Star-Telegram.com highlights top travel destinations for 2023 which includes various exciting locations around the world that are expected to be popular among travelers in the coming year. The destinations include beach resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, historic cities in Europe, exotic locations in Asia, and adventurous destinations in Africa and South America. The article provides brief descriptions of each location, mentioning their unique attractions, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. It also includes tips on how to make the most of a trip to these destinations, such as recommended activities, accommodations, and local cuisine. Overall, the article provides a glimpse into the anticipated travel trends for 2023 and offers inspiration for travelers seeking new and interesting places to explore.
Windstar Cruises has launched SpaceX's Starlink internet service on its Star Pride vessel during a Caribbean voyage, with plans to introduce it to other ships in its fleet. Windstar aims to add Starlink to most of its fleet worldwide by mid-2023, starting with Star Legend this spring, followed by Wind Surf, Wind Star, and Star Breeze. Wind Spirit will activate the new technology as soon as it's available in French Polynesia. According to Windstar's technology director, Gregg Wagner, Starlink will offer faster speeds, alleviating the frustration felt at peak use times.
Paul Gauguin Cruises has announced its plans for 2024, which include launching new itineraries and adding new ports in French Polynesia and the South Pacific. The new 14-night Islands of the Marquesas & Tuamotus voyage will feature five calls in the Marquesas, including two new ports. Paul Gauguin will offer seven itineraries on 33 all-inclusive journeys ranging from seven to 14 nights, sailing roundtrip from Papeete, with the exception of one itinerary that sails between Papeete and Lautoka, Fiji.
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As international tourist arrivals approach pre-pandemic levels, 2023 is expected to be a major rebound year for the travel industry. New and exciting international airline routes are being launched, and carriers are expanding their route networks, making it a great year for travel. Delta launched a new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, three times per week in December 2022, making it easier for travelers to visit the South Pacific archipelago.
Conrad Hotels and Resorts started out as a loophole to get around a clause that forbade Hilton Hotels from operating internationally under the Hilton name. The brand has evolved since its launch in 1982 and is now one of Hilton’s top-tier luxury brands, alongside Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts and the LXR collection. The brand currently has 44 properties globally and has grown more than 100 percent since 2015. Conrad is focused on enhancing guest experiences and developing a clear brand identity as it expands into new markets, including resorts in key leisure destinations.
What could be more romantic than a tropical island getaway? A cruise to Tahiti and Bora Bora offers an immersive experience with an overwater bungalow, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation resulting in unspoiled beauty. The Paul Gauguin cruise line is custom-purposed for the most well-known islands of the South Pacific. Couples will find adventure or relaxation with the many shore excursions available on this exciting cruise line.
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If you're into diving, the Tuamotu Archipelago is an excellent place to visit. This natural and cultural gem is located 600 miles south of Bora Bora and has many nearby dive sites where underwater life is spectacular. As you discover these atolls with incredible natural scenery, once you come back you'll definitely be seduced by them.
The Tahiti Travel Specialists at Venture Tahiti have recently introduced a comprehensive online guide providing resources for travel during the pandemic. In our COVID-19 Travel Resources, you will find a real-time COVID-19 travel update, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, new COVID-19 travel protocols introduced by the United States, French Polynesia and the airlines, and recent news articles related to international travel during the pandemic. You can also find suggestions on what to take with you as well as many health and safety protocols introduced by the hotels and resorts in Tahiti.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
The government of French Polynesia has just announced that they will accept a specific type of Antigen Test as an alternative to the RT-PCR test for entry into Tahiti. The RT-PCR test has been in place since July 2020. As mentioned in our French Polynesia COVID-19 Entry Protocols, the Antigen test must detect the "N" protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This test should prove to be more widely available, be less expensive, and produce faster results.
In response to the new regulations, requirements and entry protocols updated and clarified by the authorities in French Polynesia on April 22, 2021, Air Tahiti Nui has updated the guidance provided on their website. We have provided a helpful updated summary of Air Tahiti Nui's policies in our Tahiti Travel Tip called, "Air Tahiti Nui | COVID-19 Policies & Protocols". It is also found in our COVID-19 Travel Resources section. Air Tahiti Nui's source documents can be found through the link above or below.
An interview by Travel Pulse with Kristin Carlson, Managing Director of Tahiti Tourisme. Kristin provides timely answers on travel to Tahiti under the new Entry Protocols.
United Airlines streamlines boarding process for its San Francisco to Tahiti flights by integrating the new Entry Requirements into their "Travel Ready Center". Click the link below to view the Travel Ready Center on UA's website. This does not eliminate the need to complete the Tahitian government's online forms. But, it does streamline things, add some peace of mind, and allow you to check-in from another domestic US airport.
Inside Hook takes a look at how Overwater Bungalows have changed travel forever.
Photographer Julien Gardot takes us through his personal quest to design and build traditional Tahitian Sailing Canoes. Yachting World's article shares the details of this excellent and worthwhile effort to recapture the spirit and heritage of Ancient Tahiti.
Have you been on the edge of your seat waiting for Cruising to come back? Look no further than Paul Gauguin to get your cruising fix in the paradise of French Polynesia. AFAR gives a great overview of the "something for everyone" Islands of Tahiti cruise.
Tahiti Tourisme teams up with AFAR Journeys once again for a custom designed itinerary featuring the "Big Three"...Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This itinerary hits all the major sites and features 2 of our favorite resorts, the Sofitel Kia Ora Beach Resort and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. We are very glad they included a stop at the sumptuous Villa Mahana as well!
The High Commissioner and President of French Polynesia have announced a temporary restriction for the Society Islands from August 23rd through September 6th. Resorts remain open and travelers can still travel between accommodations in their itineraries. However, they will need to remain on resort property during their stay. You can read the full press release through the links above and below. You can also find more updates on our COVID-19 Travel Update.
Volcanos, waterfalls, hiking trails and amazing nature guides - The Wild Side of Tahiti has them all. Forbes dives into a conversation with a Tahitian tour guide...
Manoi oil is one of the most precious products made in our beloved French Polynesia. Our friends at Pearl Resorts have taken Manoi oil to a new level with their island-theme scents. Bring some back home with you and you can always been taken away (at least mentally) to that special place in the South Pacific.
US News recently released its annual "Best Vacation Destinations". We are pleased to see Bora Bora as number 3 and Tahiti as number 4 in the Top 5 World's Best Places to Visit! Press release is linked below. For the full rankings, visit the following: https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/worlds-best-vacations/.
AFAR Journeys features another original Tahiti Tourisme itinerary with a 14 day immersion into Huahine and Moorea. If you are looking for a more authentic glimpse into slow, island life, this itinerary could take you there.
During the recent, temporary border closure, Venture Tahiti was featured in TravelAge West's article on the impact of COVID-19 on Tahiti tourism.
The President of French Polynesia has announced that Tahiti will reopen on May 1st. After discussions with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, the table is set to reopen based on new Entry Protocols that are forthcoming. "We are going to put in place a protocol at the entry of our borders using virological testing, serological testing, vaccine and ETIS (Electronic Travel Information System). We will explain this protocol in detail with the High Commissioner in the coming days”. - Edouard Fritch, President of French Polynesia
You may not be ready to travel, but you should be ready to book your future trip to take advantage of the current special offers in the marketplace. Bloomberg travel writer explores destinations exhibiting extraordinary value, including Bora Bora.
Tahiti Tourisme's CEO, Jean-Marc Mocellin issued a statement that borders will remain closed through April, but with the intent to reopen to tourism on May 1st. Tahiti continues its positive trends of reducing COVID-19 numbers within its borders and looks forward to welcoming back tourism very soon.
You don't have to be independently wealthy and buy out a private island resort to experience "private travel". Now more than ever, private travel moments are becoming more accessible and more popular among travelers. From airport lounge access to private tours to private airport transfers, the luxury of private travel is within reach. Feel free to ask your Venture Tahiti Specialist about ways to enhance your trip with more private experiences that won't break the bank.
Given discussions held between French Polynesian leaders and their French counterparts, Tourisme Tahiti expects current border closure, enacted on February 3, 2021, to be "very temporary". Eduoard Fritch, the President of French Polynesia, strenuously requested that the temporary closure of Tahiti be no more than three months in duration. Tahiti has seen much improvement in their COVID trends. However, leaders of France mandated the closure for all of its overseas territories due to fear of new COVID variants they were already seeing in Europe. French Polynesia's economy, and it people, depend on tourism. A closure of more than 2 or 3 months would be a devastating and avoidable mistake. Expectations are that the borders will be open for travel in April or May.
Bora Bora is consistently regarded as one of the top Honeymoon destinations in the world. Salon Prive Magazine includes Bora Bora at the top of their list of 11 destinations.
If you can part with $340,000, visit Bora Bora in style on Four Season’s new jet. Just one stop on their around-the-world package. Simple Flying explores the Four Season’s new A321LR private aircraft. If you can afford it, why not travel in style. The Four Season’s “Round-the-World” package is $170,000 per person (at least one of their available itineraries), but it includes stops at 10 of the most epic destinations on earth. Not to mention the new plane offers all the creature comforts you will need along the way, while you hop from Four Seasons to Four Seasons over the course of 24 days.
No surprises here. Bora Bora listed as one of the Most Romantic Places to Propose by Forbes. We agree, of course. From Ireland to Greece to Morocco and Monte Carlo, Bora Bora is in good company on Forbes list of Most Romantic Places to Propose. There were a few interesting surprises on the list as well.
To the delight of divers, snorkelers and nature lovers around the world, a first ever "census" count of all the coral in the Pacific Ocean has pleasantly surprised researchers that global extinction risk of certain types of corals is much lower than expected. There are roughly 500 billion corals in the pacific - roughly equal to the number of trees in the Amazon.
The President of Tahiti suggests this latest border closure should only last 2-3 months. Tahiti has seen much improvement in their COVID trends and has implemented excellent protocols and standards for tourism during the pandemic. With this latest border closure being mandated for all French Territories, the President of Tahiti is stressing the importance of keeping this closure to no more than 2-3 months. Tahiti depends on tourism to survive. A closure longer in duration than 2-3 months would have a devastating effect on the nation's economy and citizens. Expectations are that the borders will be open for travel in April or early May.
It breaks our hearts that so many of our clients have had to postpone their weddings during the pandemic. Our friend and industry colleague, Renata West, decided he would make the most of the situation and get married in Tahiti. Congratulations to him for his recent wedding in Tahiti and featured article in Brides! Details of their Destination Wedding can be found in the link below. Perhaps this can be an inspiration to the many couples whose dreams have been put on hold during the pandemic. A dream wedding can still happen by eloping to Tahiti. Please contact a Venture Tahiti Specialist if you would like to discuss how to make this happen for you!
As of February 3, 2021, Tahiti's borders will be closed again, temporarily. We expect borders to open again after 2-3 months. French Polynesia has been welcoming back guests since July, 2020. As of February 3, 2021, their borders will be closed again, temporarily. Despite Tahiti's progress in combatting the COVID virus, other areas under French rule have not fared so well. As a precaution, the leaders of France have mandated that all French Territories close their borders for a two month period. This is due to concerns in France about new COVID variants and is not correlated to the progress made on the ground in Tahiti. In the months preceding this mandate, Tahiti was trending very positively with decline numbers of cases. The leaders of French Polynesia have been very clear that this closure should not last more than 2-3 months.
The annual Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, based in Great Britain, has chosen an image taken in August 2020 off the coast of Moorea! Winning photographer, American Renee Capozzola, captured shark's at sunset from underwater. The photo named "Shark's Skylight" is an excellent tribute to these special residents of French Polynesia. Hats off to Renee for her excellent work. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. "In French Polynesia there is strong legal protection for sharks, allowing them to thrive and balance the marine ecosystem." - Renee Capozzola
We are not surprised. Are you? French Polynesia has earned a spot on the list of "safest destinations" to travel during the pandemic. Tahiti and Bora Bora should be on your list of safe destinations to travel to. Their track record for handling COVID-19 and implementing necessary safety protocols for tourists has put them at the top of the list of the safest destinations in the world. Let us know if you'd like to plan a trip to paradise.
As of February 3, 2021, French Polynesia will once again close its borders to temporary. This is a mandate passed down from France and is not indicative of the positive trends that Tahiti has been showing with regard to COVID-19. All French Territories must comply. We have been told this is a very temporary measure and expect borders to reopen by May 1st, if not sooner.
Got the lockdown blues? Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has announced a nice array of benefits for guests who stay a while. New tiers of benefits are reached with stays of 10, 20 and 30+ nights. We'll take the 30 night plan, please!
Want a behind the scenes look at one of our favorite resorts? The Brando is featured in the BBC's "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby".
Leave it to The Points Guy to give a nice synopsis of the new COVID-19 testing requirements prior to returning to the US. Never fear, the government of Tahiti, Tahiti Tourisme, and Air Tahiti Nui have already taken steps to make this very easy on its American visitors as well.
For some people a postcard or a Tahitian Black Pearl is enough. But, for others, and you know who you are, souvenirs have to be over the top. Well, this one lasts for ever (and it looks pretty cool). Our friends onboard The Aranui 5 have you covered.
It wouldn't be the 25 Best Island Beaches in the World without Matira Beach in Bora Bora. Conde Nast Traveler gets it right again. What a great beach!
The travel writers at Forbes have put together a true bucket list of Outrageous Villas that you must visit when you are able to travel again. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort's exclusive "Royal Estate" made this very special list of only 6 properties. The full article is available through the link.
For current COVID-19 statistics in French Polynesia, including new cases and trends, check back with this link from time to time. Tahiti Tourisme updates it weekly.
Our Tahiti Specialists have summarized relevant information from this link in our Tahiti | COVID-19 Entry Requirements post in our COVID-19 Travel Resources section of this site. For additional information, including travel advisories for French Polynesia, COVID-19 travel restrictions for Bora Bora and the Islands of Tahiti, and entry and stay protocols for the islands, please visit the link below. This link is updated regularly by Tahiti Tourisme and Venture Tahiti has segmented these topics into helpful articles on our COVID-19 Travel Resources page.
In November of 2020, Travel + Leisure put out a nice article titled, "What It's Like to Travel to Bora Bora During the Pandemic, According to an American Who Went". For those of you wondering what the experience may be like with social distancing and new protocols in place, this is a nice piece to read. Please keep in mind this was prior to the new Entry Requirements that will go into effect on May 1, 2021.
For more details, click for a link to the source article.
It has been a while since French Polynesia had a brand new hotel constructed. At the moment, three are in the works on the main Island of Tahiti, Bora Bora and a new 5 Star property on Taha'a expected to be completed in 2026. We can't wait.
CEO World has put together a list of "The Best Honeymoon Destinations From Around The World". Guess where two out of the seven are located?
Leave it to Conde Nast to put together a list of "The 30 Best Beaches In The World". We are proud to see Fakarava on the list featuring its white and pink sand beaches. Fakarava is a short flight from the main island of Tahiti if you are thinking of putting together your own list. See the list of our favorite islands on our Islands of Tahiti page.
Was your Air Tahiti Nui flight cancelled due to COVID-19? Please click the link below for Air Tahiti Nui's COVID-19 Flight and Rebooking Information. Also visit our COVID-19 Travel Resources page for helpful articles as well.
Travel + Lesiure has published their view of the Top 5 Resort Hotels in the South Pacific. We are not surprised that four of them are found in French Polynesia. Our list would be a bit different, but we do like each of the resorts in Tahiti that they have chosen. Visit our article on "The Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora" and "The Best Overwater Bungalows in Tahiti" for a recent ranking by our Award-Winning Tahiti Specialists.
After a recent visit, Living Magazine published a nice tribute to Bora Bora, "Jewel of the South Seas".
The Travel Channel has put together a short little article on Bora Bora.
The exotic Islands of Tahiti have won Travel Pulse's Travvy Award for the "Best Destination Overall" for 2020. We are not surprised. Once you visit, you will agree!
Forbes provides a nice list of the Best Resorts in Tahiti. It's so hard to narrow it down to a top 5 as people have different tastes and preferences, but we think they made some great choices. Let us know if you want us to plan an itinerary for you featuring one or more of these great resorts.
COVID-19 has definitely been unprecedented. It has created a lot of new "firsts". Unfortunately, most of them have been negative. We do have a fun "first" to share with you though. Air Tahiti Nui has set the world's record for the longest non-stop flight with paying passengers as they ferried French nationals back home at the onset of the pandemic. This first flight non-stop from Tahiti to Paris covered 9,765 miles in 15 hours and 45 minutes.
Simple Flying provides a deep dive into how Air Tahiti Nui became a business model to envy - a boutique airline that actually makes money!
We happen to be big fans of Air Tahiti Nui's livery (i.e. paint job). It has become one of the most iconic Boeing 787 Dreamliners in service today.Simple Flying dives into the symbolism and heritage behind the incredible designs - Polynesian Tattoos.
Travel Pulse details the steps necessary, including testing and entry requirements, when traveling to French Polynesia during COVID-19.
French Polynesia's 118 islands are so spread out that it is hard to believe the total land mass is about the size of Rhode Island. It's 1,609 square miles of land is scattered around almost 1 million square miles of ocean (roughly the size of Europe). Nevertheless, these tiny islands pack a big punch. Thillist agrees as they have added French Polynesia to their "12 Tiny Countries for a Big Trip".
Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Atolls named by CNN as one of the world's "most epic" Diving destinations. We agree, of course. Let us know if you'd like to visit this part of French Polynesia. We'd be glad to help.
