Final review of our trip

What a wonderful trip we had. We have done many wonderful travels but this one rates right at the top.

We have to start by commenting on the Polynesian people. Throughout the trip in Tahiti and Aitutaki especially the people were incredibly friendly, warm, caring and  happy. They are funny and love to laugh. They are truly delightful people. You would want to take one home with you just to be reminded of what kindness & happiness is. 

The highlight would have to be the magnificent turquoise topaz color mix of the lagoon water of Bora Bora and the beauty of the lush island of Aitutaki. The few hours spent alone on One Foot Island will be remembered forever. 

We liked Raro too but really, 2 nights there would have been enough. We feel that we should have spent a week in Bora Bora and a week in Aitutaki. Skipping Raro all together would have been ok. 

Raro is cooler, windier and not as friendly. It is also definitely New Zealand's Florida. So not culturally as interesting. That is just our opinion. Many people we met on our trip loved Rarotonga. 

Bora Bora's over-the-water bungalow is the ultimate experience.  Nothing comes close to it. To be able to live in complete luxury, being pampered, have your own deck to dive from and swim with the tropical fish is truly paradise. The Hilton Nui is first class all the way. 

Aitutaki is pure heaven. The weather is very tropical and the island is beautifully lush and green. The lagoon is very large with many small motu islands you can go to for the day and the water is breathtakingly turquoise.

The Etu Moana resort was out of this world. Wow! What a beautiful boutique resort with only 8 stunning and utterly comfortable villas. Magnificent beach were you can kayak and snorkel or just catch a few rays. The warm & friendly Canadian hosts made it extra special.

The sky at night is filled with stars like we had never seen and you can clearly see the Milky Way. It was just so nice to be able to walk the beach at night coming back from dinner and admiring the twinkling sky. 

One note about Mosquitos. There were only a few on our trip. Nothing to be a concern at all. We did bring repellent and wore it occasionally. Don't believe all the fuss about it.  

My birthday dinner in Bora Bora at the beach Gazebo was so special as well as finding the very special & exclusive Tahitian black pearls I will want to wear forever.

All in all, this was indeed a very special trip, the best 50th birthday gift one could ever dream of. 

If you have a chance, do go to the SouthPacific for a glimpse of Paradise on earth!

Read our Trip Advisor reviews and here is the link to our best photos 

click here to view them

Hilton Bora Bora review
Palm Grove Rarotonga review
Etu Moana Aitutaki Review

Last two days in Aitutaki

We rented a scooter and explored the lush & green island. Lots of goats, cats and no dogs. Dogs are not allowed on Aitutaki. The daughter of the king was bitten one day and ever since dogs were banned. What a shame !

We had lunch at an authentic local favorite take away. They made a mean burger with  coleslaw. Terry loved it!

We spent the rest of the day on the beach and our villa before going to Puffy's for a terrible fish & chip. The beach bar had a great review on Trip advisor but you can'talways believe these reviews.  My salad was good at least and the cooks very friendly. 

Saturday June 29

Last day in paradise started with another beautiful breakfast by the pool at Etu Moana. We had to check out but fortunately the resort made lockers available to us and showers before our flight. 

We spent the day walking on the beach, kayaking and having lunch at Tamanu a 5 minute walk on the beach. No need to walk the streets there, you just need to walk the beach to get wherever you want to go!!

Our hosts drop us off at the airport at 6pm. We boarded our 7th flight of the trip on time. When we arrived in Rarotonga, New Zealand airline told us that we would not depart at minight as planned. The plane leftAuckland  late and we would leave 2 hours late! This meant a 6hour wait in a tiny airport with nothing to do. We ended up leaving at 2:30am and missed our connecting flight to Vancouver. We ended up spending 3.5 hours going thru security and jumping thru the reconnecting flight arrangement. Oh boy! It is painful flying thru the US. We made it home at 11pm on June 30th after 25 hours traveling!