Some time back in the day the cinema-going public got to share a romantic vision of French Polynesia with the 1958 launch of the movie South Pacific, an idyllic film based on the novel by James Michener, an American quaker author who had moved to live in Hawaii. The musical, a rework of a Rogers and Hammerstein Broadway show, was a spectacular box office success with a cornucopia of wonderful songs, including one called ‘Cock-Eyed Optimist’ (check it out here) sung by a delightful if heavily tinted Mitzi Gaynor.*

MOOREA ABOUT BALI-HI – THE MAGICAL ISLAND

If you don’t know the movie the plot centres around the interaction of military and civilian people in the South Pacific islands during World War II. One recurring theme is the ‘Magical Island’ of Bali Hi, which only appears on the horizon at sundown, rather like Shangri-La. With many low-lying atolls and reefs these waters are exactly like that – totally magical. Rumour has it that Michener based Bali Hi on Moorea, a heart shaped mountain island just 10 miles north of Tahiti. It’s a short boat ride away – you could probably even get there by canoe.

THERE IS NO MORE BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO CRUISE AND STAY

People love the Caribbean but when you come to French Polynesia the dials on natural beauty both above and the water are turned up to 11. Add to that the wonderful friendliness of the people and layer upon layer of history and culture dating back to 500 BCE. It is both an eye-opener and a feast for the eyes once open.

GET THE LOW DOWN ON BALI HI WITH OUR FRENCH POLYNESIA CRUISE AND CRUISE AND STAY PACKAGES

We’ve just expanded our DMC portfolio to Tahiti and the Society Islands offering cruises and a wide variety of land-stay packages. If you want to get the low down on Bali Hi check out our web pages for more details.

*SOMETHING NOT TO BE MISSED

Actually you almost certainly did miss it as most of us did. But, in 2001, there was a TV remake of South Pacific starring Glenn Close. As tuneful as Mitzi Gaynor she might not be, but it’s not half bad and if you’re a Glenn Close fan you might want to check out her version – seen here channelling her inner Mary Poppins. It’s one for collectors of all things slightly bizarre.

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece and French Polynesia get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.