Based in Bora Bora, the floating villa will be able to accommodate up to eight guests with its 120 square metres large area across two levels. It's decked out with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area and a rooftop with breathtaking views surrounding the boat at all angles.
Entirely Eco-friendly
With the environment of Tahiti in mind, the villa has been inspired by ancient Polynesian voyaging canoes, but with modern, eco-friendly solar power. The absence of a diesel engine makes it silent and less harmful to coral and other marine life. Without billowing sails, it's even quieter than a yacht. It has its own water treatment facility and carries a thermal generator for emergencies only. It was designed and built in a local shipyard to ensure that its carbon footprint would be next to nil.
A stay on the yet-to-be-named houseboat will give travellers the opportunity of exploring the little slice of paradise that is Bora Bora, and the opportunity of travelling onwards to the rest of the 118 islands that make up French Polynesia. With striking scenery that ranges from lush jungles and high mountain peaks to vibrant coral reefs, and offering activities of all types, Tahiti truly is the perfect destination fit for every type of traveller – and what better way to experience it than on its stunning waters.
An irresistible drawcard
It's not just holidaymakers that are attracted to Tahiti, artists and adventurers have long been enchanted by the islands. The French artist, Paul Gauguin, lived and painted here for 10 years in the late 19th century. Writers James Norman Hall and Charles Nordhoff, who wrote Mutiny on the Bounty, also lived on Tahiti for a good part of their lives. Hall's old house can still be seen.
In 1969 French sailor, Bernard Moitessier, abandoned the Golden Globe single-handed, non-stop, around-the-world race he was in sight of winning and sailed back to Tahiti – which had taken his fancy the first time around – where he settled. Another French ocean sailor, Alain Colas, who was lost at sea in 1978, has been a source of inspiration for ELYT Charter Tahiti, founded by his son, Torea Colas together with his wife, Emily Biotteau-Colas.
Locally built and operated
ELYT Charter Tahiti is a new charter boat company based in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. The company operates a fleet of solar catamarans designed and built locally by Blue Composites Tahiti.
ELYT is an acronym for Exclusive Lagoon Yachting Tahiti. The exclusive houseboat was custom designed to experience the beautiful and calm lagoons of the islands of Tahiti. For bookings go to elytchartertahiti.com
At 1500 euros per night the floating villa is not cheap, but groups may find it an attractive way of exploring the undeniably beautiful islands of French Polynesia.
The capital, Papeete, is an eight to nine hour flight from Sydney and Los Angeles and about 20 hours from London and Paris.
Travellers may enter French Polynesia, but under conditions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – go to tahititourisme.com.au/en-au/covid-19 for details.
Photos courtesy Tahiti Tourisme