Overwater Bungalow & Tahitian Paradises Cruise Tour

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time — and luggage space — for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you’ll have trouble making your choices but you won't be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Welcome to paradise, where your stunning surroundings soak up superlatives and call for more. In our stay here you’ll have plenty of time to do it all. Be sure to consider the opportunity to hone your photography talents on an optional tour of the island in the company of a professional photographer. Your choices here are endless. Hike the majestic Three Coconut Trail. Visit dolphins in their native habitat. Or spend your time swimming and kayaking from the Watersports Platform as we lay at anchor in these beautiful sapphire seas.

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island,” is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Raiatea, “The Sacred Island,” is located just across the lagoon from Tahaa and shares the same barrier reef. (Legend claims the two were a single island until a conger eel possessed by the spirit of a princess separated them.) It used to be the center of religion and culture in the Society Islands. Taputapuatea, on the southeast coast, was once the most important marae around, the place where kings from the neighboring islands would gather for important ceremonies. Uturoa, the main town, reminds some people of Papeete in its younger days with its quaint low-rise buildings. Raiatea is also home to the only navigable river in the islands, the Fa’aroa. Explore Polynesian history or climb Mount Temehani in search of the rare tiare apetahi flower, which grows only here.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you’ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You’ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. But the highlight here will be the Windstar Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private motu complete with fire dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Our stay here allows plenty of time to capture the beauty in photographs — and you’ll want plenty. These stunning waters will show a different kaleidoscope of blue in each frame. You’ll have lots of options for exploration, whether you prefer the access provided by a 4-by-4, or the thrill of riding in the open air. Stretch out on stunning white-sand beaches, dive and swim in brightly colored seas, or sail among the tiny islands and lagoons. But the highlight here will be the Windstar Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private motu complete with fire dancers. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and available to small ships.

Anchor here in the place whose nickname is &ldquo;Garden of Eden.&rdquo; Take your time to explore the lush forests, the tropical landscapes, and the quaint villages to discover one of Polynesia&rsquo;s best kept secrets. Here, at a slower pace, see a glimpse of the authentic South Pacific island lifestyle. Stop by the Maeva archaeological site and wander around the 150-odd marae (temple sites) and 400-year-old stone fish traps that are still in use And you&rsquo;ll have your pick of the world&rsquo;s best snorkeling once again.<br />

Relax on sunny beaches, sample Tahitian fare, and take in the effervescent spirit of the city. But whatever you do, save time &mdash; and luggage space &mdash; for shopping. Black pearls and colorful crafts fill the market and local treasures are so plentiful you&rsquo;ll have trouble making your choices but you won&#39;t be bothered with large crowds and big tour groups because French Tahiti is only accessible to small ships like ours.

Wake to a Canoe Breakfast delivered to your bungalow and see the rest of Moorea during a half-day car tour. Hotel Manava Beach Resort partners with the Green Pearl Golf Course, an 18-hole emerald gem created by Jack Nicklaus. Venture down the coast to Cook&rsquo;s Bay to savor rich, locally grown coffee and catch glimpses of majestic Mount Tohivea. In the evening you can return to a romantic beach dinner at Hotel Manava.<br />
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(Includes breakfast, dinner today or tomorrow, overnight at Hotel Manava Moorea)

Following breakfast at your hotel, this is your day to enjoy the fun activities you might have missed during your time here. Ride horseback past rustic pineapple plantations in scenic Opunohu Valley. Jump into introductory diving lessons at the resort or delve deeper amid coral, turtles, and shy lemon sharks on an advanced open water tour. Nearby Moorea Beach hosts a succulent selection of informal outdoor cafés and Polynesian grills serving up regional fish and Polynesian dishes that pair perfectly with Tahitian beers.<br />
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(Includes breakfast and overnight at Hotel Manava Moorea)

Following breakfast, board the ferry for the trip back to Papeete and your return flight home&nbsp; (includes breakfast and transfer to airport).<br />
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*Please note: flights from Papeete should not be scheduled before 9:30 pm*