If island-hopping in French Polynesia is on your bucket list, then Paul Gauguin Cruises is the way to do it.
Before boarding, start with an overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel and Resort, just minutes from the airport and pier. Being close to the center of town, this hotel is the place to stay, if you want comfortable, newly renovated rooms or overwater bungalows. In addition, lagoon swimming, stunning sunsets, water activities and easy proximity to the historical and cultural sites of the island make this hotel an ideal choice.
For local touring from the hotel book a Happy Taxi Tour with Popi, a Tahitian woman whose knowledge and personality will fill you with the story, lore and reality of living in Tahiti.
The Intercontinental Hotel and Resort’s Friday evening “Soirée Merveilleuse” is not to be missed. Besides a bountiful buffet, the Tahitian show is world class in entertainment and performance quality. This is the “go-to” hotel for cruisers and tourists alike and a perfect place to start your islands adventure.
All aboard the Paul Gauguin, an informal, intimate, all – inclusive luxury cruise ship that will take you up close and personal to the islands in casual elegance.
Not only are the staff and officers aboard the Paul Gauguin ready to serve, but they have engaged young Tahitian women and men “Gaguins” and “Gaugines,” as ambassadors to ensure that you have a genuine French Polynesian experience. These fresh knowledgeable staffers are eager to share their dances, crafts, language and culture—both formally through scheduled experiences or informally to meet at your convenience. Who better to impart local and cultural information than native French Polynesians? They greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of what makes these islands so unique.
For example, Papeete and its surrounding communes of 20,000 swell to 100,000 employed workers during the week to meet the tourist industry demand. Whereas the rest of Tahiti and most of its neighboring islands still provide an idyllic, close-to-the-land and sea existence for its residents. Here, one can fish or farm and make a living and a life in the tradition of their ancestors.
From the Paul Gauguin cruise ship all manner of shore excursions offer further opportunity to experience the wonders of the land and sea with competent informed guides. We were able to experience Bora Bora on an orientation tour around the island via Le Truck, the typical opened air mode of transport. Our guide, Keith, shared his knowledge and passion for his island, as we stopped for photos and cultural experiences— like Pareo Painting (traditional Polynesian dress painting).
On Moorea, Renaud, a professional photographer, shared his photographic and geographic experience of the island in a four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle, as we explored the interior, Belvedere Lookout Point and Moorea’s West Coast. He gave us photography coaching on his “Eyes of Moorea Excursion,” where we captured the perfect photos from the ideal spots.
One of the week’s highlights on the Paul Gauguin cruise ship was a complimentary day on Paul Gauguin’s exclusive private island, MotuMahala in Bora Bora. Our warm, wet-landing was met by a floating bar at the ready—with distinctive, cool island libations. A bountiful barbecue buffet and full bar prepared us for the “rigors” of all manner of beach activities, including kayaking and snorkelling in the warm, crystalline blue lagoon where we spotted many varieties of sea life living in the colorful coral reefs.
We lounged on the comfy chaises in the shade of coconut palms and listened to the ukulele and voices of our gorgeous, young Tahitian ambassadors, the Gaguins and Gaugines.
We eventually made our way back to the ship, just in time to refresh before sunset cocktails, dancing to a smooth singer and band who played the latest hits, as well as the classics, and then on to dinner at one of the three dining venues.
Aboard the Paul Gauguin all meals were served indoors and outdoors, as well as through room service. Breakfast and lunch buffets offered local and international selections and a la carte choices. Canapes were available at various bars in the evening.
L’Etoile, the main dining room, offers a different menu each evening—providing a wide variety of options, including international and vegetarian selections. La Veranda features signature menus created by 2-Star Michelin Chef/Proprietor, Jean-Pierre Vigato of Apicius Restaurant in Paris,France. The haute cuisine is prepared to specific standards and in fact, is an excellent representation of the superb Michelin-Starred meals we had experienced in France. Le Grill offered a more casual, outdoor dining menu with a variety of options including lobster and beef all prepared a la minute, taking into account any of your special requests. In all venues, the products are globally sourced with fresh local additions, all expertly executed by Corporate Executive Chef Paul Ellis to offer guests an exceptional and diverse culinary journey. Premium quality beverages—including champagne, wine, beer, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks were on offer and graciously poured by the skilled wine stewards and bar staff.
Entertainment is provided by the on-board staff, cruise director, and the local community. Highlights include the “Children’s Dance Troupe from Huahine” and the on board staff Crew Show, where laughter and talent are in abundance. Enrichment lectures by a highly qualified marine biologist and an experienced anthropologist, added specific detail to our knowledge of these islands, their history, geography and uniqueness.
Although most passengers on our cruise were from North America, there were also many international guests —from honeymooners to golden agers, singles, couples, small groups— all who seem to be soaking up the islands’ aura of calm and blissful oneness with nature.
Besides the cruise itself—with all of its local exposure to the island culture—a trip to the “Deep Nature Spa” will cap off your experience. This small space packs a big dollop of renewal. The therapists are skilled practitioners of the ancient healing arts, as well as many massage traditions. They deftly apply their craft, so as to eliminate virtually every vestige of muscle tension, sending you back home with a body memory of paradise that punctuates and permeates beneath the surface.
The artist, Paul Gauguin, may have immortalized these magical islands through his art, but a Paul Gauguin Cruise offers guests the perfect way to experience the breathtaking beauty, simplicity, and elegance of island-hopping Tahitian style in French Polynesia.
Photos by Michael Reiss