2023-07-09 14:45:52
Nestled in the heart of one of the most remote archipelagos of any continent, Hiva Oa embodies the myth of the Marquesas Islands.
To begin your journey on “the Land of Men”, nickname given by the Marquesans to their kingdom, you take up residence in one of the wooden bungalows of the Hanakee Lodge, the most luxurious establishment on the island, and the only one – the Marquesas remaining a deeply wild place – in its category. This small charming hotel enjoys breathtaking views of Atuona Bay. Immersed in its infinity pool, one contemplates the infinite play of light, shimmering on the mountainside, and, sailing between rainbow and sea, the arrival of the sailboats which complete their crossing of the Pacific here.
This same odyssey carried out by Jacques Brel, in the footsteps of Gauguin, himself who came in the fantastical wake of Loti, London and Melville… fierce, “The house of enjoyment”, where Gauguin painted and made love to his languid beauties… and “Jojo”, the twin engine thanks to which Brel supplied the landlocked villages of this France at the end of the world. Overlooking the village of Atuona, the small colorful cemetery shelters, in the shade of the frangipani trees, the tombs of Grand Jacques and the accursed painter. A century apart, the two succumbed to the spell of Hiva Oa, its men, its culture – engraved in wood, stone, inscribed on the skin, and so powerful that it would almost eclipse that of the others. archipelagos – and its myths…
To smell its mysteries, head to the archaeological site of Ilipona, where, in the heart of a thick jungle, impressive tikis, the largest in Polynesia, have been planted for eternity. These austere stone statues, symbol of the balance between life and death for the tribes who erected them, are not really fun. Unlike the enigmatic “smiling tiki”, a sort of local Mona Lisa, part of a vast ceremonial complex.
These visits made, we leave for a succulent lunch in the company of his guide, a beautiful baby of 100 kilos, superbly tattooed and highly earthy. Goat with coconut milk, Ika mito, Marquesan raw fish, and popoi, fermented breadfruit flesh. Then head north to discover the dazzling Marquesan nature. No lagoons, but tormented peaks, similar to fortresses. Enchanting hamlets studded with fruits and flowers. Cliffs of red earth plunging into turquoise water… A raw and divine setting, lost in the Southern Seas, where time has stood still. And where each trade wind, each pebble, each rustling leaf, seems to whisper the immemorial tale of a poignant Polynesia…
Hanakee Lodge
Note : from 445 euros per bungalow with full board
Le must : stay in one of the bungalows with a view of the Pacific
The board : do not sulk the Marquesan evening, its songs and its hakas
Getting there: With Air Tahiti Nui, the reference airline for the destination, which has won numerous awards for its service, the quality of its seats and its design. A/R Paris-Papeete: €1,181 in Moana Economy class and €2,525 in Moana Premium class (prices including VAT and baggage). A change of scenery guaranteed as soon as you board with the warm welcome of the 100% Polynesian flight crew!
Prepare your trip : with Tahiti Tourism
Charming rental with Abritel
Abritel, expert in vacation rentals for families and groups of friends, offers more than 2 million rentals in 190 countries around the world. Including many splendid bungalows and villas throughout French Polynesia!
Some top accommodation ideas in French Polynesia:
A splendid villa on the island of Moorea, in the legendary Cook’s Bay.
Villa with swimming pool in Bora Bora, a few minutes from Nui beach.
For travelers looking for a plane ticket to French Polynesia, Expedia.fr offers the functionality of price monitoring via its mobile application. This allows you to receive an alert when flight prices change and become advantageous in order to find a ticket that matches your budget!
By Sebastien Bardos
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#HIVA #WILD #PEARL #MARQUESAS
