Visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea felt like stepping into a surreal painting of brilliant colors. Scattered like jewels across the South Pacific, these islands are part of French Polynesia – a place so stunning, it almost doesn’t seem real until you’re there, barefoot in the sand, surrounded by turquoise water with a tropical flower behind your ear.
I started my journey in Tahiti – the heart of it all. It’s more than just a layover spot. It’s a destination within itself. Papeete hums with local life, from colorful markets to French-influenced cuisine.
Then there was Moorea. Yes, it’s just a short ferry ride from Tahiti. But it felt like another world. With its jagged peaks and coral-filled lagoons, it’s a paradise for kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing. I absolutely loved getting lost in the peaceful beauty of the lagoon at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.
Later, I flew to Bora Bora, where the lagoons and resorts truly live up to the hype. I stayed in an iconic overwater bungalow at the Westin Bora Bora. Literally, the kind you see in postcards. Watching the clouds roll across the tip of Mount Otemanu was a visual pleasure.
French Polynesia isn’t a budget escape, by any means. But, it’s a place where time slows down and the jaw dropping beauty of the Earth surrounds you at every turn.
Here are a collection of my experiences in French Polynesia:
Stay
Hilton Hotel Tahiti A sleek fusion of modern amenities and Polynesian allure, Hilton Hotel Tahiti invites guests to indulge in lagoon views and elevated island dining
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa The Westin Bora Bora Resort offers a tranquil and luxurious escape with stunning natural surroundingsExperiences
Bora Bora 4X4 Island Safari Tour with Tupuna Safari Bora Bora The Tupuna Safari 4x4 Tour in Bora Bora offers a scenic off-road adventure led by a local guides, combining panoramic views with cultural and historical insights
Galerie Ganesha à Papeete: Art du Pacifique Galerie Ganesha Art du Pacifique in Papeete is an established gallery featuring curated sculptures, paintings, tikis, and jewelry from Polynesian and Pacific artists
Kayaking, Dining and Relaxing: The Day Pass Experience at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort The Sofitel's Day Pass included beach and pool access along with a two-course lunch, making it an ideal option for a relaxing day trip on Moorea
Papeete Market Papeete Market in Tahiti is a bustling hub of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional goods
Tahiti: Getting Around via Taxi, Ferry and Flights Helpful travel tips that I learned while traveling in Tahiti and Bora Bora
The Eco Center and Turtle Feeding at The Westin Bora Bora Resort The Eco Center at The Westin Bora Bora provides an engaging experience for eduction and connection with marine life through interactive turtle feeding sessionsEat
Blossom Restaurant at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Blossom at The St. Regis Bora Bora offers an elegant dining experience specializing in Pan Asian cuisine
Breakfast at Moevai at Hilton Hotel Tahiti Moevai at Hilton Tahiti offers an international breakfast buffet with made-to-order items, pastries, and tropical fruit in a semi-overwater setting views of Moorea island
L’Aviation Restaurant at Faaʻa International Airport L'Aviation at Faaʻa International Airport in Tahiti bar-restaurant with retro aviation décor, serving fresh Polynesian cuisine, cocktails, and snacks
Restaurant Pure at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort Restaurant Pure offers a relaxed, lagoon-side dining experience with panoramic views of Tahiti, serving a blend of Polynesian and French cuisine
San Restaurant at Hilton Hotel Tahiti San, at the Hilton Tahiti, delivers a relaxed dining experience featuring sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and modern Japanese-inspired cuisine
Taitea Brasserie at the Hilton Hotel Tahiti Nestled beside the pool with lagoon views, Taitea Brasserie at the Hilton Tahiti offers casual brasserie-style dishes in a relaxed yet elegant setting
The Surf House at Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti Surf House offers panoramic views of Moorea island with a menu that fuses Polynesian, French, and international cuisine
Tipanier at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Tipanier at The Westin Bora Bora is a French-Polynesian bistro offering curated breakfast and dinner menus in a tranquil setting above the lagoon
Urban Cafe Urban Café Tahiti is a trendy spot in Papeete serving brunch classics in a relaxed, retro-industrial space with indoor and garden seating
Varavara at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Varavara is a beachfront restaurant offering Mediterranean and Pacific-inspired cuisine, in a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand setting with stunning lagoon views
