Tahiti & Moorea Short Escape

This morning you cross to Moorea, Tahiti's spectacular heart-shaped sister island, by a quick, scenic flight or a thirty-minute ferry. As you approach, jagged emerald peaks rise sheer above a sapphire lagoon, a landscape of almost theatrical beauty. On arrival you are welcomed with a tiare flower and transferred to your lagoon-side or overwater bungalow, opening onto the crystal-clear water beneath the soaring skyline. The rest of the day is yours to settle into this iconic Polynesian paradise, swimming in the lagoon, snorkelling the coral, or simply admiring the view of the peaks from your deck as the sun sets in a blaze of colour. Moorea is less famous and more relaxed than Bora Bora, yet just as beautiful, with dramatic scenery and an authentic, unhurried atmosphere. As you settle in for four blissful nights, the beauty of the island casts its spell, and you feel the full magic of French Polynesia despite the short journey.

A magical day exploring Moorea's spectacular lagoon. A boat trip carries you across the brilliant-blue water to snorkel over vibrant coral gardens alive with tropical fish and turtles, and to the shallows where you can swim among gentle stingrays that glide up to be touched, their velvety wings brushing past, while harmless blacktip reef sharks circle nearby, a safe, exhilarating and unforgettable encounter. Between swims, you take in the jaw-dropping views of Moorea's jagged green peaks rising above the lagoon, and perhaps land on a motu for a picnic. The warm, clear water and abundant marine life make the lagoon a magical playground, and floating among the rays and fish with the island's soaring skyline as a backdrop is the stuff of dreams. It is a highlight of French Polynesia and a perfect introduction to the marine wonders of these islands. As the sun sets over the peaks, enjoy a relaxed dinner beside the lagoon.

A day to explore the dramatic beauty of Moorea beyond the lagoon. A 4x4 safari or hike into the lush, mountainous interior climbs to the famous Belvedere lookout for a breathtaking panorama over Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay and the soaring, jagged peaks, one of the most beautiful views in the Pacific. Along the way you pass ancient marae ceremonial sites steeped in legend, tour a pineapple plantation and the agricultural school, and take in the island's rich volcanic landscapes cloaked in rainforest. Alternatively, you might take an optional whale-watching trip (in season) or explore the coast. Moorea's blend of soaring green peaks, deep bays and turquoise lagoon makes it one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, and exploring its dramatic interior adds a wonderful sense of adventure and discovery. As the sun sets over the peaks in a blaze of colour, a Polynesian dance show might round off the day with electrifying drums and dancing.

A free day to enjoy the beauty of Moorea at your own pace. You might snorkel or dive the lagoon, take a lagoon cruise to a motu, kayak or paddleboard the calm water, enjoy a spa treatment, cycle the coast road, or simply relax on your deck, taking in the view of the pinnacles and the endless blues of the water. Moorea's relaxed, authentic atmosphere and dramatic scenery make it a wonderful place to unwind, and there is always time to swim, snorkel and soak up the beauty. On Sundays, a village church service reveals the extraordinary Polynesian hymn singing. As the sun sets over the soaring peaks in a blaze of colour, enjoy a leisurely farewell dinner beside the lagoon, savouring the beauty of the island and the magic of your short escape to French Polynesia, and reflecting on how much wonder you have experienced in just a few days.

After a final morning by the lagoon, perhaps a last swim or snorkel in the warm, clear water beneath the soaring peaks, you cross back to Tahiti for your onward international departure. You leave with a fragrant tiare flower and the warm 'ia orana' of the Polynesian people, having experienced the vibrant heart of Tahiti and the spectacular beauty, lagoon and marine life of Moorea. Though brief, your escape has delivered the full magic of French Polynesia, its dramatic peaks, jewel-like lagoons, gentle rays and warm hospitality, and the images stay vivid long after you land. French Polynesia has a way of capturing the hearts of those who visit, and you depart already dreaming of a longer return to explore more of these beautiful islands, from Moorea to the incomparable lagoon of Bora Bora, among the most spectacular places on earth.