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3 Knockout Island Destinations: Anguilla, Tahiti and the Grenadines

Palm Island in the Grenadines for a week with my family over New Year’s; a nine day agent inspection trip to six islands in French Polynesia; two trips to Anguilla – one a family holiday in February and another in June to become an Anguilla Travel Connoisseur.

These are the trips I have made to my favorite island destinations in the last year. And why would you want to hear this? Seems a bit rude and boastful telling people all the wonderful places I have been. But I am telling you this to explain that while I travel with my family for enjoyment, I also travel to experience and learn about many wonderful places in the world. These travel experiences allow me to specialize in destinations and then offer firsthand knowledge and advice to clients.

So what do these three island paradises offer and which one should you go to? They are all a little off the beaten path and involve a little extra time and effort to get to, but it is well worth the effort.



Viceroy, Anguilla



Anguilla is a little island off the coast of St Maarten/St Martin – about twenty minutes by ferry or eight minutes by air.  It offers 33 beaches, about 100 restaurants, boutique resorts, B and B’s and private villas. What it doesn’t have; crowds, casinos or cruise ships. Celebrities love it for the anonymity it offers and the friendly people. It’s a fabulous spot for a wedding, honeymoon, family re-union or friend getaway. It is the little island that could!



Petit St Vincent, Grenadines



The Grenadines is a chain of islands running south from volcanic and lush St. Vincent down to Bequia with its famous port and ship building heritage, to the royal and celebrity hangout of Mustique, to Canouan home to the luxury golf  and villa resort (formerly Raffles), the hub of the south, Union Island, and the resort islands of Palm and Petit St Vincent and of course the Tobago Cays.

These islands offer relaxation and seclusion and great snorkeling and scuba. From Canada the best access is through Barbados and then onward via Grenadines Air.

You can sail the islands on your own or charter a boat and crew – a great way to discover secluded coves and beaches.

Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

And finally the Tahitian islands, which beckon with their romance and beauty. There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, but most people know only of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.  Television, films and magazines have given us a glimpse of her lush landscapes and coral motus surrounding multi-hued blue lagoons, but they remain unspoiled and un-crowded. The islands are far from Toronto five hours to Los Angeles and another eight to Papeete and expensive, but the rewards are many. No one comes home from French Polynesia disappointed! And guess what? The low season in Tahiti is our winter. Whether you cruise or island hop, stay in a five star overwater bungalow or a pension, this paradise will capture your heart

So which will you choose?

Hilton Moorea Stay

Belvedere

On leaving the Legends Resort we drove up to the Belvedere - the iconic Moorea photo stop. Unfortunately there were a few other people there and it seems I took a photo of someone taking a photo...

Next stop was our home for the night, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa. Formerly the Sheraton this is the most American resort in terms of bedding and bathroom comfort - big comfy beds and claw foot bathtub and walk in shower.

Welcome to the Hilton

the pool

The resort offers 104 bungalows in six categories- garden pool to panoramic over water. There are two restaurants, two bars, pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and spa and aquatic activities. The hotel offers various cultural activities and Polynesian evenings - like other resorts in the islands.
We were treated to a sunset cocktail at the Toatea Bar by the over water bungalows and later a lovely dinner at the Rotui grill restaurant.
Next day we went off to the Sofitel for a site inspection. The Sofitel has the best beach and clearest water on Moorea, but it lacks the sunset view. It does however look back toward Tahiti and offers views of the sunrise. It is also close to both the airport and the ferry.

The resort has garden, beach and over water bungalows. The rooms are a good size with cool, contemporary styling; a nice blend of Polynesian and European style with splashes of colour. The over water bungalows have glass inserts in the living room floor which open to view and feed the fish. There are two restaurants - I like the Restaurant K for romantic dinners in the sand.

Moorea continued

After lunch we had a quick visit of the beautiful Legends Villa Resort which sits on the hill behind the Intercontinental; it offers the most amazing views in Moorea.

View from the top

When you enter the lobby you are graced with the most stunning view over the infinity pool to the beautiful waters of the lagoon below.

Legends Resort Pool and view

There are a number of villas spread across the hillside each with commanding views from a wrap around deck complete with jacuzzi, lounge chairs and a sheltered dining area. Indoors there is a modern kitchen/ dining bath and bedrooms and comfortable sitting area - with fresh comfortable decor. A great place for a wedding or a gathering of friends and family.

Jacuzzi, loungers and dining area

second bedroom

Living area of larger villa

Tahiti to Moorea - Fam day 2

After touring Tahiti hotels and some island sights, we boarded the Aremiti ferry for the 30 minute trip to Moorea. We were met at the ferry by Moorea Explorer - the yellow bus -and taken to the Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa. I checked into my garden pool bungalow, had a rest and dip in my private plunge pool prior to cocktails and a lovely dinner hosted by our charming host.

garden pool bungalow - Moorea Pearl

Next day we had breakfast and a tour of the property. The Pearl is a lovely resort with many on site amenities - bar, restaurant, pool, spa, shops, water sports and activities - but it is also walking distance to shopping and local restaurants. There are a number of different room categories to suit all needs.
They have a beautiful open air lobby where you are received with a cold towel, drink and sit down check in service.

poolside - Moorea Pearl

Next stop was the Intercontinental Resort and Spa - still one of my favourite hotels on Moorea. As with the Pearl you are met with a cold towel and refreshing drink with sit down lobby check in service. It is a larger property set a little further away from other amenities, but it is a beautiful property. There are lagoon and garden view rooms in the main building; garden bungalows with recently added plunge pools, beach and over water bungalows. The over water bungalows here are different - you enter from land and enter the water from the balcony. They have two restaurants, bars, two beautiful new pools with a swim up bar, expanded beach, a  turtle rehabilitation centre and a dolphin centre.

Intercontinental Moorea - looking toward Legends Resort

Both hotels have local artisans displaying their wares for sale in the lobby. I was pleased to see Nathalie of L'atelier du Chat at the Intercontinental. We bought a beautiful Tiki carved by her husband on our first visit to Moorea in 2004. We were treated to a nice lunch in the poolside restaurant and were then off to see the Legends Villa resort - on the mountain behind the Intercontinental.