Moorea, the magical island

Publicado: 22/03/2007

TODOELLAS.COM

Moorea, soaring magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet, is what you would imagine a South Seas island to be.

A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature.

Pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a fantasy of happy, yet simple villages.

Because of the close proximity to Tahiti, Moorea is quick and easy to reach.

The airport is served by Air Tahiti and by Air Moorea with 10-minute flights from Faa'a Airport on the island of Tahiti departing every 30 minutes. Air Tahiti also has regular flights between Moorea and Huahine, Raiatea, and Bora Bora.
Passenger ferries operate up to six times daily between the waterfront in downtown Papeete and the ferry port in Vaiare, Moorea.

Transport from the airport and ferry dock to the resorts and hotels can be reserved by your travel arranger or your resort or hotel. Taxi service is available, and the public transit system, Le Truck, operates between villages and the ferry.

The circle-island and interior roads are best discovered through hired excursions or by renting a car, while motorboat and outrigger canoe rentals are enjoyable ways to explore the lagoon and surrounding motu.

Yachts can be chartered with or without captain and crew, and helicopters are available for dramatic island tours or for transportation to and from Papeete.

Family Time on Moorea

Bring your kids along to Moorea! With plenty of land and water activities, children and parents can experience this tropical world together.

The central focus of a Moorea family vacation is the water. From boating and snorkeling to the discovery of gentle sea creatures, your children and adults can enjoy and learn about this pristine aquamarine world.

The Kids-Only-Camp is offered at the InterContinental Beachcomber Resort Moorea for guests with children aged 4 to 10 and features beach games, trips to the botanical gardens, fruit tasting, and flower-crown weaving.

Moorea honeymoons and romance

A favorite of frequent visitors, Moorea offers couples the perfect combination of all the islands: pristine and secluded beaches; lush mountains and valleys; exclusive resorts; and a wide variety of shopping and fine restaurants.

Romantic highlights include:
- Polynesian spas with special oils and treatments for couples such as Hélène Spa shown at left.
- Having your room, bath, and bed graced with wreaths of flowers.
- Nightly sails to see Moorea's famous sunset glows.
- Dinners at the world-class resort restaurants or at local favorites.
- Polynesian wedding ceremonies - perfected on Moorea - with many options for simple to elaborate ceremonies.