Located midway between California and Australia , the Society Islands of French Polynesia are a collection of 118 islands and atolls clustered in the South Pacific . Part of a larger chain that includes other famous locales , namely the Marquesas Islands , the Tuamotu archipelago and the Rangiroa atoll , the Society Islands are famous for stunning natural beauty and the mythical origins of indigenous Polynesian culture .
Long before I wondered whom I might marry or what my wedding would look like , I dreamed of Polynesia . As a young girl , the landscape and society seemed so exotic to me , so adventurous , and so beautiful as to be unbelievable . When it came time for Bobby , my fiancée , and I to plan our honeymoon , we knew we wanted a once-in-a-lifetime destination , and we knew the South Pacific would be ideal .
Diary , Day 2 : Jumping off the private deck of our over-thewater-bungalow into the turquoise sea was liberating . As if the views of tropical skies , volcanoes , and jungles weren ’ t enough , just lounging on the beach and gazing out at the neighboring villas is a dream come true .
We set aside two weeks to explore the islands of Moorea , Bora Bora , and Tahiti . Bobby is an avid adventurer , so Moorea , an island distinguished by steep volcanic mountains and quiet sandy beaches connected by hiking trails that wind through rainforests , seemed the perfect locale to satisfy his love for exploration and action . We stayed at the Intercontinental Resort and Spa , a four-star luxury resort that is situated on the bend of a tranquil cove . The hotel has 48 suites , 49 overwater bungalows , and 17 garden-side bungalows , the latter outfitted with private plunge pools and thatched gazebos .
Our beachfront bungalow featured a private deck overlooking a white sand beach and an impossibly colored turquoise lagoon . On our first night in Moorea , we marveled at the sea of stars above us ; they seemed so close that we might reach out to touch one , to make a wish on our future and know it would come true .
Our first day in Moorea began with overlooking the water , followed by a thorough exploration of the resort . The Intercontinental boasts the Moorea Dolphin Center , a turtle care facility , a dive center , and water sports facilities . The resort is within reasonable distance to town via bicycle or
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