Authentic French Polynesia: Tahitian guesthouse holidays

French Polynesia may be famous for its gorgeous overwater bungalows on Tahiti and Bora Bora, but these far-flung islands are not all about glamorous resorts. If you're after an authentic and affordable experience in French Polynesia, try planning a Tahitian guesthouse holiday. All across these paradise atolls, you’ll find a unique accommodation style, known locally as pensions. These tiny local guesthouses are run by friendly islanders who will welcome you into their beautiful homes.

Staying at a local Tahitian guesthouse will give you a glimpse into local life and add real character to your trip. These simple, clean, and comfortable guesthouses are gorgeous B&Bs with breathtaking lagoon backdrops, allowing you to explore paradise with a more modest price tag. We love adding Tahitian guesthouses to our island-hopping holidays in French Polynesia, as they add both flavour and colour to each itinerary. Why not create a trip that mixes traditional resorts with Tahitian guesthouses and overwater bungalows? Anything is possible!

Our favourite guesthouses in French Polynesia

French Polynesia holidays with traditional guesthouses

French Polynesia isn't just about breathtaking views and dreamy lagoons - it's also about the people. The traditional culture across these islands is fascinating, and each island group has its own distinct identity. We've added local guesthouses to a handful of our tailor-made French Polynesia holidays, giving you a chance to get beyond the glitz and experience real Tahitian hospitality. Taste home-cooked meals, explore local markets, and get to know the welcoming islanders. These itineraries include a mix of resorts and guesthouses, offering a brilliant blend of culture, comfort, and luxury. 

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French Polynesia honeymoons

French Polynesia is, undoubtedly, one of the most romantic places on the planet. Its swaying palms, castaway islands, blue lagoons, and secluded resorts combine to create the perfect honeymoon destination. Whether you're looking for the glamour of Bora Bora's overwater bungalows or seeking total privacy on a remote archipelago, French Polynesia can provide. Set sail on an exclusive yacht charter, fly between paradise atolls, get completely off the grid, or opt for a mixture of all the above! This island nation is pure paradise, so it's a dreamy destination to begin married life. 

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Round the world holidays including French Polynesia

There's no getting around the fact that French Polynesia is on the other side of the planet. Getting to Tahiti involves flying halfway around the world, so why not turn your trip into a round the world holiday? If you're planning to visit French Polynesia, it makes excellent sense to stop in the USA or Canada on the way out and Asia on the way home, or vice versa. In terms of flight prices, it only costs a little extra to add a couple of stopovers, and it allows you to recover between long-haul journeys. Many of our French Polynesia customers choose to build exciting stopovers into their trip, transforming their holiday into the trip of a lifetime!

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Tips for planning your French Polynesia holiday

We've been creating unforgettable trips to French Polynesia for twenty years, so we really know our stuff. Written by our very own experts, our blog features posts that will help you choose when to travel to French Polynesia, where to stay, and what to do while you're away. Read all about these dreamy islands and begin building your dream Tahiti escape!

Read our blog

Swing in a hammock on Tikehau in French Polynesia | Travel Nation

Which French Polynesian island is best for you?

Milly

Milly Gill

Product Manager
at Travel Nation

See sunset from an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora | Travel Nation

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia?

Bryony

Bryony Dunn

Marketing Manager
at Travel Nation

Swing in a hammock on tropical Tikehau | Travel Nation

11 Enchanting French Polynesian islands you’ve never heard of

Bryony

Bryony Dunn

Marketing Manager
at Travel Nation

Explore castaway beaches from Le Mahana on Huahine | Photo credit: Le Mahana Hotel

Visit Huahine Island: a little slice of heaven

Milly

Milly Gill

Product Manager
at Travel Nation

Sleep in rustic, cosy bungalows at Ninamu Resort, Tikehau | Photo credit: Ninamu Resort

5 Reasons to stay at a guesthouse in Tahiti

Milly

Milly Gill

Product Manager
at Travel Nation

Book a yacht charter in Bora Bora | Photo credit: Tahiti Tourisme and Gregoire Le Bacon

8 Reasons to choose a yacht charter in French Polynesia

Bryony

Bryony Dunn

Marketing Manager
at Travel Nation

Stay at Pension Alice et Raphael in Bora Bora | Photo credit: Tahiti Tourisme

Our favourite guesthouses in French Polynesia

Milly

Milly Gill

Product Manager
at Travel Nation

Head to Bora Bora for the best examples and expect exclusive locations

How to plan flights to Tahiti from the UK

Stefanie

Stefanie Bulau

Travelling Friend
at Travel Nation