#90815 - 07/12/11 02:52 PM
Bad news -- need advice
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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Hi guys,
Due to my mother's health (long story), we decided to cut Raimit from our September trip, and swap in the Kia Ora (with its fast airport connection and cushy resort features) instead. We just found out moments ago that the Kia Ora is canceling all September reservations and not planning to open until some undefined time in October. We still have our Raimiti reservations but I really think it's best for us to find something else for this trip.
I'm trying to decide what island to swap in and am looking for advice. I know some of you out there love Tikehau (and since it's the same flight it would entail less mess all around). Those of you who have been recently, please tell me the good, the bad, the ugly. Is the diving as good as Rangi? Is the snorkeling really good? What about the food? The excursions? I recall that it can be choppy and windy with a current by the OWBs... I want to make sure there is enough for the non-divers to do for four nights. Otherwise we need to do some major re-tooling of our itinerary, which was pretty much perfect until this afternoon.
I'm traveling with my husband, my parents, and my aunt (the "grown-ups" being in their mid-sixties). Our current itinerary has us in FP for three weeks, visiting Rurutu, Moorea, Fakarava, and Huahine.
Thanks for any and all advice.
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#90817 - 07/12/11 03:50 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I haven't been to Tikehau so I can't advise you on that, but I hope you bought travel insurance for Raimiti (I think they require it or strongly advise it when you book with them) and that your Mom's health issue would be covered.
I know I'm prying, but I'm wondering what kind of issue your Mom has. If it's mobility, Raimiti isn't bad that way and I'm sure they'd help her on and off the boat. The food is great and it's a laid-back place, perfect for us oldies (okay, I'm mid-50s, but not that far off of your parents' and aunt's age). Now, if she needs to get up in the night to go to the bathroom, the bungalows on the ocean-side would be best since the bathroom is inside the bungalow (not a separate one outside). Anyway, I'm prying and trying not to, but I don't want you to cancel Raimiti if it isn't necessary (since it's a great place I think everyone should experience unless they need marble bathrooms & spas).
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#90819 - 07/12/11 04:10 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: Old Wife]
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spotbeagle
Member
Registered: 09/11/06
Posts: 365
Loc: California
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Hopefully you don't need to change your itinerary since it sounds like the original plan was perfect for you and your family. But even if you do, you know here is the right place to be to figure out the best change.
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#90820 - 07/12/11 04:37 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: spotbeagle]
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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I'd rather not go into details if that is ok (I know you are not prying and I know you mean well!). We have really good trip insurance so that's not a problem.
Mom is frail right now in a way we had no way of anticipating when we originally booked the trip -- a LOT has happened since we booked the trip. This time next year she will hopefully be her old self again, but we don't want to put off the trip for a year because we're just not taking anything for granted anymore, and right now, she needs things like easy transfers, electricity, hot water, etc. etc.
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#90824 - 07/12/11 07:15 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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That makes sense. Raimiti is more rustic than resorts so I can understand that. And the lack of electricity can be a problem if you're not well. For us, it was like camping and an adventure, but it wouldn't be if we weren't healthy. I'm glad you have good insurance...that was what I was really worried about for you.
I'm sorry I can't help with advice about Tikehau or Rangiroa, but I'm sure one of those would suit you well.
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#90825 - 07/12/11 08:12 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: Old Wife]
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vaitape
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/09/02
Posts: 1387
Loc: socal
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DARN IT, YG2!!! The Kia Ora on Rangi was a perfect alternative to Ramiti!
We stayed on the "mainland" on Tikehau so can't comment on what the Pearl has to offer but it looked beautiful from the water and it is a close transfer from the airport to the resort.
I wonder if Gary and Cath stayed at Tikehau Pearl recently? They are keen divers and could help with that aspect if they were recent guests.
Fingers crossed for you!!! Wish we could help more.
Edited by vaitape (07/12/11 08:13 PM)
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#90826 - 07/12/11 08:22 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: vaitape]
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Gary & Cath
Expert Advisor
Registered: 04/01/06
Posts: 1284
Loc: Wollongong, Australia
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Hey Vai, I was just logging in and your post popped up!!
Yes, we stayed at Tikehau Pearl in Nov 2009 (and we are returning for 6 nights in Dec this year).
Gary thought the diving was fantastic and you have the ease of the dive centre there at Pearl as well.
We stayed in the O/W Suites and they are amazing (even Jan Prince says they are her favourite room in FP).
The food was OK but bear in mind it is the only place you can eat because Pearl is on its own motu and there is not much available on the mainland.
Not sure about the winds or water being choppy because we always travel Nov/Dec and find that during that time of year it is always just a nice cooling breeze (as opposed to the winds we experienced in June 2006 at BB).
I would definitely check out the Pearl website and have a close look the "factsheet":
http://www.spmhotels.com/resort/tikehau
_________________________
Is there anything better than a sipping a Tahitian Mai Tai on an Overwater Bungalow in FP?
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#90829 - 07/12/11 09:09 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: Gary & Cath]
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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Gary and Cath -- how was the snorkeling? My husband and I are the only divers, the others will be snorkeling. I'm seeing mixed reports in the trip reviews I'm finding.
Thanks everyone! Tikehau may well be the winner. I'll keep you posted.
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#90830 - 07/12/11 09:10 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: Gary & Cath]
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YosemiteGirl2
Member
Registered: 09/17/07
Posts: 373
Loc: California
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Gary and Cath -- how was the snorkeling? My husband and I are the only divers, the others will be snorkeling. I'm seeing mixed reports in the trip reviews I'm finding.
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your well-wishes and good thoughts. This trip means a lot to my family and I really want to get it right. Looks like Tikehau may well be the winner for our Tuamotu problem. I'll keep you posted.
Edited by YosemiteGirl2 (07/12/11 09:13 PM)
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#90831 - 07/12/11 09:42 PM
Re: Bad news -- need advice
[Re: YosemiteGirl2]
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holte
Expert Advisor
Registered: 11/19/04
Posts: 2417
Loc: Duluth, Minnesota
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I really really hope things work out for you!
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