On July 1, the 41-unit beachfront resort will be managed by the Honolulu-based hotelier that now manages 51 hotels open or under development in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Guam and the South Pacific. Under a multi-year management agreement with owner Rudy Markmiller, the Te Tiare Beach Resort will be added to Outrigger's portfolio of properties that are marketed throughout the world from their Honolulu headquarters and satellite sales offices in 14 countries.
"We are delighted to establish a presence in French Polynesia with a property that is as highly regarded as the Te Tiare Beach Resort," said Outrigger's Vice President of Business Development Bill Henderson. "French Polynesia is an important strategic destination for Outrigger's growth, and we couldn't have picked a better property in this region than the Te Tiare Beach Resort. This is an excellent product, and their experienced staff has built a reputation with which we are proud to be associated. We are equally excited about this opportunity to work with Rudy Markmiller, an owner who shares our values and respect for the local culture and community."
According to Henderson, all wholesale and retail travel supplier contracts will be honored with very little change. Nightly retail rates will continue to range from US$285 for a garden bungalow to US$650 for a premium deep over water bungalow.
Location
Located on the island of Huahine, between Tahiti and Bora Bora, Te Tiare Beach Resort is serviced by Air Tahiti with frequent commuter air service from both Papeete and Bora Bora.
The five-year-old resort is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and white sand beaches. All accommodations face the west for sunset views of Raiatea and Taha'a islands.
Accommodations
Accommodations include 41 air-conditioned over-water, beach and garden bungalows in a spectacular South Pacific setting.
The 16 over-water bungalows include Jacuzzi-tubs and outdoor shower, and all accommodations include phone, color television, wet bar, refrigerator, luxurious bathroom and classic island architecture. The resort's hallmark of island hospitality is a personal greeting for each guest with the sounding of a conch shell and tropical beverage waiting at the pier upon arrival by boat taxi.
Dining
A large over-water restaurant serves a unique fusion of Continental cuisines with a Polynesian flavor and an emphasis on abundant fresh local fruits, produce and seafood. Authentic Tahitian music, demonstrations and dance are provided daily in the restaurant and bar.
Activities
Recreational activities include scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, shark-feeding, jet-skiing, deep sea fishing, sunset boat cruises, water skiing, sailing, bicycling, picnic excursions, scooter rentals, horseback rides and tours of the many rich historical and cultural sites located throughout the island.
Other Services
Other services include babysitting, nightly turn down service, room service dining, Internet access, tour assistance, complimentary boat shuttle to the nearby village of Fare, and 24-hour security.
History and Culture
Guests at Te Tiare and the island of Huahine are given a rare glimpse into the history and culture of Polynesia. According to local beliefs, the traditions and history of Huahine make it one of the most culturally significant islands in all of Polynesia, with numerous "Marae" (sacred sites), impressive engraved monoliths, evidence of ancient Polynesian voyaging canoes and the largest concentration of artifacts of the native Ma'ohi people that date back 1,000 years.
The island has also been host to a great many European explorers, most notably England's Captain James Cook on three separate occasions, and Captain William Bligh aboard the HMS Bounty in 1789, the year of the fateful mutiny.
Reservations
For reservations or information, call your preferred travel professional or Outrigger Hotels & Resorts toll-free at 1-800-OUTRIGGER (688-7444) within the U.S., Guam and Canada. Elsewhere call 303-369-7777. For online information or reservations, Internet users can log onto www.outrigger.com. Outrigger's e-mail address is reservations@outrigger.com.
