Café Havana Guam’s general manager, David Lee-Sang, couldn’t be happier about his new venture and brings an impressive resume of academic and hands on experience, coupled with an extensive family history in the industry to Guam’s first Cuban restaurant. With construction now well under way and the expertise of Lee-Sang added to the mix, the island excitedly awaits the grand opening of Café Havana Guam later this month.
Lee-Sang recently relocated to Guam from Saipan where he was operations manager and executive chef of Hard Rock Saipan. “I was part of a great team whose accomplishments were many. Saipan Hard Rock was rated consistently either the best or one of top three stores worldwide by the HRC Corporate Head Office,” said Lee-Sang, “Many things we introduced there were taken on board by Head Office and used in stores worldwide to improve operations. Example, we were the first to deviate from the strict corporate menu, which at that time was never done, with lengthy research, development and approval. It proved to be very successful with the customers and needless to say very profitable for the owner.”
Lee-Sang’s experience with adding local flavor to an existing menu is a boon for Café Havana Guam, which will feature an Asian flair to a typically Cuban cuisine. “Just thinking about the menus makes my mouth water,” he said as he describes the food at Café Havana Guam, “Where a fusion of the eclectic exotic tastes of Cuba fuses with wonders of Asian flavors to create a deliciously different culinary experience, I have named Cusion. I think it is wonderful that we’re introducing dishes that further enhance and add to the culinary experiences available in Guam by skillful combining these wonderful foods to create our Cusion Cuisine."
While the tempting menu has Lee-Sang’s taste buds excited, he is equally thrilled with the progress being made to renovate the former TJ’s location at the Hyatt Regency Guam, where Café Havana Guam will be located. Café Havana Guam will have a unique look of its own, which Lee-Sang describes as “tastefully retro-contemporary,” while paying homage to its sister restaurants in the Philippines with traditional Café Havana décor.
“The designers have done a great job recreating a retro look and feel of the 1950's and how a Havana restaurant would have looked and, by adding large flat TV screen, cool plates and glasses to name a few item, they introduce the contemporary side to the restaurant,” said Lee-Sang.
Learning the business was relatively easy for Lee-Sang, whose family has been involved in the industry for nearly a hundred years. “My family has been in the bakery and catering businesses since the early 1900's in Jamaica and then in London, England,” he said, “I helped in the business and cooking at home from a early age and my interest and skill grew from there. In our house it was not unusual to have 20 to 30 plus people around for sit down dinners. My dad and I would do most all the cooking. I loved it.”
“I did my Culinary Degree and Restaurant Operations studies for five years at Westminster College in London, England. I have worked in many types of places as a chef in Europe, Micronesian and Jamaica and cooked for people like the Queen of England and Michael Jackson,” Lee-Sang continued, “The Churchill Hotel where I worked for many years in the 80's is now a Hyatt Regency Hotel. So, I have come around full circle.”
This is Lee-Sang’s second time to call Guam home, having lived here in 1996 when his wife, Wendi, was resident manager of PIC. The family moved to Saipan when Lee-Sang’s wife was promoted to general manager of PIC Saipan and he became part of SandCastle, which is where he met Café Havana Guam’s managing director, Richard Rennie. According to Lee-Sang, his whole family is happy to be back on Guam. “I love the island and the people. Guam has a lot to enjoy and look forward to. It's our home.”
For more information, please contact Richard G. Rennie, Managing Partner; Tel: (671) 687-7542 -- Email: rgrennie@cafehavanaguam.com
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Guam Visitor's Bureau's Guide Goes Digital
The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has partnered with ModernAgent to provide in-depth visitor information about Guam and the island’s many activities in an easy to use digital format. The digitalized version of the GVB Visitor Guide has been sent to 25,000 tour agents and is also available online at Modern Agent’s web site.
“Having our most popular brochure, the GVB Visitor Guide, digitalized and available online is very exciting for GVB,” said General Manager Gerald S.A. Perez, “Travel agents appreciate the ease and convenience of electronic brochures which make it easier to share destination information with their customers. ModernAgent has done a great service to the tourism industry by digitalizing these important brochures.”
GVB’s digitalized brochure was sent to US tour agents, with a specific focus on the cities of Newark, NJ; Houston, TX; Cleveland, OH; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Detroit, MI; and Memphis, TN. These are the hub cities of Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines, the two main carriers servicing travelers flying to and from Guam and Hawaii and the continental USA.
The digitalized GVB Visitor Guide is also online and anyone wanting to learn more about Guam can visit ModernAgent’s website at www.modernagent.com, click on the Brochures tab and then the GVB Visitor Guide. The guide appears exactly as it would in hard copy, with all the same comprehensive information, vivid photographs, and contact information for hotels, restaurants, optional tours, and other attractions of Guam included.
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Visa applicants at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing will get a glimpse of Guam as they file the very paperwork that could bring them to the island to visit. Guam will be featured as one of the premiere U.S. destinations on a promotional DVD being created by the U.S. Commercial Service as part of a campaign to increase the number of visitors to the U.S. from China.
In response to the U.S. – China Group Leisure Travel Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2007, the number of Chinese travelers is expected to increase dramatically and to take advantage, the DVD showcasing U.S. locations, like Guam, will be played continuously in the waiting rooms to an audience of potential visitors.
Each video clip will be five minutes in length with Mandarin subtitles. The Guam vignette will contain exciting footage of the outdoor activities one can enjoy daily in Guam’s year round warm weather, like diving, swimming, golf, and a lot more. Guam’s great shopping is highlighted in all its hustle and bustle as visitors take advantage of Guam’s great bargains on high-end merchandise and throughout it all, the island’s tropical beauty provides the perfect backdrop for an exciting visit.
U.S. Commercial Service expects to launch the promotional campaign in mid-May and it will run for six months. Guam is looking forward to receiving its share of new visitors from China who come the island to see all the wonderful sights from the video.
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held the grand opening of its new Nature Center in April 2007. The interactive display is designed to promote the importance of conservation while showcasing Guam's indigenous flora and fauna in an appealing atmosphere that will engage visitors of all ages.
When you enter the Nature Center, the first thing you notice is the sound of birds chirping. The bird song comes from the many representations of Guam's native birds that are located throughout center. In the center of the room is an ifit, or ironwood, one of Guam's protected and indigenous trees. There are more birds in the tree along with a Mariana fruit bat, or fanihi, which is the local Chamorro word for the flying creature. While fruit bats exist in many parts of the world, there are only a few fanihi left living in the wild on Guam.
In fact, many species of bird represented at the new Nature Center are extinct, including the Mariana Fruit Dove, the Rufuos Fantail, and the Micronesian Honey eater or Totot, Chichirika, and Egigi as they are respectively called in Guam’s native language. Preserving Guam’s remaining birdlife is one of the Wildlife Refuge’s main purposes and hopefully the Nature Center will aid in teaching the importance of protecting indigenous species of both animal and plant life on Guam.
The Nature Center also features four 16-foot murals depicting the different types of geography found at the Wildlife Refuge and describe other features found at the Ritidian Unit location.
In addition to the Nature Center, the Guam National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of Guam’s most beautiful seashores, Ritidian Beach. The Park Rangers also give regular tours through the federally protected jungle at the Refuge and the tour includes visits to two caves where the ancient Chamorros lived and have left pictographs for everyone to see and learn from.
The Guam National Wildlife Refuge, Ritidian Unit and the Nature Center are open seven days a week from 8:30 am to 4 pm and admission is free. If you're interested in taking a tour of the forest and the caves, arrangements must be made in advance by calling 1 (671) 355-5096.
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On May 1, 1967, a Pan Am flight from Japan arrived on Guam carrying 109 passengers who were the island’s very first tourist group. Forty years later with annual arrivals of over one million, tourism has become the single largest industry on Guam and the second largest employer.
In commemoration of the historic flight and launching of Guam’s premiere industry, the island is celebrating 40 years of tourism with a series of special events, festivals, contests, memorial tree planting, and much more throughout the year. The celebration officially began in January with a press conference held in Tokyo, where it was also announced that GVB is searching for the original 109 passengers and the 20 couples who were married on Guam forty years ago.
While other activities, including launch of the Hafa Adai Card campaign and the Oyazi Band contest with guest judge, Akira Terao, are planned for Japan; monthly festivities are planned for Guam, too.
It is Guam’s unique culture and heritage that have lead to its success as a popular tourist destination, so it is that the commemoration of 40 years ends with a cultural showcase and financial support for the Guam Museum.
For more information about Guam’s celebration of 40 years of tourism, log on to www.visitguam.org
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announced that after much thought and careful consideration, they renamed their recently acquired Tumon Bay based hotel. Effective April 1, 2007, the former Holiday Plaza Hotel was called the
The newly re-christened Pacific Bay Hotel continues to provide a home to some of Guam’s favorite restaurants, shops, and an after-hours hot spot, including the VIP Restaurant, Prime Color floral boutique, and Mac n’ Marty’s, a very popular cigar bar that is host to live local entertainment on the weekends and in addition to offering a wide selection of fine cigars, is well known for their specialty shots.
For more information about the Pacific Bay Hotel, which is conveniently located in Tumon Bay, the heart of Guam’s busy tourism industry, please contact the hotel at (671) 649-8001.
Tahitian Monoi, meaning "sacred oil," is a result of enfluerage, the art of extracting active or aromatic ingredients by gently steeping fresh Tiare flowers in refined coconut oil. Tiare flowers, the country's national flower and recognizable symbol, and the coconut used in this process are exclusive to the islands of Tahiti. This 2,000 year old technique has been perfected and used through the ages for cosmetic and pharmacological purposes.
The Monoi Institute, an entity created to establish standards and specifications for Monoi made with Tahiti’s tiare flower, enforces rigorous standards that must be incorporated. This strict quality control is necessary to produce this unique oil which offers a range of holistic skin and hair benefits.
“Tahitian Monoi created in French Polynesia is also called ‘scented oil’ because we use the coconut oil with different types of flowers and trees,” says Eric Vaxelaire, director / vice president to the Institut de Monoi. The Tiare flower, from the gardenia tahitensis family, is in bloom all year round. Its even, snow-white petals contrast with the dark green of the glossy smooth edged leaves. The Tiare’s unique sweet perfume is reminiscent of gardenia and tuberose flowers, with some characteristics of apple tree flowers. This national symbol is also believed to have elements that relieve headaches and earaches, heal wounds, and even cure certain types of eczema.
The other crucial ingredient of the Tahitian Monoi is coconut oil. However, the coconut oil used in the creation process is from a type of coconut that grows exclusively on the coral soil in Tahiti. It is a naturally dried coconut of the Cocos Nuficeras variety that provides the raw oil which would then be refined. The refining process, without adding chemicals, enhances it into a light, high quality oil with a distinctive silky feel.
"In Tahitian culture, Monoi oil is considered to be more than a product. It is something that becomes integrated into your mind and your way of life," said Vaxelaire. "To Polynesians, Monoi is not a product that is in competition with aloe vera or other lotions. Because of Tahiti's remote location in the South Pacific, and our use of only natural products from our country, monoi has its own qualities and characteristics that set it apart from other lotions and oils."
For more information on the Monoi Institute, please visit web site www.monoi-institute.org
In October, 2006, UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, officially recognized a group of atolls in French Polynesia known as the Commune of Fakarava, as one of 25 newly designated UNESCO Reserve sites. As part of the organization's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, the Commune of Fakarava Biosphere Reserve joins an elite chapter of newly designated ecologically sound territories, including: Shatskyi Biosphere Reserve, Ukraine; Lake Chilwa Biosphere Reserve, Malawi; and Kien Giang, Vietnam.
Encompassing the atolls of Aratika, Fakarava, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau, the Commune de Fakarava is located in French Polynesia's remote Tuamotu archipelago. Sitting northeast of the Society Islands archipelago (which includes Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Maupiti), the Tuamotu archipelago is a group of low lying atolls stretching for hundreds of miles towards the Gambiers Archipelago.
UNESCO established the MAB Programme in 1970 to preserve, protect, and enhance different ecosystem types around the world. The program's goal is to reduce biodiversity loss, improve livelihoods, and enhance social, economic and cultural conditions for environmental sustainability.
Fakarava, the largest, and most populated of the Commune of Fakarava atolls, and the second largest atoll in the islands of Tahiti (after Rangiroa), is home to unexplored "motu" (islets) and rare crustaceans, including squills and sea cicadas. Fakarava is one of the newest territories in French Polynesia to begin developing a tourism infrastructure. Home to 400 residents, Fakarava is considered the first populated center of the entire destination and the ancient capital of the region.
As part of the ongoing UNESCO Reserve designation, the Commune of Fakarava will be actively involved in the protection and socio-economic development that the MAB Program is set to initiate in the region. The designation requires that development plans comply with the traditions, rules, and laws of the region, with a long-term goal of sustaining the ecosystem, preserving the native culture, and enhancing the economy of the region.
Huahine, known as Tahiti's "Garden of Eden," has a rich spiritual history and cultural significance for all of Polynesia. The island itself is comprised of two isthmuses – Huahine Nui (“big”) and Huahine Iti (“small”), which are actually connected by a small bridge. The historical and religious significance of the island, and many of its rich traditions, have been documented in a book by author Rick Carroll titled Huahine – Island of the Lost Canoe. The book is based on research by acclaimed Bishop Museum archeologist and one of Polynesia’s most renowned historians, Dr. Yosihiko Sinoto.
Many of Huahine’s historical sites and marae (ancient stone temples) can be seen via spectacular hikes through the island's lush interior. The most popular hike on Huahine is a 2.5 mile winding trek that loops around Mata’ire’a Hill on Huahine Nui. On this particular path, hikers can see many ancient marae, the historical Te Ana complex, and a temple at the top of the hill which offers a spectacular panorama encompassing breathtaking vistas from Huahine’s reef runway, to Lake Fauna Nui, the town of Maeva, and of the Pacific Ocean.
The trailhead starts just beyond Fare Pote'e, (which translates as “the oval house”), an ancient meeting house that has been restored as a museum and interpretive center. Fare Pote'e sits on the ocean side of the road to Maeva. The start of the hike leads into a lush jungle area past vanilla pines and breadfruit trees, which were once used to carve canoe hulls. Just before climbing Mata'ire'a Hill, a small wall made of marae stones built in 1846 to defend the island from the French can be seen as well as stone structures dating from 1600 to 1800 A.D. .
Next on the hike is the ancient Te Ana Complex site, where 35 marae and hundreds of ancient residential and agricultural structures once stood. After passing a grove with pale green vanilla vines and breadfruit trees, a 43-foot long coral and basalt rectangle marae site, the Marae Tefano, sprawls under the shadow of a giant banyan tree with extensive roots.
Just past the Marae Tefano is Marae Mata'ire'arahi, a religious site dedicated to the powerful god, Tane, once reverently worshipped on Huahine. This site was the most important temple in the Society Islands prior to the building of Taputapuatea on the island of Raiatea. According to oral tradition, when Taputapuatea was about to be built, stones from Mata'ire'arahi were transported to the Taputapuatea building site to ensure that the new temple would retain the old temple’s power.
The next point of interest on the hike is Marae Paepae Ofata, a site offering a panoramic view of Huahine Nui, Lake Fauna Nui, the Pacific Ocean and island reef, and Huahine Iti. From there, a dirt road descends to join the main road near Marae Te Ava, which leads to the lagoon where Marae Fare Miro, a beautiful example of Polynesian stonework, sits. Near the village in the lagoon, V-shaped stone fish traps are visible, still used today by the islands local residents.
From there, crossing the lagoon bridge in the town of Maeva, a large rectangle building dedicated to the god Tane, known as Marae Manunu, is visible. An expansive coastal marae sits on the south shore of Huahine Iti. Known as Marais Anini, this is a place where, historically sacrifices (including human) to the god of war, Oro, took place.
Getting married in paradise may be a dream for many North Americans, but it's still not a reality yet for travelers to Tahiti. As a French territory, Tahitian wedding ceremonies for North American citizens aren't legally binding in the U.S. However, that hasn't stopped those such as golfing legend Phil Mickelson and actor Dustin Hoffman from participating with their spouse in a traditional Tahitian Wedding Ceremony. On a break in his hectic playing schedule recently, Mickelson vacationed in Bora Bora, where he and his wife reinforced their commitment to one another via a traditional Tahitian wedding vow renewal ceremony.
Since the ceremonies are not legally binding (and as a result, not officially “recorded”), an accurate number of how many each year are performed is elusive. However, many of Tahiti’s resorts, who traditionally offer and arrange the ceremonies, are reporting a steady increase.
Although there are many different types of ceremonies, they traditionally begin with the bride being treated to a soothing massage by her Tahitian “bridesmaid” using soothing monoi oil, while being sung to and adorned with fragrant flowers like a Tahitian princess. Meanwhile, the groom is taken to a motu (small islet) via outrigger canoe, painted with tattoos and given a crown of tropical leaves. The bride wears a traditional Tahitian wedding pareu and a flowered headpiece.
The wedding vow renewal ceremony is conducted in Tahitian by a priest and each couple is given a Tahitian name and a name for their first born child. A Tahitian marriage certificate made of tapa cloth parchment, is presented while village women sing hymns. The ceremony is often followed by a romantic sunset cruise where the bride and groom continue to be serenaded by soft Tahitian music.
The traditional Tahitian wedding ceremonies can easily be arranged through many of Tahiti’s tour operators, hotels, and cruise lines throughout the destination. Although not legally binding, these ceremonies are popular for people on their honeymoons and those celebrating their anniversaries.
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Need to unwind, but just can't find the time to get away? How about a “Tahitian Midnight Rendezvous”? It's just one of many tasty and colorful cocktails highlighted in Cocktails in Tahiti, a newly released book by author Richard Bondurant. Equal parts Tahiti travel guide, party planner, and coffee-table keepsake, Cocktails in Tahiti features stunning photos - of both the destination and its drinks - as well as information about islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti and cocktail recipes from some of the islands' signature resorts.
From the familiar “Maitai,” to the playful "Tahiti Bikini" (Tahitian rum and pineapple juice), to the tempting "Toe To Toe," Cocktails in Tahiti quenches readers' thirst for Tahiti travel information, while offering a taste of Tahiti that can be enjoyed at home. Featuring over 50 delicious drinks as well as a number of resort profiles, Cocktails in Tahiti may just be the next best thing to visiting the Tahitian islands on holiday. The book is available now at Amazon.com, Target.com, and other leading book retailers. For more information, visit www.CocktailsInTahiti.com.
For more information, check web site www.tourisme.com
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Theories documenting the development of French Polynesia are numerous, and often debated. However, some theories are more credible, based on existing evidence and research. This account is one of those considered more credible.
Around 4000 B.C., a great migration began from Southeast Asia across open ocean to settle the Pacific Islands. Many researchers conclude that Tonga and Samoa were settled around 1300 B.C. and from here, colonization voyages were launched to the Marquesas islands in about 200 B.C. over the next centuries, great migrations to colonize all the Tahitian Islands and virtually the entire South Pacific took place. This area is now called the "Polynesian Triangle" and includes Hawaii to the north, Easter Island to the southeast, and New Zealand to the southwest. As a result of these migrations, native Hawaiians and the Maoris of New Zealand all originate from common ancestors and speak a similar language collectively known as Maohi.
The era of European exploration began in the 1500s when ships without outriggers began to arrive. In 1521, Magellan spotted the atoll of Pukapuka in what is now the Tuamotu Atolls and, in 1595, the Spanish explorer Mendana visited the island of Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas Archipelago. More than 170 years later, Captain Samuel Wallis aboard the HMS Dolphin was the first to visit the island of Tahiti during his journey to discover terra austrilis incognita, a mythical land mass below the equator thought to balance the Northern Hemisphere. Wallis named Tahiti "King George III Island" and claimed it for England. Soon after, and unaware of Wallis' arrival, French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville landed on the opposite side of Tahiti and claimed it for the King of France. European fascination with the islands grew as news spread of both the mutiny of Captain William Bligh's crew aboard the HMS Bounty and tales of the beauty and nature of the Tahitian people. Knowledge of Tahiti in the South Pacific continue to grow as Captain James Cook brought back illustrations of Tahitian flora and fauna in the first map of the islands of the Pacific. In the 1800s, the arrival of whalers, British missionaries, and French military expeditions forever changed the way of life on Tahiti and created a French-British rivalry for control of the islands.
The Pomare Dynasty ruled Tahiti until 1847 when Queen Pomare accepted French protection of the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. Following the Queen's death, King Pomare V was persuaded to cede Tahiti and most of its dependencies to France. By 1957, all the islands of Tahiti were reconstituted as the overseas French territory called French Polynesia. French Polynesia is now a French Overseas Country with self-governing powers and a mission to provide for her people through commerce and investment.
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Imagine running along a breathtaking coastal road that parts the lush green mountains from the sky blue lagoon and deep blue ocean. Those who have competed in the marathon along the coast of Moorea from Temae beach and across the bays of Cook and Opunohu can guarantee that imagination cannot compete with reality.
Annually, since 1988, athletes from Tahiti and around the world are offered the chance to participate in this unmatchable experience: The Tahiti-Moorea International Marathon.
The distant ancestor of this widely participated event, created in 1971, took place on the island of Tahiti. This marathon, the first official marathon of the country, was organized as a result of the 4th “South Pacific Games.” Although the marathon was originally only for those from the region, the organizers finally opened it up to international contestants after ten years.
The marathon was transformed into the celebrated event we know of today. This marathon comprises of four types of races: the 42km, 21km, 5km, and the Family Run. All four runs start at Temae Beach and trace the beautiful bays of Cook and Opunohu. The Moorea Youth and Sports Agency, the primary organizer of this event, expects at least 2,000 athletes this year, including 200 foreigners. The agency is actively striving to increase this international number. To push the marathon to an even higher international level, Te Moorea Club, a supporting association of the marathon, recently initiated a heavy promotional campaign in cities such as Paris, Monaco, London, and Las Vegas.
However, those who are not as into running mustn’t worry. The Tahiti-Moorea International Marathon is more than what the name suggests; it also consists of concerts, fireworks and many fun-filled local Tahitian activities. Besides widening the international awareness of Tahiti as a sporting destination, the marathon also showcases the island of Moorea and the culture within the islands of Tahiti.
For more information, visit www.MooreaEvents.org
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Thalassotherapy, from a combination of the Greek words thalassos, or "sea," and therapeia, or “therapy,” relates to the medical use of seawater and marine elements in physical treatment processes. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin as well as preventative and curative properties for the body.
Developed in seaside towns in France during the 19th century, Thalassotherapy incorporates deep seawater which naturally contains trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium. Slowly enriched by submarine life, the mineral composition of deep water is close to that of blood plasma.
In Thalassotherapy spa treatments, the water is carefully heated to a temperature approaching that of the body. The high bio-similarity with that of the human body allows the active marine ingredients contained in the deep seawater to be effectively absorbed for perfect mineralization.
The therapy can be applied in various forms, such as showers of warmed seawater, applications of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Thalassotherapy is believed to lessen the effects of hypertension, arteriosclerosis, asthma, bronchitis, muscle atrophy, scabies, and arthritis.
Algotherm, a French-based pioneer of marine cosmetics and Thalassotherapy treatments, has established the first Thalassotherapy spa in Tahiti. Located at the InterContinental hotel in Bora Bora, the company’s Deep Ocean Spa opened in the summer of 2006, and incorporates pure seawater drawn from the depths of the Pacific Ocean at more than 3,000 feet.
For more information, please contact media@tahiti-tourisme.com
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