Plan an escape to Tahiti and French Polynesia where the balmy waters of the Pacific, ivory shores and vibrant Polynesian culture await you. In this archipelago on the other side of the world, beauty takes on a whole new meaning!

Island-hopping, Polynesian style

Tahiti, the gateway into French Polynesia, beckons visitors in with its lush mountains and crystalline lagoons. Shop in the colourful markets in the capital Papeete, tuck into local dishes and let Polynesian beauty rituals work their magic. To burn off some energy, an ascent up Mount ‘Orohena, the highest peak in Tahiti, is certain to test your mettle. In the north of the island, the Pointe Vénus peninsula is worth a trip to visit its lighthouse and black sand beaches.
All around Tahiti, the islands that make up the Society archipelago – Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea – promise to enchant you thanks to their idyllic landscapes, where overwater bungalows grant spectacular ocean views. Make the most of the water by going snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and catamaranning, a chance to marvel at the region’s fantastic sea life. On terra firma, hidden waterfalls in the tropical forest, like Putoa on Moorea, make for an inspiring destination when hiking.

Cultural experiences and time-honoured traditions

French Polynesia is a place where traditions are still alive and kicking in everyday life. Attend a heiva, a traditional celebration centred around singing and dancing. Visit marae, ancient sacred grounds, to learn about Polynesian history and spirituality. The archipelago is home to a people whose legendary hospitality opens wide a window into their world, from preparing fish marinated in coconut milk to the crafting of flower garlands, pearl fishing and making monoi (scented oils). Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Marquesas Islands, more remote and wild, offer a picture of an environment untouched, where local craftsmanship and ancestral legends remind you of another time.