MAGICAL MOOREA

Mere minutes from the bustle of Papeete, Tahiti, you will find the island of Moorea a magical tropical retreat.

What is so magical about this island? Breathtakingly beautiful with easily accessible beaches, strange and mysteriously-shaped mountains, and colourful tropical fish in shallow reefs are just a few highlights to discover.

It was the quiet that made me fall in love with Moorea. Unlike so many overcrowded destinations the small population and limited number of hotels on the island create a more serene environment than many other places.

This is a place to reconnect with nature on almost any level you choose. It can be as simple as a wade into the shallow waters of a beach filled with tropical fish such as Moorish idols, parrot fish, convict tangs and racoon butterfly fish. You can also spot green turtles, spiny sea urchins and the shy, but bad-tempered, moray eel.

Or it can be as sophisticated as renting an over-water bungalow that has it’s own access to water, and possibly a glass-topped table that provides an aquarium style window to the creatures swimming below your abode. The InterContinental Hotel Moorea offers these bungalows, as well as beach bungalows and traditional hotel rooms. Located not far from Opohuno Bay, where Captain Cook once moored on one of his voyages of discovery, this is a delightful spot.

A truly magical experience is a one-on-on encounter with a dolphin. The Moorea Dolphin Centre, located on the grounds of the InterContinental Hotel has a variety of programs designed to connect you with these marvellous creatures. You can choose a simple photo opportunity with flowers (perfect for honeymooning couples), a dynamic swim with a dolphin or even a chance to participate in a training session. My time in the water with the dolphin was both simultaneously soothing and exciting. The fact that this incredible animal patiently allowed me to stroke his skin and feed him a treat, as well as receive a “kiss” are moments that will remain in my memory as truly special.

An animal encounter of a different kind can be found at the Te Mana o te Moana (the Sea Turtle Recovery Centre). This sanctuary for ill and injured sea turtles is one of a kind in French Polynesia. Here turtles that have suffered the effects of 20th century hazards such as ingesting plastic bags or having their shells scraped by outboard motors can find a safe haven and a free lunch.

Moorea is filled with active and lazy pleasures. You can take a guided tour with one of the local bus companies, such as Albert Tours, and in air-conditioned comfort take in the beauty of this island. A trek upwards to the Belvedere will reward you with a magnificent view of two special bays, Opohuno and Cook Bay. For do-it-yourself types there are both automobiles and motor scooters for rent. To be on the safe side choose the car as the roads are tight and the scooters are small.
As with all the islands of French Polynesia, Moorea is not a budget experience. Food and beverages can be quite costly but with a little creativity you can keep your costs in the moderate range. Hotels, too, are not inexpensive, but you will find a variety of options from deluxe resort hotels with over-the-water bungalows to small family style pensions with meals included.

Moorea may be pricey but the experiences and memories you’ll make cannot be bought at any price.