South Pacific: Tahiti — New Air & Land Booking Options

Recommend Standard Image TemplateTahiti — New Air & Land Booking OptionsBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoAsk your clients their dream honeymoon destination, and no doubt, a vast majority are going to say French Polynesia, or as they’re more commonly known, The Islands of Tahiti. Home to overwater bungalows, crystal-clear sparkling lagoons and shimmering waterfalls, these 118 islands—a mixture of low-lying atolls and high volcanic islands—never disappoint when it comes to offering the ultimate in a romantic getaway. As Mathieu Bechonnet, COO of Air Tahiti Nui, the leading carrier to French Polynesia, points out, “Tahiti has always been very high when it comes to aspirational destinations for the U.S.” To make accessing this dreamy destination even easier, the airline launched new non-stop service from Seattle to Papeete, thus becoming the only airline connecting the Pacific Northwest and the South Pacific with direct flights. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Air Tahiti Nui is, as Bechonnet says, the first touchpoint in a client’s Tahitian journey. “The journey begins on board our aircraft,” he says. “That is the key message—you start the journey [on the plane] when you fly with us; all five senses are engaged.” He points to the scent of Tahiti’s national flower, the tiare, which flows through the cabin, the smiling crew, the music, even the tattoo that decorates the aircraft. “It’s in our DNA. We sell Tahiti, we sell authenticity,” he points out. “For a destination like Tahiti, we need to provide something different, and we need to stay very authentic. The airline serves as the destination’s ambassador.” Being that Tahiti is known to attract couples looking for a romantic getaway, the airline's Poerava Business Class features seats in couples-friendly pairs, with a clean decor, pops of color and subtle nods to the culture. “Before you’ve even reached Tahiti,” says Bechonnet, “you’re having that truly immersive experience.” Recommend Standard Image Template-16854590053 Seductive HavensOnce your clients touch down in Tahiti, enchanting resorts are around every corner, including these three: After undergoing a complete renovation, the Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa—a rebrand of the Le Meridien property—will be swinging open its doors in Q4 of this year. Located at the base of Mount Otemanu, the resort will feature overwater bungalow and villa accommodations, a variety of wellbeing and spa offerings and the Ecological Center and Turtle Sanctuary. And it goes without saying there’ll also be an expansive lagoon, an infinity pool and white-sand beaches awaiting your clients. Last year the capital of French Polynesia saw the opening of the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, which affords guests the luxury of quickly starting their exploration of Tahiti as it’s located just two miles from the destination’s international airport. It’s also in close proximity to the downtown attractions of Papeete and Maritime Port. And just a couple of years ago, in 2020, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts re-opened as a Relais & Chateaux property. It features a total of 78 overwater bungalows, with inlaid hammocks and authentic Tahitian decor. The property is set on a coral islet and surrounded by the crystalline waters of one of Polynesia’s most stunning lagoons, opposite Mount Otemanu. Here, couples can choose from a trio of accommodations: villas nestled in the coconut grove, suites opening onto the beach or the aforementioned bungalows on the lagoon. Contact InformationAir Tahiti Nui: airtahitinui.comHilton Hotel Tahiti: hilton.comLe Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts: relaischateaux.comTahiti Tourisme: tahititourisme.com/en-us/Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa: marriott.com

COVERDISNEY CRUISE LINETable of ContentsEditor's NotesSANDALSSANDALS SPREADAdvisor Speak: Peer Advice — Selling Destination WeddingsTURKISH AIRLINESIndustry Insights: The Caribbean is on a RollHYATT INCLUSIVE COLLECTIONPALLADIUM SPREADCaribbean/Mexico: Endless Love—Sun, Sand & RomanceCaribbean/Mexico: "Destination I Do"SANDALS SCLA COLECCION SCLA COLECCION ADSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIA ADOnsite Review: Iberostar Selection Playa Mita—Something for EveryoneOnsite Review: Hyatt Ziva & Zilara—The Two Faces of Hyatt in the Mexican CaribbeanSouth Pacific: Tahiti — New Air & Land Booking OptionsCruise: Sail Away—Cruise Lines Celebrate LoveVIRGIN VOYAGES SCVIRGIN VOYAGES ADOnboard Review: MSC Meraviglia RelocatesRECOMMEND EDU HOUSE AD