From kaleidoscopic lagoons to lavish overwater bungalows — French Polynesia holidays are out of this world.
French Polynesia has captured the imagination of travellers since the 18th Century and is one of the most quintessentially exotic destinations on Earth — think mesmerisingly blue coral reef, sprawling unspoilt jungle and secluded sugar-white beaches. It’s a highly coveted corner of the world with constellation-like groups of islands called motus, ultra-luxe and exclusive beachfront hotels and spectacular sweeping views. The journey there is lengthy, but take the plunge and you’ll discover the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tetiaroa — all unique and breathtaking in their own right, and easy to combine as part of a cruise or round-the-world adventure. Visit your local store or speak to one of our experts, and we’ll help you create your perfect French Polynesia holiday.
Head to Tahiti for spectacular beach scenery and an unspoilt interior of natural landscapes. Explore volcanic mountains, carved valleys, dense rainforest and cascading waterfalls, and enjoy watersports including snorkelling and scuba diving. Be sure to visit Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia and home to vibrant markets. Tahiti is also a convenient stopover before a trip to Bora Bora. The 'Jewel of the South Seas' is the epitome of a postcard-esque paradise, with its exquisite turquoise lagoon and romantic panoramic views over the extinct volcano Mount Otemanu at its centre. Just a short ferry ride or scenic flight across the water from Tahiti you’ll find Moorea, larger than Bora Bora but with a friendly, small island-feel. It has a fantastic mix of palm-lined coastline and craggy green peaks, with rainforest full of hiking trails. For ultimate VIP vibes on an untouched tropical island, Tetiaroa is in a league of its own. The most remote spot in French Polynesia boasts literally spotless white sand and was once Marlon Brando’s private atoll. His eponymous hotel is here — powered by sustainable resources including coconut oil and solar energy, it was recently featured on the BBC’s Amazing Hotels series and is an incredible getaway for big spenders.
You’ll find this dispersed collection of isles and atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, around 5000 miles east of Australia. It comprises five distinct groups of islands; the Society Islands are furthest west and contain Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tetiaroa. French Polynesia is about halfway between California and Sydney, and an eight-hour flight from the latter. You can reach Tahiti from the UK in around 22-24 hours with a single stopover in Los Angeles; internal flights to Bora Bora, Moorea and Tetiaroa all depart from Tahiti
Stay and cruise
A stay and cruise holiday is a fantastic way of seeing many of the French Polynesia islands in just one visit. Our cruise partners Paul Gauguin are specialists when it comes to cruising the shallow waters and lagoons that surround these spectacular islands, and their flag ship MS Paul Gauguin is based in the South Pacific year-round. As well as including an overnight stay of world-famous paradise island Bora Bora, they also own a small private islet, Motu Mahana where you can spend a whole day revelling in the tropical island ambience, with just your fellow guests for company. Break up your journey to French Polynesia with a few days in Los Angeles and even add a night or two at a beachside hotel in Tahiti, where the cruise departs from.
The Complete Dubai Tour Planned by Experts
- Paddling in shallow waters with beautiful rugged mountains as a backdrop
- Diving and snorkelling — you may spot sea turtles off the coast
- Restful honeymoons for getting away from it all
- Traditional Polynesian song and dance
- Charming markets — shop for vanilla and black pearls, browse for souvenirs and mingle with locals.
Resorts & hotels in French Polynesia
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Visit Black Pearl Farms
Beautiful black pearls are unique to the French Polynesian islands and are known across the world for their distinctive colour. While many boutiques throughout the islands sell black pearl jewelry, you can visit one of the black pearl farms on the Tuamato atolls to learn about their history, production methods, and important role in Polynesian culture.
Maupiti
Ranked as one of the most beautiful French Polynesian islands, Maupiti is certainly worth a visit. Unwind on white sand stretches near tranquil azure lagoons and indulge in the relaxed island lifestyle, or get active by hiking Mt Teurufaatiu. There’s only one road here, so bicycling is the main form of transport on this small idyllic island.
Tiputa Pass
There are many fantastic places to dive in the French Polynesian islands, but Tiputa Pass is one of the best. With its dramatic coral reefs and vast population of pelagic fish, you’ll find a true underwater adventure awaiting you here. Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins, tuna, and even hammerhead sharks call Tiputa Pass home.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is by far the most popular and iconic island in French Polynesia. Stay in one of the overwater bungalows, for which the island is famous, and watch through the glass floor as tropical fish swim below. Spend your days soaking up the sun, snorkelling with tropical fishes, or hiking Mount Otemanu on a guided tour.
Tahiti Spas
Traditional Polynesian spa treatments are the ideal accompaniment to lazy beach days. After you’ve spent your day sunbathing near sapphire lagoons, spend the afternoon at a beautiful Polynesian spa. These spas can be found throughout the French Polynesian islands and treatments often incorporate unique Tahitian elements like tropical fragrances or traditional healing oils.
Climate & Weather
| Day time maximum temperature | Night time minimum temperature | Average water temperature | Average rainfall | Average amount of sun hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 23°C | 28°C | 294mm | 7h |
| February | 30°C | 24°C | 29°C | 228mm | 7h |
| March | 30°C | 24°C | 29°C | 171mm | 8h |
| April | 30°C | 23°C | 29°C | 127mm | 8h |
| May | 29°C | 23°C | 28°C | 101mm | 7h |
| June | 28°C | 22°C | 27°C | 66mm | 7h |
| July | 27°C | 21°C | 27°C | 57mm | 8h |
| August | 27°C | 21°C | 27°C | 47mm | 7h |
| September | 28°C | 21°C | 27°C | 64mm | 8h |
| October | 28°C | 22°C | 27°C | 87mm | 8h |
| November | 28°C | 23°C | 27°C | 150mm | 8h |
| December | 28°C | 23°C | 27°C | 247mm | 6h |
