Air Archipels Gets New Fleet, Website
The charter airplane carrier Air Archipels recently unveiled their new website, www.airarchipels.com. The company is completely revamping their fleet, introducing two new B200 planes in March.

Information provided by Air Archipels

Air Tahiti, Air Moorea Announce Winter Flight Schedules
Tahiti & Her Islands' domestic carriers, Air Tahiti and Air Moorea, have announced their winter flight schedules, effective until the end of March.

The schedules can be accessed at www.airtahiti.pf and www.airmoorea.com.

Information provided by Air Tahiti and Air Moorea

Air Tahiti Nui Joins with Virgin Atlantic to Expand Itineraries
Air Tahiti Nui and Virgin Atlantic Airways have partnered to allow travelers to fly around the world, with stops in Tahiti. Virgin Atlantic, which offers New York-London, Los Angeles-London, and Sydney-London (via Hong Kong) routes, combines its flights with Air Tahiti Nui's Sydney-Papeete, Papeete-New York, and Los Angeles-Paris routes. Passengers will now be able to book such round-trip itineraries as Sydney-Hong Kong-London-New York-Papeete-Sydney, taking them literally around the world. Other News: Starting March 26, Air Tahiti Nui will add a third weekly flight from Sydney, Australia, to Papeete. Sydney-Papeete flights will now be available Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, departing at 9:15 am...Air Tahiti Nui has announced plans to launch a weekly New York to Paris flight.

Information provided by Tahitipresse and Pacific Magazine

Aranui Announces Changes to Itinerary
The freighter/cruise vessel Aranui III will make 16 voyages in 2006, with some minor adjustments to the itinerary. Formerly 16 days and 15 nights, the trip will now be 15 days and 14 nights, with a morning departure from Papeete. Rather than stopping at the Tuamotu atoll of Takapoto on the way to the Marquesas, Aranui III will now stop for the day in Fakarava. On the return trip, the ship puts in at Rangiroa rather than Fakarava. The complete schedule and itinerary are now available from CPTM.

Source: Aranui III/CPTM

Bora Bora Cruises Goes on Dry Dock
Bora Bora Cruises's flagship yachts, the Tu Moana and Ti'a Moana are going on dry dock January 16-March 23 for repairs. Australian technicians will be working on the boats, which will return to the water on March 27.

Information provided by Bora Bora Cruises

Princess Cruises Expands Tahiti Itineraries
Princess Cruises' ship Tahitian Princess will expand its 12-day cruises between Papeete and Honolulu to six sailings starting in May. The 10-day Polynesia & Cook Islands and 10-day Polynesia & Marquesas Islands itineraries will again be offered, with 29 sailings to choose from.

Information provided by Princess Cruises

The Radisson m/s Paul Gauguin Returns to the Marquesas
Back by popular demand, the Paul Gauguin returns to the Marquesas for two 14-night cruises in 2006. The cruise ship has also expanded its nine-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries to the Austral, Tuamotu, and Cook Islands.

Other news from the Paul Gauguin
Radisson Seven Seas has signed a contract with Paul Gauguin Shipping Limited to extend their management of the ship through the end of 2008...The Paul Gauguin goes on dry dock January 7-February 15 in Brisbane, Australia for a $6 million renovation. The renovation includes construction of a new lounge/piano bar, 14 new staterooms, and redesign of the Internet café.

Information provided by Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

Tahiti Cruises Launches New Fly-Fishing Cruise
Tahiti Cruises has ventured into the sport fishing market with its new all-inclusive cruises in the Tuamotu Islands, aboard the Haumana. Guests stay in one of the 17 spacious cabins aboard the 110-foot yacht, which operates year-round from Rangiroa. Three, four, and seven-night itineraries are available; the four and seven-night options also include a stop in Tikehau. A professional fishing guide provides equipment and instruction in fly fishing, and numerous other activities and excursions are available.

Information provided by Tahiti Cruises

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa Wins World Travel Award
Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa was named the leading resort in Australasia, a region comprising Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, at the World Travel Awards in London. One-hundred fifty-six thousand travel professionals from more than 140 countries voted to select the world's best destinations, airlines, and hotels. Other news from Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa: After stints in several Michelin-rated restaurants in France, Cedrik Ollivault recently returned to Bora Bora to work as Executive Chef of Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa. Ollivault had previously served as Chef de partie at the resort in 2000...Eric Pere has been named new general manager of the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa. He most recently served as hotel manager at the Hotel Port Palace in Monaco.

Information provided by Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Tahitipresse

Hotel Bora Bora Introduces Fisherman Night
Saturday night is now Fisherman Night at Hotel Bora Bora, where local fishermen bring their day's catch for preparation at the Matira Terrace Restaurant. The menu changes every Saturday, depending on the fish brought in. Parrotfish and squirrelfish are among the regulars. Other News: Wireless Internet access is now available in Fare Raititi, the hotel lounge.

Information provided by Hotel Bora Bora

Hotel Kia Ora Goes Deluxe, Prepares for Renovation
Hotel Kia Ora recently opened three new Deluxe Beach Bungalows, complete with outdoor bathtubs and swimming pools with jets. In addition, the hotel is beginning renovation of its overwater bungalows in January. They will be refurbished one by one, with the accommodations remaining open to guests. The bungalows will get new roofs, siding, varnishing, and furniture. Other News: Evelyne Gaudin was named head sales representative for the U.S. She is based in Santa Monica, California.

Information provided by Hotel Kia Ora

InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora
Gearing up for Grand Opening...At the new InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, it's all overwater villas, all the time. Eighty of them stretch into Bora Bora's lagoon in two U-shaped formations, divided into “Diamond,” “Sapphire,” and “Emerald” classes. The resort is situated on Motu Piti Aau facing the dramatic spire of Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu, and will open for business on May 1. All villas come with a private sun deck, high-speed Internet connection, and two flat-screen TVs. Guests can dine at Le Reef Restaurant or sip tropical drinks at Sand's, the bar and restaurant located on a white-sand beach. The Algotherm Thalasso Spa will be completely operational on September 1. Unique in Tahiti and Her Islands, the spa features thalassotherapy treatments, which use the curative benefits of reheated sea water. The InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora will also be the world's first hotel to have a sea water-based air conditioning system. Check out www.boraboraspa.interconti.com for updates as the resort approaches its grand opening.

Other news from InterContinental Resorts:
The InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora was named the leading hotel in Tahiti & Her Islands at the World Travel Awards this past November. The awards were given based on responses from 156,000 travel agencies and professionals from more than 140 countries...The InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora is scheduled to reopen on June 1. The resort sustained significant damage from a surprise swell this past September and had to temporarily close. The resort is building new walkways, repairing the overwater bungalow foundations, and making minor renovations to the bungalows' interior...Judy Hurst has been named East Coast Sales Representative for the InterContinental Resorts in Tahiti & Her Islands...Bernard Rickenbach has been named Groups and Incentive Sales Director for all InterContinental Resorts in Tahiti & Her Islands.

Information provided by InterContinental Resorts & Spas and Tahitipresse

New Chef at Le Maitai Polynesia
Chef Xavier Lafosse recently arrived at Le Maitai Polynesia and is currently developing a new menu for the beach restaurant Tama'a Maitai. The property's other restaurant, Haere Mai, recently introduced theme nights and new menu selections.

Information provided by Maitai Hotels

Le Meridien Hotels
Starwood Capital Group Global, L.L.C. announced its purchase of Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts on November 28, 2005. Starwood will take ownership of Le Meridien's 32 properties, including Le Meridien Tahiti and Le Meridien Bora Bora, expanding Starwood's portfolio to six properties in Tahiti & Her Islands. Starwood also owns Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, and the St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, opening soon. No plans have been announced to change the name of the Le Meridien properties.

Other news from Le Meridien
This past November, Le Meridien Tahiti introduced a new activity for its guests - movies by the beach! Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night at 8:30 pm, the hotel sets up a big screen in the gardens and presents a Hollywood classic...Le Meridien Bora Bora was named Tahiti & Her Islands' leading spa resort at the World Travel Awards this past November. The awards were given based on responses from 156,000 travel agencies and professionals from more than 140 countries...Bring your laptop to the beach at Le Meridien Tahiti, where wireless high-speed Internet access is now available throughout the resort. Even if you don't have your own laptop, you can rent one complete with wireless connection for all your poolside e-mails...The bungalows at Le Meridien Bora Bora are getting a makeover. Paris designer Didier Lefort has hand-selected new fabrics and curtains from the Pierre Frey collection to give the interiors a sleek, refined look. New Sealy bedding from the U.S. will also be added to the bungalows...Le Meridien Bora Bora has added another touch of luxury to their resort experience. Guests can now request mandarin orange, lavender, or ylang ylang essential oils to place under their pillows to help them sleep... DVD players are now available in all suites at Le Meridien Tahiti.

Information provided by Le Meridien Hotels de Polynésie and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tahiti and Her Islands

Pearl Resorts - Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort Named Leading Small Hotel of the World
After meeting a rigorous criteria of 1,200 standard points, the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort was recently inducted into the elite association of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. The organization includes more than 420 hotels worldwide, all of which have fewer than 100 rooms and are recognized for exceptional service and accommodations.

Other news from Pearl Resorts:

The Manea Spa at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort is set to open in April. A complex of thatched-roof pavilions set on stilts above a small lake, the spa will celebrate the tradition of Taurumi, the Polynesian word for massage. Treatments will use locally made 100% natural products that mix monoi with plant parts and extracts...A Manea Spa beach bungalow also opened recently at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. More information on the spa can be found at www.maneaspa.com. Eight new overwater suites opened earlier this year at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. At 1,001 square feet, they are the largest overwater accommodations in the entire Pearl Resorts portfolio. Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort was recently refurbished and is again open for business...Manihi Pearl Beach Resort will close for refurbishment on January 23 and reopens on February 28. The opening of a Manea Spa bungalow is also scheduled for February 28. There are now five air-conditioned premium overwater bungalows at the resort.

Information provided by Pearl Resorts & Spa

Radisson Plaza Offers Na Tour Experience
Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti is expanding their cultural program by introducing a homestay program with a local pension. Titled “Na Tour” (in an effort to get non-French speakers to correctly pronounce “Nature”), the program allows guests to stay with a Tahitian family in Te Pari, located on Tahiti Iti past the end of the road. Guests stay in bungalows overlooking the beach and can choose from a variety of activities, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby grottos. The program requires a minimum three night stay at the Radisson and one night at the pension. Other News: Internet access in the business center and in guest rooms will be free starting in 2006.

Source: Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti

Sofitel Maeva Beach Tahiti Reopens with Fresh Look
After a six-month overhaul, the Sofitel Maeva Beach Tahiti reopened this past September. The lobby and all 216 rooms were completely renovated to create a more modern look, and the swimming pool was rebuilt and expanded. Le Bougainville restaurant was also rebuilt and now offers cooking shows to guests. Alain Blondeau is the new general manager at the resort. Other news from Accor properties: Construction and renovation continues at the Sofitel Marara Bora Bora, now scheduled to reopen February 10. New overwater bungalows are being built, along with a new 230-meter infinity pool. Guests currently staying in the garden and beach bungalows have access to the beach and facilities of the neighboring Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort...The Sofitel Ia Ora Moorea closed in October for extensive renovations. Nineteen new overwater bungalows are being added, and all exisiting overwater bungalows and deluxe beach units are being renovated. The resort's original 80 bungalows will be torn down and replaced with 65 new units, each with their own private garden. Every room in the resort will now have wireless Internet access, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning. Reopening is scheduled for June...Thierry Delahaye has been named new general manager of Sofitel Ia Ora Moorea...Sofitel Motu Bora Bora is refurbishing its bungalows, adding new pandanus roofs, bedding, and flat-screen TVs.

Information provided by Accor - French Polynesia

St. Regis Resort Bora Bora Opening in April
The first St. Regis Resort in Tahiti & Her Islands, operated by Starwood, is scheduled to open in April. The St. Regis Resort Bora Bora will have 101 overwater and beach villas spread over 44 beachfront acres, including the Royal Suite, an 8,000 square foot palace that will be the largest suite in all of Tahiti & Her Islands. The resort will also feature a manmade hoa, allowing important nutrients to pass back and forth between the ocean and lagoon. Other news from Starwood: All guest rooms at the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti are being renovated for completion in the first quarter of 2006. Hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and colonial style furniture are all being added...Bora Bora's technical school, Bora Bora CETAD, has established a partnership with Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa. Students from the school present and sell their arts and crafts every other Thursday at the resort's beach grill.

Information provided by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Tahiti and Her Islands

Te Tiare Beach Resort, an Outrigger Resort, Undergoes Refurbishment
The Te Tiare Beach Resort is doing a soft refurbishment on its bungalows. The overwater bungalows are completed, with the garden and beach bungalows scheduled to be done by March. Also, the resort named a new general manager, John Marshall, effective this past November 16.

Information provided by Te Tiare Beach Resort