The Pacific Islands are the very image of tropical paradise, with golden sand beaches fringed with palm trees and a laid back way of life. Tahiti makes for a great place to enjoy some slow travel.
With around 118 islands scattered across what is known as Fremch Polynesia, Tahiti is the main island in the archipelego and home to the capital Pape’ete.
The tourism department of Tahiti have been looking at how to tempt people back to the islands in the wake of the pandemic. As such, they have chosen to focus on the mindful and sustainable aspects of Tahiti’s appeal.
So if you’re looking forward to travel again after the whole pandemic, perhaps slow travel in Tahiti is calling you?
OK. So, what is slow travel, and how does it work?
Embrace Mana
The Islands of Tahiti answer travellers’ call of the spirit for meaningful ways to connect and disconnect in today’s busy world. With an invitation to embrace “Mana,” what Tahitians believe to be the life force that connects all living things, you’ll find lots of chance to take it slow in Tahiti.
In The Islands of Tahiti, Mana can be experienced in moments of personal discovery; from disconnecting in secluded natural beauty and relaxing in world-class luxury, to reconnecting in vibrant Tahitian culture and adventuring through wild terrain.
Practice yoga under the palm trees
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or looking to start practising, Tahiti has something to offer, all set to the backdrop of the island’s tropical flora, waterfalls and pristine beaches.
The secluded beaches, which surround the island, are the perfect setting to work on your flow, and yogi’s can enjoy a post-workout coconut straight from the tree or a refreshing dip in the South Pacific Ocean.
Try the Ohana Yoga School Tahiti who offer both classes and full courses.
Experience traditional Polynesian culture
Polynesian dance remains a powerful artform, especially when accompanied by the thunder of traditional drums and plaintive song of conch shells.
Join Tuiana Brodien from Vahinerii ori Tahiti School of Dance who will show guests some basic Tahitian dance steps to get them moving.
If cooking is more their style, visitors can head to the Arioi Cultural Centre for a lesson in making the renowned Polynesian dish Poisson Cru, or try their hand at the Tahitian tacos recipe.
Re-pay your way
The Islands of Tahiti take environmental stewardship seriously and have been focusing on sustainable tourism for years.
From give-back-packer tour operators like Bamboo which offer beach clean-ups, to preserving coral reef experiences, solar-powered boats and resorts which run on coconut oil, it’s now easier than ever to enjoy Tahiti’s natural beauty while being eco-conscious.
Visitors can join the Coral Gardener programme to adopt a coral and plant it back into its natural environment. Those who participate in the programme can personally name the coral and will receive a certificate with the adopted coral’s GPS sea coordinates.
Le Meridein Bora Bora set up an ecological turtle centre which offers a number of activities unique to the resort, visitors can learn about the local species and how the centre protects them from on-site expert biologists and conservationists.
Take a ‘Workation’
Can’t get long off work? Try taking a workation for some of the time. Once a lifestyle choice of ‘digital nomads’, this trend has gone mainstream and is inclusive of everyone.
This provides a huge opportunity for a total shake-up of our approach to travel, and for travellers to engage in a more immersive experience in The Islands of Tahiti.
A good WiFi connection is now offered by most big resorts across the islands, so guests can create their own office space with a seriously enviable backdrop.
Although Tahiti doesn’t offer a sepcific long term visa, or a digital nomad visa, the tourist visa is a standard 90 days for most nationalities.
Find out more about digital nomad visas here.
Go surfing
Right out there in the South Pacific, when the swell gets up, it can be incredible. If you’re already a keen surfer, you’ve probably got Tahiti on your bucket list. But if you’re looking for a thrilling sport that puts you in touch with nature, Tahiti is a great place to enjoy learning to surf.
Across the islands of French Polynesia, you’ll find plenty of local surf shops and instructors waiting to help you find your balance.
You can even go on a surf camp for a few days in Tahiti, where you’ll get up to speed quickly with tuition and a few likeminded potential new friends.
Whatever your holiday style, you’ll find a slow travel experience in Tahiti will fit the bill.
