We spent our first five days in Tahiti at an ocean-side resort to get our Polynesian bearings and easily return our day 4 mandatory COVID test. We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful pool daily, but we couldn't sustain the cost and isolation of resort life much longer. With only having access to the hotel's one restaurant and a 20-minute $40 roundtrip cab ride to town for the closest groceries and restaurants, we packed up and moved to a less expensive accommodation on the other side of town.
The view of Moorea island from the Villa Ninmu Pearl Hotel.
It was a good move... this new hotel totally exceeded our expectations with its sweeping 200-degree view of the ocean and island of Moorea—the photos online did it no justice! The Villa Ninmu Pearl Hotel was perched high on a hill and blew us away with its posh whitewashed deck, pool and ample luxurious outdoor seating areas. Having our wifi not work in our room wasn't a burden because we had so many places to relax and do school work outside. The French owner was quick to point out that her American guests always waste the most energy by leaving the AC and lights on while they are gone. She said French Polynesia has the most expensive electricity on the planet. I can see why for how remote it is. Her theory was that Americans waste so much energy because it is so inexpensive in the USA. I felt it my personal mission to change her attitude towards Americans and show her we can be energy-conscious and care about the planet by going out of our way to be extra, extra polite and respectful guests! During our whole visit, we have not seen a tourist on the island that is not from France. The main languages spoken here are French and Tahitian. English is not spoken much outside of resorts and hotels.
One of the many relaxing lounging areas.
All of the pool time mixed with getting tossed in the ocean a couple of times led to a bad case of swimmer's ear for Kate last week. With a trip to a pharmacy and a couple of days later to a doctor, she is on the mend. Though masks are required in French Polynesia and most people wear them, the small 70's doctor's office we found next door to a pharmacy was run by a receptionist and doctor dressed like Magnum PI who were both maskless. They only spoke French, but luckily a guardian angel was waiting in the lobby and offered to be our translator. She even came into the exam room with us and helped us during the whole visit. Seeing a doctor required no appointment, no wait and cost $36 cash. We felt much relief after getting Kate an exam and a proper prescription. Unfortunately, she had to keep her ear dry for a week and sit out during our first snorkel session. Though Austin was quite timid about swimming in shark territory (he was convinced a tiger shark was going to swim up to shore), he discovered a fond liking of the sport and wants to go every day.
Kate's doctor was wearing this exact outfit.
Our guardian angel translator
Kate land snorkeling—the morning we bought the snorkels was the day Kate's ear started to bother her.
Renting a car gave us the freedom to drive around the island and take in some of the local's way of life. Almost everything is closed on Sundays and families spend time together picnicking and swimming at local beach parks. The culture is so chill here and the people are so courteous and friendly. It is very apparent the Polynesians respect their islands by the lack of litter and how clean the beaches are. You rarely see public trash cans at parks, but everyone leaves no trace by packing everything out. Takeout containers from restaurants are all biodegradable and often, you are charged a small fee for the container.
Doing what the locals do on a Sunday afternoon.
Mountain view spotted on a short trail from Teahupoo beach.
Swans floating around the lily pads.
FUN FACT: Tattoo, tataus, originated in Tahiti, telling the story of each Tahitian’s personal history. Tattoos would indicate one’s exact place in a territory, tribe and family, along with marking their sexual maturity. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed. When European missionaries arrived, they converted the locals to Christianity and forbade tattooing. After being almost completely eradicated on all islands except Samoa, traditional tattoo art returned in the 1980s and 1990s. Thanks to researchers, scholars and artists, the preservation of traditional tribal tattoos has been preserved.
Hanging out at Tahiti's best surf spot, Teahupoo.
Kate taking advantage of the pool while still keeping her ear dry.
Our room was the one on the left end with our own little deck.
We splurged on the hotel breakfast one day otherwise it was cereal in our room.
I was surprised by this vast spread of jams, especially when there was just one other French couple staying at the hotel besides us.
Black sand beach on Tahiti... before we were taken out by the strong current.