1. Tahiti Yacht Charter has become a major name in nautical tourism in French Polynesia. Could you tell us about the origins of the company and the vision behind its development?
Tahiti Yacht Charter is part of a 100% Polynesian group with Polynesian shareholders, and it remains a family-based company. The adventure began more than 30 years ago with the creation of Tahiti Yacht Charter, which today is a leading company in nautical tourism. We operate a fleet of more than thirty boats, mainly sailing catamarans.
Over time, we decided to expand our activities within Polynesia itself. One of our key steps was acquiring Le Mahana Huahine, a three-star boutique hotel that has existed for more than three decades. It is one of those rare establishments with a long history. The previous owners recently visited the property again, which was an emotional moment for them and for us. Some members of the original staff are still there, and it was very touching to see that continuity.
The hotel had gone through some management and economic challenges, and we wanted to restore its character and accompany its growth. For us, this expansion from sea to land is part of a broader vision: creating complementary experiences that connect different ways of discovering Polynesia.
2. Why did the combination of a yacht charter company and a hotel make sense for your group?
The boat itself naturally embodies slow tourism. Sailing encourages travelers to take their time, to travel with the rhythm of the wind and the sea. Combining that with a hotel stay creates a more complete travel experience.
Geographically, it also makes perfect sense. Our main base is in Raiatea, in the heart of the Leeward Islands, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Huahine, and Maupiti. Our hotel is located in the south of Huahine, which is a particularly authentic island.
Huahine is less famous than Bora Bora or Moorea, but it has extraordinary cultural richness, archaeological sites, fish traps, and a strong Polynesian heritage. The island is sometimes called the “Garden of Eden” because of its lush vegetation. Tourism there is slower, more respectful, and less dense, which fits perfectly with our philosophy.
3. How does a typical sailing itinerary work for guests exploring these islands?
Distances between islands are relatively short. For example, it takes about three to four hours to sail between Huahine and Raiatea, and roughly the same distance between Raiatea and Bora Bora.
However, we encourage guests to take their time. Our shortest cruises are three nights, which is the minimum required to really experience the destination. Many guests start their stay on land and then continue with a sailing cruise, or vice versa.
All of our cruises are private. We provide a boat with a dedicated crew for a couple, a family, or a group of friends. It’s an exclusive and very personalized experience.
%20(1).jpg)
4. Tahiti Yacht Charter originally catered to experienced sailors. How has your clientele evolved over time?
In the beginning, most of our clients were already familiar with sailing and specifically came to Polynesia for a nautical experience. But as boats evolved, especially with the rise of catamarans, which are more comfortable and stable, we were able to broaden our audience.
Today, our boats are almost like floating bungalows. In Polynesia, we are famous for our overwater bungalows, but a catamaran can be seen as a mobile version of that experience.
We now welcome many travelers who have never sailed before. The geography of Polynesia, with calm lagoons, short sailing distances, and spectacular landscapes, makes the experience accessible even for beginners. Our dedicated crews guide them throughout the journey.
5. What trends are you seeing in private sailing travel today?
Travelers increasingly want meaningful experiences. They want interaction with local culture and a positive impact on the places they visit.
This is something we strongly believe in. Most of our crews are Polynesian, often from the islands themselves. We invest heavily in training so that local residents can work in nautical tourism and stay in their communities.
Guests appreciate that authenticity. They come to Polynesia not only for the scenery but also to meet the people and understand the culture. During cruises, we encourage guests to visit local farms, artisans, and small restaurants. This creates genuine exchanges and supports the local economy.
6. Le Mahana Huahine is a boutique hotel with 33 rooms. How do you position it compared with the large luxury resorts in Polynesia?
Huahine is often described as the soul of Polynesia. It has extraordinary nature, cultural heritage, and a slower pace of life. Our hotel reflects that identity.
Le Mahana Huahine offers a more intimate alternative to large resorts. It encourages guests to take time, to connect with the island, its people, its gastronomy, and its traditions.
For us, the best way to experience Polynesia is to mix different types of accommodation. A traveler might stay in a boutique hotel like ours, take a sailing cruise, and perhaps spend a few nights in a larger resort elsewhere. Each experience reveals a different aspect of the destination.
%20(1).jpg)
7. Luxury travelers today increasingly seek authenticity and personalization. How do you adapt your offerings to this demand?
Personalization is already part of our DNA. All our cruises are tailor-made. We suggest itineraries, but nothing is fixed. Every day, the crew discusses options with the guests, depending on their preferences and the weather.
They might say, “Today we could sail here, explore this lagoon, or visit this village.” Together, we build the itinerary day by day.
We also adapt meals, activities, and experiences entirely to the clients’ preferences. The hotel works slightly differently because it has a fixed structure, but it remains a human-scale property. That intimacy allows for genuine interaction with guests and a high level of personalization.
8. Operating tourism businesses in remote islands must involve unique logistical challenges. What are the main ones?
Logistics can be complex in island environments. Supplies must often be transported from Tahiti to the outer islands, and operating costs, transportation, maintenance, energy, are naturally higher.
However, these constraints also encourage us to work more closely with local producers. We prioritize sourcing from island fishermen and farmers whenever possible.
Training is another important challenge, especially in maritime professions. We collaborate with local authorities and maritime training centers to develop programs for Polynesian crews, ranging from hospitality roles on board to more technical maritime skills.
9. Environmental protection is crucial in Polynesia. What responsible practices do you implement in your operations?
Protecting the lagoon is essential because it is literally our workplace. From the design stage, we work with shipyards to ensure our boats meet high environmental standards.
Sailing propulsion already reduces environmental impact, but we also use low-speed engines when necessary and invest heavily in solar energy. Many of our boats now have flexible solar panels that generate a significant portion of onboard electricity.
We also educate guests about coral protection, waste management, and responsible snorkeling practices. Since cruises are private, crews can guide guests closely and ensure that activities remain respectful of marine ecosystems.
10. How important is the American market, particularly travelers from California, to your business?
The American market is extremely important for us, especially for our sailing cruises. Many Americans are attracted to the freedom and exclusivity of private yacht experiences.
Today, American travelers represent close to 40% of our clientele. Even those who have never sailed before adapt very naturally to this type of trip and appreciate the sense of exploration it provides.
11. How do you see the future of tourism in French Polynesia over the coming years?
Tourism is essential to our economy, it is our main economic resource. But the key question is what kind of tourism we want.
For us, the future lies in quality rather than quantity. Polynesia has a rare combination: safety, preserved natural environments, and strong air connectivity. This allows us to maintain a premium positioning and attract travelers who seek meaningful, authentic experiences.
We must protect that balance by focusing on sustainable development and high-quality experiences rather than mass tourism.
12. Finally, what message would you like to share with readers of the Los Angeles Times about traveling to Polynesia?
My message is simple: experience Polynesia from the sea and take the time to truly feel it.
When travelers slow down, connect with the islands, and immerse themselves in the culture, they often return home transformed, with a new understanding of travel and of what true luxury means.
.png)
