Cook Islands & Society Islands

According to Marquesan legend, the god Oatea created the Marquesa Islands in one night, when he wanted to build a house (hae) for his wife Atanua. Today, this “Land of Men”, or Te Fenua Enata, will welcome you among myths and legends, splendid landscapes and fascinating culture, time-honoured traditions and delicate handicrafts. Between the archipelago’s two largest islands, Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva, set off to discover a territory whose beauty is as spectacular as it is mysterious, during an immersive seven-night programme.

Day 1 - Papeete

Meet at Papeete Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will be transferred to the hotel Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts 4*.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

 Day 2 - Papeete/Hiva Oa

You will be transferred to Papeete domestic airport in the morning, and check-in for your flight to Hiva Oa. The expected flight time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel Hanakee Lodge 3* for check in. Lunch is at leisure.

You will start your odyssey through Hiva Oa, the main island of the Southern Marquesas, exploring the Taaoa Valley. You will head for the island’s southern coast and the last inhabited valley in this part of the territory. In the heart of dense vegetation, you will discover the Upeke archaeological site, one of the largest ceremonial centres in French Polynesia. This fascinating religious complex is made up of several platforms (or paepae), a large Marquesan meeting place (or tohua) and a tiki. Accompanied by your guide, uncover the secrets of this site, which stretches over three hectares. On the way back, you will be able to discover the hamlet of Taaoa.

Back at your hotel, you will enjoy some free time to make the most of the Polynesian peacefulness.

Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 3 - Hiva Oa

Early in the morning, you will set off to discover the island’s main village, Atuona. Following in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in the town’s peaceful cemetery, you will visit the Paul Gauguin Cultural Centre, dedicated to his work, and the Jacques Brel Centre, where several of his possessions are exhibited. Hear accounts of the beauty of this place from your guide. It is easy to imagine the reasons that would lead the two artists to settle in this corner of paradise.

You will return to your hotel for lunch and an afternoon of relaxing free time.

Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 4 - Hiva Oa

An 4x4 wheel vehicle awaits you first thing in the morning for a guided excursion towards Puamau, at the north-eastern tip of the island. The breath-taking road snakes between valleys and villages before taking you to your end point, the Te Lipona archaeological site. The site is famous for its gigantic tiki: the Takai - 2.43 metres (virtually 8 feet) tall - or the exceptional Makai’i Taua Pepe, the only tiki represented horizontally.

Enjoy lunch on the spot in a Marquesas house or as a picnic.

Before you return to the hotel, the tropical forest of Punaei will open its doors and its treasures for you, including the “smiling tiki” of Utuka.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 5 - Hiva Oa/Nuku Hiva

Morning transfer to Hiva Oa Airport and check-in for your flight to Nuku Hiva. The expected flight time is one hour.

On arrival, you will be transferred to Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts 3*, a Relais & Châteaux hotel. The 90-minute journey aboard an 4x4 wheel vehicle promises splendid panoramas. Nuku Hiva will show you its most beautiful landscapes, which are incredibly diverse! The desert lands give way to primary forests and Caribbean pine groves, and the volcanic cliffs soar majestically before you.

Lunch is at leisure.

At the start of the afternoon, you will visit the island’s main village, Taiohae. A walk will lead you to the archaeological site of Koueva, a former ceremonial platform belonging to the great warrior chief Pakoko in the past. Restored for the Marquesas Islands Arts Festival, this tohua helps travellers gain a greater understanding of the wealth and diversity of Marquesan culture. Not far from there, you will be able to explore the craft ‘Fare’, a local market where the island’s craftspeople show and sell their products.

Diner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6 - Nuku Hiva

This day will be spent discovering the Hatiheu Valley, on the northern coast of the island of Nuku Hiva.

From the hotel, you will climb aboard your 4x4 wheel vehicle to head for Muake Pass. Your trip will feature extraordinary views over Taiohae Bay and Taipivai Valley, renowned as one of Polynesia’s largest coconut groves and made famous by Herman Melville, the author of Moby Dick. You will arrive at Kamuihei to visit the restored archaeological site. As you listen to your guide, you will go on a real journey back in time. Imagine the lavish sacred ceremonies that took place here in the past, on these magnificent sites, in the heart of this flamboyant nature.

Enjoy lunch on the spot in a Marquesas house during the tour.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 7 - Nuku Hiva

This morning, set off to meet a local sculptor and discover the art of Marquesan sculpture. In his workshop, the master sculptor will present this ancestral art, which he is gently perpetuating. This unique exchange will see you learn a little more about the traditional life of the island’s inhabitants and its legends. It will also be an opportunity to practise your artistic talents on a piece of wood from the islands.
Lunch and afternoon are at leisure.

Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 8 - Nuku Hiva/Papeete

Morning departure and embark on 4x4 wheel vehicle to transfer to Nuku Hiva airport. Board your flight to Papeete.

Direct transfer to the port to embark on board your ship.

Your hotels:

Located in the historical Matavai Bay, Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts is surrounded by the Lafayette Beach. The hotel offers an infinity swimming pool, a renowned spa and a local arts and crafts 'fare'.

Perched on a ridge above the eastern side of Tahauku Harbor, the hotel Hanakee Lodge offers stunning panoramic views of the island’s wild beauty. In keeping with the spirit of the Marquesas Islands, each bungalow at the Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge is decorated with creative Polynesian elements by talented local artisans. The hotel also features an infinity pool and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace.

Located in the hills of Nuku Hiva, Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts overlooks the bay and village of Taiohae, the island's capital. The hotel was built using local materials, to blend perfectly with the surrounding natural environment.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Ocean view room at the hotel Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        3-night accommodation in bungalow at the hotel Hanakee Lodge 3* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included. 

·        3-night accommodation in bay view bungalow at the hotel Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts 3* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included. 

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea), except during lunch on Day 6.

·        Domestic flights as mentioned in the programme in economy class. Luggage allowance is one piece of 23kg maximum per person.

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide, except during the carving lesson which will be provided only in French.

Your programme does not include:

·        Meals mentioned “at leisure” in the programme. 

·        Beverage package during lunch on Day 6.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        Luggage allowance: a single piece of checked baggage per person, weighing no more than 23 kg. The sum of the length, width and height must not exceed 150 cm (59 inches). 1 piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5 kg and measuring no more than 45 x 35 x 20 cm (17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches). The cabins and overhead lockers on the aircraft are not big enough to accommodate extra items such as laptops, cameras, etc. All your personal effects must fit into your luggage pieces as described above.

·        The tours require healthy conditions. Follow your guide instructions.

·        The vehicles used during the tours in Nuku Hiva may be shared with other clients from the hotel.

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotels:

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
BP 14170 - 98701
Arue, Tahiti
Polynésie française
Telephone number: (+689) 4086 5110

Hanakee Lodge
5XWF + 8MR, Hiva Oa
Polynésie française
Telephone : (+689) 40 92 75 87

Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts
BP 53 TAIOHAE TAIOHAE Nuku Hiva
98742, Polynésie française
Telephone: (+689) 40 92 07 10

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.