#85043 - 03/31/10 11:09 PM
Fakarava or Tikehau??
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elsid
Junior Member
Registered: 03/31/10
Posts: 2
Loc: Chicago
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Hi all,
My fiancee and I could use some help making a destination choice for my upcoming honeymoon. We are going to Bora Bora for six nights and would like to go to one of the atolls for an additional four nights. From what I've read, Fakarava seems a little more up my alley (I like to dive, snorkel, fish, and prefer things a little more adventurous). My fiancee likes the creature comforts in life and while she also likes to scuba/snorkel, she's not as into it as I am. So we've narrowed it down and are trying to decide between the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort and the White Sand Beach Resort (old Maitai Dream) in Fakarava. So I guess I am wondering, is the diving and natural beauty of Fakarava superior to Tikehau and if so, is it by a large margin? Is there a big difference between the two hotels I mentioned? If you guys could help us tip the scale one way or the other we would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Sid
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#85045 - 03/31/10 11:58 PM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: elsid]
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Poehere
Expert Advisor
Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 2340
Loc: FP
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I think for the diving or snorkling it would be practically the same... the atolls are still natural environments for many species as they're so much less developed than the Society islands (BB etc). The Tikehau Pearl would be just a little more upscale than the White Sand Beach but I would prefer the atoll of Fakarava over Tikehau (just personal opinion)
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* with sunshine *
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#85048 - 04/01/10 09:46 AM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: elsid]
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beverlee
Junior Member
Registered: 08/20/09
Posts: 3
Loc: Colorado
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Go to Fakarava. Where the sea meets the sky!
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There is nothing better than going to FP with someone who loves it as much as you.
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#85052 - 04/01/10 10:47 AM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: beverlee]
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DenverJoe
Expert Advisor
Registered: 09/10/02
Posts: 1849
Loc: Denver, Co.
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I also vote Fakarava. You won't regret it. That being said, we still want to get to Tikehau one day.
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Nothing better than a Hinano in hand and toes in the sand.
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#85055 - 04/02/10 04:51 AM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: DenverJoe]
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Gary & Cath
Expert Advisor
Registered: 04/01/06
Posts: 1243
Loc: Wollongong, Australia
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Haven't been to Fakarava, but Tikehau is SENSATIONAL. Pearl (especially overwater suites) will blow you away. Diving? Absolutely incredible, especially if you like Mantas. Surf break also very good at the pass. We also went to Manihi, but the diving was incredible at Tikehau. Jacque Cousteau rated Tikehau as the highest concentration and variation of underwater species anywhere on the planet, and I can vouch for that! Also, don't forget to try Muri Muri as a dive at Bora Bora. Here's a couple of links to my underwater stuff at Tikehau November 2009.
Bora Bora Underwater
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=217440924309%3A1007218779
Tikehau Underwater
http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?token=796440924309%3A886114803
You Tube Manta Ray
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic7IwVCF7oU
And by the way, Sid. Welcome to the forum.
_________________________
Is there anything better than a sipping a Tahitian Mai Tai on an Overwater Bungalow in FP?
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#85059 - 04/02/10 09:30 AM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: Gary & Cath]
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Patti.
Expert Advisor
Registered: 03/28/04
Posts: 2376
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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Although I absolutely LOVE Fakarava, I am going to vote for Tikehau for you in this particular case.
I have not been to Tikehau, but have heard quite a bit about it and have seen many pictures from the Pearl. I have been to Fakarava, although I didn't stay at the White Sand....I have only been past it in a boat and heard a few things about it from some guests who have stayed there. I stayed at Raimiti when I was on Fakarava....which is on the far south of the island.
And from what I have heard and seen of each property I think Tikehau would best suit your needs. Although both islands offer very good diving.....there is not good snorkeling at White Sand and there is at Tikehau Pearl. The hotel itself is not that spectacular at White Sand and there are NO over water bungalows as there are at Tikehau Pearl. The scenery is the general area surrounding each hotel is much nicer at the Tikehau Pearl.
So overall...while I'd say the diving is probably close to equal...the quality of snorkeling, the resort itself, and the general area surrounding the hotel....I think favors Tikehau.
Now if you were interested in a very remote Robinson Cruso type experience....with no air conditioning, no electricity, no resort amenities, I would have to recommend Raimiti on Fakarava. It is absolutely amazing....BUT it is NOT for everyone. And if your other half prefers the creature comforts, she probably wouldn't like it.
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#85061 - 04/02/10 01:20 PM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: Patti.]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2302
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I agree, Patti. No need to make a bride unhappy with a non-luxury experience if that's what she's after. So Tikehau sounds like the better choice for them. That's why there's no "best" place in French Polynesia...you have to pick the best place(s) for you.
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#85067 - 04/03/10 02:12 AM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: Old Wife]
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Gary & Cath
Expert Advisor
Registered: 04/01/06
Posts: 1243
Loc: Wollongong, Australia
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You can't go wrong with "Pearl" resorts and """"SPAS""". (Hint for the better half), Sid.
_________________________
Is there anything better than a sipping a Tahitian Mai Tai on an Overwater Bungalow in FP?
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#85272 - 04/18/10 08:40 PM
Re: Fakarava or Tikehau??
[Re: Gary & Cath]
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elsid
Junior Member
Registered: 03/31/10
Posts: 2
Loc: Chicago
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Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts. I was split and it looks like the opinion on this forum was also pretty evenly split. That being the case I've decided to play it safe and book the Tikehau Pearl. We'll let you know how it goes.
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