Enclosed within the same barrier reef as Raiatea is the small island of Taha’a, located across the lagoon and only two miles north of Uturoa. Taha’a has no airport and is only accessible by boat. It is a round island with fjord-like inlets. Tahaa is often called the Vanilla Island for its numerous plantations of this black gold. The rich and puissant aroma of vanilla perfumes the breeze as you drive around the 42 mile coastal road, through small villages and up into the hills for panoramic views of the deeply indented bays all around the island. Tahaa produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. While fishing and farming are its main livelihoods, what seduces visitors are its pretty beaches, coral gardens, and the sandy motus which pepper the lagoon it shares with Raiatea. Taha’a is slowly awakening to tourism, yet still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia. The beautiful deep bays and small deserted motus make Taha’a an ideal island to escape the 20th century. Stay in a small bungalow-style hotel or make Taha’a an unforgettable day trip.