White sandy beach and Otemanu mountain at Bora Bora island, Tahiti
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Discover Tahiti
When a tropical escape—complete with overwater bungalows, swaying hammocks and international vibe—is what beckons you, look toward the South Pacific. The tiny islands here may appear as mere pencil dots on a map of the vast Pacific Ocean, yet they are deceptively rich in culture and activities.
Tahitian cuisine, tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk
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Tahiti, the name of both an individual island and a group of 118 islands, stands out for its posh resorts and silky beaches. Although first settled by Polynesian migrants as early as 500 B.C., this collection of islands, located farther east than the Cook Islands and Fiji, carries a distinctly European flair due to their colonization by the French in the 1800s. That influence is evident today, notably because French is the official language (though Tahitian is widely spoken) and French specialties, such as crepes, are served next to Tahitian staples like tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Technically, the islands are French Polynesia and operate as an autonomous overseas country of the French Republic.
French Polynesia holds five archipelagos and several individual islands, including Bora Bora—known as the Pearl of the Pacific. If romance were a place, this would be it. Everything about Bora Bora, from the distinctive profile of its rainforest-covered mountains and postcard-perfect lagoon to its gardenia-infused breezes and teeming-with-life coral reef, whispers love.
Aerial view of Papeete city skyline, sea port and marina from sea
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Papeete on the island of Tahiti is one of the main gateways to the whole of the islands. Resorts stays and activities, such as admiring the yachts in the harbor, lolling on a black sand beach or strolling the thriving market full of South Pacific-originated goods, are available here, but many travelers opt to escape deeper into French Polynesia, often heading to Bora Bora via a 30-minute flight. For ultimate convenience, Pleasant Holidays can bundle your accommodations, transportation, flights and even island-hopping excursions or cruises.
Snorkeling with sea turtles in Bora Bora
Cruise ships, both large and boutique, navigate the islands, showing passengers the beauty of additional French Polynesian islands, including Ralatea, Moorea, the Marquesas Islands and others. Itineraries may embark from Hawaii, Los Angeles or other islands in the South Pacific and can last anywhere from 10 to 56 days. Favorite shore excursions often include snorkeling in places where the water is warm and clear and the variety of marine life is both colorful and diverse. Cruising offers not only a wonderful overview of Tahiti, but of the South Pacific as a whole, depending on your chosen sailing.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Hilton
Delve deeper into Bora Bora. A stay at a resort’s overwater bungalow might come with panoramic scenes of Mount Otemanu and hibiscus-dotted valleys. Viewing panes in your bungalow also reveal what lies beneath the waves. Even at night, lights illuminate the waters, so you can see the schools of colorful tropical fish, turtles or occasional tiger shark swimming by. Serenity and peace fill your island days; the beaches are powder soft and kissed by turquoise, 80-degree waters—perfect for a morning or afternoon dip.
Soak away the stress in a bath filled with flora.
While in Bora Bora, up the romance ante with a breakfast delivered by canoe to your overwater bungalow or a romantic dinner on the beach. Or, get your heart pounding on a hike through the tropical forests, where rivers and rushing waterfalls punctuate the landscape. Spend the next day resting your legs or getting them massaged at one of the island or resort spas. Treatments often include indigenous ingredients manoi oil and vanilla. A favorite therapy is the Tahitian Taurumi massage, a practice based in Polynesian tradition that is both spiritual and therapeutic. It is aimed at extracting the negative energies of your body.
Moorea lies closer to Papeete; a mere 10-minute flight or 30-minute ferry ride whisks you to this world of waterfalls, pastel painted houses and gardens of birds of paradise. The island’s eight mountains, the tallest of which climbs nearly 4,000 feet, dominate the horizon and delight landscape photographers. Like Bora Bora, the scenery here captivates, particularly its magnificent lagoon, which makes the perfect spot for a private, romantic motu picnic. The meals often come with marine wildlife-watching and Tahitian tunes played on ukuleles.
Tahaa island vanilla sticks
To step into French Polynesia of yesteryear, visit Tahaa, Huahine or Rangiroa, where resorts welcome you and many of the old Polynesian ways remain. Catch the smell of vanilla on Tahaa, where the coral reef is dotted with 60 tiny motus, basically reef islets that form from broken coral and sand. Huahine is said to be the region’s best-kept secret. One part nearly translucent lagoon rimmed by white sand and another part agricultural lands full of vanilla, melons and bananas, these two islands, connected by a bridge, offer tranquility. Rangiroa is composed of a string of coral around a jade-green lagoon. Like at Tahaa, visitors observe more than 200 diminutive motus along the reef. Given its marine geography, it is a prime spot for snorkeling.
Magnificent view of Pacific atoll Rangiroa
Wherever you decide to vacation in French Polynesia, you’ll find seemingly endless beaches alongside calm, azure waters filled with marine life; jungles to hike through; welcoming people; fresh seafood to savor; Polynesian spa rituals to indulge in; and a true tropical paradise.
Ready for your tropical escape but not sure where to start? Let a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent help you select the best destination. Your agent will help ensure you take advantage of limited-time offers and exclusive AAA Member Benefits—only available when you book through AAA.