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A paradise both magical and remote, the islands of Tahiti are a dream come true.

 

Lush landscapes, brilliant tropical colors, the scent of vanilla and countless shades of blue: this is French Polynesia.  Only two hours beyond Hawaii - a movie and a snack - and you are there. 

 

Tahiti

Papeete, Tahiti is the gateway for most visitors to French Polynesia. Flights land at the international airport there and cruises usually begin and end at the port downtown. 

I suggest:

Visit Le Marche in downtown Papeete for local souvenirs and foods. Head upstairs for the best deals we found on set and loose Tahitian pearls.

 

Join the locals at  "Les Roulottes" food trucks for a casual dinner. Order your food and grab a seat. Cash only.

 

 

Try the national dish, poisson cru, which is similar to ceviche. Raw tuna "cooked" in lime juice, with diced vegetables and coconut milk. Delicious and so refreshing!

Moorea

Moorea is a 30 minute ferry or a quick flight from Tahiti. A haven for artists, Moorea has  majestic scenery and  a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Two beautiful bays are surrounded by jagged peaks around the ancient volcanic crater. Lush valleys and the lagoon offer a wide choice of activities. Here you will see people living their lives, working, and enjoying the beauty that surrounds them. 

 

I suggest:

The pineapple grown here is the sweetest I have ever tasted. Don't miss trying some. 

Take an island tour by 4WD. Albert Safari Tours gives a good one. Wear shoes suitable for hiking and know the ride can get a bit bumpy!

The Belvedere (above) is a must-see spot for jaw-dropping views. 

 

 

Raiatea and Taha'a

Called "The Sacred Island", Raiatea is home to Taputapuatea, the most significant marae in the islands and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This homeland is where the original Polynesians set out to settle Hawaii and New Zealand, and is a top yachting location today. 

 

Taha'a, "The Vanilla Island", shares the same lagoon as Raiatea. This garden island is where the majority of Tahitian vanilla is produced.

I suggest:

Tour Taputapuatea with an expert from Polynesian Escapes. Ask for guide Tahiarii Pariente. He has a deep knowledge of Polynesian culture.

Try drift snorkeling at Le Taha'a Resort. Let the current carry you past coral gardens right back to the resort.

 

Bora Bora

Stunning, spectacular..."The Pearl of the Pacific" is just as gorgeous as you have probably imagined. Mystical, cloud-topped Mt Otemanu towers over the picturesque lagoon. A ring of smaller islands (motus) are home to lush luxury resorts with iconic over-water bungalows and villas. 

I suggest:

 

I'm glad I tried swimming with the sharks and rays despite some initial worries that I would be nibbled on or zapped. It is great to interact with these animals in their environment where they were free to swim away if they wanted to. The rays were very gentle and let us touch them, but the black tipped sharks were only interested in the food the guide was giving them. 

Motu picnics are a fun way to see some of the small islands that ring the lagoon. Paul Gauguin Cruises has their own private motu here, as do many of the resorts. Taxi boats are on call to zip you off to your private paradise.

 

Travel Tips for French Polynesia

• Bring non-paraben sunscreen. This is highly recommended as regular sunscreen plays a role in the destruction of coral. You can buy this on the island but it will be expensive. Buy it before you leave to save some money.
• Water shoes are a good idea. Cuts from coral hurt!
• Most resorts offer shows for guests at least once a week. These vary but are all Polynesian in theme. Cruises will also offer local entertainment on board and sometimes on shore too. 
• Since many flights arrive or depart late from Tahiti, a day room is a good idea. Many resorts offer this service.
• The glass floor in your over-water bungalow usually opens so you can sprinkle some food to attract fish. There should be a light under the floor so you can watch “Tahitian TV”. Ask at the resort front desk for fish food.
• When flying into Bora Bora, get a seat (they are unassigned) on the left side of the plane for the best views as you approach the island.

 

 

Resorts in Tahiti, Moorea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora

My trip to French Polynesia was partially sponsored by Tahiti Tourisme. We toured and stayed at many resorts. Here are some of the highlights.

Tahiti

Many people only stay on Tahiti for one or two nights before traveling to other islands or boarding a cruise. 

Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort is set on a black sand beach with a view towards Moorea. From August - October mother whales and calves can be seen in the bay in front of the resort. The resort has low rise buildings set along the water so you can hear the sound of the surf from your room. Many are multi-room suites, great for longer stays or families.

The Intercontinental Tahiti has over-water bungalows as well as rooms with a view of Moorea. This resort has the most rooms of any hotel in French Polynesia, in low-rise buildings set amid lush landscaping.

Le Meridien Tahiti has a white sand beach, a reef offshore, and a view of Moorea from the over-water bungalows.

Manava Suite Resort is a modern hotel convenient to the airport. They offer day rooms and a pool overlooking the ocean.

 

Moorea

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa has over-water bungalows surrounded by coral gardens for great snorkeling. There is also a crepe bar (this is French Polynesia, after all) on the bungalow pontoon with a large glass floor where you can watch the black tipped sharks that congregate there in the evening. The resort is between two bays and has sunrise and sunset views.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa appeals to people staying for longer periods of time as some rooms have kitchen facilities. This is a boutique resort with some moderately priced rooms in a motel-type layout as well as garden villas and over-water bungalows. There is Polynesian style throughout as well as a lovely lobby and bar with Polynesian décor.

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach is on a beautiful beach. There are villas and over-water bungalows. The resort has the largest spa on the island.

Green Lodge is a small, somewhat rustic, family-run property located along a stretch of beach within walking distance to town. There are 6 separate beach bungalows and a quirky but charming bar and sitting area. Continental breakfast is included but there is no restaurant.

Taha'a

Le Taha'a, a Relais & Chateaux resort, is a barefoot luxury sort of place. There are villas set in the garden, a restaurant at the beach and another in the treetops. Over-water bungalows complete the idyllic scene. Taha'a is quiet, calm, scented by vanilla and tiare flowers. The resort has a true Polynesian feel. 

Bora Bora

Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island is set on a motu (or islet) in the lagoon. There is a lookout point with expansive views of the island as well as of Mt Otemanu. In addition to over-water bungalows there are lush, secluded garden bungalows. Lots of coral gardens and coves to explore. The open-air restaurant is elevated so there is a beautiful view.

Intercontinental Le Moana is one of two Intercontinental resorts in Bora Bora. A four-star property on the main island, the resort is located between two white sand beaches and with easy access to the town of Vaitape. The resort is family-friendly and more moderately priced than the luxury Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa. The public beach is just outside the resort entrance but the public is not allowed onto the resort beach.

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort is located across from the main island with wonderful views and a lovely beach. This is a four-star resort known for its authentic Polynesian style. Recent renovations updated the garden bungalows. 

Oa Oa Lodge is a small guest house popular with divers. The lodge is a 15-minute walk into Vaitape. Great for divers but limited facilities otherwise.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is on its own motu. The resort is built into the side of the mountain so has sea views out to the horizon. Sunset views are spectacular. This is one of the top resorts in French Polynesia. Rooms include villas and over-water bungalows, some with private plunge pools. There are coral gardens all around the resort, plus an extensive spa set high on the hillside.

Bora Bora Intercontinental and Thalasso Spa has views across the lagoon to Mt Otemanu. The sun sets behind the mountain so the colors are amazing. Children are welcome but there is a real air of romance at this resort, from the secret garden to the locks of love. Rays come into the lagoon every afternoon to feed. You can snorkel among them right from the resort.

Le Meridien Bora Bora has a village type of layout, lagoons with views of Mt Otemanu, and a turtle rehabilitation center on site.

St Regis Bora Bora over-water bungalows have large glass floor areas. The resort is on three motus, with villas as well as the over-water bungalows. The spa area is lovely and overlooks the lagoon. 

Four Seasons Bora Bora has large over-water bungalows and soaking tubs with views. There are villas with up to 3 bedrooms. There is an outdoor casual restaurant where you can sit and eat with your toes in the sand as well as an extensive spa. 

You will find many more guest houses, small hotels, and resorts available on these islands and others. Bora Bora has the greatest concentration of top resorts, but there are also budget-friendly options. 

Cruises

Cruises are an excellent way to see multiple islands. Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar both have ships in French Polynesia year round and are destination experts. These are small ships dedicated to the islands. Cultural and entertainment options on board reflect Tahiti and there are many shore excursion choices as well as the option to simply relax and take in the scenery. 

Yacht charters and unique cruise options like the Aranui (freighter/cruise to the Marquesas) add to the choice of experience. 

 

However you travel, expect a warm welcome!

 

To learn more about travel and resorts in French Polynesia, please contact us at your local Concord, Massachusetts travel agency. We are Tahiti Tourism Certified Tahiti Specialists and look forward to helping you plan your next trip. 

Call 978-460-5642 or email peggy@cruiseplanners.com