Of all the meals I've had on a Paul Gauguin sailing, lunch on Motu Mahana is the one I describe most often. It's a barbecue set up right on the sand of the line's private islet off Taha'a, eaten barefoot with the lagoon a few steps away. There's no formality to it, which is exactly why it lands so well after a few nights of the ship's restaurants. The Gauguines play music while you eat, and a floating bar bobs out in the shallows for anyone who wants a drink without leaving the water. Here's what to expect when the tender drops you ashore.
The beach barbecue itself
Lunch on the motu is a grilled spread laid out under the palms, the kind of relaxed meal where you fill a plate and find a spot in the shade. After the more composed dinners aboard in L'Etoile or La Veranda, this casual beach lunch is a welcome change of register. You eat with sand underfoot and the lagoon in view, and there's no dress code to think about. I've always found the simplicity is the point.
The floating bar and drinks
The detail people remember is the floating bar anchored just off the beach, where you can wade out and order without drying off. It's a small touch but it sets the tone for the whole day. Drinks flow easily alongside the meal, and you're never far from either the food or the water. I tell clients to lean into it rather than rush back to a lounger.
Making the most of the meal
My advice is to come ashore a little hungry and in no hurry, because this isn't a meal to eat quickly. Stake out a shaded spot early, swim before and after, and let the afternoon stretch. Tenders run back to the ship whenever you're ready, so there's no pressure on the clock. It's the most unhurried lunch of the whole cruise, and worth treating that way.
Frequently asked questions
Is the private island lunch included in the fare?
On sailings that visit Taha'a, the Motu Mahana beach barbecue is part of the day ashore. Specific inclusions can vary by itinerary, so confirm the details for your cruise when booking.
Can dietary needs be handled at the beach barbecue?
The galley can usually accommodate common dietary requirements ashore as they do on board. Let the ship know early in your sailing so the team can plan for it.
Is there a dress code for the island lunch?
None at all. It's a barefoot beach meal, so swimwear and a cover-up are exactly right.
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