Fakarava Hiva Oa Manihi Moorea Nuku Hiva Rangiroa Tahaa Tetiaroa Tikehau Vahine

WITH Transpacific Holidays - How big is paradise? Transpacific Holidays are the UK’s leading specialist Travel Company to Tahiti and the South Pacific. Our management team has many years of experience in the travel industry and over 25 years of first hand experience in both organising and taking holidays to the Pacific region. All the hotels and resorts featured in this brochure, plus many more that are not, have been visited by one or more member of our staff, so enabling us to provide you with first hand knowledge, which allows us to make recommendation that will ensure your holiday experience will match, and in many cases exceed, your expectations. Of all the Pacific Ocean’s island nations, the islands of do in our opinion, fulfil the expectations that Europeans have of a South Pacific paradise. It is not an inexpensive destination but it’s breathtaking scenery and the blending of the natural Marquesas Polynesian culture and French colonial sophistication make it a truly unique holiday destination. Nuku Hiva There are two types of islands; High Islands – those with central mountains and Low Ua Huka Islands – Motus which are basically the tops of ocean volcanoes that only just broke the surface of the ocean and have only sand and palm trees. The high islands are found in the Society, Austral and Marquises island groups, and the Motus are found in the Ua Pou Tuamotu atolls. SocietyIslands Tuamotu Atolls Hiva Oa They are all spectacular. The dramatic mountain scenery coupled with the lush vegetation of the coastal plains and beautiful white sand beaches are a wonderful Mataiva combination while a Motu experience will more than fulfil your deserted island fantasy. Manihi We would suggest that a stay of 2 or 3 nights in Tahiti will be sufficient to experience Tikehau Rangiroa the delights of the island nations capital and main international commercial port. We feel Bora Bora Tahaa that the real pearls in the crown of French Polynesia are to be found on “Her outer Huahine islands”. Tetiaroa Apataki The standard of accommodation on offer ranges from French style pensions to Moorea internationally renowned 5 star luxury resorts, located in some of the most breathtaking Raia Tea Napuka locations to be found anywhere in the world, every need is catered for. This also goes for Tahiti your dining selections, which covers local Polynesian dishes to the finest French cuisine, Fakarava the journey is worth it just for the food. Anaa We accept that the flight time to Tahiti is long, especially if you do it all in one go the elapsed travelling time from London will be approximately twenty hours. However, we believe that for those people in search of that very special holiday destination the Makemo experience of Tahiti and her islands will justify the journey. Unspoiled by mass tourism Tahiti and Her Islands, tempt the visitor with a cocktail of scenic wonder, serene peacefulness, and a sense of the adventure that the first European explorers must have Rurutu experienced. So whoever you select to travel with and which ever of the islands you decide to visit, Raivavae Hao we can guarantee that your experience of French Polynesia will be a wonderful and Tubuai N memorable one. Malcolm James Chief Executive French Polynesia

– 2 – – 3 – Moorea

slumbers under the shade of almond and acacia trees main Island is in the centre of a magnificent multi- Moorea but awakens for frequent arrivals of the inter-island coloured lagoon, surrounded by a necklace of coral Moorea is the closest island to Tahiti being just 11 ferries from Papeete. Truckloads of bananas and reefs which visitors can explore either by boat trips, miles away and can be reached by means of a short melons are brought onto the quay for market day. snorkelling or scuba diving. flight or boat trip. People from all over the island mingle with arriving There is only one navigable pass into the lagoon Often likened to James Michener's mythical island passengers and curious tourists. Then the ships blast which is just North of Motu Tapu island. If you Bali Hai, Moorea has some spectacular bays. their last farewell and the villagers head home. And elect to transfer by sea from Tahiti, then you will life on this peaceful island resumes its normal pace. experience a truly magnificent arrival. A must is to The islands Volcanic peaks, reflected in the clear Raiatea drive the 18 mile road that circles the island, you tranquil waters of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, will pass through unspoilt, colourful villages steeped have slopes which are covered with pineapple Raiatea is the second largest island in French nown by most Brits as Tahiti, the correct name for this area of the South Pacific is French Polynesia which in Polynesian history and view the Islanders living a plantations while white sand beaches border Polynesia, located 120 miles north-west of Tahiti. K is a collection of five Archipelagos, the of which Tahiti is one, the Austral Islands, lifestyle that has lasted unchanged for hundreds of crystalline lagoons. The principal village of Uturoa is the Administrative years. During the drive you will experience the vista Explore the island by taking a Circle Island tour or the Marquises, the and the Tuamotu Archipelago.There are 118 islands covering an area Centre for the Leeward Society Islands. of 1544 square miles which is equal to the mainland of Western Europe.The most popular visited individual islands of the beautiful Mount Pahia and see how its the shorter Moorea Highlights tour. Alternatively, For the Polynesian Maohi, ancestors of today’s presence provides a stunning backdrop to the Safari tours explore the wonders of the islands are those in the Society Islands, Moorea,Tahiti, Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine. Tahitians, Raiatea was know as Sacred Havai’i and island’s white sand beaches. interior valleys. was the centre for royalty, religion, culture and The hotels provide traditional entertainment. with Moorea is ideal for a day’s visit from Tahiti or for a Due to French Polynesia covering such an extensive Italian, American, Chinese, Vietnamese and lunch break, sometimes from 11am to 2pm. A history. some of the finest restaurants you will find in the area, it took several explorers many years to discover Polynesian cuisine on offer. unique way of seeing Papeete is to journey on ‘Le longer stay when you can fully experience a true A partially paved road circles the island winding Pacific, catering to most tastes including Chinese feeling of peace and tranquillity. and chart all of her islands. The first Spanish and Truck’ Tahiti’s public bus service. The destination is The temperature in French Polynesia varies little through fertile valleys and wide flatland, past farms and Mexican! But a culinary experience that is a Dutch explorers were followed by Captain Samuel posted on the top of the bus, which always begins throughout the year, offering an average of 26–27c/ and orchards. Inland tours reveal lush green valleys, must is the traditional Tahitian Tamaara’a feast Wallis in 1767, Captain Bougainville in 1768, and ends its round trips at the public market in the 75–81f. However, the humidity from December to pineapple and vanilla plantations. Guided walking which is cooked the ancient way in an underground Captain Cook in 1769 and again in 1777 when he centre of the capital. February gives a climate that is warm and damp, tours are an ideal way to encounter some of the stone oven. Sightseeing options vary from a relaxing LOCAL LOCAL claimed Bora Bora known then as Bola Bola for CURRENCY TIME VISA while March to November is cooler and drier. Huahine islands beautiful plants - the rare Tiare Apetahi is a ride in a glass bottom boat, or the airborne England (somehow we lost it!) and finally Captain Huahine, visible from Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora, 5-petalled flower which pops open at dawn, while a excitement of a helicopter ride, or the ultimate Pacific Franc GMT -10 No Visa required for a stay Bligh, of ‘Bounty’ fame, in 1788. All shared the Society Islands of up to 3 months. is situated 110 miles, 35 minutes by air, northwest jungle cruise on the Faaroa river, bordered by wild excursion, feeding the sharks, whilst you’re in the privileged experience of discovering paradise! The Tahiti of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands. Comprising hibiscus purau trees, by outrigger canoe explores water with them!! What ever your motivation is to region was ruled by the Pomare dynasty until 1843 Polynesia’s only navigable river. Papeete, French Polynesia’s capital, is situated on of two main islands, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti visit Bora Bora one thing is for sure you will fall in when the area became a French protectorate, then in the island of Tahiti and is home to the government (big and little) which are joined by a narrow isthmus. But for real escapism take a boat excursion across the love with this beautiful emerald jewel. 1880 the islands became a French Colony. In 1957 offices, and the centre of the islands commerce. Both are enclosed within a necklace of coral. lagoon to one of the islands many surrounding motus, French Polynesia became a French Overseas The country’s international airport, Faa’a, is located a small palm shaded, white sand beach islet located Territory, it has had an internally autonomous The lagoon, bordered by white sand beaches, is rich 6 miles from downtown Papeete and is the only inside the barrier reef - seclusion is yours for the day. government since 1984. with sealife, and off-shore motu islets, which lie Average Daily Temperature airport in French Polynesia with direct flights to the within the barrier reef and provide gardens for Bora Bora o The French influence is evident everywhere, with Average Temp F JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC outside world. All the domestic flights to the outer Huahine’s watermelon and cantaloupe industry. Thought by most people who visit it to be the most the chic of the French interwoven with the natural islands operate from Faa’a. While the islands official Tahiti 80 80 81 80 79 77 76 75 76 78 80 80 A 20 mile, non-paved road winds its way around the romantic place in the world Bora Bora lies just a The bold temperatures indicate the rainy season (information supplied by the UK Met. Office) charm and friendliness of the Pacific Islander’s, a languages are Tahitian and French, English is spoken short 45 minutes flight Northwest of Tahiti. The unique blend of Maori, Asians and Europeans. As a through out the islands . Shops open early at about two islands, through small villages where the result of this cultural binding excellent dining is to 7.30am and close around 5.30pm (noon on inhabitants live in modest but colourful homes. be found throughout with a wide variety of French, Saturdays) but the Tahitians always enjoy a long The principal village of Fare, on the northwest coast, – 4 – Tahiti & her– 5 – islands Weddings & Honeymoons Your Choice of Flights

Transpacific Holidays offers you a wide choice of flight options to give Why Not Spoil Yourself to Remember you the maximum flexibility when planning your trip to Tahiti and her Islands. Tahiti is a long way away, so why not spoil yourself and travel in business class, Transpacific can offer you some very competitive upgrade All international flights arrive in Tahiti, as it’s the only international prices for business class travel with all our partner airlines. So if the idea owhere is there a more romantic setting airport in French Polynesia. Your flights to the outer islands will be of being pampered and truly spoiled appeals to you, then just call us and N with , who operate an extensive network of flights throughout we will be happy to quote you a price for travelling Business class. French Polynesia. for these very special of celebrations, than When travelling with either Air New Zealand, Virgin or Continental the islands of the French Polynesia. You can fly directly from the UK to Tahiti with, Air New Zealand from you will be eligible for their Chauffeur car transfer to and from Heathrow via Los Angeles, connecting flight to Heathrow are available Heathrow or Gatwick if you live within 50 driven miles of the airport. from Manchester, Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Dublin for a small supplement. For your wedding there is a wide selection recommend some of them!) you just have to For your Honeymoon, there is a wide of ceremonies, styles and locations to choose allow three or four days prior to the wedding selection of Islands and hotels to choose from, Or with Air France, who offer flights via Paris from Heathrow, London from, unlike most of our competitors we do ceremony to facilitate the local paperwork. many of the hotels offer special benefits for City, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle and not want to prejudge your own very However in French Polynesia a 30 day prior honeymooners, ranging from a bowl of fruit Southampton. individual requirements. All you need to do residence period is currently required, which to free room upgrades. We appreciate that the In addition to the Air New Zealand and Air France services we can offer is just tell us exactly what you would like, for most people will be too long. choice of your honeymoon destination is not flights with American Airlines, British Airways, Continental, United from the location of the ceremony to the So we recommend that you get married in the one that you will take without a lot of and Virgin, To Los Angeles where you can connect with Air Tahiti Nui, colour of your bouquet, we will do the rest. Cook Islands and have your Honeymoon in thought. So we would be very happy to French Polynesians own international airlines services to Tahiti. Nothing is too much trouble, whatever your French Polynesia. If this option appeals to discuss your individual requirement and make With all the carries you can stop off free of charge in Los Angeles requirements we can arrange that unforget- you, please call us and we will be happy to our suggestions of the resorts that we feel will should you wish to break the journey, Transpacific can provide table moment. We can arrange marriages on give you all the details. best meet your needs. accommodation at any hotel in the USA, so please just call our any of the islands, (although we would not reservations department should you need more details on this option. Although the flights to Los Angeles are daily, the onward flight to Tahiti are not, at the time this brochure was printed Air New Zealand operate three through flights a week from Heathrow on, Sundays, How we have rated the hotels Wednesdays and Fridays. Air France operates on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Air Tahiti Nui’s services operate from Because of their location, it is not in our opinion reasonable to apply The grading’s are very personal to our staffs own assessments of the Los Angeles to Tahiti on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, however, the same basic criteria to grading a hotel in French Polynesia as you hotel’s ability to match up to the guest’s expectations, based on our these schedules are subject to change. The exact schedules will be would to one in London. Transpacific’s gradings take into account not experiences when staying at the hotels – and influenced by our confirmed by our reservation consultant at the time of your enquiry. only the facilities offered by the property but also its sympathy and collective belief that it’s a long way to travel to stay in harmony with its natural surroundings and the experience the visitor something mediocre. gets from just being there!

GOOD VALUE TOURIST HOTEL/RESORT IDEAL FOR SHORT STAYS SUPERIOR HOTEL/RESORT

MODERATE/FIRST CLASS HOTEL/RESORT THE TOPS, STAY FOREVER – 6 – Your– 7 – Flights Beachcomber Hotel Tiare Sheraton Tahiti Parkroyal Opened on New Year’s Day 1997, The Hotel This brand new hotel was only opened in July Tiare presents a touch of elegance in its 38 of ‘99’; built right on the water’s edge half Set amongst thirty acres of lush tropical deluxe rooms built on five floors. way between the airport and down town gardens with two swimming pools and its own Located on the water front right in the centre of Papeete the hotel offers an ideal location for private beach, which overlook the blue lagoon Papeete at the northern end of an area that once was your Papeete stay. and the island of Moorea giving the the Pomares’ Royal Estate, the land was originally There are 200 sound proofed rooms, which offer Beachcomber a truly wonderful setting. the heart of the village of Papeete , All of Papeetes five categories of accommodation, the grading is This premier resort is conveniently located being attractions are within a five minute walk from the dependent on the views as all the rooms are built only one mile from the airport and five miles from Hotel, Bougainville Park, Vaima Shopping Centre, and furnished to the same high standard. The room down town Papeete. During 1999 this hotel the Yacht Harbour the Market and the Waterfront grades are Harbour view, Ocean view, Moorea view, undertook major expansion with the addition of 60 Promenade. Voyagers Club and Suites. Their decor reflects a Tahitian Dancers new deluxe rooms with spectacular views across the Each fully furnished room has a private bathroom, Tahitian design with the use of exotic woods from lagoon to the island of Moorea. In addition the air conditioning, telephone, TV for local and around the world; they are air conditioned with Feeling Thirsty? The Beachcomer poolside restaurant and bar and the pool were totally complimentary cable programmes and most have a direct dial telephones, refrigerators, in room safe, remodelled resulting in a major upgrade to an private lanai with a view of harbour, the island of coffee maker and private balcony. already first class hotel. All manner of water sports Moorea and the Tahitian sunset. The hotel has two lounges and an over-water full are available. For the athletically inclined a Tahitian The Hotel Tiare, is the perfect short stay location for service restaurant that offers wonderful panoramic dancing theme evening and a weekly seafood beach those who are more interested in soaking up the views of the island of Moorea. There is a swimming extravaganza are on offer, plus the hotel offers one Tahitian experience than the Tahitian sun. pool, health and fitness centre as well as a full of Papeetes finest restaurants, as well as poolside complement of water sports available for the dining and two bars. There are 89 garden view energetic. Planned to be in operation by early 2000 rooms 89 ocean view rooms and 60 brand new will be a shuttle boat transfer between the hotels Panoramic deluxe rooms in the main hotel, with private dock and the main Cruise ship dock in 32 deluxe overwater bungalows, all with air Papeete harbour, which will make this procedure a conditioning and furnished to the very highest very special experience. The Sheraton Tahiti is ideal standards. With television/video, mini bar, fridge, for your pre and post Cruise stay. tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and private balcony. The deluxe rooms are all ocean view and the overwater bungalows are either Motu (on the island) or lagoon positioned.

For our current prices and booking conditions please refer to the price insert supplied with this brochure For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on 01293 567722 FOR DETAILS ON MORE HOTELS IN PAPEETE – SEE PAGES 36/37

– 8 – – 9 – Papeete Moorea Village Hotel Moorea Beachcomber Parkroyal

The Moorea Village is one of the few hotels on the island managed by Polynesians, the Gendron family. They have designed the hotel in keeping with the islands This luxurious Polynesian hideaway is located in Papetoai, on the Northwest natural geography which offers a very relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy all coast of Moorea, with its back drop of volcanic peaks and outlook over the that Moorea has to offer. crystal blue waters of the lagoon, the resort has a truly wonderful tropical The hotel is built along a white sand beach with no concrete paths! You will stay in typical setting. Soak up the atmosphere of the island as you relax on the stunning Polynesian palm thatched styled comfortable fare, nestled among coconut palms and tropical beach, or around the pool. flowers. Some include kitchens and a supplement can be paid to be right on the beach. For the more energetic you can choose from a range of land sports and water sports, You can enjoy French, Chinese and Polynesian cuisine in the hotels restaurant, while the then at the days end you can enjoy a cocktail and dine in the Fare Nui restaurant and veranda bar that is right over the water is the perfect spot for cocktails at sunset. watch a magnificent sunset. Accommodation ranges from air conditioned hotel rooms, The Moorea Village offers a swimming pool, tennis court, boutique, outrigger canoes and garden or beach bungalows and over water bungalows, with ceiling fans and all snorkelling equipment. Activities include outrigger canoe tours, picnics on the nearby motu furnished to the highest standards. The hotel is the Tahitian home of the Pacific and much more. Dolphin research foundation, where you can experience the wonder of swimming The Gendron family await your visit and assure you that they will do everything to ensure with the dolphins - an experience not to be missed and one never forgotten. that you enjoy a truly relaxing experience.

Parkroyal (top) and arial view of Moorea Beachcomber Parkroyal Meet a new friend at Moorea Beachcomber

Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort

This brand new resort hotel opened in October 2000. For our current prices and booking conditions please refer The resort is located on a white sand beach between Moorea’s two historic bays, to the price insert supplied with this brochure Opunohu Bay and Cooks Bay. The resort offers three types of accommodation, with 33 For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on Garden Bungalows, 10 Beach Bungalows and 54 Overwater Bungalows. The units offer 01293 567722 either one King size or two queen-size beds with an on suite bathroom, refrigerators, FOR DETAILS ON MORE HOTELS ON MOOREA – SEE PAGES 36/37 coffee/tea maker and telephones. The resort will have an over water restaurant and cocktail lounge. A swimming pool for those who do not like sand in their drinks! For the energetic there will be plenty of water activities to enjoy. With the opening of this resort, Sheraton hotels will bring a new standard of comfort and luxury to the island of Moorea. – 10 – – 11 – Moorea Coralia Mofu Moana Beach Parkroyal Coralia Motu Le Meridien Bora Bora Situated on Bora Bora’s famous lagoon and nestled between two idyllic The Coralia Motu is the newest resort beaches, where authentic Polynesian style and luxury creature comforts development on Bora Bora having only opened compliment each other on one of the most exotic islands to be found in in August 1999. The resort is built on its own The resort is located on the southern point of the South Seas. If you are looking to be in paradise but not away from private Motu, just a short boat ride from its Piti Aau Motu (Island), which is on the west everything then the Moana is the one for you. sister hotel the Marara. The island is covered side of the main Island of Bora Bora, and is There are hand crafted over water bungalows that feature glass bottom tables in by coral gardens, and has three private beaches. reached by a short boat ride from the airport. the lounge area enabling you to view the incredible ‘real life’ aquarium below. The Coralia Motu is a very select resort with only The Le Meridien is the resort furthest away from There are also ten beautifully appointed beachfront bungalows. The gourmet 30 accommodation units. There are 20 overwater the centre of Bora Bora and as such offers an even restaurant offers friendly service and excellent food. You can also dine on the bungalows, four hillside bungalows and six beach quieter environment from which to enjoy the beach or take a dinner cruise. bungalows. Island’s magical atmosphere. Set on a 10 kilometre Each bungalow is fan cooled with a master bedroom, living room, lavishly All the thatched roofed bungalows are very well stretch of white sandy beach the resort offers 100 appointed bathroom, minibar/fridge, coffee/tea making facilities, television/video appointed and are built out of a very attractive local polynesian style ‘Fare’ (Bungalows) with 15 and radio, and sundeck. wood, which affords them a very luxurious feel. All bungalows positioned around an inner lagoon set An extensive choice of sporting and other activities are on offer for you to decide have air conditioning, private bathrooms with a bath back from the main lagoon beach. Their 85 just how you wish to spend each day. Or you can just relax on the hotels perfect and shower, hairdryer, minibar, satellite TV and overwater bungalows are situated either side of the white sand beach, which never has many people on it! because most of the other video, tea/coffee maker and direct dial telephone. resort’s main beach. guests are out being energetic... great! In addition the overwater bungalows have a glass All the bungalows are well furnished, with a large window in the floor providing a prime viewing spot bedroom area, and a lounge area, a private bathroom through which to view the lagoon’s marine life. with a bath and shower. The overwater bungalows The resort restaurant offers some spectacular views have a glass covered floor area that provides of Bora Bora and its lagoon to go with the first class breathtaking views of the aquatic life of the lagoon. cuisine. In addition all the facilities of the hotel All rooms have coffee and tea makers, minibars, TV Marara are available to the guests staying at the and direct dial telephones. The overwater bungalows Coralia Motu. But the guests at the Marara are not are cooled by overhead fans and the beach permitted to use the facilities at the Coralia Motu bungalows are equipped with air conditioning. other than evening dining. Situated by the side of the inner lagoon, the resorts We feel that the Coralia Motu will be an ideal restaurant offers a wide range of international and location for our clients who are looking for a touch local cuisine to suit all tastes. of quiet sophistication. The mountain from Le Meridien

Le Meridien Le Meridien Beach Bungalow Coralia Mofu

For our current prices and booking conditions please refer to the price insert supplied with this brochure For tailor made holiday prices, please call our reservations centre on 01293 567722

FOR DETAILS ON MORE HOTELS ON BORA BORA – SEE PAGES 38/39

– 12 – Bora– 13 – Bora