La Orana Moorea!
Incredible over water bungalows include private sundecks, luxurious bathrooms, and large windows with gorgeous views of the water.
January 28, 2014
Moorea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
The Island of Moorea is known as the “The Magical Island” and is one of the most visited islands in French Polynesia. With its its majestic mountain ridges overlooking the island’s two picturesque bays: Cook’s Bay, and Opunohu Bay, Moorea has the exaggerated beauty of the Brooke Shield's Blue Lagoon movie. It is just 12 miles northwest, across the Sea of the Moon, and it is close enough to see from Tahiti; where our ship was docked the night before.
Polynesian legend describes the panorama of these volcanic ridges as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became the island of Tahiti. One can go diving, snorkeling, boating, surfing, take a safari,hiking, or shop for the magnificent black pearls. Under clear, crisp blue sky and puffy white clouds, our boat driven by Capt. Mark passed alongside the expensive Intercontinental Hotel bungalows on stilts on the water.
“We can't peek inside, there's action!” our guide Ziki exclaimed while we all broke into hysterical laughter. When we got into the shallow part of the clear water, we all felt so excited as we saw the many manta rays that started to appear out of nowhere followed by black tipped sharks. Our group let out a cheer as we clambered down to the chest -high water. I felt electrified.
Moorea, with its luxuriant vegetation and exceptional lagoon, is an ideal place to wind down and recharge your batteries.
Wow!” I exclaimed as I looked down in the water. Shuffling through super -friendly stingrays and hundreds of bright colored damsel fish, I left my swimming pals. I'm alone now, with eyes wide open, I focused on those tiny fish and the sting rays. My breath was steady and deep. I continued my awareness of my surrounding and suddenly, on my right, I saw several sharks gliding. They came as close to a foot in front of my face. Despite their beady eyes, they weren't scary at all. Watching them swim effortlessly is like watching an orchestrated ballet. They soon joined the group of stingrays that were being fed by our guide. Pretty soon, I forgot that the rest of the world even exists, I was now in my own world. I must have spent almost an hour snorkeling, and kissing the stingrays.
Our guide Ziki told us it was time to get back on the boat though we were still somewhat reluctant to do so. Where did all the time go? Our next stop was at a Motu (inlet) where our Captain, Mark, of Albert Transport took us. Together with Ziki, Graziela and Torei, they prepared our barbecued lunch from scratch. Ziki asked me to help him demonstrate how to make the Polynesian ceviche called poisson crue. Lunch was delicious and plentiful as well as the local Hinano beer and Rum Punch. After lunch, Ziki demonstrated how to open a coconut, how to check if it is bad or not, and he proceeded to open one using just a stick from the beach. He was funny with his French Polynesian accent, and he made us all laugh with his funny quips - yet he was a very knowledgeable guide.
Meanwhile, tucked away in the hills and alongside the lagoons, there were charming peaceful villages, and mile upon mile of pristine white and pink sand beaches just waiting to be explored. The fertile valleys are home to plantations of pineapple, cotton, coffee and sugarcane. The mountains are also fully accessible to everyone. There are lots of 4 x 4's for rental to venture across streams, valleys, and waterfalls. Belvedere overlook is a popular stop on the circle-island or 4 x 4 tours. Here, one can marvel at the panoramic views of the twin bays, and the plantations of Oponohu.Valley. Clearly, there are dozens of activities one can enjoy in Moorea's magnificent blue green lagoons. One can celebrate a new romance or a special anniversary, and enjoy the perfect secluded place to do everything, or nothing at all. And after our experience with Ziki and his team, our re-entry into civilization will be hard. Why didn't we come here before?
P.S. For an unforgettable but reasonable lagoon excursion with motu picnic, you may contact Maria of Albert Transport at : info@albert-transport.net
Comments
Bills favorite island in the world. He spent a few years and we were back a few times. Gods country! Love to you both. xoxoP From Patsy, on Feb 4, 2014 at 10:30 p.m