Tahiti with kids
 

My husband and I are interested in taking our kids to Tahiti during summer, 2001. At that time, they will be 5 1/2 and 10. Any great ideas for resorts or activities would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

We just returned from one week with our <BR>11 year old daughter at the Bora Bora <BR>Lagoon Resort. My bottom line suggestion is to go to Hawaii instead. <BR>You could stay at any of the best <BR>hotels in Hawaii/Maui for much less <BR>than in Tahiti. Your kids will not <BR>find much to do in Tahiti, the food <BR>is difficult, and the flights to/from <BR>the US at very odd hours. For kid's activities, we had an overwater room, so that by itself is fun. Snorkeling at the hotel is great - but bring your own masks and fins. The shark feeding <BR>trip is also great. Beyond that - nothing much. The tennis courts were crumbly, the free boats at the hotel were inadequate, and the service at the hotel was mostly very poor, with just a few exceptions.

Hi... Our family is also considering a vacation to Moorea or Bora Bora in October 2000...kids ages 5 & 8. <BR>Question #1) Is October a good time or would we be wiser to wait until April 2001 <BR>Question #2) Where would be a nice kid friendly place to stay where we could snorkle/scuba?

We went to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora last month and had a wonderful time. I do have to agree with the post above. French Polynesia just isn't a "family" type of place. It was romantic and beautiful and a great place for adults, but we told our kids, ages 9 and 13, that they would have to wait and go with their own special someone - - There are hundreds of great family places to travel to - French Polynesia isn't one of them.

To quote a line out of Jan Prince's Tahiti Guide, " The warm climate, natural setting, aquatic games and lack of poisonous creatures make Tahiti and Her Islands a paradise for children of all ages." The coral reef provide calm waters in which to swim and snorkle. There are also lagoon excursions, beach picnics, kayaking, canoeing, fish feeding, horseback riding. The food choices may be unusual for a childs palate, however many do offer American style cuisine. In addition, many hotels allow free stay for children under 12 years as well as meal discounts.

I did not see many people with kids while I was in Bora Bora or Moorea (besides the locals). It is a very relaxing vacation but I think the kids would see it as boring. If you really want to go maybe you should look into the Club Med. I heard from some people that the atmosphere at the Club Med is different from the rest of the island, a little more going on. If it were me, I would go somewhere else with the kids and save this trip for just the two of you.

The Club Meds in Tahiti do not allow children. We were there last Spring and saw only one family traveling with one teen-age child. I would take my kids to a more kid oriented destination. I would say a good portion of the travelers are honeymooners or old married folks (like myself) looking for the ultimate romantic destination.

There were children at the Moorea Parkroyal. Many of the families seemed to gather around the pool. The honeymooners seemed to be in the lagoons or near their rooms. I had my vision of relaxing and not being complained to or etc. I would NEVER bring my children.I suppose it depends on the temperament of the children and what you expect out of the vacation. I think there are less expensive places childen would have more fun at, but if a parent planned activities out and the childen were of an easy temperament it could work!!Gail

I just got back from Moorea and Bora Bora. The Moorea Beachcomber has a kids program. Crafts, swimming, and such. Since my daughter is &lt;2 we didn't take her along, but I would have if she were older. I think there is plenty for kids to do. Snorkeling, swimming, hiking, fishing. On Bora Bora we went to the lagoonarium and there were several children there, although I did notice that they were all French. <BR>On Bora Bora, I would stay at any of the hotels on the main island, that way you could remain more flexible in terms of things to do, rather than catch a boat from the motu.

The Parkroyal Moorea Beachcomber is the perfect Tahiti vacation for families. They offer the "Kids Club" from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm for children 4 to 10 years old, with lots of outdoor activities and Art's & Crafts. Also the Parkroyal Moorea Beachcomber is the location of the famous Dolphin Quest where you can swim with the Dolphins. Please free to contact me if you would like more information or a quotation for your family vacation. <BR> <BR>SÕLACE Exclusive Destinations <BR>10625 North 25th Ave. #220 <BR>Phoenix, AZ 85029 <BR>Phone: 602.944.8080 Fax: 602.944.5411 <BR>Toll Free: 800.548.5331 <BR>E-mail: [email protected] <BR>http://www.solace1.com <BR>