There’s no denying that French Polynesia is a tourists playground. Each year, thousands of tourists travel to the Pacific in search of paradise. The problem with this is that the resorts are often over-full; to the point where the resorts that offer peace and quiet are no longer peaceful or quiet. Here we list some of the best resorts in French Polynesia which you should consider when travelling to these stunning islands:
Vahine Island Resort (Tahaa)
A small luxury hotel located in Tahaa, the Vahine Island Resort is on a private island that offers tranquility amongst a coconut grove. The resort is considered prestigious, but unlike many of the others, it isn’t a chain resort and so it is entirely unique in its layout and each villa and bungalow is made from local materials.
The resort provides guests with the choice between overwater bungalows, beach suite villas and beach bungalows with sand at your front door. On site is also a five star restaurant, and the resort provides guests with free activities including windsurfing, snorkelling, fishing equipment and beach games. You can also book yourself into the spa facilities or get a massage, and whilst you’re there, why not organise a trip to the Vanilla Plantation or Pearl Oyster Farm?
Tikehau Ninamu Resort (Tikehau)
This is a great resort for outdoor enthusiasts. There are facilities for diving, fishing, kiteboards, surfing and board paddling. The surrounds have stunning clear water and a great reef system which is idea for snorkelling.
Relax in a coconut leaf hut, soak up the sun and enjoy the exclusivity of this resort. It only has six bungalows, each unique in size, style and layout. The nearby beach is great for swimming and fishing and the surrounds offer excellent hiking trails located in wonderful gardens.
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Te Tiare Beach Resort (Huahine)
A traditional Polynesian getaway, the Te Tiare is great for those who seek a quiet atmosphere. There’s no official website for this resort, so bookings are harder to make but it’s worth it because you’ll find a significant difference in the number of tourists which normally scatter in the chain resorts throughout Polynesia.
The resort has interesting handmade bungalows which reside over the famous clear blue water of French Polynesia. And guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail or two at the onsite bar and restaurant. Stay here if you’re into the idea of a tropical isolated oasis.
Opoa Beach Hotel (Uturoa)
Nestled amongst the trees is this tiny hotel, often overlooked for the larger resorts. However, it has all of the charming perks and facilities that you need on a stay in Polynesia without the hefty price tag that exists for many other accommodation choices. The hotel boasts quaint white villas that surround a pool.
The surrounds are something out of this world entirely – rolling green mountains, beautiful waterfalls amongst the forest and untouched beaches. The restaurant has a menu offering modern cuisine and the rooms proffer country charm and modest elegance. This is definitely one to consider!
Tahiti Homes
This company offers villas for hire in all different parts of French Polynesia, particularly in Tahiti and Mo’orea and the prices depend on the size of the villa and the duration of your stay. The benefit of renting a villa is that you get the resort living without the extensive prices because these villas can house up to eight people. You can all stay in the one villa and split the cost, rather than paying for several rooms in an expensive chain resort.
Most of the villas are located on beachfront for optimal swimming, diving and fishing opportunities. This option truly provides you with a home away from home.
Hotel Kia Ora Le Sauvage Island (Rangiroa)
Owned by the Hotel Kia Ora is the Le Sauvage, it is a private island located within a private island on the most southern part of Rangiroa. The resort is secluded with white sand beaches and stunning water. It’s the perfect place for romance!
There are overwater bungalows, coconut grove villas and beach bungalows for guests to choose from. There is a personal spa, gym and bike hire – and the bar is built over the water so cocktails are made even more enticing when an overwater sunset is included.
Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge (Hiva Oa)
Located in a private tropical garden, overlooking the bay and village of Taiohae is the Keikahanui Nuku Lodge. What makes this lodge resort so unique is that the surrounding beaches are covered in black sand, rather than the usual coral white sand beaches that are popular around French Polynesia. It is also a boutique resort, with all of here buildings made of entirely local materials.
You can go bike riding, hiking, horse riding, and snorkelling or on jeep safari at this resort, all of which are encouraged. The jeep safari takes you out to some archeological sites where you get to view some fantastic examples of life that once was in the area.
Hanakee Hiva Oa Pearl Lodge (Hiva Oa)
This resort has been ranked as one of the best for couples, with quaint poolside villas that offer spectacular views of the mountains, bay and ocean. Its popularity is the exclusiveness; the resort only has fourteen rooms to choose from. The restaurant is quite small and offers modern French cuisine.
The benefit of this resort is that the concierge will organise all day trips and transport for their guests when asked, so they take the hassle out of planning trips.
The Brando (Tetiaroa)
A unique luxury atoll surrounded by a three-mile wide lagoon. Each villa at the resort provides a bike for guests to explore the atoll and there is a private spa and wellness centre for guests to enjoy. French cuisine is served at the restaurant; there is also a trendy little bar with amazing lagoon views. Guests can even enjoy the organic garden and library!
Room options include one, two or three bedroom villas ideally located. The benefit of this resort is its location – you need a private plane to get there and the resort has its own airport, so enjoy the views from the plane on your way there and back!
Green Lodge (Mo’orea)
A modest lodge resort in Mo’orea with a selection of different kinds of bungalows which are all locally made. Guests have access to the pool, snorkelling equipment, aquagym equipment and bikes for free. There is also a complimentary breakfast served every morning.
The lodge is surrounding buy thick luscious greenery, so make the most of your stay here and enjoy the nature that often goes overlooked.