Pearl of the Pacific

Oct 24 2008 By Alison Purdy

Why Tahiti is not just a holiday hide-away

When I was told we were going for a walk in the island's interior on our first day on the South Pacific island of Tahiti, I imagined a gentle stroll through the lush green jungle that covers much of the island.

I hadn't imagined that a couple of hours later I would be waist-deep in gushing water dressed in a wet suit with a harness strapped round me, precariously scrambling up a slippy ravine. I had never been canyoning before and the experience was both terrifying and exhilarating.

Despite the influence of invaders, Tahitians remain proud and attached to the culture and heritage of their Maohi ancestors.

Body art has a long history among the Polynesian people dating back to a time before islanders could read. They were considered signs of beauty and were ceremoniously applied at the age of adolescence.

The island's Sofitel beach resort does live up to the honeymoon brochure billing with individual bungalows all either standing on stilts over the water or lining the beach front with breathtaking views.

Partly because several tourists took themselves off to explore the interior of the island and got seriously lost in the process, a network of paths has been created. An uphill climb is rewarded by fantastic views across the pineapple plantations.

One of the great attractions of Tahiti and her islands is how easy it is to travel between them. Besides the frequent catamaran services, daily flights link no fewer than 50 of the 76 inhabited islands.

Our next stop was the geographically unusual island of Rangiroa - which consists of a string of coral encircling a turquoise lagoon.

One of Rangiroa's most successful exports is the black pearl. Most guest houses can organise a trip to the island's pearl farm where the precious gem is grown.

Tahiti and her collection of islands may be the epitome of the South Seas holiday hide-away - but those keen to do more than just lie on the beach enjoy a fantastic choice of leisure options, from scuba diving to hiking in the mountains.

Travel facts...

Alison Purdy flew to Tahiti with British Airways and Air Tahiti Nui via New York and she was a guest of Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort, Moorea and Raira Lagon, Rangiroa.

Turquoise Holidays reservations: 01494 678 400 and www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Leisure activities include a day's canyoning bookable through Mato-Nui Excursions.

Destination information on Tahiti & her Islands available on 0207 202 6378 and www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk