I was born in the heart of French Polynesia, on the island of Tahiti. From a very young age, dance set the rhythm of my days, to the sound of the to’ere and the pahu. A discipline that allows both to tell a story through gesture, and to perpetuate the traditions of our ancestors.
Outdoor adventures are just as captivating for me, whether it's a hike involving river crossings or a surf session to glide with the current.
Apart from that, I've always been driven by commercial relations, which led me to join the Tahiti Business School and travel to the United States to complete an MBA in Entrepreneurship. Over the years, I discovered an attraction for tourism, a sector rich in exchanges with people, both local and foreign.
Your ideal stay in French Polynesia?
I would choose a trip combining adventure, authenticity, and serenity.
It all starts with a night in Tahiti to recharge after a long-haul flight. The sister island, known as Moorea, offers many activities one can indulge in over 4 days: the Belvedere lookout is an unmissable viewpoint, the Fruit Juice Factory a delicious stop, and the motu (islets) immerse us in a local and festive atmosphere at lunchtime.
3 days in Bora Bora are added to the itinerary, to explore its colorful marine life equipped with a scuba tank or simply a mask and snorkel. The majestic Mount Otemanu will simply beg to be contemplated from every angle.
The pace finally slows down in the Marquesas for a week amidst the cliffs, wild horses, and the artistic memories left by Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel.
Your favorite place in French Polynesia?
The Faraura Valley on Tahiti remains anchored in my most cherished memories. I generally gravitate towards outdoor activities where you can both challenge yourself and feel the force of nature. The hike gradually reveals mountains of dazzling green, rivers, and mini-waterfalls. But, it is once you arrive at the summit that a magnificent spectacle presents itself at the foot of a 180m high waterfall.
Your favorite restaurant?
Le Cook's restaurant at the Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites in Moorea. I was won over because they offer several vegan dishes, where local products are honored with an international touch. The setting is also idyllic, with a view of the ocean and Cook's Bay, and when the sun sets, the magic naturally unfolds.