Tahiti holidays began with a mutiny

Films such as “Couples Retreat” might never have been made if it wasn’t for the conduct of the mutineers of the Bounty in 1789. Tahiti and other islands of French Polynesia are now famous throughout the world.

Unexpectedly, there was a remarkable new South Pacific destination and tourists have been arriving ever since.

Tahiti continues to be chosen for films because of its gorgeous islands and people.

The focus now though is opulence – not mutiny

A recent movie,”Couples Retreat”, has led to travel firms producing a rash of package holidays centred on the luxurious resort where the movie was filmed.

Popular Tahiti accommodation includes over-water bungalows and there is a noticeable absence of high-rise apartments.

The thatched roof bungalows often feature transparent glass floors that give visitors a unique view of the ocean.

There is more to a Tahiti holiday than a cheap novel and a dip in the hotel pool.

Tahiti package holidays can include game-fishing, diving, 4WD journeys, cooking and art.

The renowned French impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin (died 1903) spent the last few years of his life in Tahiti.

It’s perhaps his lasting influence which today sees many Tahiti holidaymakers crouching at easels with canvas and pastels trying to capture the beauty of the islands.

His inspiration is still alive today as evidenced by the many tourists who can be found at canvas and easel capturing the beauty of the islands.

For the ultimate art experience, visitors should stay at Le Meridien Tahiti which has a gallery and daily art classes. Guests are taught by local artists.

Guests can also learn how to cook, with lessons run by the executive chef.

Painting and food is also found in other places in Tahiti.

The Papeete markets are a hit with visitors which feature woven bags, massage oils, fresh fish, vegetables and of course, the well-known black pearl.

Pearl farms can be found throughout Tahiti.

The process commences by prying open an oyster ever so slightly to allow the insertion of the “nucleus”.

A small piece of oyster meat is also inserted.

The pearl takes two years to transform into its final appearance and its colour varies from the darkest black to pink, bronze, green and blue.

The type of pearl you buy will inevitably be determined by your budget as prices vary wildly depending on the size, quality and colour.

It takes eight hours to fly to Tahiti from eastern Australia. This is longer than other popular South Pacific destinations like New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.

It is for this reason that Tahiti can be overlooked by South Pacific package promoters.

As the focus is on closer destinations, those looking a Tahiti holiday need to do some research to make sure they find everything on offer.

This is where it is vital to know which website to trust. Travel Monitor has been built to help Australians find all the current travel deals, including a Tahiti holiday. The site is not associated with any travel companies so the packages are unbiased, current and accurate.