French Polynesia & Vahine Island
French Polynesia is and place I never thought I would get the chance to visit. EVER. But to my surprise, I got to go for almost the whole summer in 2017. I am so thankful for my parents for providing me with this great experience. Here is a highlight of some of this places I visited and activities I recommend doing if you are ever there.
First, I stayed on Vahine Island with my cousins and my parents. Vahine is a super cute private island resort my mom came upon while watching island hunters (lol). We flew from DC to LAX to Tahiti to Taha'a then we took a tiny boat over to Vahine. Getting off the boat, we were greeted by everyone who worked there. (they were prob so happy to finally have guests who weren't on their honeymoon lol). The island was small and gorg! with three overwater bungalows and a few on-land ones as well. My parents lived the life of luxury. They had an overwater hut where you could feed the fish at night. My cousins and I got the land bungalow with a tiny private beach and a giant open balcony. The island was breathtaking. Gorgeous light blue water that seemed straight out of the Conde Nast Traveler Mag and the most amazing food ever that even Chef Gordon Ramsay couldn't roast it. (when I say amazing, I'm saying I ate duck... I never eat duck, and this duck tasted like it was made for the queen). The fish was just.. I have no words.. AMAZING. I love mahi-mahi, and I can truthfully say that it was the best Mahi of my life. They catch and serve their fish on the same day. And oh no, don't let me forget about the bread. You all know by now that bread is my weakness. If you want my heart, all you have to do is make me some bread. The bread basket they served every morning was just magnificent. It came with coconut bread and everything else island-y you can think of.
Ok ok so onto the adventures.
Vahine Island is across the channel from Taha'a. Known for its pearls. Black Pearls. I visited a Pearl Farm where the nice family who owned it would show quests around the property and demonstrate how pearls were harvested. It was an amazing process, one that takes years and years. I never knew how much work goes into making one single pearl.
Swimming with the Black Tip Sharks -- MUST DO! We went on a guided tour with a bunch of people from all over the world. The boat took us snorkeling to the most vibrant reefs I could ever imagine. I love diving and snorkeling and to me, I was just astounded by how bright these reefs are. The reefs were full of wildlife from bright colored triggerfish, parrotfish, eel, octopus and so much more. I had never witnessed an octopus change color right in front of my eyes until then.
The boat trip also took us to a private island (owned by the company) for lunch. They served traditional Tahitian food. My all time fav was the Poission Cru.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/recipe-for-tahitian-poisson-cru-marinated-raw-fish-1533951 (try out this recipe)
NEXT ISLAND -- MO'OREA
Mo'orea has many hiking trails with amazing views. I did the Three Coconuts Hike. Highly Recommend!!
NEXT ISLAND -- HUAHINE
Recommend renting bikes and biking around the island. Along your bike ride, you'll come across a ditch near the side of the road; it's like a mini stream FULL of eels. When I was there, the local children were playing with the eels in the water. There is a great burger shop along the water and a crepe stand.
NEXT ISLAND -- RAIATEA
Cute shopping area on the island and pretty hikes. Great local food and places to try Poission Cru!
NEXT ISLAND -- BORA BORA
I happened to be in Bora Bora during the best time. The Heiva is a Tahitian festival celebrating food and dance amongst all of French Polynesia. I happened to be there on the day of the Heiva. There were tents all along the road of locals selling traditional food, clothing, and of course, Moana gear. Later that night the dancing occurred. Each group performed traditional Tahitian dancing to traditional music. it was such an amazing cultural experience to witness. P.S. try the "Tahiti Drink" it comes in a large milk carton.
