We just concluded one of the best vacation experiences we have ever had. My wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in French Polynesia. We were recommended Jennifer Westfall through social media. She took the time to listen to our vacation goals and hopes. She brought her experience and expertise and helped to plan the perfect vacation for us. We stayed at fabulous resorts with bungalows over the water. We went on an awesome ATV ride on Moorea and could see the ocean from the mountain. We snorkeled with black tip sharks and manta rays in Bora Bora. I dove with eagle rays. We dined at fancy and delicious restaurants. It's everything we hoped for and more. Jennifer helped us through every step and answered questions while on our trip. Can not recommend her enough.

Mauruuru!

— Jacob Curtis, February 2023

This was the trip of a lifetime, thanks to Jen! We spent a week on the catamaran with two other families (close friends of ours) and Jen organized daily activities for both adults and kids. We had four kids on the trip ranging in ages from 10-16 years old and I’ve never seen my daughter so happy on a vacation before! It was the perfect mix of adventure (snorkeling, helmet diving, hiking, rides on the wake board, diving for oyster pearls, vanilla farm visits, paddle boarding…the list goes on) and also relaxation and amazing meals. Jen took the time to ask what each of us wanted from our time in French Polynesia and used that to create the ideal itinerary. She also accommodated our different arrivals days and departures, recommending places to stay and things to do before the catamaran trip started. I can’t recommend Te Mana Travels highly enough — book your trip NOW!  

—April Watson, December 2022

I worked with Jen at Te Mana Travels to create the perfect 3-night charter as part of a larger itinerary throughout the Society Islands. Jen is a pleasure to work with. She really knows her stuff, she's an excellent hostess and sailor, and she is connected with amazing local guides and experiences. The charter with Te Mana was truly a highlights of our journey. Mauruuru roa, Jen!

—Kathy Rubio, 2022

We arrived on a very rainy day to smiling faces and a adventure ahead. Jennifer and Captain Olivier we gracious and caring with everything on our charter ( our group had a few older gals lol) the tour of pearl farm , vanilla farm, snorkeling at the coral garden and the motu where such an experience. We had wonderful foods of the islands prepared 3 times a day by Jennifer and had the local entertainment arrive on our charter! That was a special treat. Exploring these beautiful islands on a charter is the best way to soak it all in. We all felt our Charter was the highlight of our trip. Hope see more again someday.

—Monica Pino, 2022

I can’t express enough how wonderful of a time me and my friends had with Te Mana! Jennifer was an exceptional host and assisted our group of six with the entire process of booking the catamaran and figuring out how to make our vacation a very special one. She was very communicative while we were planning our trip. She provided great recommendations about where to go, what to do, what activities would be most interesting to our group. And once we got to Tahiti, she made our vacation easy and relaxing. We didn’t have to worry about anything! She and our captain Tomas were very sensitive to our group's needs and always had an activity prepared so that we could have the very best time at each island. We snorkeled as much as we wanted, we learned so much about the Tahitian culture, and made many friends along the way. We really felt like a little family on Jennifer’s catamaran. The entire trip feels like a dream thinking back on it now. We had the vacation of a lifetime with Jennifer and Tomas. We highly recommend booking with Jennifer for your next Tahiti adventure!

—Amanda Lee, 2022

A trip of a lifetime! Our friends and I booked a Tahiti charter with Te Mana Travels for late September. We stayed on the six person catamaran for 8 days/7 nights. I originally was weary about going because it is a more luxurious trip. However, this trip was so, so worth it! Prior to the trip, we worked closely with Jennifer Westfall to make sure we had all our dietary needs, excursions, and documentation planned and ready. She was easily accessible and very detailed to make us feel comfortable with going on the trip. She helped customize our itinerary to fit our needs as well as planed activities for the rest of our stay in French Polynesia, since we stayed five days after the charter.

Jennifer was our host, and Thomas was our captain for the entire charter. The charter included travel between three islands: Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora (your pick). Each day was packed with activities! We were able to snorkel 2-4 times each day at each of the islands. Some snorkels we rode out with our captain on a dinghy, while others were organized with snorkel tour companies. The reefs are so alive and beautiful, and you easily encounter many cool fish, various rays, and reef sharks.

While in Bora Bora, we had tweaked our itinerary so that three of us could scuba dive. Jennifer had organized our dive (scheduling, on-day pick up), which made the whole process much easier. On land, we had the opportunity to explore private motus, a vanilla farm, a pearl farm, and local distilleries. I highly recommend getting drinks during happy hour at Bloody Mary’s (so so good!!). We definitely wouldn't have been able to see all that Tahiti had to offer if it wasn't for Te Mana Travels. They definitely knew all the cool spots and made sure we were in the water most of the time.

Lastly, I highly recommend working with Jennifer and having Thomas as captain! Jennifer made us feel at home and cooked delicious Tahitian meals that I miss so much. Two of us don't eat fish typically, but vouched that the fish dishes Jennifer cooked were amazing! Thomas is also very fun and socialized with us throughout the trip. He gladly took us everywhere, and would wait patiently in the dinghy while we snorkeled for hours (sorry Thomas!).

Thank you Jennifer and Te Mana Travels for a trip I’ll never forget. Still dreaming about Tahiti...until next time!

—Carol Chen, September 2022

Just back from an incredible adventure with Te Mana Travels! Jennifer, (Te Mana Travels) organized our Land, and Sea, (Catamaran) Tour to complete perfection! She works with phenomenal tour guides, cooks, and captains, that give great insight into Polynesian history, and culture. We had beautifully presented, and delicious, local cuisine everyday. Amazing snorkeling excursions with rays, teams of colorful fish, sharks, and beautiful corals. The vanilla farm, and Pearl farm visits were also wonderful. Everything was perfectly planned so that we could just relax, or stay busy. Just a word of caution…Jennifer’s love for the islands is contagious…I can’t wait to go back!

—Heidi McMurry, Tahiti Land & Sea Escape, November 2022

I don’t know where to start. What an amazing experience! Jennifer Westfall goes well beyond the expected for anyone who books with her. She chose an amazing and handpicked resort. The food was superb with a large assortment that can satisfy even the most finicky of taste buds. The selected tours give you the most knowledge available. We snorkeled several times a day at different locations, trying drift snorkeling and enjoying some of the best locations of coral and beautiful colourful fish. The chosen guides are some of the best in that region who share their knowledge freely. Our catamaran was spacious with many more adventures awaiting. We saw Eagle Rays, Pilate Whales, Sting Rays, Dolphins, Black tipped sharks. Our captain, Manea and super star hostess, Noeline never ceased to amaze. If I only take one more vacation, it would be a return to a tour with Jennifer. 😎

—Sandi Provost, November 2022

Just spent a week in paradise with Te Mana Travels traveling through the Tahitian Islands! If you have ever wanted to go to Tahiti and explore all the islands have to offer, book a trip with Te Mana Travels! Jennifer Westfall knows the islands, the culture and the people. She booked the best snorkeling spots and cultural excursions for our Women’s Tahitian Escape. Her passion and love of Tahiti shows through every little detail of the itinerary. I would definitely book another trip!

—Elizabeth Watson, November 2022, Women’s Tahitian Escape

I am excited to give a review for Te Mana Travels and Jen and talk about the excellent experience I had in the Society Islands in French Polynesia.

The Women’s Tahitian Retreat included Jen and ten others, who weren’t all acquainted prior to trip. She created an environment where we could relax and not have to think about any logistics. Everyone was open to the adventures she put before us. I would have described us as high maintenance, but Jen made it look easy, no doubt she was working tirelessly behind the curtain.

We had a tour around (literally) the island of Huahine by boat and visited many locations by Jeep.

We snorkled multiple times each day. I was amazed to see the variety of colors and sizes of clams growing in the reef. They looked like exotic flowers offering nectar and withdrew into their shell if there was unexpected movement (by the visiting humans).

While on the catamaran and speed boat we were visited by dolphins, sharks, manta rays, eagle rays and on the last morning pilot whales!

On the catamaran the food was fit for a Queen, thank you Noelene and Captain Manea, I felt very pampered. Many in our group of ten women expressed pre-trip that we didn't like raw fish. On day one we were served Poisson Cru and after watching the preparation of it we tasted it. Every one of us was converted. We ate a variety of delicious fish all week and Poisson Cru many times!

I enjoyed learning about how vanilla is grown and harvested and had to take some home.

At Champon Pearl Farm on island of Taha’a, I found the process of cultivating pearls very interesting especially how black-lip pearl oyster are chosen to produce the variety of beautiful colors. Of course, I had to take some pearls home, too!

One of the best parts about the trip was that most of our time was spent in areas where there were few, if any, tourists thanks to Jen's knowledge, planning and relationship with locale.

Polynesian music and dancing...I could write a book about all our adventures and time enjoyed getting to know everyone. It truly was an experience of a lifetime.

Nui maururu.

—Pamela Ossorio, November 2022, Women’s Tahitian Escape

Te Mana Travels and Jennifer arranged itineraries that checked all boxes: cultural immersion, relaxation, “a surprise” on-board evening’s entertainment that added perspective to island life. Jen and Sebastian, our captain are both such lovely people. Our time spent on-board getting to know them was as much a highlight as the docent land tours and immersion experiences, which were phenomenal, our guides were exceptional. The people, cultural richness and traditions of French Polynesia are a treasure most visitors barely experience. We love that TeMana Travels supports FP by curating tour packages supporting local island life. I am native Hawaiian and recall a childhood spent in similar verdant valleys and turquoise waters abundant with life, and evenings with neighbors for “kanikapila,” “to make music” late into the evening. What an amazing trip this has been. We’ll be back for sure, Jen. I believe you knew it before I did.

Me ke aloha pumehana, ame a hui hou! •Te aroha ‘ia rahi! •À bientôt!

—Jana Myers & Ohana, July 2022

We enjoyed amazing local food, beautifully prepared, turquoise water and views that are unsurpassed, and unique snorkeling/swimming options every day. We were also treated to interesting local guides and experiences on the islands we visited.  But the highlight of the trip was the incredible service, attention to detail, and local knowledge that was shared by our host, Jennifer, and our captain, Manea. They made us feel so welcomed and cared for the entire six days. The combination of local adventures, physical activities, relaxation, wonderful food and great conversation in a spectacular location made this the trip of a lifetime. If anyone has an interest in or curiosity about Tahiti, you must consider chartering a catamaran Te Mana Travels.

— Becky Burad, June 2022

One of the best experiences on a trip I’ve ever had! Jennifer is an overwhelming wonder at hospitality. She was able to understand and exceed all of our group’s expectations for this trip. We were able to see and experience more than we would have ever imaged. With this style of travel we got to enjoy the culture and culinary aspects of French Polynesia with an excellent host and captain. I could not have asked for anything more and we are already planning our next adventure with them!

— Jessica Sullivan, June 2022

If you’ve never vacationed by catamaran or charter (and I hadn’t), I don’t think you can overemphasize the importance of a host and boat captain. We had the dream team. Jennifer Westfall cares for her guests like cherished family members. The menus were uniformly fantastic, varied, and felt like they were curated to go with the days’ activities. The activities when outsourced were local experts in everything from ecology and environment to traditional culture — every single one fantastic. Manea our captain was equally great. His love of his country, his knowledge of the sea, his eye for spotting wildlife, and his sense of humor was the perfect fit. 

Our last day is a case study in the richness of living that may make my heretofore pleasant life now unbearable. 

We woke up and had another perfect breakfast — the full moon over the water, table loaded with fresh tropical fruit, yogurt and granola, French toast, hot coffee, and sparkling water. 

Snorkeling at Joe Dessin beach, perhaps the best beach on Taha’a coral gardens, at the edge of a striking wall that drops off the turquoise and into the blue. We were the only people there! 

Returned to the boat, drank champagne and had sautéed local fish sandwiches with sweet potatoes and salad. 

Post lunch we traveled to a pearl farm where they explained how they grow the pearls, how pearls are classified, and when they get to eat the oysters. Their jewelry was fantastic and I’ve been prettier ever since.

— Jeff Groh, June 2022

This was truly a trip of a lifetime. I loved every bit of it. Beautiful scenery, great accommodations, warm welcoming people, coral reef snorkeling, tours, history, culture, music, dance…I could go on and on.

Jennifer Westfall created a wonderful experience for us. She planned many excursions and activities, but always left the option to just stay back and relax. Beth Hill made our trip planning a breeze, even in the middle of a pandemic. She put together our group of women, each of us only knowing one or two others. I arrived in Tahiti with one old friend and left with ten new ones. What an adventure!

— Sue Sampson, November 2021, Women’s Tahitian Escape

Te Mana Travels is a unique way to explore and discover the Islands of Tahiti — allowing one to truly immerse themself into the Polynesian culture. The careful curation of Jennifer’s itineraries allow you to truly see it all, no matter rain or shine, and is the perfect balance of adventurous activity and serene relaxation. Expect nothing less than barefoot luxury the moment you step onboard, from white glove service to indulgent sea-to-table meals to exclusive excursions with local experts. You are not seeing French Polynesia if you’re not seeing it with Te Mana Travels.

— Cait Langley with Tahiti Travel Planners/Go Tahiti.com, November 2021

Jennifer is the ultimate professional who knows how to take care of guests and share her passion for French Polynesia. Totally customized itinerary, she's very open to what we wanted to do. Jennifer was very responsive to all our questions pre-trip regarding accommodations, activities, transfers, and airfare. Whether it was the visit to the vanilla farm, pearl farm, we learned so much about the history and culture of the islands. Snorkeling in all the beautiful locations while being transported on our 45-foot catamaran. Our meals were fresh, local, and super delicious. Wonderful engagement with her crew, Cait and Captain Richard. Our last night onboard was magical as we listened to two fabulous singers and musicians right in the back of the boat. They even attempted to teach us some fun dance moves. My husband are already planning our next trip. Thank you so much, Jennifer!!

— Nikki Roy, November 2021

Really need some modern day Ernest Hemingway to do this justice! Now that I’m home and people say, “Tell me all about Tahiti!”, I’m right back on that catamaran and waking up to the smell of NoNo’s coffee and the sound of the water lapping at the side of the boat. You want to lay there for awhile but the day holds so much you want to get to it! Snorkeling that makes you feel like you’re in a world sized aquarium, local tours led by people who love where they live and are so happy you are there, they are practically glowing. But plenty of downtime too! After lunch find a spot on the hull or top deck with a glass of rose’ for a little sun, some reading or a nap. A luxury I rarely have time for at home! A vacation like this is a once in a lifetime for me. So do it right. Don’t Google. Let Jennifer plan it all, sit back and enjoy the local musicians and dancers and a little cocktail. Just make sure your mixer doesn’t already have alcohol in it. 😜

— Stephanie Naifeh, November 2021, Women’s Tahitian Escape

What an incredible week! Te Mana Travels (Jennifer) provided us with an experience of a lifetime. Her patience and knowledge when helping us with the initial planning was so appreciated. Her attention to detail and communication were superb. We’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world but our week on this charter was so unique. Such a perfect mix of relaxation, gorgeous surroundings and amazing food and cultural activities. Jennifer’s love of French Polynesia and its gracious people shine through in every way. We’re already planning our next trip back!  

— Marianne Emanuel, October 2021

Superlatives cannot adequately describe just how wonderful our Te Mana charter was. From our crew, to the comfortable accommodations, to the outstanding food, the onshore excursions, the lush tropical scenery, and the unreal turquoise waters teeming with sea life, everything about it was perfect. Not to mention the sheer relaxation of just being in a true paradise away from daily life with no agenda and not a care in the world. Thank you Jennifer, Captain Olivier and Te Mana for giving us the best 35th anniversary trip we could have ever imagined! We only wish we would have stayed onboard longer. Like, permanently!

— David & Leslie Andersen, November 2019

Sailing in Tahiti was a wonderful experience thanks to our guide and hostess. We were greeted at the airport by Skipper Richard who took us to our yacht to a wonderful warm greeting from Jennifer ( I do love a hug). Jennifer had prepared a beautiful feast and made us feel right at home. The whole experience was enhanced by Jennifer’s wonderful organizational skills and her beautiful meals, including the Pina Coladas she prepared one night on board. Jennifer goes the extra mile, even to hiring a car on the last two days in Huahine to take us around and drive us home late at night over rough mountain roads. We left Tahiti, sadly, but knowing we had a new friend for life.

— Bruce & Philipa Patullo, August 2019

My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful sailing trip around the Islands of French Polynesia in August 2019. This was a perfect time for us to escape the severe cold at home and enjoy the best of French Polynesia’s climate. Jennifer was an exemplary tour organiser, very attentive to our comfort and preferences. The resort accommodation at Papeete and Huahine was excellent and local flights to Raiatea and Huahine were booked to best suit our schedule. We met our traveling companions and established good camaraderie before boarding the yacht. Our skipper Richard, a very experienced navigator in these waters, was a great raconteur and supportive host. Jennifer provided many delicious gourmet meals including fresh fish, tropical fruit, french bread, cheese and wine. The cooked breakfasts were a special treat. We also enjoyed the best local cuisine at various island yacht clubs and night spots. Highlights included the authentic cultural show at Taha, with traditional hula dancing and music, and the wonderful island talent at Bloody Mary’s, Bora Bora. Stocking up on supplies at the food stores and markets in Raiatea gave us an insight into local cuisine. We experienced local life by touring a family tropical garden with a biologist, visiting a vanilla farm, ancient fish traps, a black pearl farm, snorkeling and swimming in the lagoons and learning about Polynesian culture at museums and galleries. Sailing highlights included an impromptu trip across open water to a remote atoll with a turtle sanctuary and arriving at Bora Bora lagoon under full sail. A most memorable and enjoyable holiday. Thank you, Jennifer.

— Robert and Noelene Fraser, August 2019