People come to French Polynesia to live it up in stylish resorts, scuba dive in lagoons teeming with tropical fish, gorge on the unique mix of French and Polynesian cuisine and, basically, experience a little French chic mixed with South Pacific charm. Here are our favorite Polynesian properties in the lap of luxury.
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa
Poised on Motu Tevairoa, a ten-minute boat ride from the airport and fifteen minutes across the lagoon from the village of Vaitape, the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa combines a heavenly location with proximity to the mainland. The resort boasts authentic Polynesian style and architecture and certainly offers some of the most traditionally designed rooms and villas in Bora Bora. While overwater bungalows are Bora Bora’s iconic accommodation type, the resort also features spacious Garden Pool Villas and Beach Suites with jacuzzis, and magical views of majestic Mount Otemanu. The eighty rooms and villas are nestled in a beautiful tropical garden, on the beach or suspended above the turquoise lagoon.
Suspended between turquoise waters and limitless skies, Conrad Bora Bora Nui is nestled in a sacred cove of white sand and majestic lava rock. Protected from the open sea by a string of tiny coral islets, the stunning lagoon is the perfect tropical playground to be explored with your snorkel, or enjoy a picnic on the unspoiled private islet Motu Toopua, just five minutes away by boat.
The importance of sacred Motu Toopua in Polynesian mythology is reflected throughout this Bora Bora resort in authentic artifacts, decor, and landscaping. Watch the sun set from the terrace of a Polynesian styled garden or hillside villa featuring marble tiles, exotic wood furnishings, and precious tapa cloths.
Take in spectacular views from the hilltop Hina Spa and sample delicious local cuisine at Iriatai Panoramic Restaurant at Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is located in front of the lushest coral garden of the island of Moorea with beautiful views of the lagoon. It is ideal for guests seeking a unique resort with privacy, exceptional service, and a relaxing environment in harmony with the Polynesian culture. Featuring 104 bungalows, a selection of local and international restaurants, and regular entertainment, it is the ideal getaway.
Choose between Garden Bungalows with a private plunge pool and Overwater Bungalows with direct access to the lagoon. One of the resort’s unique spots is the famous overwater Toatea Crêperie & Bar. Toatea is the perfect venue to admire the dance of sharks under the pontoon while sipping cocktails at sunset or enjoying crêpes from Brittany. Dining options also include the beach restaurant Rotui Grill & Bar and the fine dining Arii Vahine Restaurant offering bi-weekly Polynesian dance shows and dinner buffet.
The Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is located on the northwest part of the atoll of Rangiroa (the second largest in the world), a one-hour flight from the islands of Tahiti or Bora Bora. Bordered by a white sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, the hotel is designed in an elegant, contemporary style with subtle Tahitian touches. Try scuba diving and drift snorkeling, or enjoy a Rangiroa vineyard visit. Don’t miss excursions to the Blue Lagoon, the Pink Sand beaches, and exploring the atoll by bicycle.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
The intimate InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is snuggled between two renowned white sand beaches and surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees. The hotel is located on the South end of the main island of Bora Bora at Matira Point, famous for its white sand beaches. The canoe breakfast was first introduced at this hotel. The perfect place for lunch is the Vini Vini terrace beside the fresh water swimming pool and looking out onto the incredibly blue Bora Bora lagoon. The resort boasts 62 Junior Suite bungalows on the beach and over the lagoon.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thelasso Spa is romantically located on Motu Piti Aau (“two hearts” in Polynesian) on the barrier reef between the ocean and the lagoon. Eighty-four spacious overwater villas stand on stilts over the azure lagoon. Tailor-made Polynesian wedding ceremonies take place in the Blue Lagoon Chapel or on the beach. Enjoy candlelit dinners on your villa terrace and private sunset cruises on the lagoon with a glass of champagne. Or, indulge in signature spa treatments with deep ocean water views in an overwater bungalow for two. Inspired by Marlon Brando, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thelasso Spa is the first hotel in the world producing its air-conditioning from water extracted from the ocean.
InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa
InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa is set upon a lovely beach in 35 acres of luxuriant gardens. The location on the northwest side of Moorea offers exceptional sunrises and sunsets. The resort boasts the most activities on the island—from water skiing and kayaks to Jeep safaris and dolphin encounters. The 140 Lanai rooms and Junior Suite bungalows offer the utmost privacy, whether over water, on the beach, or in the garden with a private plunge pool. Hélène Garden Spa is perfect for a soothing flower bath. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar in the infinity pool.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
The InterContinental Resort Tahiti has long been rated the top hotel of Tahiti. It has a superbly romantic location lagoon side in 30 acres (12 hectares) of tropical gardens, with spectacular views across to the soaring peaks of Tahiti’s sister Island, Moorea. This resort is just over a mile from the airport (important when you arrive in the wee hours after a long flight); and the capital and port city, Papeete, is about six miles (10 Kilometers) down the road.
You’ll feel in harmony with Tahiti at this resort, where no building rises above the coconut palms and where all the accommodations capture the elegance and comfort of old Polynesia. Famous for its spectacular dinner shows, this resort features the Marquesan dance group Toa Huhina on Wednesday night, and Friday night’s entertainment features the Hei Tahiti dance troupe.
French and International cuisine meet Polynesian here…an exotic combination brought to life in two restaurants, two bars, and 24-hour room service. The gourmet Le Lotus overwater restaurant is an incredibly romantic venue for dinner and lunch.
You’ll relax in two of the most beautiful infinity pools in all of Polynesia and meet colorful fish life in the Lagoonarium in the heart of the resort. TOPDive Tahiti is on the spot for diving, snorkeling, and all water sports. Then, there are tennis courts on the grounds, plus any number of activities and excursions in Papeete and around the Island.
The only Relais et Chateaux property in French Polynesia, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa welcomes you to a world of pristine beauty, a timeless universe of sophistication and authenticity. Located on a secluded Islet ( Motu Tautau), five minutes by boat to the island of Taha’a on one side and with the most perfect view of Bora Bora on the other side, the resort inspired by Polynesian architecture and style hosts 45 stunning Overwater Bungalows, 10 spacious beach villas (1 bedroom), and 2 royal beach villas (2 Bedrooms). Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa offers 3 restaurants and 2 bars, a spa, a fitness center, an onsite scuba diving center, a tennis court, an open air infinity swimming pool, and a helipad.
With the five Cs – “Charm, Courtesy, Character, Cuisine, and Calm” – defining the Relais et Chateaux way of life and philosophy, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa also rhymes with intimacy, harmony and serenity. Attention to details and personalized service will greet each traveler.
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtaking private island of Tetiaroa, an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles and exotic birds. The resort reflects Polynesian culture, and each villa has its own private beach area and plunge pool. The all-inclusive resort offers two restaurants showcasing Polynesian and French cuisine, a spa overlooking a lily pond, an organic garden and orchard, a pool, a lagoon view bar, a beach bar, tennis courts, and a library. The Brando is a model for sustainable technology with sea water air-conditioning and solar and coconut oil energy. The Brando brings the past and future together into a place beyond time, invigorating the spirit and enriching all who visit.
Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island
Live a timeless experience at Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island. Within this iconic boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Bora Bora’s sparkling lagoon, privacy and seclusion are the keys to an unforgettable stay. Enjoy tailor-made service, and discover the exquisite feeling of being at home while being abroad. Located on a lush islet set on the crystal lagoon, the hotel has 31 bungalows on the hill and over the water. Enjoy a glass champagne on the hill at sunset to embrace the magnificent view, followed by a romantic dinner on the beach under the stars. The resort has an exclusive coral garden and offers a large variety of activities, including watersports, a lagoon tour, and a spa.
Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort invites guests to discover its mixed heritage of brilliantly blending French elegance with the authentic Polynesian culture – a rare and refined sophistication in the heart of paradise. The decorator, Isabelle Maffre, was inspired by the different Polynesian cultures, and gracefully paired ultramodern decoration with traditional architecture. The hotel is situated in an exceptional location, on the white sand beach in Moorea, facing the tropical splendor of Tahiti. Guests are able to enjoy numerous water sports activities, as well as rejuvenate at the magnificent spa with an outdoor private plunge pool. Dining at the gastronomic restaurant “K” is a unique experience, as it presents a refined cuisine set in romantic décor, complete with a natural white-sand floor.
Reaching out across 44 acres of lush landscaping, edged by powdery white sands and a crystalline lagoon with the majesty of Mount Otemanu for iconic backdrop, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort represents the epitome of carefree elegance. Showcases for the warm glow of exotic woods accented by handcrafted Polynesian art, its 89 villas are gracefully designed to embrace indulgent island living, whether in the spacious comfort of the largest overwater accommodations in the South Seas, or the tranquil seclusion of stunning beach retreats.
Are you ready to plan your getaway to this Polynesian paradise? Schedule a consultation with one of our advisers today!
Tags: Bora Bora, French Polynesia, South Pacific, Tahiti, the islands of tahiti, traveling to tahiti
