If you thought of romanticism, you thought of French Polynesia. Composed of 118 islands and atolls that form a great dotted line in the Pacific Ocean, close to Australia and New Zealand, the destination brings together natural beauty and luxurious infrastructure that attract many honeymooners eager for the best in the world, for trips for two.
The trip is via the United States – an excellent opportunity to get to know California (Los Angeles or Santa Monica), then head to Tahiti.
Why?
Nature helped not only with the incomparable beauty of the Tahitian paradise but also with the tranquility that all the islands offer.
The sea with different shades of blue, the sun present all year round, bungalows on the waters, paradisiacal scenery, good diving spots and different cultures, translate the magic, exoticism and the atmosphere of romance with an aphrodisiac touch that the islands exude.
And in this perfect scenario are some of the best spas in the world. Whether in hotels, resorts or on ships, each offers different treatments and impressive relaxation techniques. Mostly after all the rush of the wedding, nothing better than getting a nice massage. And the vast majority offer options for two, a great opportunity to eliminate stress together. Many even say that the best spas are here, as the atmosphere of the sea breeze rests your soul, body and mind.
What sets it apart from other spas in the world are the ingredients used. The vast majority come from there, grown on farms and directed to the resorts that are there. This further increases the feeling of direct contact with nature and the environment that surrounds them.
French Polynesia is the ideal honeymoon destination. Most hotels offer honeymoon programs, with dinner, champagne, sunset cruises, a bed decorated with flowers, a special breakfast served in the bungalow and much more…
Islands to visit:
MOOREA
Island of volcanic origin, located 18 km west of Papeete. The island’s name comes from a local legend and means “Golden Lizard”. The access from Papeete by plane is just 7 minutes, or 30 minutes by catamaran. Moorea is the island of magnificent peaks, rugged valleys and beaches with white sands. It has a triangular shape and on the north side is the majority of tourist facilities.
There is a lot to know in Moorea: north coast, Fareone islets, west coast, Tiki Village Theater, folk and artisanal village seafront, with restaurant and typical shows and a wedding cerimonies.
Tours: circuit around the island (you can rent a car or moped), Tiki Village circuit, north coast, interior of the island, Opunohu on full moon nights, pirogue circuit, ultralight and helicopter flights. Visit to Dolphin Quest to swim with dolphins. Cruise at sunset.
Moorea’s Tips:
* Visit the Tiki Village restaurant (simple buffet foods, but with a good show).
* Rent an Avis car at the pier and drive around the island. Drive along the wonderful road between the pier and the Inter Continental hotel.
RAIATEA & TAHAA
Taha’a and Raiatea are surrounded by the same coral reef, separated by a sea branch of green waters less than 4 kilometers long.
Taha’a is only accessible by sea. Several daily crossings of boats such as Aremiti, connect Uturoa (Raiatea) with Apu bay, Tapuami, Patio, Haamene, lasting 20 minutes.
Raiatea & Tahaa’s Tips:
Visit: vanilla lactation, beautiful beaches, seaside villages and islets with idyllic landscapes.
RANGIROA
Formed by an extensive and narrow oval-shaped reef, a “carpet” formed by more than 240 islets “motu”. This coral fortress forms an internal lagoon that stretches for 68 km in length and 25 in width with the “motu Paio” inside. Most of the islets are uninhabited. It has waters whose transparency surpasses that of the most well known islands. The sea has remarkable turquoise tones, with an inexhaustible variety of fish and corals beneath the surface. Rangiroa is the most famous diving center in the Pacific.
It is the ideal place for those who want tranquility and sea activities. It is the best diving spot in French Polynesia, one of the most privileged places in the world.
Tips from Rangiroa:
* Jet ski tour around the island;
* Diving with dolphins;
* Find out in Tahiti what “rere” means;
* As for the food: a great option are the desserts based on vanilla cream – delicious!
BORA BORA
The most famous island in French Polynesia. Without a doubt, the most beautiful in the Pacific, famous for its illustrious visitors. It stands out for the harmony of the landscape, the impressive luminosity and the colors of its waters. Of volcanic and rugged origin, it is surrounded by reefs that form a multicolored lagoon and dotted with various islets called Motu: the airport is located on an island, Motu Mute, from where transfers by public boat to the main island, where they concentrate several hotels and native villages. Subsequently, it is necessary to transfer by truck along the main street to the chosen hotel.
Several exclusive hotels are on islets (Motu) around the main island. These hotels have private transportation (speedboats and yachts) from the airport to their own piers.
There is a lot to visit in Bora Bora: Vaitapé, the main village, with a concentration of native houses; Pofai Bay, beaches with some restaurants and sale of crabs; Punta Matira, the best beach on the island with pristine white sands; Anau, small town on the island poor in beaches, but with beautiful wild landscapes. Motu (islets of reefs).
Tours: circuit around the island can be done by truck, vehicle or bicycle. Take a pirogue trip to the reefs, where, with a mask and snorkel, you can see how to feed schoals of sharks a few meters away.
Afterwards, a picnic on a Motu, with deserted beaches and grilled fish. Underwater walk with scuba diving (magnifying glass).
Bora Bora’s Tips:
* Feeding sharks and rays – full day tour with picnic;
* Take a walking tour to Punto Matira (main street of the main island, the same one where the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach and Private Island and Le Maitai hotels are located);
* Go at night at the Sofitel Hotel: it is lively, with Tahitian shows 3 times a week;
* Rent a bicycle or a car;
* Dive;
* Visit hotels located on other private motus (islands), for a drink;
* Riding a truck (popular transport);
* Riding a Motu taxi – a small motorboat that circulates through the islands.
When?
The best time to go to the islands of French Polynesia is between May and October, as it is theoretically the least rainy period. But of course, “luck” always helps a little in this regard. Even so, when the rain comes, it is usually quick.