by Jan Mauer | Jul 21, 2011 | Romance Travel and Honeymoons, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures
See the email below from my District Sales Manager at Intercontinental Hotels: Dear Jan, The Travel + Leisure 2011 World’s Best Awards have been published, and we are thrilled (okay, we’re ecstatic) that InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa has been voted #37 of the Top 100 Hotels in the World. With a total score of 93.56, the resort comes in at #2 in the Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific Region. Readers of Travel + Leisure were given an opportunity to vote for their favorite properties over a four-month period beginning in December, 2010. The short list of 100 hotels is culled from a selection of thousands worldwide and represents the hotels that offer, “…special access, noteworthy amenities, above-and-beyond service, and authenticity of place.” This coveted award comes on the heels of Thalasso’s World’s Best Service Award from Travel + Leisure in June. Readers gave the resort an impressive score of 93.33 this year; we were also honored with a Best Service award in 2010 with a score of 90.63. More Good News: Weddings for Visitors Now Legal in Tahiti The June 2011 issue of TravelAge West carries the news destination wedding specialists been waiting for: visitors to Tahiti can now be legally married there. Gone are the days when couples have to establish a 30-day residency in Tahiti before they can tie the knot. Look closely at the cover…that happy married couple is shown leaving the Blue Lagoon Chapel at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa. (The article is well worth a read as it outlines the requirements for legal weddings and is full of information about... by Jan Mauer | Jul 11, 2011 | Romance Travel and Honeymoons, South Pacific Tahiti, Travel Adventures
With each photo I take of Tahiti in French Polynesia, I fall more in love with the landscape. No matter how many times I’ve traveled myself, I still feel drawn to the South Pacific — my next visit will be this fall! On every tour, I’ve been struck by the tranquil, stunningly beautiful paradise that is so perfect for honeymooners. I want nothing more than to share this deep beauty with as many newlyweds as possible. Imagine, for a moment, the place where you’ll want to build early memories of romance and companionship. A honeymoon in the South Pacific combines relaxation with the adventures of cultural immersion. After a short eight hour flight from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia creates a destination that still feels distant and exotic. Honeymooners will enjoy bragging rights that say “you’ve been there” and have returned with stories. As soon as you step off the plane, you’ll notice the friendliness of the Tahitians, whose warm hospitality infuses a kind, safe travel environment. On land, enjoy the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty of islands filled with so many shades of green to capture on film. For adventurers, consider fantastic water sports like snorkeling, diving, and swimming with dolphins. For couples in search of a more relaxed honeymoon, the warm sands and crystal blue waters are perfect for peaceful lounging on the beach. I always suggest that my clients include breakfast with their hotel for an excellent value and infusion of local culture. While still saving money, imagine starting the day with an indulgent French baguette, a plate of fresh guava and passion fruit, and the... 
