The island the rich and famous flock to

THIS is one of the most incredible places on Earth. The rich and famous flock here en masse, so why have we never heard of it before?

Taha’a is Bora Bora’s lesser-known neighbour.

AS I fly over the ultra-famous island of Bora Bora, enveloped in its breathtakingly beautiful lagoon, I’m all too aware of those lucky tourists below who are living it up in paradise. A wave of jealousy sweeps over me — I feel like I’m missing out, big time, by not stopping here.

But envy turns to shock when I finally reach my destination — Bora Bora’s lesser-known neighbouring island of Taha’a.

Bora Bora is enticing, but it wasn’t on my itinerary. Picture: Kate Schneider

Without a doubt, Taha’a is the most beautiful place I’ve ever set foot in. And I had never even heard of it before!

With turquoise water of various hues stretching as far as you can see, tiny islands dotting the horizon, and a series of bungalows stretching well over the water, it struck me that Taha’a is actually the real jewel in French Polynesia’s crown.

Wow. Wow. Wow! Picture: Kate Schneider

Sure, it wasn’t exactly easy to get here, but it was worth the effort.

French Polynesia doesn’t seem that far away from Australia, but it ended up being a relatively tiring trip over involving three flights (from Sydney you stop in Auckland, then mainland Tahiti, where you must stay the night before flying in to Raiatea), and a boat trip to get to Taha’a. About 24 hours later, I had finally arrived.

Walkway to heaven. Picture: Kate Schneider

There’s just a single hotel here — the private and exclusive Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, with 57 suites and villas across the water and the beach. So it’s easy to see why it’s an enticing spot for the rich and famous such as Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis who visited on their babymoon last year, free from prying eyes.

The poolside area. Picture: Kate Schneider

Everything you dream about when it comes to overwater bungalows is a right here, and yes, you can swim right out from your private room and the views are incredible.

Just taking a swim from my suite. An average day, right? Picture: Kate Schneider

One important tip — don’t forget your reef shoes! The beaches are different to those in Australia, and you’ll need to give your feet protection from the sharp coral that lies underneath the water in many areas.

The bed looks so good it’s a shame to mess it up.

And when washing your hands in the bathroom you may get a surprise visitor — there’s a large glass panel underneath the sink (and also by the bed) that overlooks the water, and often large fish or stingrays swim by.

Just chilling. Picture: Kate Schneider

It’s common to hear loud splashing noises throughout the night, and if you venture outside to your deck you can hang with the fish.

Just sitting on the edge of my room. Picture: Kate Schneider

It was also a pretty cool experience to eat dinner in the restaurant which is nestled in the treetops overlooking the water.

Sitting in the treetops. Picture: Kate Schneider

Back on solid ground for a cocktail. Picture: Kate Schneider

There are a series of motus (or inlets) dotted around Taha’a and exploring them is well worth it — you’ll find boats lying in ruins, teeny tiny islands with not a soul in sight and reef sharks you can swim with if you’re game.

I hesitated when it came time for me to jump in with them, but for locals it was just another day, and they even held on to the sharks as they twisted and raced through the water. There was no fear here. Just serenity, and beauty.

A vessel left to languish in the water. Picture: Kate Schneider

Whatever you do, don’t forget the sunscreen and mozzie spray. Be prepared for the weather to change in a split second — sunny one minute, raining the next. And learn to adjust to “island time” — there is no rush here, expect people to be late.

Oh, and don’t count on a strong Wi-Fi connection out here — it’s slow and temperamental if it works at all. This is an island!

Be warned, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Picture: Kate Schneider

Ultimately, the best thing to do on this island is to simply chill in your room and soak up your surroundings. You’ll never want to leave.

Just lounging around. Picture: Kate Schneider

The best place to relax. Picture: Kate Schneider

Farewell, paradise. Picture: Kate Schneider

Getting there:

Taha’a is served only by water taxi from Raiatea’s airport and guests of the Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa can also arrange for a helicopter transfer from Bora Bora Airport.

The writer was a guest of Le Taha’a, Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourisme. Room rates vary but average more than $1000 a night for an overwater bungalow.