Curated Texan
Learn Ways To Experience A Big Goal On Your Bucket List
By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne Photography courtesy of Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
Blame it on the pandemic. I am a Sagittarian and travel runs deep in my veins. The lockdown was globally traumatizing, but for those of us with a powerful wanderlust, it was downright devastating. As a coping mechanism, I began to research and compile my “bucket” list of destinations, traveling digitally and longing for the day when I would be released from captivity.
Tahiti and French Polynesia were high on my list. I became fascinated and a little obsessed with the idea of a place so beautiful and intoxicating that British men would mutiny rather than leave. I re-read Mutiny on the Bounty and watched all three versions of the classic films. I bought books of Gauguin’s paintings done in Tahiti and the Marquesas.
So, when I was invited to sail on Windstar’s Star Breeze, which launched this February as their new year-round ship sailing in the region, I jumped at the chance. The 8-day, 7-night cruise was appropriately named “Dreams of Tahiti” and a dream come true it was.
The ship is an all-suite 312-passenger vessel, the perfect size to visit the small islands, out-of-the-way harbors, and lagoons that Windstar has curated over its 36-year history in the region. Replacing the smaller, tall-masted Wind Spirit, the Star Breeze offers larger, luxurious accommodations in addition to multiple dining options, a spa and workout facilities as well as a pool and several bar options. If you are a foodie, Windstar has you covered with a famed partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Dishes from twenty renowned chefs are a highlight of the nightly menus. Another hallmark of enjoying a top-notch vacation––service––was impeccable throughout the ship, especially the mindfulness of our cabin steward. A true bonus was the addition of Pearl, a delightful native Tahitian ambassador who proudly introduced and educated us to and represented the best of her native culture.
Star Breeze will visit 11 islands and atolls in 2024. Our itinerary included six of the Society Islands. Because airfares are expensive and ferries take time and are not always convenient, the absolute best way to explore the islands is on a cruise. We had two overnight stays and journeyed from Papeete (Tahiti) to Moorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahea, Bora Bora, and Huahine before returning to Papeete.
Without question, the Society Islands are the most beautiful place I have ever been. The green mountains, lush vegetation, flowers, and beautiful water will have you singing Bali Hai. It was a joy to wake up each morning surrounded by such magnificent landscapes. If you dream of Tahiti in your imagination, it is all of that and more. Snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters are unsurpassed. On each island tours of local pearl farms and the opportunity to harvest your own pearls are available.
Each island is different and offers memorable highlights.
Moorea is one of the most spectacular islands in the world with a rich cultural history. Anchored in Cook’s Bay, the landscape was made famous in films like The Bounty. We toured the island with a professional photographer born on the islands to capture the essence of the island. Nothing could be more stunning than the lagoon shots we took from the Belvedere lookout.
Raiatea is the home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Marae Taputapuatea where we learned about the Polynesian culture, origins, and spirituality. It is also the home of the only navigable river in the Society Islands––the Faaroa covered with amazing vegetation. The fragrant wild hibiscus and ginger are scents that will forever bring this island to mind.
Taha’a is often called the Vanilla Island and it was fascinating to see, smell, and taste vanilla as well as get many interesting tips for using the vanilla beans as we toured the plantation. Snorkeling with the reef sharks and stingrays was spectacular.
Two days in Bora Bora wasn’t enough. The best known of the Society Islands; it is a photographer’s dream. From the soaring volcanic mountains to the stunning blue water every shot is a postcard. Most memorable was a snorkeling excursion that took us to four separate sites which enabled us to swim with and see the giant Manta Rays, eagle rays, sting rays, black-tipped sharks, and turtles as well as hundreds of tropical fish. The reefs were colorful and healthy.
Huahine the least developed of the islands we visited with a Garden of Eden vibe that I imagine originally attracted the French and British sea captains and crew as well as writers and artists. If I were to return for a creative retreat, this is the island I would choose.
Tahiti is the capital, largest, most developed, and commercial of the islands, but a short distance away from the bustling seaport we found black sand beaches, gorgeous waterfalls with lush vegetation, historic churches, and a lighthouse built in 1867 that beckoned to the sailors with Captain James Cook on the Endeavor and Captain William Bligh on the Bounty. We did an overnight stay in one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The Le Tahiti by Pearl Hotel with a spectacular view, outstanding amenities, a lovely outdoor restaurant, evening entertainment, and luxurious suites some of which have Jacuzzis and a private pool.
We extended our trip spending three nights on Moorea in the most idyllic spot on the island, the beautiful Cook’s Bay Hotel. Our wonderful native guide gave us the scoop on the island from a local’s perspective and introduced us to coconut bread, coconut Liqueur, Tahitian rum, and tropical fruit with a sweet topping. We were pleasantly surprised by the excellent culinary offerings from LeCooks with the best water view in Moorea and excellent fish dishes to Rudy’s parrotfish (the owner picked us up at our hotel because everyone else was “busy’) to (trust me) one of the best pizzas I have ever had straight from a wood-fired oven at Allo’s, a local roadside joint.
Many times, in reality, long anticipated vacations cannot live up to your expectations and imagination. I can honestly report that this was not one of those times and a high bar has been set for all other destinations and adventures on my bucket list. Can I imagine anything better? Yes. Instead of a week, double the fun on a Twice the Tahiti Star Collector 17-day cruise, or better yet throw in the Marquesas and enjoy a comprehensive cruise––21 days of bliss and adventure. No matter which Tahitian dream your heart desires I promise you will be glad that one of the most beautiful spots on earth was on your list. Who knows? You might just create your own mutiny and stay. For more information: https://www.windstarcruises.com/destinations/tahiti/
