Tahiti is a word that evokes images of lush tropical landscapes; of crystal clear azure lagoons surrounded by soaring volcanic peaks; of love and romance; of gentle goddesses and fierce warriors, Tahiti is the stuff of dreams and legends.

The first explorers returned home from Tahiti boasting that they had discovered heaven on earth; writers and artists have captured the beauty of Tahiti. So, what is it about Tahiti & Her Islands which makes us forget that life is short and that there is a world of beauty and tranquillity just waiting to be discovered?

From its soaring, emerald peaks to the over-water thatched bungalows, Tahiti and her islands seem forever removed from the realities of the world outside. Here in Tahiti, between quiet palm groves and bays of crystalline waters, three of the world’s premier resorts graciously reflect the eternal grandeur and timeless spirit of Tahiti and Polynesia.

The Intercontinental Resort Tahiti has long been rated the top hotel of Tahiti. It has a superbly romantic location alongside the lagoon in 30 acres of tropical gardens, with spectacular views across to the soaring peaks of Tahiti's sister Island, Moorea. The hotel is just over a mile from the airport, (important when you arrive in the wee hours after a long flight) and the capital and port city, Papeete, are about six miles down the road.

The hotel offers 107 rooms in its main buildings, broken down into three different categories: 18 Standard Rooms, 75 Garden View Rooms (one of which is wheelchair accessible) with a view of the colourful tropical gardens and finally 14 Lagoon View Rooms offering a superb view of the lagoon and Tahiti's twin island Moorea. These rooms all boast a spacious 307 sq ft, not counting the balcony, and may be obtained with a king size bed or two twin beds.

The hotel's main restaurant is open from 5.30 am to 10.00 pm every day with continuous service.

The Tiare with its open kitchen is the heart of the hotel's ground floor, looking out over the stage, infinity pool, waterfalls and Moorea's spectacular silhouette and mountains. The decor style is authentic, Tahitian, and it's here that the dinner shows take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the last two by the famous "Les Grands Ballets de Tahiti".

The menu ranges from light snacks and healthy salads to fresh fish specialities and specially selected meats from New Zealand.

You'll relax in two of the most beautiful infinity pools in all Polynesia and meet the colourful fish life in the Lagoonarium in the heart of the resort.

The Aquatic Centre is on the spot for diving, snorkelling and all the water sports. Then there's tennis, French bowls in the grounds plus any number of activities and excursions in Papeete and around the Island.