Identifiable by its towering palm trees, vivid turquoise waters, and yacht-filled bay, Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia. With its’ name translating to ‘water basket’, Papeete, was traditionally a meeting spot for Tahitians to fill their calabashes with fresh water. Today this tropical city seamlessly merges the tranquillity of the seaside with the hustle and bustle of a port city, boasting fine-dining restaurants, lively markets and charming boutiques. Nature lovers can enjoy leisurely strolls along the lushly landscaped trails and ornamental fish ponds of the Pa’Ofa’i Gardens or admire the glistening sea from the Place Vai’ete Waterfront Park. Notable attractions include the lovely pearl displays at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum, the 19th-century architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the delicious fresh produce on offer at the Papeete Market.
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.
