Earlier in the morning at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti, I’d met a lovely couple from Washington, D.C., celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. They had plans to visit Oceana for lunch and stop by the Robert WAN Pearl Museum to learn more about the history of Tahitian pearls.
Later that day, while checking out at the front desk, I ran into them again. When I asked how the museum was, their response was… underwhelmed. “It was nice,” the husband said. “But nothing special. No ‘must-have’ pieces, and the exhibit was just – fine.”
So, wanting something to take home as a souvenir I asked the front desk for a local recommendation. I wasn’t looking for pearls anymore after their honest review of the experience – I wanted a totem. Something that reflected the spirit and symbolism of my time in French Polynesia. Previously, I purchased a totem that spoke to me in Whistler, in British Columbia. A similar feeling of finding one in French Polynesia felt – right – to me.
Without hesitation, the concierge suggested Galerie Ganesha in Centre Vaima. “You’re sure to find something unique and special,” he said in his French accent – which somehow made the recommendation sound even more convincing. I was sold.
A quick taxi ride and a short walk later, I stepped into the store.
I almost immediately spotted a turtle carved from walnut. It had a calm, grounded energy to it. As I browsed further, I found a walnut totem, also hand-carved in the Marquesas Islands, and knew I’d found the right pieces. They just felt right—a blend of the grounding energy I’d experienced at the turtle sanctuary at the Westin Bora Bora, and the deep cultural roots of the Society Islands.
To make the experience even better, the sales associate let me know that purchases over 15,000 CFP were eligible for duty-free reimbursement. Suddenly, shopping became much more fun. She guided me through the tax refund form process, which turned out to be incredibly simple at the airport. The customs kiosk is directly to the left of security, and a kind attendant even walked over and handled it for me.
I’m genuinely grateful for the recommendation and the warmth of the two women at Ganesha who helped me find what I was looking for—without pressure, just care and patience.
And honestly? This totem-and-turtle combo was not only more meaningful, but far more interesting than hunting down a Tahitian black pearl necklace.
Galerie Ganesha à Papeete
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