Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/606819
POLYNESIAN FANTASY Bora Bora, of course, needs no introduc- tion. We leave the M/S Paul Gauguin for a three-stop lagoon cruise, opening with a snorkel in a coral garden. The sea is a light blue, as clear as drinking water, and the colours, shapes and sizes of the fish seem almost a fantasy. The second stop involves swimming with stingrays as large as kitchen table- tops. The rays are tame and we are able to pet them as we would a dog. However we do notice a few blacktip reef sharks lurking in the distance. We finish the day with a Polynesian feast on a private island. On the menu are suckling pig, chicken, manioc, spiny lob- ster and assorted local vegetables. The suckling pig, chicken and vegetables were cooked in a traditional "earth oven" made with volcanic rocks and covered by banana leaves. Numerous other Bora Bora excursions on our itinerary include a 30-minute ride on an aquabike underwater scooter, an underwater walk wearing a helmet con- nected to the boat's air supply via an air hose, helicopter rides and cultural tours to vanilla farms and "black pearl villages." We also see a few "Brando slept here" beach cottages on stilts as well as one cot- tage Marlon gave to his actor/friend Jack Nicholson before his departure. While Bora Bora would be a tough act to follow in any part of the world, the next stop, Paul Gauguin islet, described earlier, is more than up to it. BALI HAI? And so is our next port, Moorea, in the very heart of this sparkling island chain. Its natural beauty, jagged peaks, lush greenery and deep blue waters may well be everyone's dream of Polynesia. DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2015/2016 20 FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Brando's secret hideaway is now an upscale resort (The Brando) on the tiny island of Tetiaroa. Lucien Pesquié The executive chef shows guests on board the M/S Paul Gauguin how to prepare a moonfish. Susan Merle It's showtime on board the M/S Paul Gauguin. Susan Merle OPPOSITE: The view of Bora Bora from Taha'a captures one's imagination. © Chris McLennan T R A V E L P L A N N E R Air Tahiti (airtahitinui.com/us-en) offers daily service between Los Angeles and Tahiti, with convenient connections from Canadian gateways. The M/S Paul Gauguin (pgcruises.com) accommodates more than 300 guests and the all-inclusive fares include gratuities. On-board facilities feature three dining rooms, a pool deck, a grand salon for entertainment, special classes, lecturers, a lounge, disco and casino.