"Uporu" island, known as Taha'a, is a wild little paradise located 230 km west of Tahiti , in the Society Islands Archipelago. Rich with a multitude of treasures, Taha'a was once an object of rivalry between the kings of Bora Bora and Raiatea during the 18th and 19th centuries. Numerous archaeological sites attest this part of history. It is often called the " Vanilla Island ". It is effectively responsible for 70% of Polynesia 's vanilla production, estimated at 25 tons a year. The precious vanilla orchid grows under the humid shade of Taha'a's tropical forest. Cultivated and married by passionate men, the divine flower becomes fruit. After being dried and lovingly rubbed, the fruit then releases its incredible liquorice-flavoured perfume. The black gold of Polynesia is born, and has now acquired its worldwide reputation. This is a must for the best Tahiti vacation and not to be missed for Tahiti travel or Tahiti honeymoon.

On a motu off of this island is the resort called Le Taha’a. It is designed to be the most luxurious hotel in French Polynesia (2007 should see a few new high end hotels on Bora Bora as well). It is visited by many famous people including Tom Cruise and his family. Designed to be the most exclusive  resort in French Polynesia , Le Taha’a has been opened since 2002. Superbly located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef, the resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and offers an unsurpassed view of Bora Bora island on the ocean side. It has it’s own dive center and Spa. The pool is small with a swim up bar and snack shack located close by.  There are three restaurants but no other places to eat on the island. Ask the concierge about eating in the home of a Polynesian on Taha’a for a true Polynesian experience.

Opened in 2007, the fully-equipped, air-conditioned fitness room features state-of-the-art exercise equipment and weights amidst stunning views of the lush surroundings. The resort now sports a scuba diving center for diving enthusiats to explore the paradise underwater.

This traditional Polynesian style hotel is 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and 35 min by boat from Raiatea Island .  Those arriving by airplane will land on Raiatea . It can also be reached by helicopter from Bora Bora .The public areas are built in the trees, providing an exquisite view on the lagoon and Taha'a Island. This property is part of the Leading Hotels of the World and is also a designated Relais and Chateaux association property.

 

The beach villas are large and spacious with two rooms and terrace. There is a private plunge pool at each villa. They are the largest and most spacious of all the rooms in Tahiti . An outdoor shower and private entrance to this bungalow is like entering your own private tropical garden. Some guests will prefer this bungalow instead of the overwater bungalow because of the amount of privacy. Of course ceiling fan, air-conditioning, coffee/tea facilities, mini bar, hair dryer, make up mirror, safety box, television, CD player and IDD telephone are included.

 

The resort just opened two new Royal Beach Villa's. They are approximately 2,906 square feet in size and boast a bungalow terrand and private pool. The interior décor echoes the same materials and design as the current beach villas, including three flat-screen televisions.

The overwater bungalows are large rooms and decks. They are located over about 4 feet of sandy water that is crystal clear. The bathtub is shaped like a small kayak along with a matching shaped “coffee table” at the end of the bed. This opens to the water below for feeding the fish with left over bread! Le Taha'a is the ultimate resort for those wanting to experience an exclusive hideaway.