Jeri Clausing
Extended-stay workation programs have become a staple of the pandemic. And with the recent reopening of French Polynesia to vaccinated Americans, the islands of Tahiti are eager to tap into some of that demand.
Last week, Tahiti Tourisme put together a roundup of some of the offerings, which range from discounts at the ultraprivate and ultraluxe Brando to family programs at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa and private villa rentals.
In Papeete, a San Francisco entrepreneur who moved his family to the South Pacific islands during the pandemic has put together a "Working Without Borders" program that connects small groups of families for one- to four-week stays.
Families must apply for the program, which is based out of the InterContinental Tahiti and offers a variety of activities for both adults and kids.
While the parents work, kids can surf, paddleboard or row traditional Polynesian outrigger canoes. Other activities include morning yoga, group happy hours and other opportunities for the adults to connect.
In Bora Bora, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora recently introduced an extended-stay program that, for visits of 10 more nights, includes an array of complimentary services and amenities, based on length of stay.
The St. Regis Bora Bora has a Work from Bora Bora deal that includes a pre-arrival consult, an IT butler, complimentary kids club and other amenities for stays of five nights or more.
The Brando, meanwhile, is offering discounts of 15% for stays of four nights or longer.
Tahiti Homes is also offering several extended-stay discounts, with weekly rates as much as 40% to 50% off standard nightly prices. Those start at $5,800 a week and include high-speed WiFi, working spaces and air-conditioned bedrooms. All are in quiet areas with nearby shopping and other conveniences, the company said.