Our favourite resorts in French Polynesia: Bora Bora, Moorea, and beyond

Tahiti: The Gateway to Paradise 

With majestic peaks rising almost 2,500 metres from the ocean and waterfall-covered canyon-like valleys cascading down the mountains into crystal clear waters, the island of Tahiti sure is an impressive sight. 

For me, Tahiti is the gateway to the rest of French Polynesia. It’s home to the country's capital and the only international airport. Due to flight timings, a stopover on the island of Tahiti is almost unavoidable on any French Polynesia itinerary.

With its cultural heritage and scenic beauty, Tahiti does have an appeal. However, I wouldn’t recommend spending much time here. In my opinion, it simply doesn’t compare to the gorgeous tranquil surrounding islands. It’s also worth noting that Tahiti doesn’t have any white-sand beaches. For me, this was a bit of a drawback.

If you do decide to stay on Tahiti, or flight timings make it inevitable, here are my favourite resorts on the island: 

Le Tahiti by Pearl 

The Le Tahiti by Pearl is a great 4* hotel nestled on the shores of Matavai Bay, only a 15-minute drive to the marina and a 20-minute drive to the airport. It’s tucked away at the far corner of a beautiful black-sand beach with a peaceful pool, a lovely bar, and a restaurant area overlooking the ocean. The rooms all have ocean views, so you can enjoy the sunset from the social areas or the privacy of your balcony.

I highly recommend staying at the Le Tahiti by Pearl if you plan to stay at any of the sister properties, such as the Le Bora Bora by Pearl or Le Taha’a by Pearl during your holiday. The hotel chain usually offers some perks and discounts for its multi-property visitors. 

There are many room options available, but I advise upgrading to one of the Signature Rooms. These are in a brand-new building that offers greater privacy and a more modern feel. It’s worth noting that advance restaurant bookings at the Le Tahiti by Pearl are essential. Spaces can book up fast and there are no other restaurants within walking distance (although central Papeete is only a short drive away).

Intercontinental Tahiti 

If you’re looking for a more luxurious getaway on Tahiti, I recommend the Intercontinental Tahiti. This 5* resort is located at the edge of a lagoon overlooking the island of Moorea, a short drive to central Papeete and the airport. 

Although this resort is larger, making it a little less cosy, I loved the well-designed rooms, hotel amenities (the breakfast buffet was incredible!), the lush green gardens, the two infinity pools and, best of all, the turtle sanctuary! 

There are several room options, ranging from standard rooms all the way to overwater bungalows, making this resort perfect for all kinds of travellers. It offers a perfect mix of relaxation and cultural immersion.

Moorea: The heart-shaped island 

Only 17 kilometres northwest of Tahiti lies the beautiful island of Moorea. It’s easily reached by a short 10-minute flight or a 30-45 ferry crossing from Tahiti. I recommend the ferry crossing, as it offers great views of both Tahiti and Moorea. 

Due to its unique shape, with the twin bays of Opunohu and Cook, the island does resemble a heart when viewed from above. And, oh, I did leave my heart on Moorea! 

Where Tahiti can be busy, arriving on Moorea is like stepping into a different world. Here, you have truly arrived on a paradise holiday island. No wonder it’s popular both amongst foreign and local holidaymakers. Accommodation fills up fast, so book your stay early!

Moorea is like Tahiti’s little sister. It’s similarly amazing in scenery, just on a slightly smaller scale, and with the bonus of white-sand beaches! It’s a true heaven if you are after a relaxing island atmosphere where you can truly unwind but also be active. 

There’s one well-paved road circling the island, so hiring a car or scooter, or even taking out a bike, is a great way to explore. 

What I love about Moorea is its diversity. Relax on a sandy beach (cocktail in hand), snorkel on one of the many coral reefs or go paddle-boarding on the turquoise waters. There’s a wide range of restaurant options, some shopping areas, and easy access to the well-marked hiking trails. 

Try culturally immersive activities or take more adventurous island tours. Want to relax? Want to be active? This island offers the perfect blend. Here are my favourite places to stay on Moorea:

Moorea Beach House & Moorea Island Beach 

These two sister properties are located on the north-west side of the island, offering gorgeous sunset views. They are both located a short stroll form each other within a small neighbourhood that’s also home to some local restaurants. They both have small sandy beaches with great snorkelling options and some of the best turtle-spotting on the island. 

Both properties are ideal for travellers seeking a more intimate and secluded experience, as they only consist of around 10 bungalows. They are stylish and chic, with a cosy ‘home-away-from-home’ atmosphere. They each have a communal bungalow with a big, fully equipped kitchen, which is great for self-catering or for storing the fresh fruit you can pick up at the many street vendors.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa 

For a more upmarket but very authentic experience, I recommend the Manava Beach Resort & Spa. Moorea is home to only three hotels rated 4* and above. Out of these, the Manava is my personal favourite, due to its authentic charm and warm atmosphere. 

The restaurant and bar areas are well-decorated, and the large infinity pool is beautifully maintained. The beautiful beach bungalows have direct access to the beach and a lovely, private setting amidst tropical gardens. Personally, I don’t recommend the entry-level overwater bungalows (the ones closest to the pool) as they lack a little privacy.

Sofitel Moorea 

Amongst the high-end resorts on Moorea, the Sofitel is another brilliant choice. Set on one of the island's biggest white-sand beaches, this resort offers a perfect luxury getaway if you’re looking for space and privacy. You’ll always find an empty spot on the beach and the secluded bungalows are dotted throughout lush green gardens.

Bora Bora: The Pearl of the Pacific 

Bora Bora is a bucket-list destination often hailed as the “Pearl of the Pacific”. Whilst the island certainly has a magical appeal, with the majestic Mt Otemanu overlooking the large turquoise lagoon, it’s far more touristy than the surrounding castaway islands. 

Bora Bora is THE place for a luxury in-resort experience. For secluded and romantic overwater getaways, world-class spa treatments, and fine dining. 

Often depicted as paradise, it does come with challenges and drawbacks. While beautiful, it can feel overcrowded, especially during peak season. The location of the motus (on which many of the luxury resorts are based) also means limited options for activities and dining beyond the resort facilities. It’s best if you’re looking for a resort-based experience. 

Of course, Bora Bora is still the epitome of luxury tourism in French Polynesia and home to some spectacular exclusive resorts. These are my favourite spots on Bora Bora:

Le Bora Bora by Pearl 

This was my favourite hotel of the entire trip! The Le Bora Bora by Pearl is an incredible 4* resort, which is on par with the nearby 5* resorts. It’s a luxurious retreat set on Motu Tevairo with breathtaking views of Mt Otemanu. 

I loved the perfect blend of modern elements and traditional Polynesia architecture, as well as the luxurious yet authentic atmosphere. It offered warm and seamless service without feeling ‘over the top’.

While staying in an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora is an iconic experience, my favourite rooms here were the Garden Pool Bungalows. Set in very well-maintained and spacious gardens, they offer absolute privacy and comfort. 

For direct beach access, the Beach Bungalows have a similar set-up to the garden bungalows (with a private pool at the back end of the villa), and the Royal Pool Beach Villa is a perfect retreat for larger families or groups, with views of Mt. Otemanu from the pool deck.

Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa 

If you’re looking for international luxury and the high-end facilities of a 5* resort, I recommend the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. The service was simply impeccable from arrival to departure. 

All the rooms here are over the water, with separate sleeping and living areas. You’ll find some of the most spacious entry-level overwater bungalows on Bora Bora and the best spa on the island! Even though the resort is not small, the communal areas always feel quiet and peaceful.

Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora 

If you can’t quite foot the bill of the Thalasso, the 4* sister property Intercontinental Le Moana makes for a great alternative. Located on the main island of Bora Bora, it offers return transfers every day to the 5* motu-based Thalasso resort, offering you the best of both worlds. 

The Intercontinental Le Moana is set on a peaceful lagoon near one of the best sunset beaches on Bora Bora, with great access to nearby local restaurants. This is a great spot if you want to be ‘more active’ during your time on Bora Bora, giving you direct access to the main island and a chance to experience the castaway motu of the Thalasso Resort.

Huahine: The Garden of Eden 

Huahine offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Almost all the locals I met during my trip had one thing to say when I mentioned going to Huahine: “This is my favourite island, you will love it there!” And they were right! 

Huahine’s lush landscapes, secluded beaches, turquoise lagoons, and traditional Polynesian villages provide a much more authentic experience than the commercialized hotspots like Bora Bora. The slower pace and fewer tourists make this a great escape for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection to local culture. 

The tranquility does come with some trade-offs, so it may not appeal to everyone. Huahine's infrastructure is more basic, with fewer accommodation and dining options. The two highest-rated hotels on the island are 3* properties, so it’s not a place for luxury.

Le Mahana Huahine 

The Le Mahana on Huahine was my favourite resort on the island. Set in an idyllic location on one of the island’s biggest lagoons, I felt like I had found a slice of paradise. 

It is a 3* resort, so not for luxury travellers, but the rooms are well-equipped and comfortable. Personally, I preferred the Lagoon View rooms to the Garden Bungalows. 

This is a place to relax, unwind, and read a book with a cocktail. Or simply explore the waters with one of the kayaks or SUPs available on site.

Maitai Lapita Village Huahine 

The Maitai Huahine is located on a carefully preserved archaeological site near one of the island’s bigger communities (Fare). It’s built around a lake in a beautiful garden setting, with traditionally styled, spacious bungalows, many with private pools. As Fare is within walking distance, it's a great base for exploring Huahine independently.

Raiatea: The Sacred Island 

Known as the birthplace of Polynesian culture, Raiatea is often considered the spiritual heart of French Polynesia. It is home to significant archaeological sites, such as Taputapuatea Marae, which provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Polynesian history. 

The island’s dense rainforest and picturesque rivers are perfect for exploration. However, Raiatea does lack one thing - beaches! The coastlines are more rugged, so it’s not ideal for those seeking a more idyllic beach holiday.

However, Raiatea is the gateway to the neighbouring island of Taha’a, regarded as “Bora Bora before mass tourism”. This makes it worth a quick pitstop if you’re island hopping in French Polynesia.

Hotel Raiatea Lodge 

This newly renovated 3* boutique hotel is just a few minutes from the airport (and marina for boats to Taha’a), overlooking the island of Bora Bora in the distance. It offers private bungalows and hotel rooms with great ocean views in a peaceful garden setting, with a clean pool, bar & restaurant area. You'll find lovely ‘ocean-vibes’ and amazing service at this little oasis.

Taha’a: The Vanilla Isle 

Just a short hop from Raiatea, the island of Taha’a will forever be on my mind as a place of paradise. Like Huahine, Taha’a is more remote, authentic and ‘rustic’ than the other Society Islands. Home to a large vanilla plantation hidden within the lush vegetation of the island’s interior, the breeze constantly carries a sweet aroma. 

Taha’a has a similar, though not quite as dramatic, setting as Bora Bora. The main island sits in the middle, surrounded by a large turquoise lagoon and numerous small motus dotted on the outer edges. You’ll find a great variety of accommodation, including one 5* luxury resort, so it caters to a wider range of travellers than Huahine. 

Here are my top places to stay on Taha’a:

Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts 

Part of the Le Pearl property portfolio the Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, has a similar modern and yet traditional Polynesian style and feel as the Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, but offers a more remote setting. 

With breathtaking views of both Taha’a as well as Bora Bora, it’s home to one of the island’s best snorkelling spots. The water is calm and many shades of blue, so it’s perfect for exploring by kayak or paddle board. 

My favourite rooms were the garden pool bungalows, which offer a perfect blend of luxury and privacy. The overwater bungalows with Bora Bora views were lovely, but with the island’s most popular snorkelling spot so nearby, there was a fair bit of boat traffic throughout the day.

Pension Anahata 

Pension Anahata offers an intimate and local guesthouse experience. The family-run property consists of a handful of bungalows, mostly located directly on the property’s small beach. The main building is slightly elevated, overlooking the rest of the guesthouse and the beach. It’s a short but steep climb up to the main area, so not suitable for those with mobility issues. 

The accommodation is simple and modern, with a communal kitchen and a small restaurant on site. The friendly owners can help you book activities. The staff go out of their way to ensure guests have a memorable stay, making this the perfect choice if you want to experience the true spirit of Taha’a.

Vahine Private Island 

Vahine Island can only be described as unique, quaint, and peaceful. With only 9 bungalows, the property only houses a handful of guests at a time. It is adult-only making it an ideal getaway for couples seeking remote tranquillity. 

The hosts and staff quickly make you feel right at home, offering a very personalized guest experience and delicious food. The comfortable and quirky rooms are built and decorated with materials exclusively sourced on the island. 

If you are after absolute luxury, this may not be the right place for you. However, if you are after an intimate and secluded island getaway, this is 100% the place to go.

Ready to plan a trip to French Polynesia? 

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