Spend 30 seconds with Chris Prelog, the gregarious president of Windstar Cruises, and also you’ll really feel his enthusiasm about French Polynesia. It’s, he tells me with unabashed frankness, his favourite a part of the world.
Positive, the area’s completely astonishing bodily magnificence qualifies it as a favourite vacation spot for a lot of vacationers. For Prelog, although, it goes past that.
“The primary time you come for the sweetness, the second time for the individuals,” he says. “From that first go to you begin discovering you’re concerned in, not simply tradition but additionally their lives. That’s a pure transition in Tahiti. … What struck me early in my profession was how simple and unpretentious it’s, and the way a lot individuals love you. It planted a root in me there.”
It was a root that caught. In our Attending to Know You profile on Chris, he remembers his first cruise contract, how tough it was for him, and the way it was a name at Bora Bora that gave him the energy to maintain going.
As Windstar continues to develop its footprint in French Polynesia, with Star Breeze crusing year-round and itineraries that embody the Society Islands of Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti, together with itineraries that incorporate the Cook dinner Islands, the Tuamotos, Tonga and the Marquesas, and Wind Star becoming a member of it there in 2027, we thought Chris could be the right particular person to offer us recommendation on his favourite haunts.
“Everybody likes Bora Bora, which is the princess of French Polynesia. And but I’m all the time searching for the underdog. I like Huahine as a result of it presents forests, seashores, tradition, the individuals, there’s numerous specialness, which is partly attributable to its being somewhat bit extra off the radar which makes it extra tranquil and peaceable. It’s a hidden secret in that there’s all the time the chance for discovery, from jet-skiing to a mountainous ATV (all-terrain automobile), there’s extra to it than a beachy island.
Listed below are Chris’ favourite experiences in French Polynesia. And if you happen to’re already a fan of Tahiti and French Polynesia, please share your ideas and discoveries in our feedback, beneath.
Arriving in French Polynesia
After an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, my spouse, Silke, and I like to plan for a pre- (and infrequently post-) cruise keep at Tahiti’s Intercontinental. As a cruise government whose profession is all about hospitality, I really like the way in which they greet all of their company (with an incredible pineapple drink) and the way in which that the foyer opens up over the resort and a powerful view of craggy Moorea throughout the ocean. It units a tone for the journey.
Additionally an absolute spotlight of arriving: being greeted at Tahiti’s airport by Fifi, my favourite driver on the earth, who awaits me with an enormous smile and a fair greater hug.
Greater than pearls in Taha’a
Taha’a to me is all the time a particular place. I really feel closest to paradise there as a result of it’s simply image excellent. I like to go to the alternative a part of the little motu and benefit from the views in full peace (and in addition to snap some unbelievable photos with a palm tree framing the Star Legend).
What to eat within the islands
My favourite dish in Tahiti is Poisson Cru, which is out there in nearly each restaurant, and I’ll eat it in all probability thrice a day as a result of I actually just like the composition of it, the freshness, coconut and vanilla with it. Even after I arrive, sometimes drained and jet-lagged on my first day, I’ll order it from room service
Onboard Star Breeze, an absolute spotlight is the sail away ritual
I all the time go as much as Deck 8 as a result of you may have the most important, actually 360-degree view. I like to expertise it with our company. I’m actually curious about listening to about their impressions from completely different voices and views. I’m by no means hiding throughout sail away!
On Huahine, the alternative of a seashore day
On Huahine Iti, I really like the ATV tour as a result of it takes you thru the agricultural space of this most inexperienced of islands. “Scenic Huahine by ATV,” stops at locations like the traditional Polynesian temple of Marae Manunue and Belvedere for an unbelievable view over Maroe Bay.
I believed I knew lots about French Polynesia — after which I found the Marquesas!
On a latest voyage on Star Breeze, we traveled to the Marquesas Islands, among the many most unique locations in what already is an extremely distant a part of the world. The locals had been so welcoming, the vistas — of so many craggy peaks and forests — and particularly its cultural celebrations, together with tribal dances. And don’t miss the silky black sands of the seashore that’s a part of the city of Atuona, on Hika Ova.
Do you may have favourite locations in French Polynesia? Have you ever returned time and again? Inform us extra about your experiences within the feedback beneath.
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