Tahiti - 10 of the Best Summer Holidays

Words by Kirk Owers

Tahiti’s verdant natural beauty has inspired many things: mutiny on the bounty, Gauguin’s best paintings and Marlon Brando’s mid-life wig out. While the South Pacific is sprinkled with literally thousands of beautiful islands, Tahiti stands alone. And it stands tall. The dramatic volcanic island spears out of the Pacific like a geographic King Kong. Aquamarine lagoons moat one side, black sandy beaches the other – everything else is green and wet and alive. The French influence has made the place a little pricey but it’s also given it some European charm. The food’s good, the people are cool and there is plenty to do. Once thought of as a honeymoon island, people (particularly surfers) are discovering its more adventurous side. Tip: avoid the generic super resorts and enjoy a more intimate experience in a family run guest house.