Tahiti and Maldives are both renowned as top honeymoon destinations in stunning island settings and great places to stay in an overwater bungalow. As dream destinations, we know some of our travelers stress over which one better suits their tastes and needs, so here we have listed six important points to help you make that choice. However, let’s be honest at the end of the day, one can’t go wrong – we think both are fabulous vacation spots!
1. Getting there When travelling to Tahiti there is only one air routing from North America (via Los Angeles) which takes only 8 hours. Typically people will spend their whole holiday in Tahiti, or they may add on a stay in Australia or New Zealand. Particularly for clients on the west coast, it is possible to visit for a short trip for those pressed for time. From North America, the Maldives is farther than Tahiti and it is more common for travellers to make it a multi-country trip (e.g. add on Dubai) to break up the journey. (Here’s a suggested itinerary: (http://www.goway.com/trip/asia/dubai-maldives-escape-two/) There are numerous airline routings for North American clients (via Asia, Middle East, and Europe). Most clients take a minimum of 10 days to visit the Maldives including flying time.
2. Island hopping Most travellers who visit Tahiti will “island hop” from Papeete (the gateway) to at least one other island such as Moorea or Bora Bora. (Here’s a suggested itinerary combining all 3: https://www.goway.com/destinations/south-pacific/french-polynesia/trips/moorea-and-bora-bora-escape) There are usually several resorts on each island. In the Maldives it is usually one resort on one island and visitors stay in one place for the duration of their stay unless they are staying in a resort with sister properties. The Maldives are known for their exciting, scenic flight transfers in seaplanes. Both countries “incentivize” travellers to stay on a resort longer by offering special promotions, such as stay 6, pay 4.
3. Time of Year
Tahiti and Maldives experience different seasonalities; both destinations can be visited year-round. In Tahiti, the dry winter period is from May to October and it is the best time for weather. Temperatures rise from November to April, the summer rainy season when it’s humid and wet. The peak season (most expensive) is July and August, and during this period availability can be difficult. The best time to get a deal is from April-May and November-Mar (with the exception of the Christmas period).
In the Maldives the dry season is from December to March when there is little rain; the wet monsoon season is from May to November. The best time to get a deal is from May to August. The most expensive travel period is end of December to February.
4. Meal plans and All Inclusive In both Tahiti and the Maldives, it is popular to do a meal plan with the resort, such as half board (breakfast and dinner). In popular places in Tahiti (such as Papete, Moore and Bora Bora) clients can also choose to dine off the resort at a local restaurant. In the Maldives there is not an option to dine in a local restaurant as the resort is usually the only establishment on the island. Resorts here usually have many restaurants on site (sometime as many as 5 or 6) with a large range of international cuisine. Resorts in the Maldives also offer all-inclusive packages (with alcohol) which Tahiti typically doesn’t.
5. Activities and Scenery In both countries travellers can do as little or as much as they like, and interact with as many or few people they want! Both countries are great for viewing underwater life and indulging in spas.
In Tahiti, there is a wide choice of activities such as water-based (snorkeling or diving); cultural, such as a dining on traditional Tahitian feast, or land based like riding an ATV or doing a 4WD safari.
The activities in the Maldives are usually water-based – snorkeling, diving, boat tours and are run by the resort’s excursions desk.
6. Scenery.
Both countries have stunning turquoise waters, and pristine white sandy beaches.
Tahiti has a mountain backdrop and beautiful lagoons. In the Maldives it has a more “deserted” island feel as there is usually nothing but water in the horizon.
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By Bronwyn Hodge
Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.
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