For as long as I can remember, Tahiti has been a dream—one born not in geography, but in the image of that woman having a bath on a private plane in the ‘70s Imperial Leather TV ad. Maybe you remember it too: pure escapism, the sense that places like this belonged to another world—certainly not mine.
For years, Tahiti felt out of reach, always just a fantasy. But on my recent Windstar Star Breeze cruise, I learned that dreams like this aren’t reserved for someone else. Tahiti is real, welcoming, and possible for people like us. I want to share what it’s actually like, so you can see yourself here too.
Arriving at the Papeete port, I noticed straight away how different this felt from any big cruise experience. The port itself is small and easy to navigate. We were welcomed by Tahitian musicians—it was relaxed, genuine, and instantly set the mood for what was to come. No crowds, no ch
aos.
The Windstar staff greeted us with warmth and ease, making it all feel personal. Before long, we were shown to our stateroom.
I was genuinely surprised—not just by how spacious it was, but by how comfortable it felt. It’s the largest cabin I’ve had on any cruise, and while the Star Breeze balcony is more of a French Balcony, there was plenty of room to unpack and settle in for our ten-night adventure. The whole process was smooth, welcoming, and set the tone for feeling at home from the very start.
Once we’d unpacked, we wandered out to explore the ship. There was no rush, no feeling of needing to “claim” a spot or beat the crowds—just a quiet buzz of travellers easing into holiday mode. We soon found our friends and, before long, the ship was moving and we were clinking our glasses to what was to come. With each step, the idea that Tahiti was truly within reach began to settle in. This was no longer a distant dream; it was my reality, unfolding at just the right pace.
The next day was the first of two sea days in total on the itinerary. I settled into the Yacht Club café and library at the front of the ship, surrounded by windows and ocean views. With a good coffee and time to relax, I felt the pace slow right down.
This spot quickly became one of our favourite places to catch up with friends—whether we were playing cards or just enjoying a quiet morning coffee together. The library itself has a beautiful selection of books, from Art to Travel to Marine Life, as well as games and jigsaw puzzles. It was the perfect place to unwind and simply enjoy being on the journey.
Fakarava, meaning “beautiful,” lived up to its name from the moment we arrived. This peaceful island welcomed us with waves from friendly locals and the gentle sway of palm trees along the beach. We enjoyed a slow
, scenic walk—about a kilometre—to Havaiki Lodge, where tables sit beneath thatched umbrellas right in the shallow water.
While we took in the view, we were lucky enough to spot a large grey nurse shark gliding by—thankfully, before we got in for a snorkel! After exploring the clear waters, we relaxed with a cold beer, then headed out for an afternoon cycling tour around the island. It was one of those days that reminded us how good it feels to share simple joys with friends in such a beautiful place.
In Rangiroa, we skipped the organised tours and let the day unfold at our own pace. We found ourselves drawn to the incredible turquoise water just outside Hotel Kia Ora Resort—a perfect spot to snorkel and discover vibrant marine life in crystal-clear water.
Travel Tip: Bring reef shoes, as there are small pieces of sharp coral on the beach. The ship provides snorkelling gear to keep in your cabin for the whole cruise, making it easy to explore whenever the mood strikes.
Sometimes, the best days are the simplest—just you, the ocean, and the freedom to enjoy it all in your own time.
One of the many highlights was our day at Motu Mahaea, Taha’a—a postcard-perfect island of powdery white sand reserved just for Windstar guests. From the moment we stepped off the tender, we were welcomed by the warmth of a Tahitian dancer moving to beautiful live music, instantly setting a joyful tone for the day.
Sun loungers lined the beach, while tables and chairs invited us to linger over a relaxed BBQ lunch. With kayaks and SUPs ready to use, we snorkelled, paddled together in a double kayak, and simply soaked up the incredible surroundings. Laying back on a sun lounge, gazing out at the endless turquoise water with a cocktail in hand, I found myself thinking—this is one of those true “pinch me” moments.
Spending two days in Bora Bora felt like the ultimate luxury—one of the many reasons I believe a cruise around the Tahitian Islands is such a smart way to experience this part of the world. When you compare the cost of a stay in one of Bora Bora’s famous overwater bungalows to the comfort and convenience of our own floating hotel, it’s clear why Windstar stands out as a wonderful alternative. For me, having all the magic of Bora Bora—without the usual price tag or hassle—made the experience even more special. It’s a way of seeing Tahiti that truly lets you relax, savour every moment, and feel at home in paradise.
On our first day in Bora Bora, we decided to splurge on a private speedboat tour—a four-hour adventure we shared with a small group, making it more affordable and absolutely worth it. I truly recommend fitting this experience into your holiday budget if you can; it turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire trip.
We were met at the pier and welcomed aboard a sleek, powerful speedboat. Honestly, I felt a little like a movie star as we sped across the lagoon, the breeze in our hair and the iconic scenery all around us.
But the real magic began once we started snorkelling. We explored several different spots, all the while hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive manta rays. When we finally found them, it was nothing short of breathtaking—gliding beneath us, these gentle giants looked like otherworldly spacecraft, completely serene in their underwater world.
Note: Free diving is strictly forbidden (with severe fines) to protect the mantas from being disturbed, but floating quietly on the surface lets you witness them without causing any harm. This moment, drifting above these incredible creatures, is one I’ll never forget.
As if that weren’t enough, we also found ourselves above a large group—or “fever”—of eagle rays. Watching them all rest together, floating in graceful formation underwater, was absolutely mesmerizing. There’s something deeply moving about seeing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, sharing space with them while feeling like a respectful, wide-eyed guest.
The coral garden we visited that day was, quite honestly, the most spectacular I’ve ever snorkelled. And that’s saying something—I’m comparing it to experiences on the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Swimming through this vibrant coral forest, I was amazed by the sheer diversity—countless species of colourful tropical fish darted around us, and massive clams nestled into the reef. At times, the coral was so lush and intricate that I almost felt I could lose myself in it. The beauty and abundance here were truly overwhelming, a reminder of how special and fragile these underwater worlds are.
On our second day in Bora Bora, we decided to join the ship’s snorkelling excursion—a change of pace from our private adventure the day before. This time, we found ourselves in a friendly group of about a dozen, all gathered on a small boat under the care of a local Tahitian captain.
He did more than steer us across the lagoon; between stops, he strummed his ukulele and filled the air with Tahitian songs, adding a gentle, soulful soundtrack to our journey.
We made several stops across the lagoon, each one revealing more of Bora Bora’s underwater wonders. We swam with graceful stingrays and snorkelled with black-tipped reef sharks—a little thrill every time they appeared. There were bursts of colour from the coral and flashes of movement from so many tropical fish. We even spotted more manta rays, their elegant shapes unmistakable beneath the blue.
Being in a bigger group with other boats nearby made this experience feel a bit less personal than our private tour the day before. There was more activity and conversation, and less of the quiet moments I loved. Still, the lagoon’s beauty stood out. The colours—those blues—are something I’ll never forget.
During our half-day shore excursion in Huahine, we had the chance to see several sides of local life and tradition. At each place, the people we met were open and welcoming, happy to share their knowledge and culture.
Our first stop was to see the sacred blue-eyed eels of Huahine. These blind eels, each about one to two metres long, are considered a significant emblem of the Polynesian people’s connection to the natural world and are firmly ingrained in the island’s cultural legacy. Unlike eels I’ve seen elsewhere, these were remarkably ‘friendly’—they moved calmly through the clear stream and came quite close, as if unbothered by our presence. Observing them up close was a memorable reminder of how deeply nature and tradition are interwoven on Huahine.
We also visited the ancient stone fish traps, a fascinating example of one of Polynesia’s oldest fishing techniques. Listening to our guide explain how these stone enclosures still work after centuries made me feel connected to the long history and resourcefulness of the people here.
Next, we climbed into small longboats and headed across the lagoon to Ferme Perlière, a local pearl farm. There, we learned how Tahitian black pearls are cultivated—a process that takes patience, skill, and deep respect for the ocean. I chose a single luminous black pearl as a keepsake, now set in a pendant that I’ll always treasure.
Our final stop was a working vanilla plantation, surrounded by bursts of tropical green. Until this visit, I hadn’t realized that Tahitian vanilla is considered among the best in the world. Learning about the hand-pollination process and inhaling the warm, sweet scent right from the source was a highlight. I brought home a few pods and have since made my own vanilla essence—a small way to relive the experience and share a little of Huahine with friends and family.
As our time on Huahine came to an end, I found myself reflecting on this island—its living traditions, gentle beauty, and the warmth of its people. Each experience, from meeting the sacred eels to tasting fresh vanilla ice cream, offered a window into a vibrant culture that continues to thrive. More than just souvenirs, I left with a deeper appreciation for the bond between people and place here, and memories that will stay with me long after my return home.
To make the most of our day on Moorea, we joined a half day 4×4 tour—a relaxed, enjoyable way to experience the island alongside a knowledgeable local guide. The Belvedere Lookout was a real standout, offering sweeping views of Mount Tohivea and the valleys below. Along the way, we spotted small plots with pineapples growing—a simple but memorable reminder of how much the land shapes daily life on Moorea.
No visit to Moorea is complete without a stop at the Manutea rum distillery, where we sampled a selection of tropical rums and local juices. Personally, I’m not usually a rum person, but I really enjoyed the pineapple-based juice—it was so fresh and vibrant, it felt like tasting a bit of the island itself.
Just before our final stop, the road wound up to a viewpoint overlooking Opunohu Bay, where the brilliant blue of the lagoon was almost unreal. Then, our tour finished at the smoothie shop at the bottom Magic Mountain — you must try the Magic Mountain Smoothie. Made from banana, mint, coconut, passionfruit, clitoria flower, pineapple juice, and mango ice-cream, it was the perfect way to finish the tour—fresh, unique, and a true taste of Moorea.
O
n our final afternoon in Moorea, I spent some time in the water off the sports platform at the back of Star Breeze. As I floated and looked back at the jagged volcanic mountains and lush green hills, I thought about how fortunate I was to experience such a beautiful holiday. Tahiti is a destination without the crowds, and that sense of peacefulness stayed with me. It was one of those quiet “pinch me” moments—simple, peaceful, and full of gratitude for the chance to be there. I do hope to return again.
Tahiti was once a dream—a vision I thought belonged to someone else. But now I know: it’s real, and it welcomes you just as you are. The islands hold you gently, invite you to slow down, and offer moments of magic and belonging at every turn. If you’ve ever dreamed of Tahiti, please know: this dream is for you, too.
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
Vancouver Specialist
South Africa Specialist
California STAR Specialist
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