Raiatea & Tahaa

The twin islands of Raiatea and Tahaa form part of the Leeward Islands group in the Society Archipelago. Located in the Southern Pacific Ocean in between Bora Bora and Huahine, these two tiny islands provide visitors a tranquil refuge from the hustle and bustle of noisy touristy towns such as Papeete or Moorea. Separated from each other by a 3 km long thin narrow waterway, Raiatea and Tahaa share the same gorgeous lagoon. Offering a more relaxed escape, these two islands are known throughout the Southern Pacific as excellent yacht-chartering centers.

Raiatea is the largest of the Leeward Islands and is the second largest island in terms of land area in the Society Archipelago. A beautiful isle, Raiatea occupies a very important place in both the past and the present of French Polynesia. Traditionally, believed by Tahitians to be the birth place of Oro, the god of war and fertility, legend has it that this island is also the place from where Polynesian voyagers left the region to discover places like Hawaii and New Zealand. Also known as ‘sacred Raiatea’, Raiatea is home to the most important marae or temple in French Polynesia, the Marae Taputapuatea. Found on the island also is the rare and exquisite tiare apetahi, a flower found no where else on earth, except on the slopes of Mount Temehani.

Home to French Polynesia’s only navigable river, the Faaroa, this spectacular island is a key economic center for the Leeward area. The town of Uturoa, which is the main town on the island, is also a significant transportation hub in French Polynesia, with the waterfront here having a huge cruise ship terminal. And while there are no beaches on the island itself, Raiatea is surrounded by motus, or very tiny isles that have excellent beaches and splendid views. Also found on Raiatea is the only inter-island airport.

Two miles north of Uturoa is the tiny island of Tahaa, which is only accessible by boat. With no airport, this island is a secluded location that is still home to many traditional Polynesian villages and a more laidback lifestyle. Nicknamed the ‘Vanilla Island’ due to its many vanilla plantations, the air here has a subtle vanilla perfume that gives it a very surreal and dreamlike impression.

An undiscovered jewel, this island with its authentic Polynesian feel makes for a great getaway. Home to the ultra-luxurious Le Tahaa Private Island & Spa, Tahaa along with its stunning motus makes for the ideal escape from civilization to a more primeval time.

| | | |