News

New Sundeck Renewal Program at InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa

Tina Karimi — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:47:00 GMT

The InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is pleased to announce the start of renovation program that will transform the actual Overwater Bungalow’s private terrace.

The actual private terrace will be extended and will offer better facilities:

* A spacious and shaded terrace with lounge chairs.

* An intimate “Fare Pote” (Tahitian word for local home extension) where our clients will be able to enjoy their breakfast and their romantic dinner.

* A pontoon for sunbathing with an easy access to the lagoon and fresh water shower. The final date of completion is not determined yet, we will keep you informed.

This extension work will not create any disturbance for the guests, only one bungalow has been transformed at this stage, we are pleased to show you a preview of this new design.

For more information, please visit InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa.

Air Tahiti Nui Unveils Fresh Look With New Uniforms Designed by Fashion Powerhouse Balenciaga

Tina Karimi — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 21:07:00 GMT

Air Tahiti Nui flight and ground crew are donning new uniforms this month designed by fashion powerhouse Balenciaga. One of the only airlines in the world to have its flight crew change after take-off from

conventional suiting to more relaxed, traditional attire, Air Tahiti Nui hired Balenciaga to create a series of new looks in honor of its 10th anniversary.

Combining “elegance, practicality and dynamism”, the fresh new look was inspired by Tahiti’s stunning land and waterscapes, and has a Polynesian spirit about it. The solid-color corporate outfits, worn when boarding and deboarding passengers, are ocean blue and lagoon blue, reflecting Tahiti’s many-hued waters. Shirts have the traditional tiare Tahiti on them, the airline's emblem.

After take-off, Air Tahiti Nui’s female crewmembers change into a choice of two styles of uniform dress – the “purotu” meaning “pretty girl” (long tight-fitting dress) or “mamaru’au,” meaning “grandmother” (long loose fitting dress). The men change from a jacket, dress shirt and tie into a short-sleeved, Tahitian shirt. The collection is convivial with floral accents featuring tropical notes of yellow, orange, fuchsia and redThe new Balenciaga collection features 20 outfits, each designed according to profession: flight attendants, chief and officer pilots, commercial agents, and ground and traffic personnel of Air Tahiti Nui.

Construction Begins On The Brando, Luxury Eco-Resort Slated to Open in 2011 on Marlon Brando’s Private Island, Tetiaroa

Jeanine — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:22:00 GMT

Located on the French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa and a product of the late Marlon Brando’s vision, construction on The Brando has officially begun with completion slated for late 2011. Construction of the luxury eco-resort has commenced with the official authorization from the Tahitian government after several years of studying the impact of construction on the environment. The Brando will feature: 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.

Construction of The Brando began with the building of a platform on the coral reef to provide logistical access to the island without causing environmental damage. Additionally, the old airstrip is being refurbished and extended to meet the government’s safety standards.

The exclusive resort will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa, the former playground of Tahitian Kings in French Polynesia’s idyllic islands. Purchased by Brando in 1965, Tetiaroa is a 13-island chain circled by a coral reef offering a tranquil and pure paradise 35 miles from the island of Tahiti. The Brando is a product of Brando’s vision to create a project which will resonate with visitors and also foster opportunities for guests to get to know both the place and the people of French Polynesia.

The project is being overseen by Tahiti Beachcomber SA, whose CEO, Richard Bailey, owner of several luxury resorts in French Polynesia, was a good friend of Brando’s and had been working with him for many years to fulfill their joint vision to develop an environmentally sustainable resort. Bailey has experience with other sustainable projects in French Polynesia as he owns four InterContinental resorts in the region, utilizing eco-friendly practices.

Brando had many ideas for how to create an eco-friendly resort, and Bailey is working with the Brando estate to implement these visions. The hotel will operate with a “sea water air conditioning” system (SWAC), which draws on an inexhaustible supply of completely renewable clean energy and has zero impact on the environment. Bailey plans to use a deep-sea pipe to pump cold water from the depths of the ocean, which will then be used to chill the air in the hotel -- the same system he developed and is successfully in place at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

Bailey and his company, Tahiti Beachcomber SA, own the four InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, InterContiental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, and InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa. Bailey is also co-founder of the non-profit foundation, Te Mana o Te Moana. Working closely with the Tahitian Ministry of Environment, the organization strives to protect marine life, educating the public on safe environmental activity, and continuously promotes eco-friendly practices throughout the InterContinental properties and local communities.

For additional information on The Brando, please visit the resort’s official website: www.thebrando.com

How to become a Tahiti Specialist?

Leila — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:12:00 GMT

In this section, you will learn about Tahiti's Destination Specialist Program offered to Retail Travel Agents located in North America. The program is named adfter the national flower of Tahiti, the Tiare. There are no membership or registration fees for the Tahiti Tiare Program.

To REGISTER for the Program: The FIRST STEP to enroll in the Tahiti Tiare Program is to complete at least one of the following training programs:

TahitiTourisme Workshop: The Workshop is a comprehensive destination presentation including the participation from our Preferred Supply Partners. The next Workshop series will be held in May in various cities across the US and Canada. Please visit, www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com/workshop (Cities and Dates are generally posted around March)		Tahiti Tourisme E-learning Workshop: The E-Learning Workshop is the online destination version of the program. Complete it at your own pace and leisure. To register for the Tahiti Tourisme E-Learning Workshop, please visit www.TiareAgent.com (This requirement is the equivalent to the Workshop. You must completet the online presnetation and test in its entirety to fulfill the workshop requirement)

TO BECOME A CERTIFIED TIARE AGENT: There are 3 remaining steps to become certified:
Attendance at a seminar, in-house training, online session, conference call conducted by a Tahiti Partner. A Tahiti Partner can be a Cruise Line, Hotel, Airline or Tour Operator. (This requirement is in addition to the above Tahiti Tourisme Workshop or E-learning Workshop).
Participation in an organized or independent familiarization trip
Completion of 4 bookings to tahiti
The agent has one year to filfull all steps after enrollment in the program. After expiration, check the ' Frequently Asked Questions' Form

TravelAge West Wave Awards 2009- Vote Now!

Tina Karimi — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:08:00 GMT

We are excited to share with you that Pleasant Holidays has been nominated “Best Tour Operator-Hawaii” and “Best Tour Operator-Overall” by the readers of TravelAge West for their 2009 WAVE Awards.

Last year, Pleasant Holidays took home several awards for “Best Tour Operator-Hawaii”, as well as “Best Tour Operator-Overall” and “Best Tour Operator-Mexico.” This was their second award for “Best Tour Operator-Hawaii," so now they are aiming for a “Triple Crown”!

In addition, Pleasant Holidays has been nominated “Best Tour Operator-Mexico” and “Tour Operator Providing the Best Travel Agent Support.”

Although, Pleasant Holidays is faced with a very challenging year, their commitment to Hawaii has continued to be a priority. Pleasant Holidays is honored that the readers of TravelAge West have recognized this commitment and have nominated them again for 2009.

To cast your vote for Pleasant Holidays, visit www.travelagewest.com/WAVE

Haumana Cruises Latest Updates

Tina Karimi — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:23:00 GMT

Following the last technical dry dock of the Haumana, which occurred from January to end of March 2009, Haumana Cruises would like to share with you its latest updates.

First, we are delighted to announce that the Haumana now has a massage cabin aboard, allowing to offer clients, at an extra cost, a variety of treatments, such as Shiatsu, Reflexology, Thai, Facial Massage, Swedish, Relaxing massage to name a few.

During the dry dock, the Haumana underwent refurbishments aimed at giving the entire cruise a fresher and more modern look. The renovations included a complete upgrade of the Reception area, which now boasts black Ostrich skin.

And last but not least, Haumana Cruises is pleased to welcome back aboard Ms. Véronique NIVA as Haumana's General Manager, who some of you may know from before. Véronique is back onboard the Haumana after 2 years away.

Haumana Cruises' new Chef, Patrice Bonnetain, has, since March, delighted everyone’s palate through exquisite cosmopolitan cuisine, deliciously blending Polynesian ingredients and French “savoir-faire”.

Villa Mahana on Bora Bora

Tina Karimi — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:42:00 GMT

We would like to inform you that the restaurant will exceptionally be closed from August 4th to October 1st, 2009.

For more information on Villa Mahana, please visit www.villamahana.com

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Welcomes New Sales And Marketing Director

Tina Karimi — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:25:00 GMT

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Tracey Fentem as Director of Sales and Marketing of the acclaimed resort. Tracey, with more than twenty years in the hospitality business, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position.

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Tracey will continue to build on the strength of The St. Regis’ sales and marketing team and further solidify the resort’s position as the finest resort in French Polynesia and the world. She is also responsible for the total revenue and yield strategies for the resort and will manage all sales, advertising, public relations and promotional activities. In its third year, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is regarded as one of the world’s leading resorts, embodying the legendary St. Regis legacy and romantic spirit of French Polynesia.

Prior to this position, Tracey was the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, a Wymara Resort where she was selected by the owner/developer to spearhead pre-opening sales and marketing strategies. Previous positions also include sales leadership roles at the Hotel Derek in Houston, Texas, Ritz Carlton Hotels and Ritz Carlton Residences in various positions including Director of Sales and Marketing and Area Director of Incentive and Insurance sales. Tracey has also worked with Hyatt Resorts, Caribbean and Sonesta Hotels and Resorts, Curacao & Anguilla.

For more information on the resort, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Nomade Yachting Bora Bora Soon To Be In The Tuamotu Atolls

Tina Karimi — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:31:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that Nomade Yachting Bora Bora will exceptionally position its TI'A MOANA in the Tuamotu Archipelago in November 2009.

Discover the sumptuous Tuamotu Atolls aboard the elegant and luxurious TI'A MOANA, where guest can explore the islands of Fakarava, Tahanea and Kauehi and enjoy the attributes the islands have to offer.

The TI'A MOANA offers guests unique services including spa treatments on the beach, scuba diving excursions, yoga classes, promenades on a motu, jacuzzi pools, and a library to name a few. For those interested in romance, do not miss the opportunity to experience the best of French Polynesia while enjoying a breakfast, lunch or dinner set up exclusively for you on the beach or in the wild.

The Tuamotu Archipelago lies in the pacific Ocean like a string of bright pearls. This incredible chain of atolls is the largest and undoubtedly the most impressive in the world.

For more information on Nomade Yachting Bora Bora, please visit www.nomadeyachting.com

Novotel Resort Properties Updates

Tina Karimi — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:50:00 GMT

We are delighted to announce that the management contract of the Novotel Resort properties in Bora Bora and Rangiroa has been renewed.

The Novotel Resorts properties will be introducing lower and more simplified rates for bookings from May 1st 2009 to March 31st 2010. To facilitate the transition, former contract rates and special offers can still be booked until June 30th, 2009.

In an effort to improve its service and the customer's experience, Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort, is currently undergoing major renovations, including remodeling of the pandanus roofs of the rooms and the Tiare Anei restaurant and updating technological amenities in the rooms and around the property. Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort aims at completing all refurbishment plans by 2010.

The Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort is also pleased to introduce new amenities now available to Children such as Wii Station, pool table, ping pong table as well as numerous beach toys to name a few.

For more information on the Novotel Bora Bora Beach resort, please visit www.accorhotels.com