Spring 2025 eNewsletter / Postcards from Paradise
2025 News
NEW location: Islands Getaways is now based in Hawaii!
One Way Ticket
I recently moved from California to the island of O’ahu in Hawaii. NO change to the company.
Still specializing in custom international travel to dream destinations worldwide.
You can email at any time. NO change to my email: JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com
photo: Jacintha Perera
NEW phone number
Note: Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time.
9 am in California is (currently) 6 am in Hawaii!
12 noon West Coast is 9 am in the Hawaii time zone.
(916) 679-5700 Please call after 12 noon PST.
Waikiki photo: Jacintha Perera
Going Full Circle
When I left Hawaii to go to a mainland college, I always said I was “taking the long way home”. It finally worked out with a sudden opportunity & a super fast move this spring.
Moana Goes Home
I ran 2 Disney 10K Races as Moana so I pointed my outrigger canoe to the West & set sail. Returning in a few weeks or several decades, depending on how you look at it.
I atttended a Tahiti Travel Conference in Papeete in December 2024 for a full day of 30 business meetings with local travel companies.
photo: Jacintha Perera
My Tahiti Travel Tribe
It was also a great renuion with longterm travel colleagues as well as an opportunity to foster new relationships. All people who care deeply about the best traveler experiences.
Tahiti, Paradise Found
Tahiti aka French Polynesia, 118 sun-kissed islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, in 5 island groups or archipelagos. The most famous & glamorous is Bora Bora but her sister islands are equally beautiful & compelling in other ways. I should know. I’ve traveling there over the last 25 years as an Advanced Tiare Specialist (Tahiti Expert in plain English).
Rangiroa photo: Jacintha Perera
The Society Islands
Home to Bora Bora, Moorea and the island of Tahiti, the most frequently visited group of islands for 1st time travelers to French Polynesia. I encourage going beyond these to some of my personal favorites – Tahaa & Huahine – on a future getaway for an entirely different experience.
Bora Bora photo: Jacintha Perera
Postcards from Paradise
IMO the most beautful place in the world. One of the reasons I keep going back. Here are some highlights of my time in the Society Islands & Tuamotus Atolls doing inspections before & after the main business event.
Island Hopping
Local island airports are very small & informal. A runway with an open air building. Walk out on the tarmac to the plane. Climb stairs to board. Watch luggage & cargo being loaded/unloaded manually. Each plane has a unique fantail design with a Tahitian name. A short flight transports you to another experience.
Air Tahiti photo: Jacintha Perera
50 Shades of Blue
Bora Bora. Probably the most famous island in the South Pacific. The lagoon is stunningly gorgeous & pictures somehow never really capture it fully. Surreal in its beauty. It just has to be seen in person.
Bora Bora photo: Oceania Cruises
Secluded. Spacious. Luxury. A Private Estate perfect for a Family & Friends Getaway for a Special Occasion.Let’s tour the impressive grounds & exterior. See additional images on Facebook/IslandGetaways
photos: (c) Noam Bora Bora
The Lush Life
photos: (c) Noam Bora Bora
A Polynesian resort on the private island of Taha’a (neighboring Bora Bora). You know you have entered another world when this canoe house reception area welcomes you with stone tikis outside & lush tropical foliage inside.
Taha’a photos: Jacintha Perera
Click this link for my video tour of a Beach Pool Bungalow from exterior to interior.
Taha’a photo: Jacintha Perera
Room with a View
Enjoy the sights: beach, the water, the overwater bungalows.
Taha’a photo: Jacintha Perera
Famous Overwater Bungalows
Tahiti is the birthplace of the original overwater bungalow. Now they come in many sizes & configurations.
Click the link for my video tour of a Polynesian style Overwater Bungalow at the private island resort.
Taha’a photo: Jacintha Perera
Dining Delights
photo: Jacintha Perera
Several cruise lines sail through French Polynesia, some on a seasonal basis only. These small ships serve as a your floating hotel as you cruise between multiple islands. A seamless way to travel in different island groups but not as immersive as longer land stays.
Bora Bora photo: Paul Gauguin
Rangiroa Atoll
The lagoon is a giant aquarium, world famous for some of the best snorkeling & scuba diving in Tahiti, with its diverse marine life. Grab your gear. Let’s go & get into that brilliant blue water!
Rangiroa photo: Tahiti Tourism
Picnic Lunch
Rangiroa photos: Jacintha Perera
Rangiroa photo: Jacintha Perera
photo: Jacintha Perera
Tahiti photo: Jacintha Perera
photos: Jacintha Perera
Moorea photo: Jacintha Perera
Cause for Celebration
3 Birthdays photo: Sabrina Covalt
Seeking your own perfect paradise?
Send me an email to get started.
International Destination Specialist
Accredited & Master Cruise Counsellor