No matter how much you hear about the 118 islands that comprise the 5 idyllic archipelagos that make up French Polynesia, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking scenery of the islands’ towering volcanic peaks, rugged cliffs, emerald lagoons and stunning palm-fringed beaches. Despite being heavily influenced by French culture, the region has managed to retain its own colourful and distinctive culture through its traditional food, music, and local handicrafts. Divers and snorkelers can marvel at the area’s extraordinary range of marine life, while hikers explore the islands' lush jungle-clad volcanic mountains. History enthusiasts are equally well sated with numerous archaeological sites revealing traces from its Pre-European past. With all of this remarkable scenery, diverse marine life and fascinating culture on offer, it is no wonder that French Polynesia has become one of the Pacific’s most exclusive and popular tourist destinations
Tahiti is the stuff of legends and Gauguin paintings, and with good reason. the island’s scenery is second to none: spiked volcanic mountains blanketed with lush jungle, deep valleys, and pristine black-sand beaches melting into aquamarine ocean. But R&R is not all Tahiti has to offer - leisure activities on offer include taking a 4x4 safari into the island’s mountainous interior, world-class surfing at Teahupo’o and Tahiti Iti, and exploring the ancient archaeological sites at Huahine. And for those looking for entertainment, the island’s capital, Papa’ete, has a vibrant waterfront area and a lively nightlife. The most festive time of the year is during the Heiva festival in July, whihc is celebrated with drumming, dancing and widespread exuberance.
As previously described
Only a short 35-minute flight from Papeete, Huahine exudes an unhurried charm far removed from the bustling resorts of the Society Islands’ more famous islands. Verdant hills, sacred marae, and fragrant vanilla plantations provide a lush backdrop to tranquil beaches that spill into turquoise lagoons, where colourful fish dart beneath the surface. Visitors can snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, cycle along quiet coastal roads, paddle through mangrove-lined channels, or explore the local villages and the laid-back township of Fare, featuring charming shops and cafés. The gentle lap of waves, warm sun on the skin, and scent of frangipani heighten every moment, while the intimacy of the landscape fosters a sense of serene escape. With few luxury resorts and minimal tourism, Huahine retains its authentic, untouched atmosphere, earning the nickname ‘Garden of Eden.’
Idyllically located in the South Pacific Ocean midway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the remarkably picturesque Cook Islands are comprised of 15 unique islands. This remote, exquisitely beautiful island paradise is blessed with a warm tropical climate, fabulously friendly Polynesian locals and a wonderfully peaceful pace of life. The islands boast some glorious white-sand beaches, and palm-fringed turquoise lagoons all presided over by majestic volcanic peaks. Adventurous travellers can get their adrenaline fix with an array of outdoor pursuits such as surfing, wake-boarding, paddle boarding and hiking mountainous jungles dotted with breathtaking waterfalls. More sedentary visitors can indulge in some luxurious spa pampering, explore the lively night-markets or simply relax on a beach lounger with a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other. Whatever your preference, this exceptionally gorgeous and tranquil island getaway will prove irresistible.
Idyllically located in the South Pacific Ocean midway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the remarkably picturesque Cook Islands are comprised of 15 unique islands. This remote, exquisitely beautiful island paradise is blessed with a warm tropical climate, fabulously friendly Polynesian locals and a wonderfully peaceful pace of life. The islands boast some glorious white-sand beaches, and palm-fringed turquoise lagoons all presided over by majestic volcanic peaks. Adventurous travellers can get their adrenaline fix with an array of outdoor pursuits such as surfing, wake-boarding, paddle boarding and hiking mountainous jungles dotted with breathtaking waterfalls. More sedentary visitors can indulge in some luxurious spa pampering, explore the lively night-markets or simply relax on a beach lounger with a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other. Whatever your preference, this exceptionally gorgeous and tranquil island getaway will prove irresistible.
The exquisite tropical haven of Aitutaki is an island forming part of the Southern Cook Islands. A 45-minute flight from the capital island of Rarotonga, Aitutaki provides a convenient, remote getaway for travellers seeking some peace and tranquility away from the stresses of the modern world. This little pocket of paradise in the South Pacific boasts some of the area’s most magnificent powder-white beaches, tropical rainforests and authentic Polynesian culture. The island is surrounded by a spectacular lagoon which is blessed with wonderful shallow, warm waters ideal for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. The lagoon is dotted with a number of little deserted islets and is brimming with an abundance of colourful coral and tropical fish. Tiny Aitutaki is home to only 2,100 or so inhabitants, most of whom live in the capital village of Arutanga. The infrastructure on the island is basic, including all the necessary conveniences without crossing the line into crass commercialism.
Known locally as 'Raro', this spectacularly scenic island is the largest and by far the most popular of the Cook Islands. The interior is dominated by magnificent, volcanic peaks cloaked in lush tropical forests. These slopes give way to agricultural terraces, flats and swamps which stretch out towards gorgeous palm-studded, golden-sand beaches fringing most of the island. The 32 km circumference of Rarotonga is surrounded by a warm, shallow aquamarine blue lagoon surrounded by a glorious orange halo of coral reef teeming with a kaleidoscope of colourful tropical fish. There is a wide range of tourist activities available including, among others: snorkelling, scuba diving, cycling, kite surfing, hiking, boat tours, and scenic flights. With all of this and more on offer, Rarotonga is an ideal place to soak up some sun, the relaxing island atmosphere and thousands of years of Polynesian history and culture.
No matter how much you hear about the 118 islands that comprise the 5 idyllic archipelagos that make up French Polynesia, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking scenery of the islands’ towering volcanic peaks, rugged cliffs, emerald lagoons and stunning palm-fringed beaches. Despite being heavily influenced by French culture, the region has managed to retain its own colourful and distinctive culture through its traditional food, music, and local handicrafts. Divers and snorkelers can marvel at the area’s extraordinary range of marine life, while hikers explore the islands' lush jungle-clad volcanic mountains. History enthusiasts are equally well sated with numerous archaeological sites revealing traces from its Pre-European past. With all of this remarkable scenery, diverse marine life and fascinating culture on offer, it is no wonder that French Polynesia has become one of the Pacific’s most exclusive and popular tourist destinations
Holiday destinations don’t get much more idyllic than Bora Bora. Known as the ‘Jewel of the South Seas’, it has been consistently voted among the best islands of the world. Its mountainous interior is swathed by verdant jungle and encircled by a vividly turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef. Bora Bora’s setting lends itself to a host of aquacentric activities, with snorkelling and scuba diving at the top of the list due to the rich marine life supported by the surrounding barrier reef. Other popular leisure options include jet-skiing, boat cruises, kitesurfing and - for more adventurous travellers - parasailing and sky-diving. The island’s main settlement, Vaitape, is dotted with boutiques and restaurants, where you can indulge in retail therapy or sublime cuisine respectively.
As previously described
As previously described
