Photos courtesy of www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com

A quiet revolution is taking place in paradise. Legendary as a place to lose oneself in natural beauty, Tahiti is now a place to find deep connection with our fascinating ecosystem and uniquely inviting culture. Here luxury comes naturally.

In addition to famously romantic resorts and every water sport imaginable, we now take you below the surface for something much more. Our team of Tahitian ecologists, artists and educators will add depth, dimension - and fun - to your trip. The result: lasting friendships, vivid memories and travel that truly transforms.

French Polynesia has never been a better value, starting at less than $2000 per week including air from Los Angeles.

Air Tahiti makes scenic flights to over 40 different islands. Designing a combination of 3 or 4 day interludes in these contrasting versions of Paradise is our specialty. Customized itineraries cost no more than packaged tours.

 

By Land

Enjoy Virtuoso upgrades and extras at top resorts or sample the charm of an intimate family-owned inn. Either way our innovativethe warmth and natural elegance of true Tahitian hospitality.

 

 

Studio In Paradise
Artist's Workshops
Multi-isle, with participation of local artists both traditional and contemporary. Magnificent resort-based studios. Painting and drawing and other media. Individualized daily instruction and excursions for artists of all levels. Programs may be designed for artists leading their own group.

 

 

Featured: Photography workshop with Danee Hazama, leading Tahitian photographer [link to DH’s site]

 

 

The Tifaifai Quilting Exchange
Tahitian quilters will steal your heart, even if you never touch a needle. From an afternoon excursion to a week-long tour complete with a “bee by the sea”, nothing opens a door into this world like a quilt. The brilliant contrasting colors and nature-inspired motifs of “tifaifai” are shared with quilters around the world through our exciting ongoing exchange.

 

 

Laboratory In Paradise
From current research in biodiversity to traditional healing plants, we explore the exciting collaboration between old and new taking place here. View the coral reef through both snorkel mask and microscope.

 

 

Yoga Retreats
Magical ambiance, and the spas are superb.  Explore healing plants and ethnobotany.

 

 

Tahitian Dance Workshops
with award-winning troupes

 

 

Seafaring Heritage
The Hawaiki Nui outrigger project reveals Polynesian mastery of the sea. Learn the lore and participate in woodcarving and canoe making. A completely original experience. hawaikinui.org.

 

 

French Language Immersion
what better way to learn, by land or sea?

 

 

And of course, the best in fishing, diving, sailing and luxury camping

 

 

For voluntourism and Internships in ecology and cultural studies. please inquire.

 

 

September, 2011
Guest Artist Jeff Whyman
will lead a
Studio In Paradise
workshop exploring ceramics, sculpture and indigenous media with prominent local artists.
Dates and pricing flexible
Inquire for details.


 

By Sea

The essence of Tahiti — the interplay between land and sea — can best be captured by spending some time afloat.

Cruise the isles on one of the world's top-rated ships, The 320 passenger
m/s Paul Gauguin.
We offer customized shore excursions and group hosting
at unbeatable value with Virtuoso pricing and amenities,
Crista’s Studio At Sea shipboard enrichment and pre/post cruise program
ARANUI 3 FREIGHTER TO PARADISE
November 19-December 2, 2011
Our own Frank and Hinano Murphy of Tahiti Expeditions will provide the enrichment as guest
lecturers on this one-of-a-kind cruise. Be our personal guests on a 2 week adventure that will change the way you look at our planet. An extraordinary opportunity for families.

Circumnavigating Moorea by Kayak with Tahiti Expeditions
Immersion in ecology by day, your choice of accommodations by night,
from luxury camping to 5-star resort - or both!
Only one limitation:this fragile ecosystem is no place for large cruise ships.

THE ART OF THE SWEPT AWAY HONEYMOON
Weddings are now legal in French Polynesia
Yes, Tahiti is exceedingly romantic, whether your perfect honeymoon includes thatched roof luxury in an overwater bungalow, a private feast with drums and dancing, pampering in a spa, or total (but exquisitely comfortable) escape from civilization, we've had lots of experience delivering the unforgettable.

Tifaifai:
Iconic Tahitian Textiles
The annual quilt festival held in early May
Salon Du Tifaifai
An ideal time to visit as Tahitian quilters take center stage with their glorious creations illuminating Polynesian culture. Along with seafaring canoes and the tamure dance, quilts distill the essence of Polynesian culture.
[click here for Story of Tifaifai]
The Tahitian quilters extend an invitation to:
Demonstration of materials, techniques
Behind-the-scenes tours, visits to private homes and collections
Participate in a traditional quilting bee amidst beautiful scenery - a rare occasion in honor of our exchange project. Not to be missed by fabric or cultural arts aficionados!
Receptions, entertainment and more.
International exchange of quilts, perfect for guilds or individuals.
Flexible dates and pricing
The Tahitian quilters plan to expand on our exchange with a visit to
San Francisco in October 2011.
We’ll keep you updated at your request.

 

Fragile But Majestic...
French Polynesia:

 

Breathtakingly beautiful. Exotic by definition. South of Hawaii where the sea is always clear and warm. 7.5 hours from Los Angeles via comfortable Air Tahiti Nui, French Polynesia is easier to reach than most realize..

Bora Bora. Moorea. Over 115 isles scattered like a handful of gems across the South Pacific. The dragon-spine mountains of craggy Hiva Oa. Tikihau, the nearly submerged rim of a volcano like a floating pearl necklace. The real jewel is the gracious and hospitable Polynesian people. Come and make friends.

Always Rooted in Nature and Culture
in Tahiti the two are inseparable.

 

 

Contact: info@cristacarr.com

Copyright © 2009 - Crista Carr Shatz - All Rights Reserved