Travel on Adrenaline: Sporting Competitions to Experience in The Islands of Tahiti
LOS ANGELES – August 1, 2018 – From canoe races to death-defying waves, The Islands of Tahiti are home to annual sporting events that attract the world’s top athletes. Upcoming competitions to look forward to include the Tahiti Pro Teahupoo surfing competition featuring one of the most dangerous waves in the world while the multi-stage, multi-island race, Hawaiki Nui Va’a is a global phenomenon that should not be missed. Merge the adrenaline of these sporting events with culture, entertainment, food, and history with stays at authentic Tahitian Guesthouses. These accommodations offer a unique alternative to resorts and are located close to many of the event venues. Explore Tahitian Guesthouses and a variety of accommodations on Tahiti Tourisme’s website. The following is information on the upcoming competitions and recommended Tahitian Guesthouses that pair well with these events:
• Tahiti Pro Teahupoo (August 10th – 21st) – Now in its 21st year, Tahiti Pro Teahupoo is the 7th stage of the qualifying World Surf League Championship Tour. The Teahupoo surf spot became famous worldwide thanks to its massive waves reaching up to 13 feet, which break on the shallow reef below sea level. Due to its power and unique danger, this stage is one of the most sought-after in the competition. Taxi boats are available to take directly to the competition or take the boat shuttle service from Teahupoo Marina to Hava’e pass (a five minute ride) where the championship is held. Choose from the following Tahitian Guesthouses located nearby the Tahiti Pro Teahupoo for the best possible match day experience: o The Vanira Lodge – The Vanira Lodge consists of unique bungalows built into the cliffside and on stilts delivering an unbelievable, treehouse-like environment, situated near lush hills, forests, caves. From these lofty vantage points, guests can also view dolphins and whales when in season. Wi-Fi access available throughout the property on a complimentary basis. From $86 per night.
o Bonjouir Teahupoo Lodge Paradise – A mere 10 minutes from the competition and other top surfing spots in Teahupoo, Bonjouir Teahupoo Lodge Paradise is a hidden paradise in Tahiti Iti. On property, you will find white and black sand, a gorgeous lagoon, majestic mountains, and it is located only 10 minutes from the departure point for Teahupoo surfing boat excursions. The restaurant serves locally-caught and homegrown products such as homemade jams and Tahitian bread. The Lodge offers lagoon–side rooms and bungalows in a floral, peaceful environment. From $29 per night
• 27th Hawaiki Nui Va’a in Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora (October 31 to November 3) – The Hawaiki Nui Va’a is an international V6 canoe race where over a hundred Polynesian outrigger canoes (called va’a) gather each year. Starting in Huahine in the Leeward Islands, this extreme race requires participants to paddle 80 miles in over three days without crew change in the open ocean and lagoons. The race, which includes many counties such as France, the USA, Germany, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, occurs in three stages: Huahine-Raiatea, Raiatea-Taha’a, and Taha’a-Bora Bora.
The following Tahitian Guesthouses provide convenient access to follow the race around the four islands:
o Huahine:
Moana Lodge – Located at the end of the Parea lagoon, Moana Lodge offers a serene landscape, engaging activities, and ancestral culture. Swim by the marae, a traditional place of worship, try traditional Polynesian fishing off the beach, and adventure with excursions on the lagoon and motu. Moana Lodge has two beach and two garden bungalows with a terrace, bathroom with hot water, and complimentary Wi-Fi. From $135 per night.
Pension Tapuna – Pension Tapuna’s tranquil environment allows you to absorb local culture with relaxed body and mind. You can relax in a garden comprised of hundreds of different species of plants (over 50 species of fruits!), surrounded by the smell of tropical fruits and flowers. Also, dine on fresh fruits, vegetables, and freshly-caught fish, prepared in both the local as well as European styles. Hand-crafted bungalows come furnished patios. From $92 per night.
Huahine Vacance – Located seaside on Maro’e Bay in a large garden near a vanilla plantation. Lodgings comprise of well-furnished kitchens as well as a large veranda view and even a barbecue. From $170 per night.
o Raiatea:
Pension Manava – Manava means “welcome” in Tahitian, and that’s all you need to know about this Tahitian Guesthouse located on the Avera mountainside. Near the city center, yet isolated enough to have your privacy, too, Pension Manava provides a hospitable ground to explore the rich, cultural history of Raiatea. You can also book an all-inclusive boat tour to visit Taha’a, a stop on the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, through the Pension Manava. Book a special package including a private bungalow and car from $130 for 2 persons, per day.
Villa Tonoi – Located just five minutes from the airport and two minutes from downtown, Villa Tonoi has four furnished bungalows including a private terrace to enjoy the views of its lagoon and the starting point of the competition. From $136 per night.
Hotel Atiapiti – Hotel Atiapiti, located near Taputapauatea, a UNESCO heritage site, sits on a white-sand beach. Guests will experience invigorating views of its green and blue lagoon, surrounded by impressionistic colors, aquatic fauna, and a coral garden, perfect for swimming. From $164 per night.
o Taha’a:
L’Hibiscus Tahaa – Located in a beautiful garden in Haamene Bay, the property offers numerous activities such as 4×4 and lagoon excursions, fishing, snorkeling, and complimentary bicycles. Its restaurant and bar on the lagoon serve local cuisine seven days a week. In addition to seven furnished bungalows, L’Hibiscus offers a special Tahaa package including a three-night stay in a bungalow featuring private bathroom, hot water, fridge, large terrace, breakfast and dinner included daily, 1 excursion, ½ day car rental, and transfers to and from the airport for $732.
La Perle de Tahaa – La Perle de Tahaa is a luxurious way to watch the Hawaiki Nui Va’a participants pass you by as you sip a cocktail and soak up the Taha’a scenery. Participate in a plethora of activities from big game fishing to visiting a pearl farm to kayaking, and exclusive to La Perle de Tahaa, explore the lagoon aboard a transparent kayak. From $136 per night.
Résidence D’hôtes “Le Passage” – At the edge of a turquoise lagoon in the middle of coconut groves lies “Le Passage.” See Tahitian cultured pearls up close, stroll through one of the island’s most beautiful tropical gardens, and kick your feet up on its private beach. At night, lay your head in one of their four, air-conditioned bungalows. Purchase their Villa Package (2-night minimum), which includes the rental of their large and two small bungalows along with a Land-Rover, for $70 per night.
o Bora Bora Bora Bora Fishing Paradise Lodge – Situated between the sea and mountains, the Bora Bora Fishing Paradise Lodge provides three fare pote’e (traditional Tahitian houses). The houses have full amenities including air conditioning, kitchen, living room with TV, a terrace, and free Wi-Fi. From $76 per night.
Blue Heaven Island – A five-bungalow family Tahitian Guesthouse located on a private island off of Bora Bora, Blue Heaven Island is a place of unspoiled nature. Guests can relax surrounded by crystal blue lagoons, coral reefs, and at night, rest under star-filled skies. Blue Heaven Island relies strictly on solar power and the bungalows are designed with Tahitian architectural elements such as thatched roofs. From $230 per night.
Village Temanuata – This family-owned, 11-bungalow Tahitian Guesthouse is located on the edge of the popular Pointe Matira Beach. The bungalows, with private bathrooms, refrigerators, and a terrace, provide an authentic Polynesian experience. Special offers include: Stay four nights for the cost of three (September – October) or stay three nights for the cost of two or stay six nights for the cost of four (November – December).
Learn more about The Islands of Tahiti and where to book Tahitian Guesthouses, luxury resorts, hotels and more at https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/island/places-to-stay/.
About Tahiti Tourisme United States
Tahiti Tourisme United States (TTUS) is the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the country of French Polynesia, more commonly known as The Islands of Tahiti. As the DMO for The Islands of Tahiti, TTUS liaises with airline, cruise line, hotel, resort, tour operator, travel advisor and consortia partners to develop product, launch marketing initiatives, and generate robust tourism trade within French Polynesia.
About The Islands of Tahiti
Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti are just eight hours by air from California. Surrounded by pristine, crystal clear blue waters, the 118 islands and atolls offer natural beauty, authentic island culture, and unique French Polynesian style. The Islands of Tahiti are world-renowned for their white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons and varied landscapes ranging from coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Each island offers a variety of accommodation experiences from luxurious resorts with overwater villas, to family Tahitian Guesthouses, to sailing via private charter or scheduled cruise. Privacy comes naturally in The Islands of Tahiti and offers visitors the space to relax and reconnect and to be Embraced By Mana. Mana is the life force and spirit that connects all things in The Islands of Tahiti. Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii. For further information, http://www.tahititourisme.com/ or call (310) 414-8484.
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