French Polynesia, a series of islands cast adrift in the South Pacific. Not many destinations are further away or harder to reach. In return for a long journey you receive paradise.
Tahiti, Bora Bora, Motu Tautau…these are among the ultimate names for beach lovers. French Polynesia has private islands like the Maldives, volcanos and nature like Mauritius, plus the holiday variety and exploration of Seychelles.
It’s just a long long way away. So you don’t go for one week. One of our clients wanted a month-long holiday, to experience the very best of French Polynesia.
This is what we designed. Is it the ultimate holiday to French Polynesia? And which parts most excite you?
Getting to French Polynesia
Let’s not pretend French Polynesia is easy to get to. One option is to fly on Emirates to Auckland, New Zealand, via Dubai. Then fly to Papeete Faaa, Tahiti. Or go the other way around, flying via Los Angeles or San Francisco on Lufthansa.
Whichever way it’s 28 – 40 hours of travel time in one direction. But good things come to those who are prepared to wait…
Days 1 – 5 – Pure Downtime at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
Sink into a private island retreat with a glorious view over Bora Bora. Relax in your Polynesian overwater villa. Dine on Relais & Chateaux cuisine on your private overwater terrace. Life is good, life is pure out here.
Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa is a slow-paced South Pacific retreat with a great spa. The villas and treatments are perfect for lazy days after a long flight.
Days 6 – 12 – Private Yacht Around French Polynesia
Now you’re fully rested, let’s go explore. Sail on the wind on a 24-metre yacht, with a local crew taking you to the archipelago’s hidden corners. The Polynesian are expert sailors and with a yacht you see he places that are simply inaccessible from resorts.
Expect outstanding scuba diving, uninhabited white-sand islands, blissful swimming spots, and exploring wild parts of Tahiti.
Day 6 – Sail around Motu Mahaea.
Day 7 – Visit Fare village on Huahine and snorkel at Avea Bay.
Day 8 – Safari and archaeological tour from Parea.
Day 9 – Sail Fa’a’aha Bay and Motu Tau Tau, visit vanilla plantations.
Day 10 – Sail to Apu Bay and a Black Pearl Farm. Anchor at Motu Topua.
Day 11 – Sail from a volcanic crater to a natural aquarium with sharks and rays.
Day 12 – More swimming, snorkelling and beaches, then sail to Bora Bora.
Days 13 – 16 – Resort Luxuries at The St Regis Bora Bora Resort
After seven days of exploration you return to resort luxuries. We chose St Regis because it has the best amenities on Bora Bora, like the four restaurants, excellent spa and various swimming pools.
Also, after a week of sleeping on a 26-metre yacht, you’ll now sleep in one of the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific. It’s this space and privacy that also makes St Regis Bora Bora stand out.
Want to Holiday in Paradise?
Days 17 – 21 – Adventures on Land & Water at Hotel Kia Ora, Rangiroa
Hotel Kia Ora is actually only four-star level, even if the villas with private pools are very good. So how can you downgrade like this after the St Regis!
It’s all about location. Rangiroa is a gigantic water playground, a mecca for scuba diving, snorkelling and Polynesian activities. So explore Blue Lagoon, Reef Island, Tiputa Pass and Pink Sand. Dive with sharks and explore the depths. Then discover Polynesian culture on this large island.
Days 22 – 28 – The Ultimate Private Island Resort – The Brando
The only place to end the ultimate Polynesian holiday is the ultimate Polynesian resort. Tetiaroa is a vast forested atoll, composed of a dozen tiny islands and sparkling turquoise lagoon. The Brando is spread across this natural paradise.
Lounge in your villa, on its own white-sand beach, where turtles and manta rays come to play. Explore a remote paradise. Quite simply, this is one of the finest resorts on the planet.
Your French Polynesia Holiday
Even with a month in French Polynesia you can’t be bored. But maybe you don’t have a month. Maybe you want a one-week stopover on route to New Zealand? Or a two-week tropical retreat.
This country is worth the long flight. What’s your ultimate French Polynesia holiday?