Bar. The pool is over 2000 square feet, with new features including a Jacuzzi, waterfall, pool bar and new deck.

The new chapel, also part of the renovations, is now completed. Whether you are a newlywed or renewing your vows, couples can celebrate in the resort’s new glass-bottom chapel, located over the interior lagoon.

Already renowned for its Turtle Sanctuary, Le Méridien Bora Bora furthered environmental and natural awareness with the addition of a new Ecological Center, providing educational programs for guests and locals. The ecological center, located near the Turtle Sanctuary, is a joint effort with the island’s Ministry and Delegation of the Environment meant to assure a vibrant future for green sea turtles.

And lastly, a new fully equipped fitness center has been added to the resort featuring six state-of-the-art machines, air conditioning, and flat screen TVs.

For more information, please visit www.borabora.lemeridien.com

Maupiti Island can now be added to the itinerary of its luxury private cruises. Indeed, after an area inspection by the Captain and a full  check  by the crew, the guests will have a chance to discover this secret and preserved island.   Maupiti is located 55km West of Bora Bora. The long reef, wide and protecting, encloses  one  of  the  most  beautiful  lagoons  in  French Polynesia.

Extraordinary coral gardens and white sand beaches as far as you can see, enhance the exceptional panorama of this volcanic island.   Furthermore, guest will be able to experience compete isolation as Maupiti has no hotels and few tourists. 

Roa Yachting offers intimate cruises in the heart of Bora Bora and its surrounding islands in an authentic atmosphere.

The 77ft private motor yacht offers customer to sail through the majestic islands with a complete crew at their disposal. On board, guests can experience the comfort of a luxury hotel in an environment of rare woodworking and delicate fabrics. The motor yacht Roa boasts a rear cabin with a king size bed, two central cabins with twin beds and a front cabin with a double bed. Each cabin has its own unique decor and its own bathroom.
 

For more information on our luxury private cruise in French Polynesia, please visit  www.roa-yachting.com or contact Roa Yachting by e-mail sales@roa-yachting.com 

The InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa announced the beginning of its renovation program, meant to transform the actual Overwater Bungalow’s private terraces.

The actual private terraces will be extended and will offer more enjoyable facilities:

Discover the sumptuous Tuamotu Atolls aboard the elegant and luxurious TI'A MOANA, where guest can explore the islands of Fakarava, Tahanea and Kauehi and enjoy the attributes the islands have to offer.

The management contract of the Novotel Resort properties in Bora Bora and Rangiroa has been renewed.

The Novotel Resorts properties will be introducing lower and more simplified rates for bookings  from May 1st 2009 to March 31st 2010.

In an effort to improve its service and the customer's experience, Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort, is currently undergoing major renovations, including remodeling of the pandanus roofs of the guest rooms and the Tiare Anei restaurant and updating technological amenities in the rooms and around the property. Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort aims at completing all refurbishment plans by 2010.

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is delighted to introduce Tracey Fentem as Director of Sales and Marketing of the acclaimed resort. With more than twenty years in the hospitality business, Tracey Fentem brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position. 

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Tracey will continue to build on the strength of The St. Regis’ sales and marketing team and further solidify the resort’s position as the finest resort in French Polynesia and the world. She is also responsible for the total revenue and yield strategies for the resort and will manage all sales, advertising, public relations and promotional activities. In its third year, St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is regarded as one of the world’s leading resorts, embodying the legendary St. Regis legacy and romantic spirit of French Polynesia. 

Prior to this position, Tracey was the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, a Wymara Resort where she was selected by the owner/developer to spearhead pre-opening sales and marketing strategies. Previous positions also include sales leadership roles at the Hotel Derek in Houston, Texas, Ritz Carlton Hotels and Ritz Carlton Residences in various positions including Director of Sales and Marketing and Area Director of Incentive and Insurance sales. Tracey has also worked with Hyatt Resorts, Caribbean and Sonesta Hotels and Resorts, Curacao & Anguilla.