Juy 28, 2010

Moorea, French Polynesia —  Where do you take a best friend for her birthday who travels the world for a living?  Well, if you’re Holly Rowe, ESPN Sportscaster, and you spend most of your weekends traveling across the U.S. covering the hottest collegiate teams–you find a place where you both can enjoy peaceful solitude, and enough water sports at your disposal to get in shape to recharge both body and soul.  Simply stated, Holly Rowe gifted this lucky ESCAPESEEKER a return to what I consider “Heaven’s Heaven”~French Polynesia…Moorea and Bora Bora to be exact.  And, just I suspected, it didn’t take long before Holly, the “sportsiren” became convinced after seeing these incredible athletes wind surfing  passed our over-the-water bungalow, as well as stunning kite surfers flying in the distance as we rowed in our canoes that these athletes deserve air time…of the broadcast variety that is!  These Tahitian athletes are incredibly inspiring…they seem to be one with the elements…the sea, the wind, and their craft!

We arrived on Moorea on July 25th, and we have played so hard, frolicked, laughed until our tummies hurt, dined on healthy fare during the day,  that each evening, the sounds of the sea just lull us into a deep slumber.  For example, for the last two days, we have slept 10 ours!  Recognizing that normally, we both keep a pace that would make even the hardiest soul seek refuge, 10 hours is unheard of–especially for someone like me who has been averaging 3-4 hours per night max for the last few months!  Clearly, there is something magical about Moorea that allows even the most stressed individuals to let go of daily cares.  And, the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa is a perfect place to do as much or as little as your heart desires.

As soon as I can access faster internet connection, I will be posting some of the images that speak volumes of why so many from around the world travel great distances to experience this tiny island paradise in the South Pacific.  In the meantime, feel free to click onto this link for a sneak peak.  http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/moorea

Even as I write these words while sitting on my beach lounger, I hear the melodic sounds of Italian, French, and Brazilian Portuguese being spoken.  Our 8-hour flight from LAX seems like a brief nap compared to their transcontinental journeys.  I highly recommend that if you’re thinking of giving the most unforgettable gift to your best friend, and other loved ones…why not give the Gift of Travel?  The memories are forever lasting.

Here’s to BLISSFUL ENDLESS SUMMER ESCAPES!

Love,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER