#76869 - 10/04/08 10:25 AM
Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
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thurstonlovey
Junior Member
Registered: 11/12/07
Posts: 20
Loc: usa
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We are back from our trip of a lifetime to FP, and yes we have the FP flu.
First thanks to everyone on this board. As we planned this trip for about a year, the insight and information we received on the board was incredible. We have never posted a trip report before, but as much as we appreciated hearing other people's experiences, thought we would share ours.
We flew on Air France; flight was great no problems
Stayed at Fare Suisse on the first night, as well as last night, as we had short layovers on Tahiti. Beni was great, the transportation service and his hospitality made this an even better place to stay. Great restaurant L'apizzeria within walking distance for dinner. This was a great stop-over place for us as we weren't needing amenities such as A/C, pools, on-site restaurants etc. Also location was great within walking distance of downtown and waterfront areas.
Huahine; Stayed in garden bungelow at Te Tiare. We loved everything about this resort and island. The staff was sincere and gracious. The bungelow was large, amenities and furnishings were great - very large bathroom with two vanities which was so nice. Plenty of storage in a small 'walk-in' closet. Nice beach area at the resort with wonderful sunsets. Took the boat in to Fare a few times for breakfast, the grocery store, shopping. Rental car one day around the island - a must do in our books. Had an incredible lunch at Chez Mauarii in Huahine Iti. Would definately go back to this island again
Taha'a; Stayed 4 nights at Le Taha'a - and by choice, 2 nights in overwater bungelow and 2 nights beach villa. If you are looking for privacy, the beach villa is the most incredibly romantic private place we stayed at, that was quite large as well. The separate living room, deck looking out at the beach, outdoor tub and shower with gardens, outdoor dining area, and small plunge pool made this place so special. Your villa and outdoor area (other than beachfront deck) are surrounded by a rock privacy wall. We wanted to experience an OTW bungelow and chose to do it at this resort - but we would have loved to stay the whole time in the beach villa, it was really that great for us. The OTW bungelow was a Taha'a view, we couldn't justify extra money for other views. So wonderful, glass panels at base of bed and bathtub such a novelty. Well appointed - we had amazing views of Ta'haa out a large picture window in the front of the bungelow. It was quite windy at times, but we enjoyed the deck area and ability to jump in and swim right from our room. We used room service breakfast every morning as you can order a la carte, versus restaurant where buffet was only option. We thought the best food was at pool restaurant for lunch. Ate dinner at Vanille which was good but not outstanding. Fitness center was great, clean - good choice of equipment and never busy when we went. Overall incredible place, with amazing attention to detail, but have to say that it did not feel as 'authentic' as Te Tiare.
Paul Gauguin; went on the 7 day itinerary with balcony cabin. The ship is small allowing it to anchor in small bays, not too many people on board. The service was great, in general the food was good but not over the top. Our favorite dinners were at Le Grille. The pros for this cruise were food and all drinks (wine/alcohol) and tips included - easy and readily available, the ability to really get an incredible perspective of the islands, especially Bora Bora and Moorea - the views of these islands from where we were anchored was spectacular. Nice to not have to pack/unpack and use up lots of time for travel to see several different places. That said, what was lacking was staying on an island and experiencing the local area and people. The day trips to the islands from the boat did not quite feel the same as staying there. This is probably true for all cruises. We had heard so much hype about this cruise which is why we booked it in the first place. We don't regret it, but for us, we would not do it again if we ever got back to FP.
Overall - what an incredible time. We found the Jan Prince Tahiti guide book to be a great resource and pretty on target for descriptions and suggestions. When all is said and done, we found that we loved most experiencing a beautiful incredible place and enjoyed that most in a nice upscale but more authentic environment. We took the opportunity to look around at other options should we ever get back. We have never planned a vacation for such a long time and with so much research as we had with this trip - mostly due to the expense involved. It really struck home how everyone has a personal preference for how they like to travel, and what they want to experience, and using that as a basis for making choices.
The memories and experiences from this adventure will always bring a smile. FP was more than memorable and exceeded our expectations.
Edited by thurstonlovey (10/04/08 10:29 AM)
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#76870 - 10/04/08 12:34 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: thurstonlovey]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1376
Loc: Florida
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Great trip report Thurstonlovey and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. My wife and I love Huahine and Te Tiare as well so I'm glad you enjoyed your stay there. When did you get back? We might have been on Moorea at the same time you we're anchored there.
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#76871 - 10/04/08 01:06 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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travelintom
Member
Registered: 05/06/04
Posts: 469
Loc: california
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great report thurston!!! can't afford the paul gauguin. but huahini is MY island.......
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#76879 - 10/04/08 06:37 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: travelintom]
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holte
Expert Advisor
Registered: 11/19/04
Posts: 2417
Loc: Duluth, Minnesota
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Great report. The FP flu only increases with severity as time goes on.
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#76884 - 10/04/08 09:52 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: holte]
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Suki (689)
Senior Advisor
Registered: 10/29/07
Posts: 920
Loc: ELA US of A
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Huahine Pension Maurii in Parea my favorite until we get to Fakarava %%%%%FP4LIFE%%%%%
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#76893 - 10/05/08 08:44 AM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: Suki (689)]
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Jake
Member
Registered: 08/29/03
Posts: 311
Loc: Phoenix AZ
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Thanks for the trip report. I know what you mean about Huahine. It is a piece of paradise.
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#76940 - 10/06/08 07:37 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: Jake]
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thurstonlovey
Junior Member
Registered: 11/12/07
Posts: 20
Loc: usa
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from the responses, it seems we are not alone in our love for Huahine (and my guess is Hinano as well)
Islandboyatheart - we were in Moorea on 9/25-26...
re-entry back to work and day to day life is always a drag after a great vacation, we keep thinking back of where we were in FP 2 weeks ago....this FP flu bug seems like it may be long lasting, sheesh!
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#76941 - 10/06/08 07:55 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: thurstonlovey]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1376
Loc: Florida
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I saw the ship anchored there. I wish I had known, I could have picked you up and taken you out for a couple Hinano's. It'll have to wait until next time - we'll plan it on Huahine.
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#76990 - 10/08/08 08:33 PM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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thurstonlovey
Junior Member
Registered: 11/12/07
Posts: 20
Loc: usa
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a hinano date on Huahine = that is putting us on the edge to start planning our next trip...are you sure there isn't a vaccine for the fp flu?
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#76992 - 10/09/08 06:57 AM
Re: Huahine/Taha'a/Paul Gaugain Sept 08
[Re: thurstonlovey]
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Jake
Member
Registered: 08/29/03
Posts: 311
Loc: Phoenix AZ
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The only sure way to relieve the symptoms of FP flu is a return visit. Warning!: The relief usually lasts only until you return home.
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