Taha'a

The Vanilla Island

Taha'a is a true botanical beauty. Her fertile valleys and sloping hillsides are covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. Suitably shaped like a flower, the island is also an immense natural greenhouse for the highly prized Tahitian vanilla orchid. Thanks to this abundance, the intoxicating scent of vanilla pervades the air in Taha'a, meaning this island is just as sweet as it sounds.

The Allure

Taha'a grows nearly 80% of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia. This sumptuous spice is therefore used in everything from the local cuisine to relaxing aromatherapy. We recommend visiting one of the many plantations and purchasing vanilla beans or extract to take a taste of Taha'a home with you.

The Locale

Beyond the fragrant fruits, Taha'a will draw you in with her ivory beaches, intricate coral gardens and secluded tranquility. Adding to this appeal is the fact that Taha'a is only accessible by boat from sister island Raiatea. These two islands are surrounded by a single continuous coral reef and share the same translucent lagoon. Once you arrive at the small airport on the coast of Raiatea, a 45-minute flight from Tahiti, Taha'a is just a few short minutes away by boat.

Final Impression

Sweet and seductive, the island of Taha'a will engage and heighten each of your senses. One of our favorite picks for a romantic honeymoon escape, this is a wonderful island to pair with Bora Bora—or even visit instead of Bora Bora. Stay on the northwest coast and you can admire Bora Bora from afar, watching the sun set behind her iconic silhouette on the nearby horizon as you breathe in the irresistible scent of vanilla.

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Featured Taha'a Vacations

All Taha'a Vacations

Islands of Discovery, Raiatea & Taha`a

Featuring the Raiatea Lodge Hotel and Vahine Island Resort

Escape to what is believed to be the birthplace of Polynesia. Discover the rugged beauty and rich history of the island of Raiatea, the location of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Taputapuatea. Then glide across the lagoon to the island of Taha`a to explore the magnificent lagoon, coconut groves, vanilla plantations, and white sand beach. Includes roundtrip international air from Los Angeles, all transfers and inter-island air, four nights in a Lagoon View Room at the charming Raiatea Lodge Hotel, three nights in a Beach Bungalow at Vahine Island Resort, daily breakfast and dinner, and more.

FROM

$3,775

7 Nights

Moorea & Tahaa Escape

Featuring Vahine Island & Cook`s Bay Hotel Moorea

Discover Moorea and Taha`a. Spend three nights in a lagoon view suite at the Moorea Cook`s Bay Hotel. Then escape to the private Vahine Island Resort on Taha'a and experience the ultimate in romantic seclusion. Includes four nights in a beach bungalow at Vahine Private Island on Taha'a, round-trip international air from Los Angeles, all transfers and inter-island air, daily breakfast and dinner for two, complimentary use of water sports equipment and daily activities at Vahine Island, an ATV adventure on Moorea, and more.

FROM

$4,250

7 Nights

Nuku Hiva & Taha`a Adventure

Featuring Le Nuku Hiva & Le Tahaa

Experience the rugged beauty and authentic culture of the Marquesas. After a pre-night in Tahiti, spend four nights at the Le Nuku Hiva in a Bay View Bungalow. Then indulge yourselves for four nights in an overwater villa at the romantic and secluded Le Taha`a Resort, located on its own private islet motu. Includes roundtrip international airfare, inter-island air, guided hiking tour, 4x4 visits of Koueva archeological site and the Hatiheu Valley, Lagoon safari, Jet Ski tour, couples massage, and more.

FROM

$5,595

9 Nights

Accommodations

The mainland of Taha'a is surrounded by tiny islets, or motu, which lay scattered across the lagoon. Each is an idyllic locale with flawless beaches covered in white sand and swaying palms. Many are isolated and provide the ultimate setting for a picnic lunch during your stay. The others feature some of Tahiti's most secluded hotels. Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa is an elegant resort that is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Group. Another option is the charming Vahine Private Island Resort, which features a limited selection of intimate overwater bungalows and beachfront suites.

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Taha'a Accommodations

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Paul Gauguin Cruises

Designed specifically for Polynesia, the Paul Gauguin is a deluxe vessel offering all-inclusive small-ship luxury to just 332 guests. Flawless, friendly service from a European-trained staff emulates the delightfully unhurried and unregimented Polynesian way of life. Spacious ocean-view staterooms, most with balconies or verandas, open to sweet-scented tropical breezes and lush island vistas. Fine international and French cuisine is served on an open-seating basis in three restaurants. Polynesia's translucent, shimmering aqua lagoons are begging to be explored and there is no better place to do so than from the Paul Gauguin's retractable watersports marina.

Our Rating

Tahiti Yacht Charter

Experience the luxury of private yacht cruising in Tahiti with custom cruise itineraries through Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine aboard your own private catamaran. Enjoy secluded white sand beaches, stop at a remote motu and swim in translucent lagoons – the beauty of Tahiti Yacht Charter is you can do as much or as little as you want. The crew will tailor your sailing experience to your desires, taking into account the type of catamaran, the season and the duration of your cruise. The fleet of 30 modern and luxurious catamarans can accommodate anywhere from two to twelve people. Each is equipped with two kayaks, two floating hammocks, dinghy, snorkeling and fishing gear.

Our Rating

Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts

Le Taha'a is an elegant resort and a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Collection. Located thirty minutes by boat from the island of Raiatea, this luxury hotel is situated on a small, private islet with spectacular views of Taha'a and Bora Bora and easy access to an extraordinary coral garden. Each overwater bungalow features a large deck with privacy enclosure, while the beach villas feature their own secluded courtyard with plunge pools hidden behind rock walls.

Our Rating

Vahine Island Resort & Spa

Vahine Island is located on a small private islet along the northeastern coral reef surrounding Taha'a. Only thirty minutes away by boat from Raiatea, this prime placement delivers scenic views of Taha'a, Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora. Tucked inside a pristine coconut grove, this intimate boutique hotel provides the ultimate privacy and blends seamlessly with the island's natural environment.

Our Rating

La Pirogue Api

La Pirogue Api is located on a small private motu off the eastern coast of Taha'a. Just twenty minutes away by boat from Raiatea's airport, this boutique hotel commands beautiful views of Taha'a and Bora Bora in the distance. Nestled amidst a lush coconut grove, this intimate retreat provides blissful seclusion and an authentic French Polynesian atmosphere.

Our Rating

Recreation

Since the scenery here is especially remarkable, Taha'a is ideal for hiking. You can explore these ascending slopes and deep valleys while discovering the diverse flora and fauna along the way. We also recommend a Jeep Safari tour of the island. Most guided excursions include a visit to the vanilla plantation and a local pearl farm, which really encompasses the primary attractions on the mainland.

Snorkeling is also a popular pastime in Taha'a. There is a shallow coral garden between Motu Maharare and Motu Tautau where you can drift snorkel amidst scores of intensely hued tropical fish. The current carries you effortlessly through the reef, allowing you to simply float across the surface and gaze at this underwater maze. You can also enjoy Jet Skiing, fishing, sailing and diving. Across the lagoon, the island of Raiatea is the nautical center of Tahiti, meaning you can easily reserve a catamaran for the day. Raiatea is also home to the UNESCO designated historic site, Taputapuatea, one of Polynesia's oldest and largest ancient temples called a 'marae'. The waters between these two islands are home to a number of caverns and shipwrecks, creating a nirvana for avid scuba divers.

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Taha'a Activities

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Tahitian Dance Lesson

Learn how to sway your hips to the sounds of the Tahitian drums and the ukulele. Your instructor will first show you the different ways to wear a Polynesian pareo, then teach you the basics of this traditional art. You`ll learn the movements that make up the Oritahiti (rapid, rhythmic dance) and of the Aparima (slow, sensual dance). Price is per person based on two people traveling together. Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$85

Overland 4x4 Safari of Taha'a

Explore the beautiful interior of Taha`a by 4x4 and discover its luxurious tropical vegetation with a friendly guide. You`ll taste the local fruit and admire breathtaking views of the magnificent turquoise bay of Haamene. This excursion also includes a visit to the pearl farm, a rum distillery and a traditional vanilla plantation. Available for guests staying at Le Taha`a Island Resort and Spa.

FROM

$105

First Dive

Discover a wide range of dive sites near the islands of Taha`a and Raiatea. You`ll have the opportunity to admire a variety of marine species that thrive in this extraordinary aquatic environment. A wide variety of options are available for divers, inquire at time of booking. Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$135

Lagoon Safari

Watch stingrays and sharks being fed in their natural environment from the hands of your local guide. You`ll have the unique opportunity to swim with these surprisingly gentle creatures and snorkel through vibrant coral gardens. This half-day excursion requires a minimum of four people to operate. Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$141

4x4 Safari & ATV Adventure with Lunch

Discover Taha'a by 4x4 and visit a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation with your local guide. After a freshly prepared lunch, hop aboard your ATV for a thrilling afternoon adventure exploring the verdant jungle of Taha'a. Price is per person, based on two people sharing one ATV.

FROM

$181

Mahana Moe Moea Tour with Lunch

Journey through Taha`a and discover the island`s expansive coral gardens. You`ll first visit the island`s vanilla plantations, pearl farms, and rum distilleries. Then, you`ll end your adventure exploring beautiful coral gardens where you`ll have the chance to swim with colorful fish. This full-day excursion includes a complimentary lunch on an idyllic motu. This excursion is available in a 6 or 8 hour tour. Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$197

Taha'a Between Land and Sea

Discover the beautiful island of Taha`a by both land and sea. You`ll begin your adventure by 4x4 jeep exploring the island`s inner rainforest along with a vanilla plantation, pearl farm and rum distillery. On the second half of the excursion, you`ll explore the magnificent lagoon by Jet Ski. Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$226

Salty Discovery by Jet Ski, Tandem

Explore the lagoon of Taha'a by Jet Ski. You`ll be accompanied by a local guide and stop for a portion of time to snorkel. Price is per person for 2 people sharing a jet ski. Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$228

Private Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise with Polynesian melodies played by a local guide and his ukelele. Appreciate the moment when the sun disappears behind the ocean line bordering the majestic Bora Bora Island. Price listed is per person based on 2 persons cruising together.

FROM

$250

Take a Look Around

- Polynesian Church on the Shores of Taha'a
- Aerial View of Vahine Island Resort on Taha'a
- Taha'a Lagoon Views
- Coconut Tree Groves on Vahine Island
- The Shores of Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Le Taha'a Island Resort Overwater Bungalows at Sunset
- Drift Snorkeling at Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Traditional Pearl Farms on Taha'a
- Black Pearl Cultivation on Taha'a
- Black Pearl Cultivation on Taha'a
- Black Pearls From Taha'a
- Polynesian Fire Dancers at Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Le Taha'a Island Resort Overwater Bungalows with Bora Bora's Mt Otemanu in the Distance
- Aerial View of Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Snorkeling in the Crystal Clear Waters of Taha'a
- Aerial View of Vahine Island Resort on Taha'a
- Fresh Vanilla Beans from Taha'a's Vanilla Plantations
- Taha'a Sunsets with Bora Bora in the Distance