Need a Reason to Cruise Paul Gauguin Cruises?

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Paul Gauguin Cruises is a luxury cruise line that specializes in providing unique and intimate travel experiences in the South Pacific. They have been operating in the South Pacific for several decades. The cruise line was founded in 1997, and it is named after the French post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin, who spent much of his artistic career in Tahiti, a part of French Polynesia. The cruise line focuses on providing luxury cruises in the South Pacific, particularly in the waters surrounding French Polynesia. When deciding if Paul Gaugin is a fit for your South Pacific vacation experience, consider these.


Reasons to Cruise Paul Gaugin Cruises

  1. It is an ideal setting for a large vessel that never carries more than 300 guests. 
  2. There is no nickel and diming. It is one all-inclusive price for the experience. 
  3. It is a laid-back luxury. No more worries about carrying that formal wear and wondering which night is formal. 
  4. It is ideal for people who only want to unpack once while seeing various sights. 
  5. The cruises have exclusive access to private retreats on Bora Bora and Le Taha ‘a islands.
  6. They are port intensive, meaning they spend a lot of time in each port.
  7. It is a wholly immersive experience of French Polynesian culture with nightly entertainment.
  8. The crew-to-guest ratio is one crew to 1.5 guests.
  9. It is unregimented, allowing you to plan your day as you see fit. 
  10. They are the industry leader with the highest rating and longest sailing time in the South Pacific. 

There is an array of sailings to choose from, from their most popular 7-nights exploring the Society Islands to itineraries that take you to the Marquesas and sailings that include other parts of the South Pacific, such as The Cook Islands and Fiji. A travel agent versed in the South Pacific is your friend and guide in your selection for itinerary, activities, and extension of stays.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslNeed a Reason to Cruise Paul Gauguin Cruises?
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Passport for Your Palate-Pad Thai

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Thailand is the “Land of Smiles.” It offers the complete package when it comes to an unforgettable vacation and one of the reasons is it’s great cuisine. This dish I am about to share is sure to put a smile on your lips when you taste it.  Being in the travel industry has provided me with a plethora of incredible opportunities and experiences. Despite our current Covid-19 situation, Thailand Tourism, Down Under Answers, and Ayara Thai were able to provide not once, but twice a fun and tasty evening event where Chef Vanda led us through how to create Pad Thai in our own kitchens via Zoom.  What is even better is that her restaurant packages a kit for your purchase that provides all the authentic ingredients such as the Pad Thai sauce, rice noodles, shrimp paste, pickled radish, paprika, crushed peanuts, and roasted chili powder.  You then only need to go pick up a handful of items from the store to make this fantastic plate.   It is super easy and quick.  TIP: Cut up all your ingredients and have them ready to go before cooking!

Throughout our cooking lesson Chef Vanda interjected with stories and cultural practices of her home, Thailand.  If I didn’t already have Thailand on my “to  go” list, it would be now.  I have actually been eating Thai food for years.  I love to grab lunch locally with one of my agency owner friends and when I do get the opportunity to visit my folks in Vermont, my dad makes some mean Thai cuisine. There is a lovely restaurant called Thai Basil, located in Manchester, Vermont,  we often go to for celebrations because they have a lot of gluten-free options for my daughter.

So let’s get cooking!

All of the cooking is done in one pan or wok.  Chef Vanda does recommend a wok with flat bottom, but a cast iron pan will work as well.  You are going to be heating the pan up on high heat, so everything cooks fast.  She also says if there is something you are allergic to or don’t care for you can leave it out.  And one last thing, typically Pad Thai is not spicy and it is up to your discretion on the use of the chili powder for the heat at the end.

Pad Thai Recipe

Serves 1-2 people

Ingredients:

3-4 oz Ayara’s Pad Thai Sauce

2 bundles of rice noodles, soaked in room temp water for 15-min

2-3 oz chicken, sliced

1 oz tofu, cubed

1-2 eggs (personal preference)

2-tbs soybean oil or vegetable oil (do not use olive oil)

1-tbs garlic, chopped

1-tbs shrimp paste

Pinch pickled radish

1/2 tsp paprika

1 lime cut into wedges

Roasted peanuts, crushed

Roasted chili powder

1 handful of beansprouts, for cooking

1 handful of beansprouts, for garnish

1 green onion, cut into 1-inch lengths

Cilantro, garnish to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place a wok/pan over high heat. Once hot, add oil and cook chicken and tofu.
  2. Once chicken is almost cooked, add egg and garlic
  3. Once egg is cooked, add noodles. When noodles begin to soften, add shrimp paste and pickled radish.
  4. Once mixed, add Pad Thai sauce, beansprouts, green onions, and paprika
  5. Taste, add more sauce if needed.
  6. Transfer to serving dish. Garnish with beansprouts, lime, peanuts, chili powder, and cilantro to taste.

Additional Cooking Tips:

  • Her noodles come with a tie around them. This is to let you know when they are ready to take out of the water. When the noodles easily slip out of the tie they are ready to go.
  • When you put the eggs, you want to let them set a bit. Then once set break them up into larger chunks. You don’t want to scramble them.
  • She prefers to use Pressed Tofu.
  • To eat this, you take a fork and spoon, toss all the ingredients that you have on the plate together. You than use the fork to push bites onto your spoon and eat from your spoon.  That is how they do it in Thailand.

I recorded myself live this past cooking class. You can see it here. Mind you there were some camera issues, but it was all for fun.  To get your own Pad Thai Recipe kit from Ayara Thai, click here. 

Happy Cooking!

#padthai


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Tahiti-Top 3 Most Asked Questions

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Tahiti is open for business. One of the first openings for US travelers since the COVID-19 outbreak.  Despite current situations, Tahiti has long been a sought-after paradise for couples, families, and solo travelers. Tahiti is all about romance, rejuvenation, and relaxation.  It is a haven and offers an array of land and water activities. Due to all the coral reefs, it is the perfect dive spot as well.   No matter your reason for seeking out this destination, there are 3 common questions I always seem to get.

Top 3 Most Asked Questions:

Q: What is the best time of year to visit?

A:  Tahiti is an ideal destination year-round.  The rains come in January and February, but it is still spectacular because you will see waterfalls appear on the mountain that isn’t usually there.

Q:  How much time should I plan for my visit?

A:  We encourage an immersive experience for your trip. We want you to feel like you belong and connect with the country. I advise you to let me know how much time you’ve got. I will then customize the itinerary to suit your needs. I would recommend a minimum of a week as the flight from Los Angeles is 9 hours.

Q:  What type of documentation do I need?

A:  You will, of course, need your passport, which should have an expiration date 3 months past your travel dates, but we usually recommend 6 months for all international travel.  No visa is required for 90 days or less for tourism-based travel. With the new COVID-19 protocols, you will be required to provide a negative test result done within 3 days before travel, along with a Sanitary Entry Form upon check-in for your flight. Please know that we will assist you in any way we can in obtaining your requirements for travel.

Do You Have More Questions About Tahiti? 

Then send them to me at info@boomerangescapes.com. We are here to make sure you have the best vacation experience possible!


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Tahiti Reopening-Covid-19 Travel Protocols

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It is good news for the American traveler as The Islands of Tahiti reopen their borders to international travelers beginning July 15th, 2020.  French Polynesia has done a fantastic job in managing the Covid-19 outbreak amongst the islands.  They had fewer than 70 cases with no deaths reported.  As of May 29th, French Polynesia has had no active cases of the illness.

What does this mean for you?  It means you can travel to this incredible, romantic, cultural, and sensory destination as long as you follow the new protocols.  French Polynesia has established new Covid-19 visitor entry and stay conditions.

Here is a short list of what you can expect:

  • Wear a mask.  You will be required on the flights to wear a mask at all times except to remove for your meal or drink.  In destination, you will be expected to wear a mask when not in open air situations, or in situations where the 6 foot distancing cannot be maintained. An example, the ferry ride over.  You will see all airline staff and hotel staff wearing masks.
  • Covid-19 test. You will have to have a test done within 72hrs prior to boarding.  Your test results must be negative and you must show proof of negative result at check-in.  Test can be done by most health authority centers such as hospital, clinic, and testing centers.
  • Sanitary Entry Form.  This will be a form you are required to rill out after you’ve received your negative test results. It is similar in nature to the immigration forms you are used to filling out when traveling internationally. This again will need to be done prior to your arrival for boarding your plane with the receipt from completed form with you for check-in at the airport.

Once in destination, you will see the heightened cleanliness protocols.  French Polynesia asks that visitors be responsible and respectful that is honoring prevention measures in place and reporting if while in destination any flu like symptoms that arise.  Be aware the Ministry of Health of French Polynesia may carry out some tests and accredited medical staff my carry out inspections of accommodations while you are in destination.

Air Tahiti Nui has loaded flights in for July with August yet to be finalized. As we have seen this virus and the conditions surrounding it have been very fluid. The fluidity of the situation means that at anytime borders could close again or more measures could be put in place until a grasp on the disease has been fully made.  If we all travel responsibly, there is no reason why we can’t enjoy the benefits and current need to revive and rejuvenate with a much overdue escape.

For more details on what to expect and arranging your travel,  please contact your travel advisor. We are tapped in to the latest information being released from the destination both with our suppliers and the tourism board.  We thank Tahiti Tourisme and Down Under Answers for providing these latest details .  Information above was current and up to date as of June 19, 2020.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslTahiti Reopening-Covid-19 Travel Protocols
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Passport for Your Palate-Black Pearl

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Black pearls for dessert?

Yes, in the islands of Tahiti. French Polynesia and her islands are known for their cultured black pearls, which of course, you will want to buy. Many shops even allow you to create your own one of a kind piece of jewelry, which I did take advantage of while on Bora Bora. However, before I reached Bora Bora, I was introduced to a very different kind of black pearl. One of the chefs at the Hilton Moorea came up with a dessert named after this pretty gem.

Like the pearls, it is indeed dark, dark because it is made of dark chocolate. If you are anything like myself, the mere mention of chocolate already has you ordering before the waitress can even explain. The best part about this dessert is it comes with a bit of a surprise. Just like when prying open an oyster shell to find that beautiful gem, the black pearl dessert has its own inner gem.

To see a peek at the surprise, check out this short video… Black Pearl at the Hilton Moorea 2014.

Now it’s been a few years since I was at the Hilton Moorea, but reaching out to my contacts with Tahiti Tourisme and the Hilton, we were able to get the hotel to send us over a rendition of what I tried and found so delectable.

Here is the recipe…..

Black Pearl Dessert

Ingredients (for 4 spheres) :
Dark chocolate 70% 500 grams for 8 silicon molds (half-spheres with 6cm diameter each)
Fresh raspberries 10 grams per sphere
Raspberry sorbet 15 grams per sphere
Popping sugar 6 grams per sphere
Raspberry coulis 200 grams for the 4 spheres

Preparation :

Tempering of the chocolate: melt the two-thirds of the chocolate in a bain-marie or the microwave when the temperature reaches 53°C/55°C
Add the one-third left to lower the temperature at 27°C/28°C, stirring regularly (it takes a few time)
Allow the temperature to 31°C – be careful; the temperature increases very quickly. If it exceeds 32°C, the chocolate won’t have a shiny aspect, and it will give a dull color with whitish marks!
With a brush, line the inside of the 8 molds with the chocolate and store them in a refrigerator to let the chocolate harden. Repeat the operation.
When the chocolate is well hardened, unmold the half spheres carefully and keep them in a cool place.
Place a half-sphere on a platter. Put the popping sugar inside the sphere, the raspberries pieces, and a finger of raspberry sorbet. Close with another half sphere.
Serve the plates and at the last moment, pour the hot raspberry coulis.

Many thanks to Tekura Kelley from Tahiti Tourisme, Erin Wigger, and Virginie Hanot, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, to help me and pass the recipe on for use in this share.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Passport for Your Palate-Tahitian Vanilla Vodka

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When you think of vanilla, do you think of French Polynesia?

I do. My memories are filled with the aromas and flavors of the South Pacific. These islands are truly full-on sensory experience and must be visited at least once during your lifetime.

One aroma and flavor that was infused throughout my experience was vanilla. I spent a glorious two weeks among the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Le Taha’ a, which are part of the Societal Islands of French Polynesia. These are the most well-known and tourists, but the country is actually made up of 118 islands and atolls. While visiting, I found vanilla in my lotions, oils, meals, and cocktails.

While Tahiti is no longer a major exporter of their vanilla, it is considered a “luxury” vanilla due to its properties and rarity. Unlike other countries that grow vanilla, the vanilla in Tahiti has the distinction of being hand pollinated. It has become a very distinct part of the culture. The best-known location for its cultivation is Le Taha ‘a, otherwise known as the “vanilla island.” The bean is highly sought out by Parisian chefs and visitors as well.

I brought home my own beans from Le Taha’ to replicate the infused vodka I fell in love with at the resort bars. They had a variety of flavored infusions, but truly the vanilla was my favorite. Infusion of the bean into the alcohol is easy. The only hard part is waiting for it to be ready to drink!


How to Make Tahitian Vanilla Vodka

Ingredients:
750ml of your favorite vodka (go for good quality, not the cheap stuff)
1 Tahitian Vanilla Bean (can be ordered online, but I think a visit to the islands is the best way to obtain)
Directions:
You’ll need a lidded jar or bottle. You can use the bottle as is. Place the bean in the vodka and seal. Let stand for 1 to 2 weeks, shaking gently every other day. Let sit until your desired flavor strength.
The longer the bean sits in the vodka, the stronger the flavor will be. If you accidentally let it sit too long, add more vodka. Easy peasy, right?
When you are ready to pour, enjoy on the rocks with your favorite cola or with your favorite fruit juice. My preferred choice is pineapple. Be creative and see what you can come up with. Cheers!

Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Tahitian Vanilla Vodka
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What’SUP?

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SUP, or otherwise known as Stand Up Paddling Boarding, is a fun, relaxing way to play on the water.

It’s easy enough for most levels of fitness and swimming when geared with a life jacket. SUP creates a great way to explore earth’s waters with the added benefit of exercise.

SUP requires little equipment and when traveling for leisure, the resorts will provide you with everything you need. SUP has become a great full-body workout and works well for a cross-training activity. For me, I love it because of the experience. Done from a standing position, you not only get to enjoy the beauty of the world below you, but the horizon as well.

SUP requires the board, paddle, life jacket (if required), proper climate clothing, and an adventurous you. And no need to worry, lessons are provided should you need them. My first experience was with my daughter in Cozumel. We were given lessons and had an instructor with our group the whole time we were out on the water. I was one of the oldest in the bunch and one of the first to get standing and stay standing. It probably helped that I am only 5 feet tall and have a low center of gravity. After our paddling up and down the shore, we ended our experience with feeding the tropical fish. It was spectacular.


I have since done SUP stateside, in St. Martin, and in French Polynesia. French Polynesia was a particular favorite on the blue waters of the lagoon at the Intercontinental Thalasso Resort on Bora Bora. My travel agent friend and I decided to take SUP to the next level and do yoga SUP. Trying to do yoga poses on a board that is floating on water takes incredible core strength and balance. We had a terrific time and more than once we toppled over and splashed into the clear water below.

I’ve seen now where they actually offer SUP Yoga as an option at some fitness centers for your workout. I’ve also seen several styles of board workouts via YouTube. For me, SUP gives me an opportunity to enjoy the destination, explore my surroundings, and stay fit all at once. While I certainly love hours laying upon a chair in the sand, my favorite when traveling is to immerse myself in the activities available to me.

What’SUP?

Have you tried SUP? Share with us in the comments below.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Tantalizing Tahiti

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Tahiti.

What comes to mind when you hear someone say Tahiti? Do you smell floral scents? Do you see pure white sand beaches? Do you see endless shades of blue water lagoons? Do you think overwater bungalows? Do you imagine lush green tropics? All of these things embody Tahiti, but Tahiti is only one island in French Polynesia. People don’t realize the region is not Tahiti. Tahiti happens to be the largest island in the Societal Islands which are the ones most tourists visit. It is also the most populated by the Tahitians and is home to the main gateway of entry to this beautiful South Pacific escape.


Tahiti is more than a connection point.

I would encourage travelers to consider 1 to 3 nights on this island to enjoy everything the main island offers. I recommend you put a visit here before venturing off to the other islands and build your experience with that amazing crescendo at the overwater bungalows to punctuate the end of your trip!

Tahiti has much to offer, from the waterfalls to the beaches to the capital city of Papeete. Take a guided tour of the island’s beautiful, bountiful countryside. I enjoyed stopping at Fautau Waterfalls. It was a pleasant hike in to see the falls from where the car park, but that was half of the adventure. Then you emerge from the forest to see the cascading water in the midst of this deep tropical background. It’s especially spectacular if you go during the rainy season as even more water cascades over the cliff. Just remember the insect repellent.

Are you more of a history buff? A reader of books? Then you might like to take the tour to visit the home of James Norman Hall, author of Mutiny on the Bounty. It is incredible to see the preserved history in this home and learn more about a man who lived his life to the fullest. It’s a true hidden gem.

If it is the culture you are after, then look no further. Papeete, herself, is a multicultural hub of activity with busy boulevards and a bustling harbor. The market, or Le Marche, is the perfect spot to pick up those sought after Tahitian gifts and souvenirs from vanilla beans, to monoi oil, to the colorful pareos. A pareo, a large scarf with many wearing options, is a must-have for any woman visiting the islands. I even had the opportunity during my stay to create my own oil. As evening descends upon the city, be sure to take part in the local cuisine by visiting the food trucks or better known on the island as Roulottes. They can be found set up almost every night and offer a wide variety of cuisines. I know I had to start with seafood and then couldn’t resist ending my evening with a crepe.

While often overlooked by travelers for her more famous counterparts in the outer islands, like Bora Bora, you can see she is not a place to be missed. Tahiti is so much more than an overnight stop before your flight home. Take time to see everything this island has to offer beyond your arrival and departure at the airport.


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslTantalizing Tahiti
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Tahitian Pearls

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“An irritating, tiny grain of sand cultivates layers of luminous, miraculous, one of a kind beauty just as life challenges cultivates and evolves each of our souls.”-unknown.

As I sit here reflecting, drawing my hand along my throat,  I am drawn back to my time in Tahiti and the little orbs that hang from my silver chain. They were a gift I bought myself in December 2014 while in the Islands of French Polynesia. My particular pearls were bought at the Tahiti Pearl Market in Vaitape. I remember the day well. We began the day with a shark and sting ray excursion. As we were finishing our day out on the ocean and lagoon of Bora Bora, a storm moved in. Here the 10 of us were on a small boat and the captain had us sit steadily facing the shore as we waited for the storm to pass. We entertained ourselves with various camp songs and could not resist singing the theme from “Gilligan’s Island”. Once we made it back to the resort, it was a quick change to catch our ferry to the mainland to have some lunch and shopping in Vaitape. We were caught in another downpour and waited it out in the restaurant before venturing to the stores. Black pearls are really a must purchase you see and we were on a mission that day to come home with some.

The black pearl is known as the Tahitian Pearl.

This organic gem is formed from the black lip oyster and primarily earns the name Tahitian Pearl because they are mostly cultivated around the islands of French Polynesian. The pearls actually aren’t true black; they’re charcoal, and they also can be found as silver or dark green. At the Tahiti Pearl Market you had the option to purchase a piece already made or could design your own. I opted to make my own design so that it would be one of a kind. The pearls range in size, shape, color and luster. The price ranges too, depending on the size, color, and luster you choose for your setting.

Looking at the boxes and boxes of pearls it was so hard to decide, but fun at the same time.

It was like having a bag of marbles, but on smaller scale. I finally chose a charcoal, green, and white to place on an “S”-shaped pendant I had picked out. The amazing part is they actually assembled and crafted your design while you waited. You could watch the French Polynesian woman behind the glass. I truly must say the French Polynesians are some of the most friendly people you will ever meet in your travels. After about 30 minutes my creation was complete with certificate of authenticity. I was so excited to collect my treasure and return to the shuttle with my friends. Almost all 10 of us had something either made or purchased throughout that afternoon. It is truly a treasure I will cherish for a lifetime.

updated July 19. 2020


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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Must-Have Item for the Islands

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What is the must-have item for the islands?

The pareo is the Tahitian word for a wrap-around skirt. In other parts of the world, it is known as a coverup, sarong, or wraparound. It refers to women’s skirts as the men wore an item known as a loincloth or maro. Today, a pareo is best known as an item you wrap around your body.

Seen as a symbol of the island, the pareo is worn by men, women, and children. It’s beautiful coloring and cool comfort makes it a staple piece of clothing among island inhabitants. One’s imagination only limits its versatility in wear. During a recent visit to Moorea, we were fortunate enough to run across one of the locals at the bar at the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa. He took the time to demonstrate just some of the many ways to wear a pareo. Click on the image below of my dear travel colleague and friend Sarah Bush of Bali Ha’i Dreams to see a video of our lesson.

More than being the most versatile piece of cloth you have ever worn, the pareo is a work of art. While many pareos are mass-manufactured now, there are still artists in the islands’ hills that hand paint the beautiful and colorful designs. You can actually visit the artists in their home/workshop during a 4-wheel drive tour and select your very own one of kind hand painted pareo.

Are you ready to adorn the islands? Tie on a pareo, put a tiaré flower behind your ear, rub on some monoi oil, add a puka shell anklet, and voila!


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

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