Hanalei Reponty’s Tahitian Honeymoon Essentials

An otherworldly oceanic creature (& The LANE Editorial favourite) model Hanalei Reponty perfectly embodies the surreal natural beauty of her island home, Tahiti. An alluring destination for honeymooners, the islands beaches and rainforest fringed lagoons are the kind that fill ‘paradise’ boards on Pinterest, appearing almost too perfect to exist.

A lifestyle and setting that inspired her environmentally minded (not to mention seriously chic) swimwear label Abysse, Tahiti’s Bora Bora served as the jaw-dropping backdrop for the latest campaign…images that sparked some serious wanderlust from the office. In search of local insights from the perspective of a mermaid who grew up there, we quizzed Hanalei on her idyllic home and her list of honeymoon essentials, if she could only pack ten things…

Your fondest memory growing up, exploring Tahiti’s beautiful beaches…

Growing up in Tahiti was like growing up in a tropical paradise. A memory that I hold dear to my heart, is learning how to swim and surf in the blue waves above the reef while discovering the marine life. Seeing a dolphin for the first time, or chasing a turtle. I spent hours swimming, exploring the ocean and all its treasures, till I couldn’t open my eyes. Standing on my surfboard, chasing waves, surrounded by family and friends, smelling of wax and sunscreen and laughing till my belly hurt.

What kind of mood exists on the island?

The amazingness of the island’s surroundings can only be described as paradisiac. The tall, vibrant mountains, the lagoon, crystal clear water till the horizon, perfect white sand beaches on one side and volcanic black on the other…  Growing up in Tahiti, you learn that respect was one of the most important values: respect for yourself, respect for the land and Mother nature, and respect for others. But what really gets you is the people’s spirit. They are kind, smiling and so generous. They live a simple life close to the ocean, and they know they have found their own balance. The mood is a warm air of hedonism…

How does this influence the islands style?

The idea of beauty is very close to everything ‘au naturel’, with flowers in your hair. The weather being so warm all the time, and no one wearing shoes, the local style is very relaxed. I personally end up wearing my bikinis everywhere with a men’s shirt, or denim shorts!

By day, you we’d find you in…

My favourite pair of Levis denim shorts, Vintage White T-shirt, Greek sandals, and my Chloe Drew bag.

And by night…

If I have to dress up, I love wearing anything from Isabel Marant. Laid Back with a twist of Cool Chic. Always does the trick!

In your beach bag we’d likely discover…

So much! I usually carry a straw basket around because they are practical and I can pile everything in: Huge beach blanket, Sunscreen, Wax , Leash,  Fin key, Monoi (Tahitian tanning oil), Sunglasses, Hat, Book of the moment (I love reading on the beach…), Wetsuit, Bikini, Pareo, Camera, Lots of H20 or Coconut water and Dried Mangoes.

If headed there on honeymoon…

As soon as you board an Air Tahiti Nui plane you feel like you are in heaven. They play Tahitian music and give you flowers… Its amazing. Landing in Tahiti is surreal, it is such an idealistic setting for a honey moon, as it is truly the most beautiful corner of the Earth (although I might be biased!) and nothing seems as relaxing than lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean and watching the stars under a Polynesian moon. You can also, if you are the most active kind, go dive, surf, hike and sky dive! From a 6 star hotel to small pensionne, everything is so charming, and on top of it all, the food is to die for. Raw tuna, fresh vegetables and fruits… the perfect setting to start a new life together.

And if you could only pack 10 things to take with you…

My must 10 pack (I wish I packed this lightly for every trip)…

5’4 Hayden Shapes inverted Hypto Krypto / As nothing makes me more happy than surfing my home breaks

Abysse Bikini & Wetsuit / I spend my time in the ocean… so I never pack without my Abysse bikini! And though the water is warm, the reef is sharp, so a wetsuit is perfect protection from both the sun and the reef! And, I admit it, I just love surfing in silver neoprene, it just looks so cool!

Sunglasses / The sun is so strong & you need them all the time. I love my Round Raybans, or my Oversized Chloe.

Vintage T-shirt & Men’s Shirt /  Because they are so simple but work every time & are easy to wear around for any down time.

Denim shorts / As you noticed I am a bit of a fan!

One Easy Dress / To wear on a night out…

My Vintage Straw Hat / To wear at the beach, on the boat, at the market…

Sunscreen & Bio Oil / Critical! Sunscreen for any time spent in the ocean, and Bio Oil to hydrate my skin after a big day.

Kerastase Products / My hair loves the humid weather but after one session in the surf, it gets out of control! I love using Kerastase products…it regenerates and rehydrates my hair.

Camera, Go Pro, Polaroid / And all the other toys: to capture the adventure.