Discover the newly-revamped Ms Paul Gaugin ! After completing a $7 million renovation to the m/s Paul Gauguin in January 2012– the largest in the ship’s 14-year history - the ship embraces a new life in  Polynesian waters, with an even more luxurious feel for this very special cruise.

New flooring, carpets, elegant new furniture, renovations throughout the ship provide a lighter, brighter feel. This renovation combined with the five-star service and the amazing environement of the Polynesian Isles makes this one of the world's most special and luxurious cruises.

The m/s Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas around Tahiti and French Polynesia, visiting small ports that larger ships can't enter and effortlessly blending into the stunning natural beauty of the South Seas.

The grace of the "Gaugines", the Tahitian staff,  adds a special Tahitian note to every voyage.

Discover more on www.pgcruises.com

Nestled in a magnificient coconut grove on the northwest corner of the atoll of Rangiroa, the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa combines refined luxury and  harmony with its environment. A turquoise lagoon and a white sandy beach surround this hôtel which had a complete renovation in 2011. Visitors can enjoy among other attractions, a rain shower, a gourmet restaurant overlooking the lagoon and overwater bungalows.  It is the perfect holiday destination to discover Polynesia whilst enjoying a certain luxury. The hotel also boasts 5 bungalows on a private Island for travelers seeking the true Polynesian lifestyle in a totally preserved environment.

Sean Poynter (US) wins this 2012 Air Tahiti Nui Stand Up Paddle world tour edition in Sapinus, Tahiti, French Polynesia against twice world champion Kai Lenny.  Leading legends like Arsene Harehoe (Rogue) or Vetea David once more demonstrated their talents in challenging conditions,  Arsene moving up to the 6th place overall in the 2012 world ranking. But the event saw the younger generation rise with very impressive performances such as that of 15 years old Poenaiki Raioha (Naish).  Peyo Lizarazu and Aaron Napoleon fought fiercely through the quarter final heats having to settle for respectively the 13th and the 17th place here in Tahiti. No doubt they will soon fight to step back up.

An exceptional experience is what Geraldine Danon, famous French actress and her husband Philipe Poupon, one of the world's best sailors are offering their children.  Onboard "Fleur Australe" they crossed the deadly North-West passage following in the steps of the great Pole explorers,  experiencing all the joys but also confronting all the dangers that in the past some defeated and some did not. The family finally rejoined the Pacific after months of navigation where Tim was lucky to follow them for one day crossing  from Tahiti to Moorea.  Geraldine's new book has just been released.  After "Une Fleur dans les glaces" relating the North to West pole adventure started in 2009, "Fleur Australe" is the second chapter of the 2010 Voyage that started in Alaska  descending through the Antarctic to the Pacific.  This voyage is sponsored by EDF-SUEZ  to raise awareness of the fragile nature of the Ocean's fauna and flora and the consequences of world pollution on the global environnement.  Read more and follow them on http://www.fleuraustrale.fr/projet.html

Discover the spectacular show Tahiti 'a Mai, with O Tahiti E dance troupe at the Marae Arahurahu in Paea, Tahiti. This monthly show encapsulates the magic of Tahiti in an educational show demonstrating the customs and traditions of the ancient Marae ceremonies.  The Marae situated at the foot of the valley is a very special venue enhancing the force of the performance of the dance troupe O Tahiti E.  Simply amazing.

Atolls of Polynesia.
French Polynesia has an amazing diversity of islands, roughly 130 scattered over 2,500,000 square kilometers.  Some of these Islands are "atolls",  often described as a "ring-shaped ribbon reef enclosing a lagoon".
(See below for a quick explanation on the formation of an atoll.)

In Polynesia, the Tuamotus form the largest chain of atolls in the world, spanning an area of the Pacific Ocean roughly the size of Western Europe. The most famous are Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tetiaroa, Tikehau, Maupiti, Manihi, Ahe or the heart-shaped Tupai, very noticeable from the sky and loved by Japanese newly-weds.  It has become a very special honeymoon destination. On the other hand, the magical Tetiaroa will soon host the exclusive but eco-friendly Brando Hotel.

Atolls are very much part of the richness of Polynesian bio-diversity.   Fakarava for example, Polynesia's second largest atoll, is presently being classified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Rangiroa, the largest Polynesian atoll, spreads its elliptic shape over 80 km in length and 32 km in width.  It is a favourite scuba diving area, offering some of the best dives in the world in and around the Tiputa Pass.   Sedentary common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) regularly play in groups in the Pass. Large manta rays, green sea turtles and humphead wrasse can also be seen.  Occasionally tiger and hammerhead sharks can also be spotted. In January, large numbers of stingrays gather in the Tiputa Pass with the hammerhead sharks that feed on them.

From the sky, these atolls resemble exotic paintings, stripes of lush green coconut and palm vegetation contrasting with a striking palette of turquoise blue waters dotted with corals heads.

Have a look at Tim's selection of beautiful aerial Images of Polynesia's favourite atolls - the best Polynesian atolls from Polynesia's best aerial photographer.

Discover the newly-refurbished Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa via Tim's innovative and exciting approach.  The Tim McKenna Team and Tahiti Fly Shoot collaborate to propose a photo reportage with a unique combination: all photo angles possible from underwater to above/below photography, high altitude to low altitude aerial photography, 360° virtual tours and lifestyle shoot productions.   A complete package handled by an experienced team who have worked on various local and international productions.   Contact us to discuss your needs and ask for a quote at: sales@tim-mckenna.com

Jean-Marie Biret's traditional Tahitian dance troop MANAHAU is performing every Saturday night at the Sofitel Hotel on Tahiti.  The "Season of the Wind"  is the theme of the new show starring Aruhoia Biret voted best dancer of Ori Tahiti at the Heiva Festival in 2010.  Come and enjoy this stunning show performed around the pool area.

 

Based In Tahiti, French Polynesia, Tim McKenna is specialized in yacht photography so, whether you need stunning images for a magazine cover or feature, brochures, advertising  or websites, he is your logical choice.

An exclusive service caters for all categories -  yacht owners,  captains,  yacht brokers, charter brokers or publishers. 

A few years ago, the TMK team was mesmerized by the beauty of one of the dancers in the Tahitian dance group EI TAHITI.  She had the grace of Audrey Hepburn and also exotic charm for which Polynesian women are renowned, with her long shining hair and voluptuous lips.  Her name was Rauata Temauri.  In addition, Rauata proved to be a talented model to work with -  smart and down to earth, a real natural.  After graduating in Communication Studies, she became a teacher but continued to do a few modeling jobs for us :  the Hinano campaign and catalogue, OPT, Enchanted Isles, GIE Tahiti Tourism, Surfeuses swimsuit issue, etc.   At 22 years old, she unsurprisingly won the title of Miss Tahiti 2011.  The TMK team now  supports her to become Miss France 2012 at a ceremony on 3rd December in Brest, France,  broadcast by TF1….  We're all behind you, Rauata !