The first time I saw them must have been in a Bond film.
You know what I’m talking about – luxurious private, thatched bungalows built on stilts over turquoise, 80-degree ocean water.
Such an outing has been on my bucket list ever since.
The good news is that these resorts are not just the purview of the James Bond types any more. While typically selling for more than your standard Motel-6, such adventures are generally within reach of those of us trying to get this tick in the box.
This type of experience moved to the top of my bucket list a couple of months ago, when my sister moved her young family to New Zealand for a 2-year stay.
As a former resident of Australia, I have always loved New Zealand, and now have an even better reason to visit Middle-Earth. My only issue with New Zealand and Australia is the magnitude of the distance between there and North America (and I live on the West Coast!!).
Now I’m planning a trip to New Zealand, and I decided that any trip I make down-under will have to be a bit longer in length, and allow me to put several ticks in the box… because who knows when I’ll get back to that part of the world again?
There are lots of different places to experience the James Bond style floating hotel rooms that I dream of, but there’s no doubt that Tahiti is the top of this list.
Tahiti also happens to be the home port of Paul Gauguin cruises.
As a travel agent, I can tell you that when I first started to market luxury cruise lines, Paul Gauguin really stood out to me.
Each of the luxury lines has their own claim to fame, but Paul Gauguin is very clear in their unique offering: a high-end, truly Polynesian experience, with a high level of adventurous water-based activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Oh yeah… and a pre-cruise stay at one of those James Bond resorts.
This experience is going to cost about $500 per person per day. This INCLUDES my airfare from Los Angeles, all beverages (including alcohol), gratuities, non-motorized water-sports, and perhaps most important – my pre-trip accommodation that would make James Bond envious.
At this cost, a Paul Gauguin cruise is likely to be a once-in-a lifetime bucket list trip to recognize a personal milestone or celebration like:
- Big birthday or anniversary
- Retirement
- Promotion
- Honeymoon
- Wedding vow renewal
- Family reunion
While I’m definitely looking forward to seeing my sister (and niece and nephew) in New Zealand, a 7-night Paul Gauguin cruise in French Polynesia is likely to be the highlight of my upcoming trip.
If Tahiti is on your bucket list and/or you’re looking for a special way to celebrate a personal milestone, then a Paul Gauguin cruise might be a good fit and I’d love to help you explore the idea.
Click here to get your questions answered about Tahiti and Paul Gauguin Cruises.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
