Mona Helen Preuss
The mysterious allure of Mo’orea, playing hide-and-seek amidst the clouds in the distance, beckons at the port of Pape’ete where we board one of several daily ferries bound for Vai’are Wharf. Wonder builds with each nautical mile as Mount Tohi’e’a, the island’s highest peak, reveals its full grandeur. It’s impossible to approach Mo’orea by water and not feel the magic of ancient Polynesia.
On the ground, one of the most spectacular vantage points in all of Mo’orea is from the northeast end of Cook’s Bay, where our charming hotel is serendipitously located. The entirety of the island’s circumference (62 km) can be driven in just two hours, but rent a car and spend a full day travelling along the circle road. From the interior of the island, Belvedere View Point offers a lush panorama of Mo’orea’s north coast.
Island life is outdoor life, and Mo’orea prides itself in a complete panoply of activities to take advantage of all that nature has to offer: hiking, diving and snorkeling, 4×4 and ATV rentals, catamaran sailing, and a long list of organized activities for those who wish to let someone else take charge.
At the end of your full day, fabulous food and cocktails await; all you need is your pareo and a pair of flip flops. Watch out, though; the island life is so habit forming, you may never want to leave.
STAY: Hotel Kaveka www.hotelkaveka.com
DO: Laid back diving with Moorea Fun Dive www.moorea-fundive.com
EAT: Anything on the menu at Moorea Beach Cafe www.mooreabeachcafe.com
BUY: Tahitian pearls at Eimo Pearls www.eimeofinejewelry.com
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