04/05/2021 14:59
La French Polynesia - we often think of Bora Bora or even Tahiti - is in fact made up of no less than 118 Islands ! Ideal for a honeymoon, they are distributed over a territory as large as Western Europe, but whose total landmass is barely larger than the state of Rhode Island. Some islands are crowned with rocky peaks jagged shreds rising from the ocean in an explosion of blue velvet. Others on the contrary appear as gracially tossed over the ocean, barely floating above the breaking waves. We explain why you should choose this heavenly setting what is Polynesia during your honeymoon !
Tahiti and Bora Bora, jewels of French Polynesia
The Tahiti islands are actually divided into five archipelagos within the South Pacific Ocean. These lie roughly halfway between the California et Australia. Most travelers visit the archipelago or Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a), the Tuamotu atolls (Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikeahu and Fakarava) and the Canopies, or "mysterious islands".
The other two archipelagos, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands, are respectively to the south and southeast of the Society Islands. Although very few travelers venture to these remote areas, those who do are never disappointed by the pristine, almost untouched natural environment.
A large number of couples on honeymoon in Polynesia opt for a island hopping tour who leads them from Tahiti to Moorea and, finally, to Bora Bora. Each destination offers its own corner of paradise, but couples can expect a strong Francophile influence. Let us not forget that despite its exoticism, Tahiti and its islands are an overseas territory of France. There are also many activities to fill your days: Whether you choose to go up 4 × 4 in a mountain, to do scuba diving with sharks or swim with giant manta rays, French Polynesia is the perfect place to kick off your new life for two with memorable activities to experience together.
When to go for your honeymoon in Polynesia?
Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate all year round, with a average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. June to AugustIs the high season, when the weather is coolest and driest. Temperatures in May, September, October and November are also mild and pleasant, and couples can enjoy advantages on hotel stays during this period. From February to April it can get quite hot and humid, so avoid traveling during these months.
How to get and get around French Polynesia?
Most couples who honeymoon in French Polynesia arrive through Tahiti Faa'a Airport (PPT). It is located at 22 p.m. France (Paris) and less than 8 hours flight from the international airport of Los Angeles (LAX). Air Tahiti Nui is the national carrier, but many other international carriers, such as Air France, offer daily or weekly flights non-stop or with a stopover to French Polynesia.
If your itinerary includes visiting islands, plan to do so by air - the fastest method of traveling between islands - Air Tahiti and Air Moorea serve 38 islands in the five archipelagos. The total area of these archipelagos is as big as europe ! If you have sea legs and are not afraid of the wind, you will have the opportunity to navigate as you wish. You can indeed rent a Sailing to visit several islands within the same archipelago. Finally, if you want to enjoy the calm of the archipelago, you will be able to make a custom cruise during your honeymoon in Polynesia.
What to do on your honeymoon in Polynéyou ?
Opt for snorkeling or scuba diving
French Polynesia is home to some of the systems of world's liveliest coral reefs. You can indeed observe them up close during a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion among the inland reefs that surround islands like Moorea and Bora Bora.
Take a Polynesian music and dance lesson
Tahitian dance remains a central element of the modern Polynesian culture, and this can often be experienced during a dinner show in tourist resorts. Since ancient times, dances have been used to represent all aspects of life - to welcome a visitor, to pray to a god, to challenge an enemy, to seduce a potential mate. The dances are always accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as drums, conchs and flutes.
Learn about the local culture
Modern Tahitians carry on the legacy of their ancestors maohi through oral stories that tell the adventures of gods and warriors. Nowhere else will you be able to experience these colored captions, which evoke traditions such as javelin throwing (the sport of the gods), surfing (favored by kings) and the Aito strongmen (who competed in outrigger canoe races and rock-lifting competitions for demonstrate their strength).
Visit a "marae"
Once the powerhouse of ancient Polynesia, these outdoor shrines, filled with large stone structures (similar to temples), offer an immersive glimpse into Polynesian history. Visiting one today is truly stepping back in time to a place that hosted important events, such as the celebrations of war and peace, the start of colonial voyages, and common worship of the gods.
Go on a cruise on the islands
If staying on a single island isn't your ideal honeymoon, consider a multi-stop cruise on companies like Paul Gauguin Cruises or Lindblad Expeditions. Cruises allow couples not only of vtravel between the most beautiful islands of Tahiti, but also to think outside the box and explore hidden beaches, remote waterfalls and unspoiled landscapes.
Shop for crafts
The Polynesian craft techniques are considered sacred, transmitted both by the “mamas”, the matriarchs of Tahitian society, and by skilled craftsmen. Traditions such as weaving, tapa carving, carving (often of wooden bowls and drums), and hand dyeing (most often of fabrics for pareus, or sarongs) are endangered in Polynesia. French, so look for them to have a unique cultural experience and get a unique souvenir.
Where to stay during your honeymoon in Polynesia?
The Brando
The luxury hotel the Brando in French Polynesia is on the private island of Tetiaroa, located in an atoll made up of a dozen small islands, about 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The only way to access this complex of 35 villas is to take a individual plane. As soon as you land, you are immediately greeted by a choir of Tahitian songs, which paves the way for an authentic Polynesian experience. The lagoon sparkling surrounding the island is frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. Whether you dine in your villa, at the beach restaurant Beachcomber Cafe recently opened or at the French haute cuisine restaurant The mutineers directed by Guy Martin, the Brando offers a super-luxurious experience in the middle of unspoiled nature.
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Located on the main island of Tahiti, a short drive from the airport, the flagship resort of the InterContinental is the perfect welcome facility in French Polynesia. Couples can look forward to newly renovated rooms in 2018, as well as a 25-hectare tropical garden and overwater bungalows offering a panoramic view of Moorea, the neighboring island.
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
To reach the island of Moorea from Papeete, Tahiti, you first need half an hour of high speed catamaran. If Moorea is your first stop in French Polynesia, expect to be on the deck of your water villa in no time. Spend your days lounging on the sand, playing a round at Green Pearl, an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, or dining at K, the hotel's restaurant, which offers candlelit dining . You can also stay at the Sofitel hotel in Bora Bora.
The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, facing the main island of Bora Bora and the majestic mount otemanu, is surrounded by 10 hectares of tropical gardens. This eco-friendly resort not only offers you spectacular views, but also recently renovated water villas, white sand beaches and wide range of water activities in a pristine lagoon.
The St. Regis Bora Bora
Whether you choose one of the exclusive overhanging villas or the private beachfront villas, this Resort of 90 villas, installed on a vast land of 12 hectares, offers a breathtaking view of the mountain otemanu. Besides the white sand beaches and crystal clear water, couples can expect top notch service and activities ranging from swimming with stingrays to romantic boat cruises. You will also find Iridium Spa by Sothys with Clarins treatments, nestled on its own private island in the lagoonarium of the St Regis Bora Bora hotel, and an on-site gallery featuring the works of renowned photographer John Kincaid.
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa
Since its opening in 2002, the Taha'a Island Resort is the must-see place for couples who go to the island of Taha'a, which is part of the atoll of Society Island. With just 57 suites and villas, expect few other guests within the resort, isolated on the Motu Tautau islet, facing thelush island of Taha'a on one side and to the majestic Bora Bora the other. The complex is part of the prestigious collection Relais & Châteaux, which means the food is top notch and the natural surroundings are carefully preserved for an authentic Polynesian experience.
Where to eat in French Polynesia?
Blue Banana
In this popular Tahitian restaurant you will find a creative mix of French and Polynesian dishes, such as seafood trios, freshly caught tuna, perfectly cooked steaks, and even wood-fired pizzas. Nothing better to start your honeymoon in Polynesia in style!
Snack Mohana
On the island of Moorea, you will see as many locals as tourists in this laid back spot by the water, which serves one of the best raw fish in French Polynesia. (The secret ingredient: ginger).
Bloody Mary's Restaurant
Almost all celebrities visited this low key beach hut - just look at the photo wall at the entrance to the restaurant. Order the catch of the day with, of course, a homemade Bloody Mary, and you won't be disappointed.
Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges
The famous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten signs the menu of this restaurant in St Regis Bora Bora Resort. It keeps its culinary promises with fresh and tasty dishes such as black papio in a crust.
La Plage (formerly Le Coco's)
If you are leaving Tahiti by plane in the evening, save this restaurant for last (it is close to the airport). Dishes like tuna tiradito, lentil mahi mahi and mushroom risotto go perfectly with a last sunset over Moorea.
Book now your honeymoon in French Polynesia !
Your combination of Polynesian islands? It's here !