Bora Bora. Tahiti. Mo’orea. Taha’a.
Evocative French Polynesian islands in the South Pacific. Dreamy names for the ultimate castaway holiday.
French Polynesia is a very special place, a very long way from home. It’s worth the long journey, when you experience some of the world’s ultimate island retreats.
These are the best five-star resorts in French Polynesia and we recommend an island hopping holiday, because each has its own atmosphere and highlights.
The Brando
One of the world’s most illustrious and iconic island getaways, The Brando is only accessible by private plane or helicopter. It’s the only resort or development on the entire Tetiaroa Atoll.
The Brando is one of the finest resorts on the planet.
Just 35 oceanfront villas, each with their own pool and piece of white-sand beach. The multi-bedroom villas are ideal for families, but such a small and exclusive resort is also great for couples.
Such high opulence is understandable given the price tag. Yet mostly, The Brando stands out because of the space you enjoy. Your playground will be a dozen tiny natural islands in a turquoise lagoon. It’s more Robinson Crusoe than Daniel Defoe.
Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa
This flagship InterContinental property is a premium option for couples on Bora Bora, a romantic hideaway evoking the appeal of French Polynesia.
This is the place for couples wanting to spend a holiday doing nothing. You get a lot of privacy in paradise.
The resort only features overwater villas, the most prestigious offering famous views across the lagoon to Mount Otemanu. It’s extremely tranquil, including the Thalasso Spa that’s spread around a coral reef lagoon.
InterContinental isn’t a name you’d associate with ultra-luxe leisure holidays yet this resort is an exception. We particularly love how they use deep ocean water to fuel their air conditioning, something that saves 2.5 million litres of gasoline a year.
Four Seasons Bora Bora
The other top choice on Bora Bora, vastly improved following a 2019 renovation and full of the outstanding facilities you’d expect from Four Seasons.
The best resort for families in French Polynesia.
Most of the accommodation consists of superb overwater suites, with private tubs and the views that made Bora Bora a famous destinations. Large families can take a three-room beachfront villa.
While the InterContinental is about the spa and doing nothing, Four Seasons Bora Bora has two kids clubs, more diverse dining options, plus more sports in the water and on land.
Private Yacht Charter
It’s not a resort but arguably the most five-star way of exploring French Polynesia is with a private yacht charter.
French Polynesia has over 100 islands spread across an area larger than Western Europe. Other than a cluster of five-star resorts on Bora Bora, there is very little development. We particularly love some remote hideaways on other islands. So in contrast to The Maldives, most of the archipelago is completely undeveloped.
With a private yacht charter you can sail to atolls and islands that only a few people will ever get to see.
A one-week yacht charter was the centrepiece and highlight of this four-week French Polynesia holiday we organised for our clients.
Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
Nature really dominates on this peaceful island, quite far away from Bora Bora and completely without roads. So you only have the sounds of the South Pacific as you unwind on the island of Vahine.
A slow-paced resort that’s perfect as a first-stop in French Polynesia.
While other resorts have more facilities and amenities, the island’s isolated location and untouched nature are the chief reasons why people want to visit French Polynesia.
Le Taha’a is the only Relais & Chateaux resort in the country and the spa is exceptional. Settle into your holiday here then hop to Bora Bora when you want more things to do.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Located on the “other” side of Bora Bora, away from the other resorts, this was the first French Polynesian resort to feature overwater villas. That was back in 1967!
Conrad – you may know Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – took over the resort in 2017 and completed a much-needed renovation. 22 of the overwater villas now feature infinity pools, plus there’s the country’s only two-storey overwater villa.
Privacy is the standout at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, thanks to a location on the quieter and less-glamorous side of Bora Bora.
This location means you’ll miss the iconic Mount Otemanu view. Just bear in mind that combining two resorts on Bora Bora isn’t as interesting as combining Bora Bora with another island.
Hotel Kia Ora, Rangiroa
Hotel Kia Ora is not a five-star resort. It’s a four-star property on the enormous coral atoll of Rangiroa.
The very best place in French Polynesia for scuba diving and snorkelling, with easy access to one of the world’s largest coral atolls.
Hotel Kia Ora is comfortable enough for short stays, but only consider this resort if you want to spend full days exploring marine life. This is where you see countless sharks and turtles on a single dive, sometimes even on a snorkelling trip in the shallows.
Your French Polynesia Holiday?
Any holiday to French Polynesia requires time. Usually we arrange holidays here during the European summer, when people have more free time to travel.
One option is to spend a minimum of two weeks exploring French Polynesia, combining two to three of the best five-star resorts (and not forgetting the private yacht charter).
Another good option is to combine French Polynesia with New Zealand or Australia for a two-destination holiday.
We’re here to answer your questions and help you make this dreamy destination a holiday reality.
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