There are few places on Earth that captivate the soul like The Islands of Tahiti. Whether you are seeking romance, adventure, or a deeply immersive cultural escape, a holiday in French Polynesia offers the perfect blend of beauty and experience. After spending a week exploring the Society Islands first-hand, I’m excited to share my personal insights, tips, and recommendations to help you make the most of your own unforgettable journey through French Polynesia. Here’s how to make the most of it!

Arrival in Tahiti: A Soft Landing in Paradise

Your journey begins in Papeete, the main gateway to French Polynesia. An overnight stay at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts sets the tone beautifully. Nestled amongst black volcanic rocks and fronting Lafayette Beach, this property offers a truly authentic start. The recently renovated two-bedroom apartments are ideal for families or couples travelling together, with panoramic views over Matavai Bay.

Other excellent options include:

Hilton Hotel Tahiti – A modern, sophisticated resort conveniently located between the airport and the cruise terminal. It’s chic pool and convenient hypermarket access (connected by bridge) make it a standout, especially for day-use or early arrivals, thanks to its dedicated transit lounge.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – A tranquil sanctuary with sweeping views of Moorea, two infinity pools, and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. It’s also the only resort in Papeete to offer overwater bungalows. Whilst the decor is more classic Polynesian than modern, it exudes charm. Don’t miss Fare l’A Reserve, the natural lagoonarium designed to educate and inspire.

Must Do’s in Tahiti: Wake early and explore the vibrant local markets in Papeete. From Papeete, explore the Papenoo Valley, dotted with waterfalls, lush peaks, and ancient archeological sites. Or circle the island by car to experience both the wild east coast and the calm, lagoon-lined west. Highlights include whale watching (August–October), and witnessing world-class surfing at Teahupo’o (May–October).

Insider Tip: when flying from Australia (or many parts of the world), you will cross the International Date Line and actually ‘travel back in time’ by a day. Be sure to factor this into your itinerary and book your first night’s accommodation accordingly to avoid any confusion.

Moorea: Heart-Shaped Tranquility

Just a 45 minute ferry ride from Tahiti lies Moorea, a dreamy island of volcanic peaks and calm lagoons. Known for its laid-back energy and welcoming locals, Moorea is ideal for honeymooners and active families alike.

Accommodation options on Moorea cater to a range of travel styles:

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa: Nestled between Opunohu and Cook’s Bays, this five-star resort is ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking both luxury and convenience. Its overwater bungalows feature direct lagoon access and glass floor panels, while the on-site restaurants and overwater bar offer exceptional dining with a view.

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort: With a prime location on a stunning white sand beach facing Tahiti, the Sofitel blends French elegance with Polynesian warmth. Overwater bungalows here offer incredible sunrise views, and the snorkelling is among the best on the island. It’s perfect for romance, relaxation, and high-end service.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea: Located near the island’s main village of Maharepa, Manava offers great value in a boutique setting. The resort features garden and overwater bungalows, a stunning infinity pool, and easy access to local shops and restaurants – ideal for independent travellers or families looking for flexibility.

For independent travellers or those on a tighter budget, Moorea also offers exceptional 3-star properties that deliver great value without compromising on experience. Paired with Moorea’s fantastic local restaurants, where you can feast on poisson cru or wood-fired pizza with your feet in the sand, it’s the perfect island for stretching your travel dollars.

Must-dos in Moorea: include hiking the Three Coconuts Pass or exploring by ATV and 4WD, visiting Opunohu & Cook’s Bays for the dramatic coastal views and Belvedere Lookout for a jaw-dropping panorama of Mount Rotui. Don’t miss the magical Lagoon Excursion where you swim with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays, snorkel vibrant coral gardens, and enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour.

Insider Tip: Rent a car on arrival at the Airport in Papeete, and bring it on the ferry to Moorea to avoid the higher rental costs on Moorea. The relaxed circular drive around Moorea reveals hidden beaches, roadside eateries, and off-the-beaten-path views.

Bora Bora: The Crown Jewel

A short flight from Moorea brings you to Bora Bora, famed for its turquoise lagoon and towering Mount Otemanu. This is the ultimate destination for romance, luxury, and unforgettable lagoon adventures.

Where to Stay in Bora Bora:

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa: The island’s newest luxury property, opening in 2024, blending contemporary style with a relaxed island atmosphere. Expect modern design, top-tier service, and easy access to Bora Bora’s famous lagoon – perfect for couples, honeymooners, and modern travellers looking for something fresh.

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort: Located on Matira Beach with a relaxed, authentic feel. Perfect for couples seeking value and a local vibe.

InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Resort & Spa: Renowned for its Deep Ocean Spa and Otemanu views. Ideal for wellness-focused travellers.

St. Regis Bora Bora: featuring generous villas, exclusive butler service, and a private lagoonarium – great for luxury-seeking families and honeymooners.

Four Seasons Bora Bora: Iconic and flawless. Perfect for honeymooners and families, with top-tier service, manicured grounds and a picturesque lagoonarium surrounding the resort.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts: Blending traditional Polynesian charm with refined luxury, making it ideal for culture lovers, aesthetes, and food-focused travellers. The resort is adorned with beautiful local art pieces and architectural details that reflect the spirit of the islands. At its heart is a standout culinary program led by a French executive chef, offering elevated, locally inspired cuisine that appeals to discerning palates and true culinaires.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui: perfect for those seeking true seclusion and cinematic views. The Conrad is tucked away on its own motu and backed by a verdant hillside, and is the only Bora Bora resort with elevated villas and panoramic ocean views. The snorkelling here is among the best on the island, thanks to its coral-rich waters, and the hilltop Hina Spa is as breathtaking as it is peaceful.

Top 10 Things to Do in Bora Bora:

1. Snorkel the Coral Gardens
2. Swim with Sharks & Stingrays
3. Lounge on Matira Beach
4. Cruise the Lagoon by Catamaran, or Jet Ski
5. Indulge in a Sunset Massage
6. Dine Under the Stars
7. Explore Mount Otemanu by 4×4
8. Shop for Tahitian Black Pearls
9. Attend a Polynesian Dance Show
10. Paddleboard or Kayak the Lagoon

Insider Tips:

Don’t overschedule, the magic of Bora Bora lies in slowing down and soaking it in.

Consider Cruising – one Stateroom, many Islands… for those wanting to avoid packing and unpacking, a luxury cruise aboard Paul Gauguin offers a seamless way to explore multiple islands without losing precious relaxation time. Often referred to as a “floating overwater bungalow,” the ship visits Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, and beyond – with curated shore excursions, exceptional dining, and deeply immersive experiences.

Flying with Air Tahiti Nui

Start your journey in style with Air Tahiti Nui, offering direct flights from major hubs like Los Angeles, Seattle, Tokyo, Paris, and Auckland.

With three cabin classes, Poerava Business Class features Lie-flat seats, French Polynesian cuisine, and priority service, and Moana Premium Economy offers Extra legroom and comfort at great value. Experience generous service and island hospitality from the moment you board.

The airline also partners with major carriers like American Airlines, Qantas, & Air New Zealand, making it easy to build flexible itineraries.

Getting to Tahiti from Australia

Travelling from Australia to Tahiti is easier than you might think. The most efficient route is via Auckland, with Air Tahiti Nui offering regular direct flights from Auckland to Papeete. Total travel time from cities like Sydney or Brisbane to Tahiti via Auckland typically ranges from 9 to 11 hours, depending on connection times.

Best Time to Visit

French Polynesia is a year-round destination, but the best weather typically occurs from May to October (the dry season), when humidity is lower, skies are clearer, and temperatures are milder. From November to April, expect warmer days with occasional tropical showers. Whale watching is best from August to October, while surfing peaks May to September.

Why Book with a Tahiti Specialist like Luxury Island Travel?

French Polynesia may look like a dream, but navigating time zones, transfers, and inter-island logistics can get tricky. A Certified Tahiti Specialist ensures you get the most out of every moment – from securing exclusive hotel deals and room upgrades to hand-picking the best tour operators and creating seamless, stress-free transitions between islands.

You will also benefit from insider recommendations, added amenities, and peace of mind – so your only job is to relax, explore, and fall in love with the islands.

Ready to plan your dream trip to The Islands of Tahiti? Let me show you the way.

Email: megan@luxuryislandtravel.com.au or Phone: +61 417 421 992

Explore the stunning resorts of French Polynesia here.