Paradise in French Polynesia: New honeymoon packages offered at resorts in Tahiti and Moorea

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Papeete, Tahiti: The world's most romantic destination is more appealing than ever, thanks to the new honeymoon packages being introduced on two islands in French Polynesia.

The quintessential honeymoon package, the Moorea Overwater Romance Package, is being offered at the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, an elegant new resort on Moorea, French Polynesia's "magical" island. Located on a secluded beach between Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, the newly built resort is best known for its authentic looking, thatched-roof bungalows, most of which are over the water.

"There is nothing more romantic than an island escape in an idyllic overwater bungalow, and the Overwater Romance Package at the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa sets the standard," explains Brooke Dunbar, director of marketing for Sheraton resorts in French Polynesia. "These bungalows have been called the best accommodations in French Polynesia, and our team has created a honeymoon package that befits that billing."

Couples booking the Overwater Romance Package get four nights of accommodation in one of the resort's renowned overwater bungalows with private swimming deck; a 50-minute Mandara Spa massage for two and a black pearl from the exclusive Tahiti Perles Boutique. Also included are a welcome basket of fresh island fruits, a bottle of French champagne and a tropical flower arrangement.

Even the meals are romantic at this resort, and two are featured in the package: One private, room service breakfast for two, delivered by canoe, and a three-course dinner with champagne in the exclusive Arii Vahine Restaurant, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

The Moorea Deluxe Honeymoon Package is also available. The package is identical to the overwater package except for room category and room service breakfast. It includes four nights of accommodation in a deluxe garden bungalow (without room service breakfast), a black pearl, a couple's massage and dinner in Arii Vahine.

Paradise in Pateete

Just minutes from Pateete's Faa'a International Airport -- or a short flight or ferry ride from the Sheraton Moorea -- is the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, which joined the Sheraton family last April. Two romance packages are being offered this year at the 200-room, oceanfront hotel

The Tahiti Pearl Honeymoon Escape," named for two things for which Tahiti is best known -- pearls and honeymoons -- includes three nights accommodation in an ocean view room, full American breakfast for two (for three days), a welcome basket of fresh island fruit and a three-course dinner with champagne at the resort's oceanside, overwater Moevai Restaurant. To remember the visit, the couple will also receive a complimentary black pearl from Tahiti Perles.

A second Tahiti package, the Maeva Honeymoon, offers two nights of ocean view accommodations, a welcome fruit basket, a three-course dinner at Moevai with champagne, two cocktails at Quinn's Bar and the choice of a four-wheel drive safari or a full-day circle bus tour with lunch and museum fees included.

"Most couples opt for a combination of both resorts so they can get the true island experience," says Dunbar. "When Bora Bora opens next year, we expect three-island visits."

Information on the resorts in French Polynesia and their honeymoon packages may be obtained from any travel agent, Starwood sales office or from the company's toll-free reservations number: 800-325-3535.

For more, see http://www.starwood.com.