Exploring the Society Islands, French Polynesia

It’s very easy to fly between the islands with either Air Tahiti or Air Moana and you can even take a scenic ferry between Tahiti and Moorea in just 30 minutes. This makes it simple to combine several of the islands in one trip, which is a great way to experience a taste of true French Polynesian culture. 

The most iconic motu is Bora Bora, which is hugely popular amongst honeymooners and couples. However, if you go one step further and explore some lesser-known islands, such as Rangiroa, you’ll see a very different side to this beautiful country. Mixing the famous hotspots with more hidden islands will give you a multi-dimensional trip packed with variety.

Across French Polynesia, accommodation ranges from authentic local pensions (guesthouses) to ultra-luxurious 5-star resorts. I stayed in some incredible places during my trip, and the accommodation really added to my overall enjoyment of the holiday. 

Here’s a breakdown explaining the highlights of each Island and recommending where to stay. I hope it comes in handy when you start planning your own island-hopping adventure!

Getting to the Society Islands 

Flights depart from London Heathrow via Paris and/or Los Angeles/San Francisco and Seattle. There is also a seasonal flight via Tokyo. Generally, the journey takes around 22 hours, so settle in! On the way there, I flew in the Moana Economy with Air Tahiti via Paris and Los Angeles. On my return journey, I flew Moana Premium via Seattle and Paris. 

Check-in was smooth, the service standard in both cabins was excellent, the onboard menu was tasty, and the selection of drinks and snacks was excellent. The inflight entertainment showed a selection of movies in both English, French and Polynesian.

When to visit the Society Islands 

I visited the Society Islands in April. This is shoulder season and tends to be a mixed bag in terms of weather, but it’s also quieter and more affordable than other times of year. I was very lucky and experienced amazing weather throughout my trip. 

In fact, there was only 2 hours of rain during my whole stay! Another benefit of visiting outside peak season is that that the seas are calmer, making it ideal for travellers that suffer from sea sickness.

Arriving in Tahiti 

Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll fly into Papeete, which is the main commercial hub in French Polynesia, on the island of Tahiti. Here, you’ll see Polynesians going about their day-to-day life and the whole place has a bit of buzz to it. The beaches here are volcanic (not white sand) and very clean. 

There are lots of activities, such as hiking to waterfalls, kitesurfing, and jet skiing. You can even book a helicopter ride into the canyon. Snorkelling and diving here are excellent, and the coral is amazing. It’s also possible to book whale and dolphin watching tours from here. Tahiti is great for those into surfing (Teahupo’o on Tahiti-Iti). 

We dined in local restaurants, which were all excellent with plenty of fresh seafood. The local market is worth a visit, to buy authentic crafts and taste local produce.

Te Moana Tahiti Resort

This 4-star hotel has French Polynesia’s biggest infinity pool, and it’s an ideal place to relax and unwind after the long flight. It offers great sunset views and a bar right on the water’s edge. It is popular with couples and groups of friends. Close to both Papeete airport and the town centre, it’s a great option for 2–3 night stay.

Boutique Hotel Kon Tiki Tahiti 

Located directly opposite the ferry terminal, this 3-star hotel is perfect for a stay before taking the boat over to Moorea. The rooms are fresh, modern and minimalist. Although there is no pool, the hotel more than makes up for it with the 8th floor rooftop bar “Reeftop” and 7th floor “Surf Restaurant”. The bar and restaurant are popular with both guests and locals alike, and the atmosphere is brilliant. There’s also a lively bar next door, making this hotel a great option for younger couples staying here over a weekend

Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts 

Boasting a great location on a beautiful volcanic black sand beach, this is a lovely peaceful hotel with views out towards the ocean. From here, you can often spot dolphins in the waves. For the wow factor, try upgrading to a spacious Signature Suite complete with a private jacuzzi. The spa has its very own Signature black sand massage treatment. This hotel is perfect for everyone, and families will love the interconnecting rooms too.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa 

This large resort has everything you need for a relaxing break in Tahiti. It features a lovely infinity pool and its own turtle sanctuary in the lagoon. If you want to stay in an overwater bungalow during your stay in Tahiti, then this is the perfect hotel for you. The two restaurants serve exceptional food, and nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff. This hotel appeals to couples of all ages and families.

Moorea 

Smaller than Tahiti, but home to white beaches and lagoons, Moorea is a slice of paradise. It is only a 25-minute ferry ride from Papeete. There is only one road that loops around the island for 62km, making it very easy to explore. I highly recommend hiring an e-bike, a scooter or a car to get around. It’s also significantly cheaper than Bora Bora for accommodation.

Moorea has a relaxed atmosphere and there are loads of activities available on land and on sea. Play a round on the 18-hole golf course, go zip-lining, try horse-riding, follow hiking trails, book an ATV tour, visit the Fare Natura Museum, explore the Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery, or wander around the pineapple plantations. Humpback whales migrate to Moorea from Antarctica from August until October, so a whale-watching tour is a must-do activity during these months.

Cook’s Bay Hotel and Suites 

Opened in June 2023, Cook’s Bay Hotel has a very modern minimalist feel to it. This boutique hotel has great mountain views and during whale season, humpbacks come right into the bay to give birth to their young. What could be better than that! The lagoon here is also shallow, which is great for children. 

The rooms come with a mini kitchenette, making them ideal for travellers looking to be more independent. The Standard Rooms sleep up to four people and the Family Suites accommodation up to six people. It’s excellent value and great for families and couples alike.

Sofitel Moorea 

This lovely five-star hotel has a modern yet authentic Polynesian feel to it, and it’s just five mins from Moorea ferry terminal. Located on the longest beach in Moorea, it’s protected from the wind, making it a real suntrap, and you can snorkel right off the beach. The hotel has its own in-house dive centre too. 

The views from the Sofitel are stunning, as the resort looks out towards Tahiti. The beach bungalows are right on the beach, truly giving you that feeling of castaway paradise. Foodies will love the the five or seven course tasting menu at the gourmet fine dining restaurant “K”. It’s a brilliant option for travellers of all ages.

Bora Bora 

Everyone’s heard about Bora Bora – it’s the most iconic island in French Polynesia. For many people, its name conjures up images of a pure island paradise. It is perfect for couples and those celebrating a special occasion as well as those who just want to relax, soak up the ambiance, and do very little. If you’re planning to spend most of your time at your resort, Bora Bora is ideal.

However, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are still quite a few tours that you can take from Bora Bora. Additionally, the snorkelling is fantastic here. The coral is amazing, and you’ll see an abundance of brightly coloured fish. From Bora Bora, you can snorkel with with friendly black-tip reef sharks and manta rays all year round.

InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort 

This is a very relaxed, informal resort and a perfect example of a welcoming 4-star hotel. With only 60 bungalows, it’s a boutique hotel that offers intimacy for all. It feels very Polynesian and would appeal to those who want the convenience of being on the mainland of Matira Peninsular. 

It has a beautiful long white sand beach and complimentary non-motorised water sports. Although there’s no spa here, if you pre book a spa treatment or a gourmet dinner at the sister property, the Intercontinental Thalasso Resort & Spa, you’ll be treated to free return boat transfers.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts 

This Relais Chateaux property is one of my favourite hotels in Bora Bora. It has a very warm and friendly atmosphere that makes you feel immediately at home. The hotel faces Mt Otemanu, offering priceless uninterrupted views. Boasting a white sand beach and a lovely spa, you will most definitely enjoy it here. 

The Otemanu Overwater Villa is worth it for the iconic view, and equally the Sunset Overwater Villas capture the tropical pink hews as evening eases in. The Garden Villas have their own pools. The hotel pool also faces Mt Otemanu for that extra memorable moment. It’s perfect for honeymooners and anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort 

This is a very laid-back romantic hotel, with all villas facing out towards the Pacific Ocean. There is a range of stunning villas to choose from, so you’ll be able to pick the perfect one for you. 

There are Garden Villas with and without pools, Lagoon Villas with and without pools, Otemanu-View Overwater Pool Villas, Ocean-View Overwater Pool Villas and Sunset-View Overwater Villas, to name just a few. 

The villas are large enough to accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, making it ideal for families. The kids club takes children aged 5-12 years and under 5 years must be accompanied. For larger parties, the Presidential Villas sleep up to 6 guests. 

The resort is home to an incredible elevated spa offering amazing views. Mt Otemanu sits behind the resort, so why not enjoy a romantic dinner or even get married on the Otemanu viewing platform? It has the second largest infinity pool in French Polynesia and a variety of complimentary non-motorised water sports. The cultural activities change daily, and you can even learn a little Tahitian. The hotel has a few restaurants, but the Japanese Glass-Bottom restaurant is something rather unique.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa 

This hotel has a very chic and contemporary island style, and it feels very spread out across the huge grounds. It’s popular with both families and couples. The resort features Overwater Bungalows with either lagoon or pool views. 

If you love indulging in wellness, then this is the hotel for you. The spa is amazing, with 14 treatment rooms, specialising in Thalasso treatments which are rich in minerals from the sea. It has several pools, jet pools, an outdoor jacuzzi and a hammam.

Four Seasons Bora Bora 

This is one of the most popular hotels in Bora Bora. A favourite with couples, this is a top choice for those looking for an unforgettable stay. Boasting phenomenal views, the resort gives you lots of privacy (guest can be transported around the grounds by golf buggy). 

If you are planning to treat yourself to some tropical luxury, I cannot recommend the Four Seasons enough. There is a range of Beach, Lagoon and Mountain Overwater Bungalows, with and without pools. Some of the Beachfront Villas have their own kitchen, perfect for families or those bringing their own chef with them. Nothing is too much at Four Seasons and you can download their app so you can liaise with the concierge whenever you need something. 

There are 8 treatment rooms at the spa and wealth of different treatments are on offer. Between August and October, migrating whales often appear right in front of the spa. There’s a great kids club for children from 4 to 12 years, and the hotel hosts a huge range of complimentary activities. If you dive, then this hotel is perfect as it has its own dive centre too.

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort 

This is a very exclusive and “Instagrammable” 5-star hotel. It’s ideal for couples seeking absolute privacy and a favourite amongst celebrities. Spread over 25 acres, hotel guests are provided with their very own bike to get around the resort (or you can call for a golf buggy). This is somewhere to splash out and really live it up. 

It has the largest entry-level overwater villas in all of French Polynesia, so if you are after lots of space then this is the place for you. The overwater villas come with varying features and views (you can even see Taha’a and Raiatea). Each villa feels secluded and private. 

There are two swimming pools, one of which is adults only. Non-motorised sports are complimentary and, if you love tennis, you can improve your technique with the inhouse tennis coach. There is an excellent variety of food and the Lagoon Restaurant has a glass bottom floor, so you really feel like you are floating on water. The kid’s club caters for children from 5 to 12 years, and there’s even offer a baby-sitting service.

Rangiroa 

The atoll of Rangiroa, in the castaway Tuamotu Islands, is one of my all-time favourite islands! One side is ocean-facing and the other side is lagoon-facing, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s very authentic, offers cheaper accommodation, and food drink is also more affordable. It’s a very chilled out, rugged island with an amazing reef. There are no bars, so it’s early to bed and early to rise! 

Rangiroa will give you a glimpse into the real French Polynesia, beyond the glitz and glamour of Bora Bora. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of low-key island life, I can’t recommend it highly enough. There are only pensions (local guesthouses) and one four-star resort on the island.

Most visitors head for Rangiroa for snorkelling and diving, and there are six local dive companies. The island is known for its hammerheads and nurse sharks, as well as its beautiful pink sand beach. It takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Pink Sand Beach by boat, and it’s worth every minute of the journey. 

I took a full day snorkelling trip out to the Blue Lagoon, which was phenomenal. It was abundant with white tip and black tip reef sharks, as well as rays. You can also see dolphins at both Tiputa Pass and the lesser-known Avatoru Pass. 

Rangiroa has vineyards where you can go wine-tasting. It also has a Pearl Farm, where you can get your very own Polynesian pearl. All in all, it’s an incredible place!

Maitai Rangiroa 

Just 3 minutes from Rangiora Airport, this authentic boutique hotel is a great base for exploring the atoll. The standalone bungalows range from Garden, Premium Garden and Lagoon-view, and they are all close to the lagoon. All bungalows have air-conditioning and a fan. 

Kayaks and snorkelling equipment are complimentary for guests, and the hotel has a quaint infinity pool to relax around after a day out on one of the many excursions. There is one bar and restaurant, and the food here is excellent quality. It’s a lovely gem a of property and will appeal to all kinds of travellers.

Raira Lagon Pension 

Located on a rugged coastline, this pension has cosy bungalows nestled in the gardens or facing towards the lagoon. It has a very laid-back vibe with one restaurant and a communal dining room. The pension offers complimentary bikes and kayaks, and there’s a lovely outside café on site. 

There is no pool or beach here, but you can go snorkelling in the lagoon which is right in front of the property. It’s clean and comfortable, and would suit anyone looking for a functional place to rest after a day out at sea.

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa 

Sitting on the only beach in Rangiroa, this hotel offers an excellent standard of accommodation, not to be found anywhere else on the island. It’s a small resort with just 58 rooms. 

The rustic Beach Bungalows come with their own jacuzzi on the terrace, the Overwater Bungalows offer amazing sunset views, and the spacious Pool Villas are set back within the manicured gardens. 

There’s an onsite dive centre, as well as a gym and spa. The resort has one restaurant serving a fantastic selection of food - just what you need after a day out snorkelling in the lagoon. It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples and families alike.

My final thoughts about French Polynesia

I absolutely loved my visit to French Polynesia. It exceeded all my expectations, and it will forever hold a special place in my well-travelled heart. The hospitality, food, scenery and marine life were all phenomenal. 

As there are so many islands in French Polynesia, it’s a destination that can be visited more than once. I’m already itching to go back and experience a different series of islands. Whether you are going for a special occasion or not, French Polynesia has something for everyone. If it’s not on your bucket list, it should be!

Ready to explore the Society Islands in French Polynesia?

We're experts at creating unique South Pacific holidays and French Polynesia island-hopping escapes. We'll listen to your hopes for the trip and put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes. To start planning your trip, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email.

Request a quote