VIDEO OF THE WEEK: MOOREA - A PIECE OF PARADISE

Thank you for sharing Tuki Huck, this video tells a thousand stories and shows the various faces of Moorea and the great time to be had there!

MUST DO IN RANGIROA: THE BLUE LAGOON

@Pierre Lesage

             @Gina Bunton

The sun-drenched Blue lagoon in Rangiroa should be on the list of island paradises. I didn't think that the palette of blues in Rangiroa could become any more spectacular, however this was before I discovered the Blue Lagoon. This lagoon within the lagoon accented by eight white-sand beach motus fringed by coconut trees is the perfect postcard paradise getaway. The coral reef has formed a natural pool no deeper than 5 meters isolated at the west of the atoll accessible only by boat after a one hour crossing.

@Pierre Lesage

On arrival you will be greeted by your hosts on the site: tens of black tip sharks. No need to be afraid, they will not attack and are just hoping you might share your lunch with them.

@Gina Bunton

This paradise is all about relaxation and leisure. Spend some time snorkeling in the crystal waters and walking on the pristine beaches.

The motu picnic on the island is an unforgettable experience. Put a flower on your ear, kick off your shoes, dig your feet in the warm white sand and enjoy grilled fish, coconut bread and other local delicacies with Tahitian music playing in the background and a breathtaking view. Enjoy!

TRIED & TESTED! STOP 16 ON THE MONOI ROAD: LEARN TAHITIAN BEAUTY SECRETS

@ Monoi Road

If you are on holidays in Tahiti & her islands, you will probably want to bring some Monoi and other local cosmetics back for your friends and family. After all, it is the oil of the gods and makes a wonderful gift. Of course, you can go to the Papeete Market or any curious shop and find what you are looking for...however, if you want to make it truly special and have an experience out of the ordinary, then the Laboratoire de cosmétologie du Pacifique Sud is the place for you.

Stop 16 on the Monoi Road, in Papara, the laboratory does not only produce gorgeous products from Tahiti & her islands (I would recommend the Gold Sublime Body Lotion without hesitation), it also offers its visitor a journey into the world of beauty and cosmetology. 

Olivier, explaining how it all works @ Labo du formulateur

Olivier Touboul will welcome you at the lab and take you through the various vegetal and mineral substances Polynesia's nature has to offer and through the different stages of creating your own cosmetics.

@ Cosmetic Academy

Explore and discover traditional phytotherapy through the laboratory's unique portfolio of natural extracts, vegetal oils and exfoliating powders to create a truly unique product. Open the door to the secrets of Tahitian beauty and loose yourself in the exciting world of cosmetology.

Monoi galore!

                                    

                                                           so many ingredients to choose from @ Labo du formulateur


Discover the tens of different monoi oils available, from the traditional monoi, combining the properties of Tiare and coconut, to original oils, a combination of monoi and plants (pineapple, basil, cinnamon, lime, frangipani, etc.) or even fragranced oils (ylang ylang, sandalwood, etc.). Be inspired by the palette of fragrances available to you, from the sweet smell of vanilla to the musky sandalwood.

fragrances...

Learn about the specific properties of each plant and design your own product, whether it be an oil, a gel or a cream... Mix the oils that you prefer with your favorite fragrances. You can even add some glitter,    sand, pearl extract and coloring to make it really special and unique.
                    

concentration is key 

The magic is happening

I was lucky enough to visit the laboratory twice. The first time I created a regenerating balm, rich and creamy, with a smell of caramel and golden glitters. Today, I went back to participate to the famous Cosmetic Academy contest. Participants create a product and the marketing around it and the lucky winner will see his creation sold in Tahiti, France and Canada. This year's theme was the Heiva. 

My lovely assistant for the day, showing me the long list of ingredients and their properties

I had a great time and came back home with 2 jars of hydrating gel that I truly love. The consistency, the smell and the feel of it are tailored to my taste. I spent the day testing oils, discovering their properties, their texture, their smell (no not all oils were made equal). Verdict: my favorite monoi for properties is most definitely Kaupe (and it doesn't hurt that such companies as Chanel have used it in their products).

After testing all the Monoi oils in the lab, I finally chose the 2 I wanted to use, Kaupe and passion fruit.

My 6 secret ingredients

Then I went onto testing fragrances, mixing them, smelling them to create the perfect (well almost) balance of Tiare, Jasmin, Vanilla and Sandalwood. And finally, I played with coloring and glitters trying to decide what the gel should look like... I wanted my gel to be special,  a tribute to the bodies of the dancers and athletes I see performing year after year at the Heiva; languorous, mysterious, alluring.

Finally, find a name for your creation: mine was called Arearea (Pleasure). Be original, be unique, this is a truly beautiful experience. You may not become an expert on Monoi (although I can say that I have tested and smelled most of them), but you will most definitely have a lot to talk about when you go back home!

Have you visited the Lab? Please share your experiences with us!

Location: PK 39,5 mountain side, Papara, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Stop 16 on the Monoi Road
Tel: 77.37.64
Open all week
A session lasts approximately 4 hours

THE MAGICAL ISLAND OF MOOREA

This heart-shaped island is also known as Tahiti's sister island as it is only a 35 minutes boat ride away. The island is reminiscent of James Michener's south Pacific exotic paradise island, Bali Hai and most visitors agree: the beauty of Moorea is unforgettable.

Tahiti & her islands' underwater world

@Ty Sawyer / Tahiti Tourisme

 

Tahiti & her islands' turquoise lagoons beckon to you with some of the world's most awesome underwater adventures. Whether you dream of swimming with dolphins, feeding sharks, petting sting rays or just snorkel in amazing coral gardens, we have it all.

@Philippe Bacchet / Tahiti Tourisme

For scuba aficionados, the island of Rangiroa, is among the world's best diving spots. The underwater fauna is simply breathtaking. Finding yourself in Tiputa pass surrounded by hundreds of sharks, whether  silver tip, black tip, white tip, hammerhead, lemon or nurse is a  thrilling experience you will never forget. Add to the sharks eagle rays, a multitude of fish, the occasional whale and dolphins and you have the recipe for a diver's paradise! Relax, no need to be a diving expert, whatever your level, the experience will still be magical.

@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme

Swimming with sharks not your thing? Why not enjoy swimming and petting sting rays in Bora Bora? The majestic animals can also be very cuddly and don't forget to kiss them goodbye before you leave!

@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme

@B. David / Tahiti Tourisme

For those looking for more traditional encounters, snorkeling is a preferred nautical activity in Tahiti & her islands and you will be truly amazed by the colors surrounding you. You can find a great variety of coral gardens in the islands and I guarantee you will not tire exploring the lagoon.

@ National Geographic

For those who like huge animals, september is a great season for whale observation and obviously, the island most famous for whales is Rurutu.

@Jordi Chias / Tahiti Tourisme

@ Charles Hood

Also a magical experience: encounters with turtles and dolphins.

@Greg Le Bacon / Tahiti Tourisme

and of course you could always see a mermaid or two!