Thanks to Air Tahiti Nui’s new J.F.K. -
Papeete
non-stop flight, Tahiti has suddenly become even more accessible than
Hawaii
. When we flew on the inaugural travel agent promotion Launch of Air Tahiti Nui’s Non Stop Tahiti Flight that took us to
Virginia
and back in April, we were caught up in the excitement and couldn’t wait to go to
Tahiti
- NON STOP! After making our plans and thinking about it, we did, however, have some reservations about the length of the flight, our ability to withstand it, the impact that it might have on the trip, and whether or not what we experienced that day was the norm or just a show. Twelve hours? Maybe a day or two in
L.A.
might be the wise thing to do.
The fact is that I am actually writing this piece as we begin our initial descent into J.F.K. on the return segment of the Air Tahiti Nui non-stop. Why did I wait until the descent? Well, between the seven movies on the screen in the coach seat back in front of me, the delicious food, a little catch up reading, and a good sleep in the very comfortable reclining seat, I just didn’t have the time.
We spent 10 days sailing the Islands of Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and
Raiatea
aboard the wonderful Radisson Seven Seas Paul Gauguin and staying in a deep over water bungalow in the Sheraton Moorea. These were 10 of the most incredible travel days we have ever spent.
The voyage on the Radisson Seven Seas Paul Gauguin was a delight. The service, the accommodations, the excursions, and the friendly refined and casual atmosphere created a perfect match for
Tahiti
. Renewing our marriage vows on the top deck with a
Bora Bora 
sunset in the background was a dream come true.
Tahiti
itself is magnificent. Each unspoiled island presents its own very distinctive volcanic formation. What all of the islands share is peace, quite, magnificent waters, unspoiled land, truly hospitable people, delightful food, and the ability to either do nothing or to be truly adventurous. Every where one goes one is awed by the volcanic mountain formations, the greenness of the land, and the utterly magnificent blending of colors that makes up the sea that surrounds the islands. The Atolls with their Motus that engulf most of the islands, present a unique landscape to be both ogled and explored. The snorkeling is stupendous. Hiking and four wheel drive off road adventures abound giving visitors the opportunity to explore the peaks of the volcanoes as well as the craters. Living in an over water bungalow is absolute heaven. No need to even snorkel. Just toss a piece of bread from your lower deck and just get out your camera - every color, every size, every shape fish you can imagine appears eagerly feasting on your generosity. Better yet, drop yourself in and join them!
I can’t say enough about
Tahiti
. What I can say is: Thank You Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourisme. Whether you sail or island hop by air,
Tahiti
is a must. Our advice: bring your calm and peaceful side, leave your work at home, and bring at least 1 gigabyte of memory stick for your digital camera!
Mauruuru
