‘South Pacific’

How to Make a Tahitian Black Pearl

August 11th, 2009 by Adrienne | 1 Comment | Filed in ISLANDS Experts, South Pacific

Have you ever wondered what gives Tahitian black pearls their color? Aymeric Champon, a pearl farmer on the island of Taha’a, explains in the video below.

The culturing process includes several more steps: The oyster is implanted with nuclei (the grain of mother-of-pearl for color and a round fresh-water pearl for shape). It’s then placed back in the 22-foot lagoon and protected from predators for five to 10 years before harvesting. All this — plus a fair bit of practiced expertise — results in lustrous black pearls of varying shapes, sizes and shades. Go to Taha’a to tour the family-owned farm. Or shop online for loose pearls and pearl jewelry from the Champon Pearl Farm.

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Do’s and Don’ts For Your Trip to Yap

August 10th, 2009 by Eddy | No Comments | Filed in ISLANDS Experts, South Pacific

Edward Readicker-Henderson

In a land of stone money, how does one manage? Award-winning writer Edward Readicker-Henderson shares his tips for traveling to Yap, fresh off his latest assignment for ISLANDS magazine.

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Tahiti Resort Guide Map

July 27th, 2009 by Adrienne | No Comments | Filed in ISLANDS Experts, South Pacific

The islands of Tahiti are home to countless resorts. So how do you choose the one that will best meet your vacation needs? Here’s our guide to some of the top resorts on four of French Polynesia’s most visited spots — Pape’ete, Moorea, Taha’a and Bora-Bora.



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Want to know more about Tahiti’s resorts? Send your question to asktheeditor@islands.com. Share your own suggestions in the comments.

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Most Popular Wallpaper is from Tahiti

July 14th, 2009 by Todd | 1 Comment | Filed in Photo Talk, South Pacific

As the online editor for ISLANDS, I post all of the great stories you read, wallpapers you download and destination pages you visit. And since I get to keep track of what you — our readers — like most, I thought I would post what’s most popular. Right now it so happens to be this great wallpaper from the Tahitian island of Moorea, and believe me our fans love wallpaper!

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Plan Your Trip to Bora Bora

July 9th, 2009 by Adrienne | 5 Comments | Filed in Destination Spotlight, South Pacific

The superlatives are true; Bora Bora is spectacular. The impossibly blue water (26 shades, said one hotelier) is striking — almost intoxicating. So be sure to plan your trip before you get there and find yourself mesmerized. Here are our best Bora Bora tips.

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Plan your trip to New Zealand’s Otago Peninsula

July 2nd, 2009 by Matthew | 1 Comment | Filed in Destination Spotlight, South Pacific
Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo by Jad Davenport.

Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo by Jad Davenport.

The Otago Peninsula juts east from southeast end of New Zealand’s South Island beyond the limits of Dunedin. Probably one of the first inhabited parts of New Zealand, the peninsula yet feels remote.

FLY to Dunedin and drive in minutes from the city’s urban Victorian/Edwardian temperament to hillsides dotted with sheep.

Kaimata retreat, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo by Jad Davenport.

Kaimata retreat, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo by Jad Davenport.

STAY at Kaimata eco-retreat on the Papanui Inlet. Dining tables, beds, paths — everywhere you go you’ll find views of the shifting tides.

EAT “raw food,” the literal translation of the Maori word “kaimata.” In the language of boutique eco resorts, that means New Zealand clams harvested from the Southern Ocean and super fresh produce. Yes, you can get a kiwi fruit. Yes, you can get cooked food, too.

Yellow-eyed penguin, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo by Jad Davenport

Yellow-eyed penguin, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. Photo by Jad Davenport

WATCH over yellow-eyed penguins during breeding season from September to March. Also spot sea lions, as well as the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross.

ISLANDS expert Jad Davenport (jaddavenport.com) provided background information as well as the photos for this entry. Check out his recent Cuba story for ISLANDS.

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