French Polynesia Vacation

If you have been dreaming of a trip to Bora Bora, Tahiti or any of the other Society Islands I am here to share with you my travel experience to this heavenly destination and my experience on the Paul Gauguin ship.

French Polynesia is the perfect destination for the ultimate relaxation—from luxury accommodations to stunning beaches, it has something for everyone. Follow this guide from start to finish for my own personalize experience and I hope for you to create the vacation of your dreams in French Polynesia.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

My experience to Tahiti and the French Polynesia was on the fabulous Paul Gauguin 7 day Cruise through the Society Islands. We stayed the last on the way home at the hotel in Tahiti called the Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts – This place was stunning! I would go back just to stay here again. From the food, to hotel rooms, all overlooking the beautiful black sand beaches of Tahiti’s northern oceanside. Here are some of the top 10 hotel destinations in the French Polynesia…

InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa

Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Bora-Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa

Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

EDEN – Private Island – TAHA’A (ex La Pirogue Api)

The Travel

We flew from Chicago to Los Angeles to Tahiti. Once we arrived in LA we flew Air Tahiti Nui and I was very impressed. We were there for work, so we didn’t have control over our seats so were all spread through the plane. My seat as towards the back but we still were all given a blanket, pillow, ear buds, eye mask, socks and sanitizing wipes. Despite the delay I was impressed with the flight, the accommodating service, the cleanliness and the 2 meals. I would recommend them and would fly them again!

Exploring the Islands

The Society Islands that we visited on our cruise were Tahiti, Huahine, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Moorea. Every island was a bit different and all unique but all sooooooo gorgeous! Can’t even explain in words – Just heavenly!

After a long-delayed flight, we finally arrived at Papeete, Tahiti were greeted at the airport by some locals playing the ukulele. What a fun welcome!

As we waited for our car to take us to the ship, we received these beautiful real and FRESH fragrant leis – one for each of us!

And FINALLY, on to board the beautiful luxury ship of the Paul Gauguin…..

This ship was AMAZING. I don’t think I could go on another cruise and have it be any better! To read more about the Paul Gauguin check out their website here.

To start off the views alone are just amazing. Although I have not visited Bora Bora and the islands another way this is the best way to visit all the islands because once you dock the ship, they do all the work taking you to visit all these beautiful islands. Bora Bora alone takes quite a bit of time to get there, but on the ship, you are preoccupied with ship activities while you travel to all these beautiful French Polynesian islands.

Every meal starting breakfast is fresh. Fresh fish, fresh homemade desserts, fresh fruit and wine and spirits all over the ship anytime you want.

This Moon fish was caught and fed to us for lunch…

Fresh Shrimp and vegetables on a skewer.

Let’s now dive into the islands…..

Taha Island

This was the cutest and most family friendly island. So cute and quaint. I learned to play the ukulele…

and I was taught how to chop a coconut in half with your hand from some of the locals, snorkeled, kayaked and drank enough fresh coconut water to keep me hydrated for a week!

Bora Bora

A place so nice they named it twice! On this gorgeous island we got off the ship and took a smaller boat to a little restaurant that overlooked the water.

Fresh tuna tartar on Bora Bora island – We were dropped off to the restaurant by boat.

This was our view from the boat leaving the restaurant. Then we stopped on this beautiful island. This picture was taken on our short walk of the boat to the shore. I know! It doesn’t look real!

While we were on the beach we got to test out the waters and get a few pics!

The views were just amazing and the water was the most beautiful blueberry blue like someone had colored it.

We then took a jeep and drove all the way to the top of the Bora Bora Mountain and overlooked the water. The ride up was a bit frightening but well worth it once you got to the top!

Moorea

A friend of mine told me “Wait until you get to Moorea” – She was right – They saved the best for last!

We stayed in Moorea 2 days. The views were just beautiful and Moorea itself was a bit cleaner and spread out. I bought some black pearls here…

And we again to a little boat to the island and shopped, ate and drank at a little local restaurant.

Again, another beautiful view but this one at the top of the Moorea Mountain and a view of our ship.

Back to the ship that night was Polynesian night. They save this for last! All you can eat lobster….

And the desserts were just as fabulous.

On this night you get to “Meet the Mammas” and they make you leis and crowns out of fresh flowers.

Everything was homemade and fresh – each meal. For lunch and dinner they would have a whole spread of desserts but at tea time it was all completely different desserts and things to try. I can honestly say I have never been anywhere where the food was so fabulous!

And one of the memories I miss most is my early morning coffee and fresh croissants…

And enjoying it all over the view of the South Pacific.

And the gorgeous scenery in the evening. You just can’t take a picture with a bad background – in fact they are so beautiful they looks fake!

On the Paul Gauguin they have different festivities. This night was meet the captain and his crew members.

Another was “meet the mammas” where they homemade crowns for everyone.

The rooms were beautiful and not as small as everyone has told me how ship rooms could be. If you go I would pay the extra and get a balcony. It gives you the option to be able to rest in your room but still enjoy the beautiful waters with out leaving the room.

From finding the perfect accommodation in the French Polynesia or cruising the Paul Gauguin you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in French Polynesia. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the islands have something to offer everyone. Don’t wait; begin planning your vacation in French Polynesia today.

Here are a few blog posts on the French Polynesia and the Paul Gauguin so you can check out more information.

What’s it Like to Travel in French Polynesia? (neverendingfootsteps.com)

The Ultimate French Polynesia Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad

Best Cruise Line – Blog | Paul Gauguin Cruises (pgcruises.com)

A Paul Gauguin Cruise is even better with friends – Captivating Journeys

And last here is a map of the islands that the Paul Gauguin goes to on the Tahiti & Society Islands 7-day crusie.