April 1st - 7th, 2018
Who has not dreamed of escaping to a tropical island in paradise? Overwater private bungalow suites have glass floors to watch the colorful fish. To be honest, this trip will include photography but is very much a vacation with NE family and friends. Besides snorkeling in “Tahiti blue” waters just outside your bungalow, we’ll be visiting a pearl farm, enjoying a lagoon safari with a stingray encounter, and photographing fire dancers on the beach. This trip is offered as a pre-extension to our New Zealand Autumn Tour I or as an independent trip—your choice. Indulge with us as we experience “heaven on earth.” An ideal couples tour… Live the dream!
Meet Daniel and Tanya Cox
2018 Dreamin’ of Tahiti Tour Travel Plans
Sunday, April 1
Depart US/Canada
Monday, April 2 – Thursday, April 5 (3B, 1L, 3D)
Arrive and meet in Tahiti, French Polynesia (airport PPT).
Fly together to the Raiatea Island and transfer by boat to our private island 5-star resort and spa of Le Taha’a.
Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa has gathered its share of industry honors and been praised by several publications including Condé Nast Traveler’s GOLD LIST of “The World’s Best Places to Stay” in January 2012. Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, Le Taha’a welcomes you to a world of immaculate beauty, a timeless universe of sophistication and authenticity.
Located on the secluded Motu Tautau islet, facing the lush island of Taha’a on one side and the majestic silhouette of Bora Bora on the other, the resort, inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture and style, hosts 57 remarkable suites and villas. Defined by the Relais & Chateaux philosophy, Le Taha’a is the promise of a total change of scenery, a way of life of its own, in harmony with its preserved environment, people and local culture. Each guest will have a beautiful overwater suite. Dan and I visited this resort in 2016 and fell in love with it—very private and relaxing. We were told the resort will be fully renovated in 2016/2017.
During our four night stay on this island hideaway, we’ll enjoy the beautiful surroundings and activities in the area. Enjoy incredible snorkeling daily, photograph traditional fire dancers, and the Lagoon Safari includes swimming and feeding stingrays and sharks. All NE guests will receive a $100 credit to indulge. Optional activities include fishing, scuba diving, or a spa visit. A sunset cruise can be arranged.
You’re not dreamin’ when you experience the ultimate “Tahiti blue” waters—they do exist! Appreciate the island’s palette of colors, from turquoise blue to intense sapphire to mystifying green. The ultimate relaxation vacation awaits…
Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, 4 nights
Friday, April 6 (B, D)
Today we will say goodbye to Le Taha’a and return to the main island by boat/plane to the capital city of Papeete. We will transfer to the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa—another paradise—to spend your last night in French Polynesia.
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, 1 night
Saturday, April 7 (B)
Early departure today for those continuing onto New Zealand with Natural Exposures. For those not joining us, extend your trip to neighboring islands/countries or fly home today.
Tour Extensions Available
2018 New Zealand Ultimate Autumn Foliage Photography Tour I
April 6th - 19th, 2018
Trip Cost
New Zealand I + Tahiti combo:
3990 PP, based on double occupancyTahiti Only: 4600 PP, based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: 1400
Please Note: Under 10 guest rooms booked, ADD 300 PP
Pricing in US Dollars
Deposit
$500 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
May 1, 2017: $1500 first installment
October 1, 2017: Final installmentCheck only for first and final installments. Please make check payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
- Meals where indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) including Polynesian Dinner Show
- 4 nights “overwater suite” accommodations Le Taha’a
- 1 night superior room at Intercontinental Tahiti PPT
- Transfer to/from airport and hotels/resorts
- Domestic internal flight PPT- RFP-PPT
- Tours where indicated
Not Included
- International airfare
- Laundry, miscellaneous expenses including Internet
- All beverages (beverage package is optional to buy pre-trip)
- Any optional activities not listed on itinerary
- Travel/emergency evacuation insurance
- Any costs involved with travel interruptions
Flights to Book
April 1, 2018
Depart US/Canada
LAX is the best US airport for direct flights to PPT. Fly Air Tahiti Nui or Delta partner Air France.April 2, 2018
Arrive early morning at Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti. The group flight to Raiatea departs at 8:15am on April 2nd (today).
April 7, 2018
Depart Tahiti at Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) any time of day.
Arrive home todayNZ I Extension: AM flight by Air Tahiti Nui/New Zealand Air to Queenstown (ZQN) to arrive April 8
Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2018 Dreamin’ of Tahiti Tour
April 2-5, 4 nights
Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
Since its opening in July 2002, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa has gathered its share of industry honors and has been praised by several publications, including Condé Nast Traveler’s GOLD LIST of “The World’s Best Places to Stay” in January 2012. Part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, Le Taha’a welcomes you to a world of immaculate beauty, a timeless universe of sophistication and authenticity.Located on the secluded Motu Tautau islet, facing the lush island of Taha’a on one side and the majestic silhouette of Bora Bora on the other side, the resort, inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture and style, hosts 57 remarkable suites and villas. Defined by the Relais & Chateaux philosophy, Le Taha’a is the promise of a total change of scenery, a way of life of its own, in harmony with its preserved environment, people and local culture. Welcome to Le Taha’a world—the ultimate Tahitian hideaway…
Read more about Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
April 6, 1 night
Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Located on the main island in Papeete only two kilometres from the airport and city shopping, Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa welcomes you into a lush 12-hectare tropical garden, surrounded by clear, cerulean seas. With overwater bungalows, lagoon-view and garden-view rooms, their premium accommodation provides panoramic views over beautiful Tahiti, showcasing the sparkling ocean and the volcanic mountains of their sister island, Moorea.This 4-star resort and spa boasts two superb infinity pools set amid colourful indigenous plants and towering palms. They offer a diverse range of activities and top-notch facilities, with locally renowned restaurants and vibrant tropical bars, each offering their own unique ambiance. Relax in the Lobby Bar with a premium drink, enjoy an intimate dinner at Le Lotus overwater restaurant, or kick up your heels with a signature cocktail at Tiki Bar.
With a luxury spa, lush overwater bungalows, tropical gardens and a wide range of water sports, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is the quintessential island escape, with everything you need for a true French Polynesian getaway.
Helpful Information for 2018 Dreamin’ of Tahiti Tour
EXTRAS
To better understand where we will be staying:
Tahiti is the largest island of French Polynesia in the South Pacific. We fly to Tahiti’s capital city Pape’ete (PPT). From here, we have a quick internal flight to Raiatea Island and then we’ll take a 35-minute boat ride to Le Taha’a. Le Taha’a is on its own private island. On our return to PPT, we’ll stay our last night at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa before departing the next morning. Tahiti is paradise, and we feel it is so much different than Hawaii—less commercialized, less people, and the color of the water is unforgettable. It is worth the trip!
Because of Tahiti’s remoteness, everyday costs including food, beverages, activities, and accommodations are very expensive with high taxes. Most of this is included in your package—including service charge—however, we will be offering a beverage package to guests as an optional purchase. We also suggest bringing duty free with you if you do enjoy a cocktail or two daily. No better place to enjoy it than on your over-the-water bungalow deck!
Remember, after a long flight, you might want to relax a little in paradise. We have included some activities for guests to enjoy; however, if you wish to really keep busy there will be free time to plan additional activities of interest. We will send you a list of activities to choose from and help you book.
Natural Exposures will have a couple of underwater cameras available for guests to use during their stay. If you want to bring your own, Dan can make some recommendations.
HOW TO GET THERE
The best connections we have found to Tahiti are flying from LAX on Air France or Air Tahiti Nui. Both are 8-hour night flights. The airport you fly into is Fa’a’ā , airport code (PPT). Fly from LAX April 1st to arrive April 2nd.
Internal flights between islands and boat transfers/land transfers are included in your package.
On the return, if you’re joining us on the New Zealand tour, you will want to book the AM flight on Air Nui/Air New Zealand (schedule can change) to Queenstown (ZQN).
NOTE: All has been arranged on 2016 flight schedules! If things change and we need to make adjustments we may may have to alter the itinerary and pricing. We will connect with our guests closer to when we can book our flights to make sure all is in order.
VISAS
A visa is not required for stays of under 90 days every six months. Your passport must be valid for three months beyond your date of departure. One empty page is required for the entry stamp.
For the latest updates on French Polynesia entry requirements, please visit the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
VACCINATIONS
There are no required vaccinations to enter French Polynesia; however, it is best to be up to date with your routine vaccinations and to visit with your doctor before the trip to discuss your personal needs.
LANGUAGE
The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian, although each island group typically has its own language. Most people at the hotels will speak English and often you will find English spoken at shops and restaurants on the larger islands too.
CURRENCY
French Polynesia’s unit of currency is the CFP franc.
TIME ZONE
Tahiti Time Zone – TAHT (Tahiti Time)
UTC/GMT -10 hoursHave a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"What a trip
What a group
What a fabulous everything
To our next encounters with nature"Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida
"Tanya/Dan are a dynamic duo! There are not enough adjectives in the dictionary to cover the entire breath of their combined strengths. Fair, attention to detail, supportive of everyone’s needs, ability to get things done, did I mention down right good people, and on and on. We hope there will be a trip in the future that we could take advantage of."
Corbett Alley, Arizona
