The weather for my stay wasn’t as dramatic. Instead it was partially overcast and humid, punctuated by a brief tropical downpour in the afternoon. However, despite the inclement conditions I still found time for some memorable excursions. This included an awesome parasailing ride in the lagoon facing the InterContinental Moorea Resort.
The sensation of rising into the air behind a surging speedboat was awe-inspiring. As a solo flyer, I was initially harnessed to the parasail onboard the boat, then gently launched into the air from a platform at the rear. As I rose, a second crew member slowly unwound the tow rope sending me higher and higher. The view of the lagoon from my flight’s highest vantage point was spectacular, to say the least. Of course, the boat driver pulled a classic cliche manoeuvre. At one point he slowed the boat, waited until my feet touched the water, then opened the throttle and sent me soaring again.
Sadly, the Intercontinental didn’t survive the COVID pandemic. Its overwater bungalows, restaurants and recreational facilities now lie abandoned on the island’s north coast. However, some of its co-located attractions including the Moorea Dolphin Center continue to thrive. While at the resort, I took time out to watch the center’s trainers put some of its dolphins through their paces.
For my third day on Moorea, I hired a scooter for a half day. I spent time racing along the island’s western coast, soaking in the azure lagoon views, and visiting the island’s more renowned sights including Belvedere Lookout and the photogenic Eglise de la Sainte Famille church. Images of this building’s pristine whitewashed walls and vibrant red trimming are frequently used to promote the best of Moorea.
As I sat down to dine, I noticed an elderly lady sitting alone. I asked her if she was dining solo and offered to join her for the evening. She was delighted to accept and warmly welcomed me to her table. Together we enjoyed a delightful evening swapping traveller's tales and watching fire dancers, and women in grass skirts, whirling their way around the restaurant’s open-air stage.
Sadly, the Intercontinental didn’t survive the COVID pandemic. Its overwater bungalows, restaurants and recreational facilities now lie abandoned on the island’s north coast. However, some of its co-located attractions including the Moorea Dolphin Center continue to thrive. While at the resort, I took time out to watch the center’s trainers put some of its dolphins through their paces.
On 23 November I returned to Papeete and boarded a midnight flight to Easter Island. Once again, the time zone difference worked in my favour. I landed early the following morning and enjoyed two full days on the island before returning to Papeete. You can read more about my time on Easter Island here.
My return flight arrived mid-morning on 25 November. With time to kill before another late-night flight to Auckland, I decided to spend my final hours in Tahiti enjoying dinner and a cultural show. I booked myself a table at Te Tiare, a restaurant at the InterContinental Resort on the main island of Tahiti. The resort is considered one of Papeete’s finest. It sits on the island’s northwest coast looking over the lagoon towards Moorea.
As I sat down to dine, I noticed an elderly lady sitting alone. I asked her if she was dining solo and offered to join her for the evening. She was delighted to accept and warmly welcomed me to her table. Together we enjoyed a delightful evening swapping traveller's tales and watching fire dancers, and women in grass skirts, whirling their way around the restaurant’s open-air stage.
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