TONIC/tonik/
A medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigour or well being. Similar: Stimulant, restorative, something with an invigorating effect. Boost. Travel?
We have come to Tahiti, to the island of Moorea, to stay at the Hilton, end of June, for a tonic- not the Gin (says me supping a complimentary French Chardonay) beside our private pool, on our completely private and secluded deck, in temperatures of 22-26 degrees, sheltered from the wind. Definitely a tonic for me!
What are the requirements for a tonic? For me- sun, water, warm/hot, peace, space, time, a book, a view. We have escaped to Moorea for this.
Last minute decision, escape the weather, a gap in our schedules, a chance to recharge.
Why Tahiti? Five hour flight, French/foreign flavour, tropical.
Why Moorea? Easy to get to, a fast ferry ride away.
Why the Hilton? It was the only room available for our dates. It is quite complicated matching flights that arrive the day before we left, with available space in a resort, last minute. It has its own pool, for complete privacy/escape, sheltered! Our villa, hot and cold running breakfast included. Minibar with two Tahitian beers daily. Complimentary bottle of wine delivered. Only bottle I could find in the resort shop to replace it with, was local pineapple wine. A bit of a gasp at the first sip, but it got better. Big bed. High thatched ceiling. Beautiful bathroom. Quiet! The Hilton rooms are either Overwater bungalows (OWB) or, villas with pool. So walking around the resort, there are very few people, as they are all in their own spaces. We dine on the jetty at the crepe restaurant, with the water below, a brightly lit aquarium, sharks, a stingray, and colourful fish, busy in the spotlights. Too windy for paddle boarding, or kayaking, but we take the trip to swim with the stingrays around the point. We wander a hundred meters to a bare foot restaurant, Feet in the Lagoon, for lunch, the tables in the water on the beach …
The days are long ... we are here for the Tonic. Its starting to work its magic. Shaken not stirred!
- Jo
