Resorts
LES RELAIS DE JOSEPHINE
Three hand-built, wooden-framed, thatched-roof bungalows sit perched in a most romantic setting right on the shore of the Tiputa Pass at Rangiroa atoll. Four more sit a little further back from the shore and have views of the beautiful tropical gardens. Each of these simply furnished, idyllic and very comfortable bungalows has double or twin beds, en-suite bathroom and a patio with sunloungers and chairs. The views over the pass are stunning as this narrow gap in the atoll funnels the water in or out of the lagoon, depending on the tide. Relax on a sunlounger and watch the local fishermen pass by and playful Bottle-nosed Dolphins leaping over the waves. Breakfast is taken on the terrace overlooking the shore and dinner is served in the small dining room, either at the hosts’ table, or at a private table. The cuisine is French, but uses local ingredients: try Pacific Fish Soup or Grilled Scampi. Deserts could be Coconut, Chocolate or Rum Tart, or sorbet made from local fruits. No need to stick to beer at Les Relais de Josephine: the hosts invite their guests to study and taste wine ...
Les Relais de Josephine is located near to The 6 Passengers dive centre and guests are collected from the beach each day. Good swimmers can swim just in front of the bungalows, but there is usually a strong current. A choice of more relaxed swimming is available five minutes walk from the property, where there is a choice of swimming in the peaceful lagoon or swimming from the ocean beaches.
For those who want a day off from diving there is a choice of excursions that can be arranged locally. The Blue Lagoon is about a one hour boat trip to the western edge of the atoll. Sparkling white sand and waving palm trees form a background for the most stunning shallow, lapis-lazuli-coloured water you are ever likely to see. Swimming, snorkeling, eating barbecued fish and sunbathing are the main ‘activities’ here. Les Sables Roses, or Pink Sand Beach, is a little further away, being one and a half to two hours by boat. Coral residues glow beneath the strong sunlight to give the sand a pink rosy glow. Bicycles are available to borrow should you wish to explore the area. A local pearl farm, Gaugain’s Pearl can come and collect guests who wish to see pearl farming done the local way. Once again, ‘activities’ include relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Wifi is available for a small charge.
The 6 Passengers dive centre on Rangiroa atoll is run by Nanou Chapuisat and has been in existence since 1995. With a maximum of only 6 divers per boat, personal service is guaranteed. A RIB goes out to the two passes twice a day, at 0730 and again at 1330, for one dive on each occasion. If four or more divers wish to take a trip to the outside of the reef, or a 2-tank day trip, then a larger boat is used and a supplement is payable. Unless four divers are travelling together and wish to pre-book these dives, it is not possible to pre-book or pre-pay for these special arrangements, which should be made locally. An underwater video service is offered.
Stays can be of any length. Prices below relate to a stay of 7 nights.
Price from about $2009. Includes: 7 nights half board accommodation on a twin/share basis in a Double Bungalow at Relais de Josephine; airport transfers; 10 boat dives with The Six Passengers Diving Centre; daily transfers to and from hotel.
Single occupancy supplement: From about $341