About us
Discover Nani-travels, much more than a travel agency.
It's the fruit of the commitment of a team of young Polynesians who are passionate about Polynesia and determined to offer much more than just travel. We are creators of unique experiences, crafting memorable moments that respect our environment, society and local economy.
At Nani, innovation guides our approach to bringing you authentic, sustainable adventures. Led by women from Polynesia and supported by young talent, our team shares a deep connection with the Polynesian islands. Our goal is clear: to offer you unparalleled tourism experiences while contributing to a more sustainable world.
Immerse yourself in the very essence of Polynesia with Nani. Let us guide you to unique discoveries, while leaving a positive mark on our magnificent planet.
Founder’s Story
I was born and raised on the island of Tahiti by a Chinese father and Polynesian mother from Taravao.
One day a friend asked me, "What are you good at?" to which I replied, "I'm good at greeting people and putting a smile on their face." Little did I know that these traits would lead me towards my future career.
While I traveled around the world and pursued my education abroad, my mother passed away, which prompted me to follow my dreams and honor her memory.
Nani means "beauty" in the Polynesian languages. Nani is also the name of this loving Tahitian, who radiated the warmth and hospitality of our islands through her smile.
I created this nonprofit with my brother as a tribute to this incredible woman and to all the mothers who reflect the purity and joy of French Polynesia.
Alexandrine, Founder and Board President
Alexandrine WAN Founder & CEO
Jeremy WAN CFO
Lauriane OLUNCIK Head of sales
Aude BOURNE Finance assistant
Adrian OLUNCIK Travel agent
Ranihei MARTINEZ Travel agent
Vaehai TANETOA Experience assistant
Timeri IZAL
Head of experience
Fiona GILL
Travel agent
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Founder & Board President
Meet Alexandrine, the brain and heart behind everything at Nani Travels. This tiny woman has it all : a mind bursting with creative ideas, a contagious smile and positivity, and an entrepreneurial spirit that can move mountains.
Born and raised in Tahiti, she’s traveled her entire life and has been in all kinds of adventures, from randomly finding herself in a wedding preparation in rural India to speaking in front of world leaders during a UN conference on sustainable tourism.
Fun fact about Alex : nothing makes her more ecstatic than delicious food and a glass of good wine. Little did you know, this is actually what got her started in the tourism industry ! One thing leading to another, she discovered that her true passion lied in all the small details that make life so enjoyable, like fishing your own dinner, learning from a knowledgeable elder or splashing around in a waterfall. She then made a career out of it, and that’s how Nani Travels was born.
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CFO
Meet Jeremy, the man who handles the numbers like no one else at Nani Travels. He is the exact definition of his half-Tahitian-half-Chinese heritage : as chill as a breeze on a hot summer day and, yet, a tough (fortune) cookie when it comes to dealing with our finances.
For Jeremy, Nani Travels is a family affair. Nani, the woman who gave her name to the company, was Jeremy’s mother and, naturally, Alexandrine is Jeremy’s older sister. This pair is a match made in heaven, both in real life and in business, always supporting one another… no matter which crazy idea Alexandrine has come up with this time !
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Sales Manager
Meet Lauriane 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝗱𝗮 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 in the travel industry, she knows this industry like the back of her head and is now training our sales team like her "padawan"
An experienced travel agent, she used to sell French Polynesia in travel agencies in France and French Polynesia. After a while, she got tired of selling tourist packages without meaning and came to us looking for more authenticity. Not only is she an excellent travel designer, Lauriane is helping us developing the B2C branch of Nani Travels and is now our sales manager.
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Travel Agent
Adrian joined the team early 2024 and is working remotl rom a their beautiful island, Bali. His localisation allow us to organisecall its the rest of the world when or team in Tahiti is getting some rest. He lived in Tahiti for a big part of his life, knows all the surf spot around our islands and is an impeccable organizer.
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Meet Aude, she is Jeremys’/our CFO right hand and most precious ally in keeping finance running smoothly. She might not be the one guiding your adventure, but she’s the one making sure it all happens by keeping track of every invoice, to calculating costs for accommodations, transport, and experiences. She is also our super diva! having her nails painted and wearing pink bows behind her desk is her kind of self-expression. If you stop by our agency, don’t hesitate to swing by and meet her, she is always so happy to meet the names behind invoices.
Originally in finance for a fish production company, Aude saw Nani Travels as an exciting challenge she was determined to take on. With no prior experience in the travel industry, she dove in headfirst, learning as she went. And yet, despite starting from scratch, she quickly became one of Nani’s most valuable assets.
Born and raised across multiple pacific islands (Makemo, Tahiti and Takaroa) Aude grew up surrounded by nature, floating in the lagoon and enjoying the simple joys of island life with her family & friends.. Rangiroa “the” place where her obsession for the ocean begun, she used to run in the sand, dance under de sun and watch waves break on the shore.
Fun fact: Even if Aude is absolutely in love with the ocean… it’s only as long as she can see the bottom! The deep blue? No, thanks! The open sea gives her chills. Whether it’s a beach day with a cooler full of cold beers or a quiet moment watching the sunset over the water, the ocean is her happy place, just as long as it doesn’t get too deep!
Her favorite phrase ? " C’est trop chouette !”
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As a key member of our Experience team, Ha'i ensures that every booking and reservation runs smoothly, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in Polynesian culture without a hitch. She meticulously coordinates activities, works closely with local elders, farmers, scientists, and artists, and fine-tunes every detail to create truly authentic experiences. Since many of our partners are not from the tourism world, Ha'i bridges the gap with her infectious energy—whether it's driving across the island to help with invoices or simply making them feel like family.
Beyond her logistical expertise, Ha'i is the light of our office. Her emails don’t just contain details—they radiate warmth, always signed with a joyful Big hugs to you! rather than a formal Regards. If you visit our office in Papeete, she’ll welcome you with an ice tea, coconut candy, and a cheerful conversation—especially if you’re an English speaker (she loves practicing!).
Originally from Omoa, Fatu Hiva, Ha'i carries a deep-rooted connection to her Marquesan heritage. Raised in a family that treasures culture, she grew up surrounded by the artistry of tapa-making, a tradition passed down from her grandmother to her mother—and soon to her. Her passion for tourism was sparked during a college internship in event and travel planning, leading her to pursue studies in the field. It was during her time at university that she met our founder, Alexandrine, first as a professor and later as a mentor. An internship at Nani Travels solidified her calling: to promote and preserve Polynesian culture through immersive travel experiences.
What does she love most about Nani? The close-knit, passionate team and the opportunity to make a real impact. Ha'i isn’t just part of the company—she represents the future of tourism in French Polynesia, where culture takes center stage.
Fun fact: Never leave your snacks unattended! This little mouse has a knack for making treats disappear—whether it’s a pastry left on a desk or an open bag of chips, you might just catch her with a guilty smile and a satisfied bite!
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As the Head of Experience and Events at Nani Travels, Timeri is the creative mind of the team, she believes that travel is not just about visiting a place but about truly understanding its essence. Her meticulous attention to detail, combined with her deep love for her heritage, allows her to craft immersive experiences that leave lasting impressions. Whether she’s coordinating with local artisans, organizing traditional ceremonies, or ensuring smooth logistics, she brings an unparalleled energy and authenticity to her role.
Timeris’ journey was with Nani Travels began long before she knew it. Back in high school, she was the effortlessly cool and popular girl that Alexandrine/our CEO admired from afar. Years later, fate brought them together during an expedition that Alexandrine was organizing. Timeri stepped in to assist a private chef for a week, and by the end of that adventure, she was offered a tour leader role, one she gladly accepted. From that moment on, her journey with Nani took root, with countless stories unfolding from her time in the field.
Her first major initiative within the team was the creation of the “Festival de l’Effet Mer”. An environment and art festival in to promote eco-tourism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she explored new horizons, refining her skills in project management with both the artisanal service and Tahiti Tourism while we were working on getting back on track. But as soon as Nani Travels was able to rehire, she came back, because, simply put, we adore Timeri!
Beyond her creativity and leadership, she deeply cares about people and impact. She constantly thinks about how we can make a greater difference, whether for the environment or the communities we collaborate with. She ensures our impact-driven missions run smoothly, always finding ways to uplift those around her.
Born and raised in Tahiti, with deep ties to Mahina and the sacred Orohena mountain, Timeri embodies the spirit of Maohi culture. For her, this heritage is not just something to be celebrated, it’s a way of life. She sees the richness of her ancestry in everything, from the visible aspects of culture to those that remain unspoken and unseen. Her passion for preserving and nurturing this heritage drives her daily work and fuels her dedication to helping those in her community who are often overlooked
Fun Fact: A day without coffee? Unthinkable. If she ever runs out, she'll drop everything to restock. On Fridays, wrapped in her pareu, she enjoys firifiri and coffee—the perfect way to start the day.
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This is Fiona, your dedicated travel agent. Kind-hearted, gentle, and always radiating warmth, she’s the type of person who instantly makes you feel welcome.Fluent in multiple languages, including Chinese, she has built her career in hospitality across the world, gaining invaluable international expertise. At Nani Travels, she channels this experience into curating seamless and unforgettable trips, where every detail is designed with care and authenticity.
What sets Fiona apart is her honesty and her unwavering commitment to approaching everything with care and kindness. She’s straight forward, yet always acts with your best interest at heart. While she deeply values the kindness and support of her team, she also loves the challenges that push her limits. (Always within reason, of course) She embraces them as opportunities to grow and innovate, making every project an exciting adventure.
Originally from Grenoble, Fiona grew up in a multicultural English-Pakistani family, surrounded by diversity and a love for exploration. It was in Tahiti where she truly settled, building a life alongside her beloved husband. Now, surrounded by the island’s lush beauty and vibrant culture, she feels deeply connected to nature and the rhythm of Polynesian life.
Yet, beyond her professional dedication, Fiona is someone who knows how to embrace life fully. When she returns to her peaceful valley in Hamuta, she disconnects from the digital world and reconnects with herself and her partner. She appreciates the simple joys of life, whether it’s sipping flower-infused teas, savoring a small snack, or immersing herself in nature. Her deep connection to well-being extends beyond travel, as she also shares her energy through sound healing sessions, bringing harmony and serenity to those around her.
Fun fact: Fiona has such a deep love for plants and flowers, that you’ll often find her sipping infusions of flowers, leaves, tea and more throughout the day.
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This is Ranihei, your tropical escape alchemist and dedicated travel expert. With a natural ability to understand people, she instinctively knows which immersion, accommodation, or adventure will suit them best. At Nani Travels, she ensures every journey is seamless, meaningful, and designed with care.
Ranihei's journey with Nani Travels is deeply personal. Years ago, she met a lady who inspired her to seek knowledge and adventure. This led her to spend nine years in New Zealand studying tourism and management. But it’s only after applying to Nani Travels that she found out, this lady was our very own Nani! The woman that inspired our company and also Alexandrine/our CEO and Jeremy/our Finance director mother. Now, driven by passion, she constantly brings in new partners and experiences, so much so that Lauriane/our sales director often has to gently reminds her to slow down.
Beyond work, she’s a devoted mother. Her children are her greatest source of joy, and she gives them the same love and care she brings to her work. No matter how busy her days get, she always finds time to share precious moments with them. After long site inspections across the islands, she often brings them to the office, unable to stay apart for too long.
Born in Tahiti but raised in Rurutu, Ranihei grew up surrounded by island hospitality, where generosity was second nature. She became a passionate dancer and a creative force, embracing every moment with warmth and energy. Whether through movement or meaningful connections, she fully embodies the spirit of Nani Travels, bridging people, places, and unforgettable experiences.
A fun fact about Ranihei? After every client call, she instinctively turns her laptop to introduce the entire team, bringing everyone into the conversation. She also picks up on the smallest details, making every reservation feel personal. And if there’s one thing about her, it’s that when she cares, she gives her all, always seeing the best in every situation.