One of the supreme holiday destinations in the world is Tahiti in the South Pacific. But it might not have been so except for the rebellion that occurred on the Bounty.
Tahiti is now one of the preeminent destinations in the South Pacific.
The film industry loves to use Tahiti for its steamy landscapes, peaceful lagoons and towering volcanic peaks as backdrops for stories of romance.
The focus now though is opulence – not mutiny
A recent production,”Couples Retreat”, has led to travel businesses producing a spate of package holidays centred on the lavish resort where the movie was filmed.
Popular Tahiti accommodation includes over-water bungalows and there is a noticeable absence of high-rise apartments.
The thatched roof bungalows often feature transparent glass floors that give visitors a unique view of the ocean.
There is more to a Tahiti holiday than a cheap novel and a dip in the hotel pool.
Package holidays in Tahiti can include 4WD explorations, art lessons, cooking, fishing and dive excursions.
The renowned French impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin (died 1903) spent the last few years of his life in Tahiti.
It’s perhaps his lasting influence which today sees many Tahiti holidaymakers crouching at easels with canvas and pastels trying to capture the beauty of the islands.
His inspiration is still alive today as evidenced by the many travellers who can be found at canvas and easel painting the splendour of the islands.
For the supreme art experience, visitors should stay at Le Meridien Tahiti which has a gallery and daily art lessons. Guests are taught by local artists.
The same resort has lessons in cooking, instructed by the executive chef.
Art and cuisine is also found in other places in Tahiti.
Shoppers will love the Papeete markets which feature woven bags, massage oils, fresh fish, vegetables and of course, the well-known black pearl.
Pearl farms are spread throughout French Polynesia.
The process commences by prying open an oyster ever so slightly to place the “nucleus”.
Oyster meat is also included, depending on its colour.
The pearl takes two years to change into its final appearance and its colour varies from the darkest black to pink, bronze, green and blue.
The type of pearl you buy will inevitably be determined by your budget as prices vary wildly depending on the size, quality and colour.
It takes eight hours to fly to Tahiti from eastern Australia. This is longer than other popular South Pacific destinations like New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.
It is for this reason that Tahiti can be overlooked by South Pacific package promoters.
Other destinations get top billing so it can be a lot of work to find the ideal Tahiti holiday.
This is where it is vital to know which website to trust. Travel Monitor has been built to help Australians find all the current travel deals, including a Tahiti holiday. The site is not associated with any travel companies so the packages are unbiased, current and accurate.