Vanilla Tasting & Luxury Living In Tahaa Island

The Ultimate French Polynesian Luxury

The next morning I packed my bags and headed to the local pier. Someone up there listened to my prayers, it was a gorgeous day. A boat picked me up and whisked me away to the edges of the lagoon, to the dreamy Le Tahaa Resort & Spa – where I’ll be spending one magical night. Le Tahaa is an award-winning luxury resort, and I was kindly hosted there for the night.

The magic starts as you disembark from the boat. Greeted by the customary tiare necklace, you land on a dreamlike private motu – a small island within the blue lagoon. This resort is the stuff dreams are made of, so it’s no surprise movie stars, artists, honeymooners and other folks who know a thing or two about luxury, choose this place.

We started the tour of the resort, just to know where everything is, and my God – it is gorgeous! Palm trees everywhere, white sand and an authentic Polynesian touch everywhere you look.  

The resort’s signature accommodation is the overwater bungalow. You know, those bungalows set right on the lagoon-like the ones we saw back in Bora Bora. There’s only a handful of them, so unlike Bora Bora, it feels very quiet around here, and that’s a good thing.  

Inside the Overwater Bungalow

The tour ended at my designated bungalow, right on the edge of the tentacle extending out to the lagoon. It is so nice both inside and outside, that you don’t really know where you want to park it. Finally, some air conditioning… maybe let’s just cool off inside for a bit?

Out on the deck, you can just simply jump into the warm water, where during the morning hours dozens of stingrays come to greet you. When the rays are gone, you can simply stare at Tahaa on one side and even catch a glimpse of Bora Bora – hiding just behind the palm trees.

When I summoned the energy to leave the bungalow, it was time to hit the beach. Tahaa itself has very few beaches, but it’s the outer motus that are scattered with picture-postcard spots. Le Tahaa is fortunate enough to have one of the prettiest spots you’ll ever visit. Pristine waters, white sand, and just the sounds of the waves and coconut branches swaying in the wind.

There’s even a super tiny island smack in the middle of the lagoon where you can have a super romantic dinner with nobody around, but the stars above you.

The Coral Garden

But that’s not all. Tahaa’s coral garden is also located right here, between the resort and the neighboring motu. I’ve visited coral gardens in both Maupiti and Bora Bora, but this one was super special. It all starts with a walk to the very edge of the motu, for a great view of Bora Bora in the near distance. It’s so close yet feels like miles away, without the massive cruise ships, massive resorts, and all the hype.

Once you’ve reached the edge, you just jump into the water and let the current do the job. You’re taken straight back into the lagoon and at an incredible speed. If you extend your arms out, you feel like Superman! There are tons of colorful fish – including the famous reef resident clownfish (a.k.a Nemo), radiating shells, and a bazillion corals. I guess that’s why they call it the coral garden.

Some of these fish are extra curious, and they don’t mind coming over for a quick taste – probably a byproduct of the fish feeding that happens around these islands.

Polynesian Gourmet & Dancing With the Stars

Speaking of feeding, it was time for dinner. As you would expect in such a resort, the food at Le Tahaa is superb. I was curious to see how Polynesian dishes would be served ‘gourmet style’ and so, opted for the fish. After a huge glass of mai tai,  it was time to head back to the bungalow for what should be a good night’s rest.

Before heading to bed, how about some stars? No, I’m not talking about De Niro or Madonna. It was a cloudless night without any lights to interfere with some overwater stargazing. Simply spectacular! That’s Sirius you see shining brightly, almost 9 light-years away from Earth.

The next morning I woke up extra early and extra rested just in time for the sunrise. Later, I will  catch a ride back to Tahaa and then Raiatea.

After spending a memorable day at Le Tahaa, I can honestly say – who needs Bora Bora when you’ve got a place like this. Bora Bora is extremely beautiful but unfortunately, it’s not a local secret anymore. Le Tahaa is sort of like Dicaprio’s The Beach, beautiful and yet to be discovered!

Sad to leave the life of luxury but excited about what’s ahead, the ride from Tahaa to Raiatea offered great views of the vanilla island. Though it even looks pretty in the rain, it’s prettier with the sun shining.

What’s Next?

Naturally, after Tahaa, it’s just a matter of crossing the lagoon to Raiatea Island. Raiatea is known as ‘the sacred island’. It is home to the most important Polynesian temple in the entire South Pacific and one of the world’s rarest flowers. We’ll be on the hunt for both, and much more!

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