Paradise Found
Feel the warmth of island life in French Polynesia.
From jagged mountain peaks, lush green valleys and pristine lagoons, to history and culture that runs as deep as the ocean; locals who welcome visitors as family, and cuisine based on bounty straight from the sea and land, French Polynesia (also known as The Islands of Tahiti) is the ultimate place to treat yourself.
Whether you’re looking to drop and flop, get physical, or a mix of both, here are a few ideas to ideas to make the most of a French Polynesian holiday.
Dive into the deep blue sea
Water baby or scaredy cat, there’s something for everyone who wants to get their toes wet, (and even if you don’t there are glass bottom boats and glass floors in overwater bungalows). French Polynesia is one place that’s as stunning under the water as it is above. With around 800 fish species, sting-rays, reef sharks (not the scary type), dolphins, whales, manta-rays, not to mention the coral gardens, snorkelling / diving or sometimes even just wading through the warm water is an incredible experience.
Immerse in the culture
Inherited from their ancient ancestors, Polynesian culture is as rich and vibrant as the people themselves. Wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed – learn to how to wear a pareo, (a locally made sarong); weave a plate made from palms; create a traditional flower crown; paddle along-side locals in an outrigger canoe; offer worship at a Sunday church service and above all don’t miss a going to a totally mesmorising cultural dance / fire show.
Live it up on Bora Bora
Set against a backdrop of impregnable looking jungle, twin volcanic remnant peaks (Pahia and Otemanu) dramatically rise above the every-shade-of-blue-imaginable lagoon dotted with tiny islets (motus), it’s easy to see why author James A. Michener once penned Bora Bora ‘the most beautiful island in the world’.
Although the French Polynesian island of Raiatea can claim where over-water bungalows were invented in the early 1960’s, Bora Bora is renowned for this unique type of accommodation.
If you’re up for a night-time peek into the underwater world, the InterContinental Bora Bora resort and Thalasso spa, guarantees guests an overwater bungalow (that are so fancy and huge they are more like villas than bungalows).
At St Regis Bora Bora resort you can choose to sleep in an overwater or a lush garden villa. Off the scale for luxury and totally private, it’s no wonder this resort is a favourite with celebrities.
Tuck in to the national dish
Fresh, creative and oh so tasty, the flavours of French Polynesia are something you’ll want to bottle and take home. Tropical with a French twist ‘poisson cru’ or in Tahitian ia ota – raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk and mixed with a few diced vegetables is the signature dish of the region and you’ll find it on every menu (even for breakfast).
Pick out a pearl
Tahitian pearls come in a variety of shape, size, quality and shades of colours (especially pewter, green. blue and even yellow). As one of Tahiti’s greatest exports, you’ll find pearl shops everywhere, but there’s nothing like going straight to the source. A visit to a pearl farm will give you an appreciation of the complex process in creating a cultured pearl and tips of how to choose one to take home.
Learn to play the ukulele
The melancholic sound of the ukulele is a symbol of French Polynesia. From greeting visitors to family gatherings and cultural festivals, Polynesians are not only always at the ready to pull out their uke and strum away, they’re keen to teach anyone who wants to give it a go.
Be pampered
Fancy being wrapped in banana leaves? How about hot volcanic stone healing or going on a ‘water journey’ through a series of Jacuzzis and cold-water sea-pools with jets massaging your legs? Healthy living is the Tahitian way of life and there is no shortage of spas throughout the islands, especially on Bora Bora.
Take the slow way there
Papeete on the island of Tahiti is the capital and easily accessed by air, however why not combine pleasures and take a cruise from Australia and visit a few more South Pacific islands along the way. Norwegian Cruise Line’s 15-day cruise from Sydney is a beauty. On board the Norwegian Spirit, the voyage has port stops in New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa before arriving in French Polynesian waters to visit the islands of Raiatea, Tahaa and Moorea, eventually docking in Papeete.
Our current French Polynesia deals