COMPLETE FILE

Overview

Customized luxury travel: Discover French Polynesia

Hotels, vacations, honeymoons, scuba diving trips, customized travel, luxury trips…we offer you a customized dream vacation in Tahiti, based on your budget and preferences. This customized luxury trip to Tahiti includes all top tourist destinations in French Polynesia – what better way to enjoy paradise?

With its picture perfect island paradises in the heart of the Pacific and archipelagos rich in contrasts, Polynesia is more than just a great place to relax. Of course, this is truly a perfect destination for both newlyweds and couples looking for a romantic paradise to celebrate their wedding. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t fabulous landscapes to explore – waterfalls hidden in the heart of the hills, thousands of brightly colored tropical flowers – and generous, hospitable people to meet. Absolute amazement will the recurring theme on this customized luxury trip to the other side of the planet. “Best of Polynesia” is hands-down our most complete itinerary in this part of the world: this trip includes on five must-see islands whose reputation as the world’s finest island destinations precedes them. Plus, we have selected outstanding luxury accommodation for the duration of your trip, just to make it even more memorable!

Contact our travel specialist today for more information on this magnificent customized discovery of French Polynesia!

Itinerary

Day 1| Departure from Canada – International flight

Day 2| Papeete
You will receive a warm welcome complete with flower necklaces as soon as you step off the plane, where someone will give you your travel documents. Transfer to your hotel, the Sofitel Tahiti (room with a view on the lagoon and the island of Moorea).

Day 3| Papeete
Leisure time in Tahiti, half-board (breakfast and dinner). You can take this opportunity to enjoy a magnificent hike across the island, crossing the crater of an ancient volcano. Overnight at the Sofitel Tahiti (lagoon view).

Day 4| Moorea
After breakfast, transfer to Papeete airport for a 10-minute flight to Moorea, where you are taken to a Luxury Garden Bungalow at the Sofitel Moorea Beach. Leisure time in the afternoon (feel free to enjoy one of the many optional activities on offer). Dinner included.

Days 5 to 7| Moorea
Leisure time in Moorea, half-board. Overnight at the Sofitel Moorea Beach (Luxury Garden Bungalow).

Day 8| Bora Bora
After breakfast, transfer to Moorea airport for you flight to romantic Bora Bora. You will be taken to the Sofitel Motu, located on a private island, and stay in a hillside bungalow with lagoon view. Free time in the afternoon.

Days 9 and 10| Bora Bora
Leisure time in Bora Bora, half-board. Overnight at the Sofitel Motu (Hillside Lagoon view Bungalow).

Day 11| Rangiroa
After breakfast, transfer to Bora Bora airport for your flight to the world’s second largest atoll, Rangiroa, known across the world for its abundant marine life. Transfer to the Kia Ora hotel in a beach suite bungalow. Dinner included.

Day 12| Rangiroa
Leisure time in Rangiroa, half-board. Overnight at the Kia Ora (Beach suite bungalow).

Day 13| Tikehau
After breakfast, early morning transfer to Rangiroa airport for your flight to Tikehau Atoll, known for its plentiful birdlife and its diverse and colorful marine life. Transfer to your bungalow over the lagoon waters at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort. Dinner included

Days 14 and 15| Tikehau
Leisure time in Tikehau, half-board. Overnight at the Pearl Beach Resort (Overwater Bungalow).

Day 16| Return to Papeete – International Flight
After breakfast, transfer to Tikehau airport for your return flight to Papeete. Note that there is a quick stopover in Rangiroa: be ready to take a few aerial pictures of this fabulous atoll. Once you get to Papeete airport, you will have a few spare hours, time enough to visit Mapuru a Paraita market in downtown Papeete to load up on souvenirs before being taken back to the airport early in the evening for your international flight.

Day 17| Return to Canada

Budget

**Rates published on this website are for information purposes only and are not legally binding (since departure dates are not given). Prices on this website are known to fluctuate frequently in relation to changes in currencies and hotel pricing. In order to obtain a definite quote, please click here.

Other fees

Lodging

Detailed information on your hotels and island destinations:

:: Tahiti ::
The largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti is a destination in its own right, offering a wide variety of leisure and cultural activities and lots of entertainment options. Much more than a mere stepping stone on the way to the fabulous neighboring islands, Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, is filed with treasures: a colorful market, many museums, an effervescent nightlife, and interesting cultural activities including the Heiva festival will allow travelers to discover new and fascinating chants, colors, smells, and traditions.

:: Your hotel in Tahiti | The Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort
Surrounded by tropical gardens, the Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort sits on a charming beach on Tahiti’s west coast. This recently renovated hotel features 216 stylish, light filled rooms, each with its own private balcony. Most of these have spectacular views over the mountains or across the lagoon toward the island of Moorea. Facilities include two excellent restaurants, a bar, two tennis courts, a golf driving range and a freshwater swimming pool.
Special features: The resort is right next to the airport, perfectly positioned on the only natural white sand beach on Tahiti, offering unique views of Moorea. Gauguin, the French impressionist, inspired its design. Also, Sakura restaurant is the region's most famous teppanyaki restaurant.

:: Moorea ::
Tahiti and Moorea are only 17 km apart. Many visitors find that the spectacular aerial views of the bays of Moorea are worth the price of the plane ticket. Like a shark’s mouth surging right out of the island’s basaltic core, this island’s dramatic volcanic peaks are reflected in the quiet waters of Cook and Opunohu bays. The mountains’ slopes are covered in pineapple plantations, and white sandy beaches surround the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. After a few days spent lounging peacefully on this island paradise, you will no doubt come to understand what true happiness is all about.

:: Your hotel in Moorea | Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is settled on the edge of a magnificent lagoon, with splendid views of the island of Tahiti. The resort, recently renovated, features 114 luxurious bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront, or surrounded by landscaped gardens. Facilities include two excellent restaurants, a bar, a fabulous outdoor swimming pool and day spa. Moorea has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, where guests can enjoy a wide variety of motorized and non-motorized water activities.
Special features: Benefiting from magnificent natural surroundings, this ultra-modern resort enjoys spectacular location on the most beautiful white sand beach on Moorea. Enjoy exceptional cuisine and elegant presentation at the resort's restaurant, K.

:: Bora Bora ::
Lounging around in a bungalow on top of the water is an experience not to be missed: of pure Polynesian design, these bungalows offer exceptional comfort with direct access to the lagoon’s turquoise waters, not to mention the opportunity to gaze at the underwater treasures through the glass floor, and the sumptuous breakfast delivered to you on a pirogue! Bora Bora’s underwater world has charmed countless scuba divers: the majestic manta rays, noble sharks, peaceful napoleon wrasses, and myriad colorful fish will dazzle divers from all levels.

:: Your hotel in Bora Bora | Sofitel Mutu (luxury Lagoon Bungalow)
Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach and Private Island encompasses both an exclusive private island and stunning white sand beach. Luxurious and expansive, it features 95 bungalows in a variety of styles, including overwater and hillside, plus an exquisite restaurant, bar, cigar cave, wine cellar, day spa, infinity swimming pool and recreational facilities. Sofitel Bora Bora Marara and Sofitel Bora Bora Motu Private Island have merged to form one resort as of September 1st, proposing two completely different experiences in the same resort.
Special features: discover true paradise in stunning blue waters, pure white sand beaches and the preserved nature of our very own private island boasting a unique botanical garden, 360 degree panoramic views, luxurious sunsets, and an incredible coral garden.

:: Tikehau ::
This delicate crown of pink sand beaches is the epitome of a picture-perfect postcard. No wonder it’s considered one of Polynesia’s most beautiful atolls. Tikehau’s exotic and sublime fragrances are matched only by the abundance of marine life: millions of fish live in these bright-blue waters. In fact, Tikehau’s waters are so full of fish that Jacques Cousteau’s research team once declared that this lagoon contained “the highest concentration of fish in all of the Tuamotu atolls”.

Your hotel in Tikehau | Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort
Since April 2001 the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort has been welcoming its guests in 4 hectares of enticing tropical paradise. Located on a white sandy beach flanked by palm trees, the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort offers both Beach Bungalows and Overwater Bungalows. When night falls, the poolside bar and restaurant provide an idyllic setting to observe the shimmering stars above. Many excursions and activities are on offer.
At the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort you will discover an exclusive yet informal haven of peace where Polynesian hospitality reigns supreme.

:: Rangiroa ::
The largest atoll in the South Pacific, Rangiroa (or Ra’iroa, if you prefer) is famous for the abundance of marine life in its crystal clear waters, from the manta rays of Avatoru to Tiputa and its sharks. Just a one-hour flight from Tahiti, this atoll will leave you at a loss for words as you gaze in awe at the myriad clown fish, turtles, parrotfish, butterfly fish, dolphins, and whales that inhabit the waters of this natural aquarium! Rangiroa (meaning “infinite skies” or “great spirit” in the local dialect) has one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons: sometimes turquoise, sometimes emerald, other times transparent blue, its colors change depending on how the sunlight hits the coral and sand at the bottom. Rangiroa is the largest atoll in Polynesia – and the second largest in the world. The most populated and visited of the Tuamotu atolls, it is also the most important of the group. Avatoru and Tiputa are the two main islets of Rangiroa.

Avatoru is Rangiroa’s main motu. It has an airport, a village, accommodation (hotels and private hotels), and dive centers: pelagics abound in the surrounding waters and passes. It is even possible to organize glass-bottom boat tours.
Avatoru has managed to stay close to its Polynesian roots: the roofs of the Tahitian fares are still built using coconut tree leaves. Of course, this doesn’t prevent the motu from having a well-developed administrative structure, including a post office, city hall, an elementary school, a college, and a few stores and arts and crafts boutiques.

Tiputa lies on the other side of the Avatoru pass. Though life on this motu is far away from the hoards of tourist, the area is starting to develop and now counts 3 accommodation options. Here too, the usual activities are on offer – especially diving. Don’t miss your chance to see dolphins swimming in the pass and greeting their visitors by zooming across in a spectacular display of grace and agility. Learn more about these beautiful creatures from the myths and legends shared by the locals you meet along the way.

Breathing along with the lagoon
Loads of activities are available to help you make the most out of the idyllic surroundings – the blue lagoon, the pink sand, the small lagoon within a bigger lagoon, etc. Between beach time and diving, you can choose to hop on a water taxi and head to the small picturesque village of Tiputa, across from the pass with which it shares its name. A small outing into a place that time seems to have forgotten…

Your hotel in Rangiroa | Hotel Kia Ora
In this luxurious and comfortable Eden, time stands still…
And yet it changes every hour of every day. Epicureans will appreciate “the endlessly sparkling colors, like millions of precious stones…truly and exceptional and beautiful sight” as they sip delicious hotel cocktails from the comfort of their Jacuzzi. Hedonists will revel in the luxurious comfort of the bungalows, each a beautiful and stylish homage to traditional Polynesian craftsmanship. While the thatched roofing blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings, the bamboo interior is both soothing and refreshing. All beach bungalows and deluxe beach bungalows are equipped with shower, fridge, air conditioner, fan, safe, hair dryer, anything needed to prepare tea and coffee, telephone, Internet access, and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and soap).

Overview

Tahiti: two volcanos in an emerald sea.

The largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti is a destination in its own right, offering a wide variety of leisure and cultural activities and lots of entertainment options. Let us give you a tour of this unique island…

Though Tahiti Nui (“big Tatiti”) offers many activities (diving, of course, but also 4x4 safaris, golf in Mataiea, canyoning in Hitiaa, surfing in Papenoo, sea kayaking), its little sister, Tahiti Iti, is surrounded by an aura of treasure and legend. These hidden treasures are yours to discover as you follow the narrow trails between the sea and the mape (Polynesian chestnuts), diving into the shadows towards the petroglyphs of Vaiote and the drums of the god Hono Ura.

Much more than a mere stepping stone on the way to the fabulous neighbouring islands, Tahiti’s capital, Papeete, is filed with life: a colorful market, many museums, an effervescent nightlife, and interesting cultural activities including the Heiva festival will allow travelers to discover new and fascinating chants, coulours, smells, and traditions. If you’re looking for a night out in Polynesia, Tahiti is the place to go: the bars and nightclubs are open nightly (later on weekends)! Before a night out, discover new and diversified cuisine at one of the many restaurants: there’s no shortage of choice!

Most larger hotels offer two dining options: fast food and gourmet dining. They also organize more elaborate evenings including generous buffets and entertainment, often with performances by some of the best local dance troupes. Also unique to Tahiti are the roulotte restaurants (mobile food stalls) that set up on Vaiete Square after sunset, offering simple and quick meals at affordable prices. On top of the usual grilled goodies, options include Chinese food, pizza, and pancackes.

Geography

Tahiti and its islands cover more than 4 million km2 of maritime territory – an area roughly the same size as Europe! Of course, of this immense territory, only 4000 km2 is actually above sea level and comes in the shap of land spread over 118 islands. The island of Tahiti is part of an archipelago called the Society Islands and is located at Latitude 17°32’S and Longitude 149°34’W. It is between California (6200km) and Australia (5700km), Tokyo (7500km) and Santiago de Chile (7500km).

118 islands in 5 archipelagos
These 118 unique and idyllic islands are divided into five archipelagos, each with its own personality. The inhabitants of these archipelagos are gradually entering the 21st century – at a pace dictated by the ancestral rhythms of the sun and the ocean. The Society Islands (further split up into the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands) is a group of high islands encircled by lagoons. The main island, Tahiti, is also the largest island in French Polynesia. Its capital is Papeete.

Two beautiful volcanic mountains surge out of the ocean and form the island of Tahiti. The largest of the two, Mount Orohena (2241m), rises to 2241m from the heart of Tahiti Nui and can often be seen wearing a crown of clouds. Mount Ronui, the smaller mountain, rises to 1300m on Tahiti Iti. Connected by the isthmus of Taravao, the two halves are reminiscent of an emerald comet, bathing in the turquoise halo of their thin lagoon.

The Society Islands include:
- Tahiti
- Moorea: volcanic peaks reflected in the clam waters of its lagoon, only 17km from Tahiti across a deep sea trench
- Huahine, wild and magical island located about 175km northwest of Tahiti, full of secrets and lively traditions
- Raiatea and Tahaa, sacred islands with fertile valleys, they share a lagoon and are known for their particularly pleasant sea conditions
- Bora Bora, known across the world for the surreal beauty of its plentiful waters, its motus with coconut plantations flanked by white sands, and its coral gardens
- Maupiti, the heart-shaped island, nestled in a jade lagoon

Tuamotu-Gambier Archipelago
Between sea and sky, this group of atolls and lagoons surrounded by coral reefs is in a world of its own. Blue, white, green: three colors dominate the landscape of the Tuamotu archipelago, these simple coral rings delicately perched between the sky and the waves. Take a closer look and a whole world of magic is revealed: the lagoon’s myriad shades of turquoise, the violets and purples of the table coral visible through the iridescent surface of transparent-jade waters, the yellows, oranges, reds, black, and pinks of the underwater gardens, the mother-of-pearl whirlwind of passing fish. It barely ever rains here, and the conditions are perfect for pearl farming. Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi, and Fakarava are the most popular islands. At the eastern edge of Polynesia rises the high island of Mangareva and its ring of islets, the remains of an ancient crater. With few visitors, it also has its fair share of pearl farms.

The Marquesas Islands
Also known as the “Land of Men” in Marquesan (“Te Henua Enata”), these islands surge right out of the Pacific blue like dark green fortresses south of the equator, some 1500km from Tahiti. Of the twelve islands that make up this archipelago, only 6 are inhabited. The most famous ones are Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa and Ua Pou. A great place to sail, the Marquesas offer few beaches, making each one that much more precious! Pigs, goats, sheep, and horses roam freely amid this splendid landscape.

The Austral Islands
Rurutu, Tubuai, Rimatara, Raivavae, and Rapa: these five high islands make up the southernmost group of islands in French Polynesia. The last inhabited islands in the South Pacific, these islands located way off the usual tourist trail were formed by ancient volcanoes. Apart from Rapa, these islands’ peaks are not as high as those of the other archipelagos, their landscape softer, tamer. With their Marae, ancient ritual places, their tall centuries-old stone tikis, and the still intact walls of their ancient Pa fortresses, these islands still have many secrets left to tell. Their climate allows tropical and temperate species to thrive and is well suited for market gardening, which, along with handicrafts, is the inhabitants’ main bread and butter. The Austral Islands are also on a whale migration route: each year between late July and October you can come here to meet these gentle giants.

Culture

Tahiti’s multiethnic population brings together Polynesians (83%, around 20% of which are of mixed ancestry), Europeans (12%, essentially city-dwellers), and Chinese (5%, their ancestors having settled here at the end of the 19th century). According to the most recent census (November 2002), Tahiti and its islands regroup 245 405 individuals, 75% of which live on the so-called Wind Islands (Tahiti and Moorea), with more than 127 600 people living in the urban area around Papeete (a strip of land measuring around 40 km). The population growth rate is considerable: +11.8% since the 1996 census. This increase can be explained not only by natural demographic growth but also by positive net migration, a result of state officials moving here when they retire.

Between tradition and modernity
Religion holds an important place in this society. Protestants now hold the majority (approx. 45%), followed by Catholics (34%), and, in smaller numbers, Mormons, 7th day Adventists, etc. Churches run youth organisations and play a major role in social and political life. Moreover, demographic analysis indicates westernization (longer life spans, less children per family, etc), a phenomenon that seems confirmed by changes in lifestyles, which tend towards consumerism. If many Polynesians still use local dialects as well as French when talking among themselves, these are becoming less used, especially among the younger generations. Despite the modernization of this society, Polynesian welcoming rituals still retain their authenticity and flamboyance. Welcomed by chants and flower necklaces, visitors start a journey into an enchanting universe as soon as they step on the tarmac – a journey which, somehow, always ends up being too short…

Climate

What’s the best time of year to come to French Polynesia? All year long! Let your interests tell you when to visit: scuba diving, cultural activities, tropical fruits, weddings, end of the year celebrations, etc.). The Polynesian islands benefit from a tropical climate and maximum sunlight. For example, Tuamotu gets close to 3000 hours of sunlight every year!

The temperature is always pleasant thanks to the Pacific trade winds that cool things down throughout the year. On most islands the average temperature is 27°C and lagoon waters stay at a perfect 26°C. Considerably further away from the equator, the Austral and Gambier islands are slightly cooler.