18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in French Polynesia
Embark on the ultimate voyage through the Society and Tuamotu Islands, where the concept of paradise is redefined every single morning. This 18-day odyssey is designed for those who seek the finer things in life: private helicopter transfers, overwater bungalows with glass-floor viewing panels, and world-class French-Polynesian fusion cuisine.
From the rugged green peaks of Moorea to the crystalline lagoons of Bora Bora, you will navigate this archipelago with ease, utilizing domestic flights and private boat charters. This is not just a holiday; it is an immersion into an island lifestyle where luxury meets the authentic Mana spirit of the South Pacific.
Day 1: Papeete, Tahiti - Arrival & Island Welcome
Check-in at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Arrive in Papeete and settle into your luxury panoramic room overlooking the sister island of Moorea.
Garden & Infinity Pool Relaxation
Enjoy the resort's famous sand-bottom pool and lush tropical gardens to shake off the jet lag.
Traditional Welcome Cocktail
Sip on a fresh Mai Tai at the Tiki Bar as local musicians perform traditional Tahitian melodies.
Fine Dining at Le Lotus
Experience an overwater gourmet dinner featuring refined French cuisine and local seafood.
Day 2: Papeete, Tahiti - Culture & Pearl Discovery
Robert Wan Pearl Museum
Learn about the history of the black pearl and browse one of the world's most exclusive collections.
Marché de Papeete
Stroll through the vibrant central market to see local crafts, exotic fruits, and high-quality monoi oils.
Lunch at Café Maeva
A trendy spot inside the market area known for fresh poke bowls and local Poisson Cru.
Papeete Waterfront Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the updated promenade as the sun begins to dip.
Day 3: Papeete, Tahiti - The Wild Interior
4x4 Papenoo Valley Expedition
Take a private guided Jeep tour into the heart of Tahiti to witness towering waterfalls and ancient volcanic craters.
Riverside Picnic
Enjoy a gourmet packed lunch by a secluded mountain stream deep in the rainforest.
Venus Point Lighthouse
Visit this historic black sand beach where Captain Cook once observed the transit of Venus.
Dinner at Les Roulottes
Experience the high-end side of the famous food trucks at Vai'ete Square for a casual yet iconic Papeete evening.
Day 4: Moorea, French Polynesia - Crossing to the Magic Island
Flight to Moorea
A breathtaking 15-minute flight offering aerial views of the reefs and the iconic Opunohu Bay.
Check-in at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort
Upgrade to a King Overwater Bungalow for direct access to the coral gardens beneath your floor.
Snorkeling in the Lagoon
Explore the crystal-clear waters right from your bungalow balcony.
Dinner at Arii Vahine
Enjoy a fusion of Polynesian and international flavors with a view of the lagoon.
Day 5: Moorea, French Polynesia - Lagoon Wonders
Private Catamaran Charter
Spend the morning on a private boat searching for spinner dolphins and swimming with rays.
Motu Beach Picnic
Your captain will set up a private lunch on a tiny islet (motu) with your feet in the water.
Afternoon Spa Session
Experience a traditional Taurumi massage at the Moorea Lagoon Spa.
Dinner at Le Lezard Jaune Café
A boutique dining experience known for its incredible grilled fish and intimate atmosphere.
Day 6: Moorea, French Polynesia - Peaks & Pineapples
ATV Guided Tour
Ride through the lush pineapple plantations and up to the Belvedere Lookout for the best views in the Pacific.
Tropical Garden Lunch
Visit the Moorea Tropical Garden for fresh juice and local jams with a view over Cook's Bay.
Rotui Juice Factory Tour
Sample locally made liqueurs and juices at this famous island distillery.
Sunset at Toatea Lookout
Watch the colors change over the Hilton Moorea and the surrounding reef.
Day 7: Moorea, French Polynesia - Leisure & Lagoon Life
Kayaking the Bays
Paddle a transparent kayak through the turquoise waters of Opunohu Bay.
Lunch at Snack Mahana
The best local lunch spot on the island; try the grilled mahi-mahi in vanilla sauce.
Tiki Village Cultural Center
Learn about traditional weaving, tattooing, and wood carving in this reconstructed village.
Fare Nui Dinner
A final elegant dinner in Moorea overlooking the moonlit lagoon.
Day 8: Taha'a, French Polynesia - The Vanilla Island
Flight to Raiatea
A short scenic flight followed by a luxury boat transfer to the private island of Taha'a.
Check-in at Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts
Stay at this Relais & Châteaux property, which captures the ultimate authentic Polynesian luxury.
Resort Exploration
Walk the white sand beaches of Motu Tautau and enjoy the view of Bora Bora on the horizon.
Dinner at Ohiri Restaurant
Indulge in a French-Polynesian fusion tasting menu in an elegant, candlelit setting.
Day 9: Taha'a, French Polynesia - Flavors of the Tropics
Vanilla Plantation Tour
Discover why Taha'a produces some of the world's most sought-after vanilla beans.
Pari Pari Distillery
Taste organic rum made from local sugar cane and see how coconut oil is cold-pressed.
Beachfront Lunch
Enjoy a casual lunch with sand under your feet at the resort's beach restaurant.
Champon Pearl Farm
Visit a working pearl farm to see the grafting process and shop for unique jewelry.
Day 10: Taha'a, French Polynesia - The Coral Garden
Drift Snorkeling
Experience the world-famous coral garden where the current gently carries you over vibrant reefs.
Polynesian Canoe Lunch
A traditional meal served to you in the water while you relax in the lagoon.
Private Sunset Cruise
Charter a small boat for a romantic sunset viewing with champagne.
Dinner at Hawaiki Nui
A buffet of local specialties accompanied by a spectacular Tahitian fire dance show.
Day 11: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - The Jewel of the Pacific
Flight to Bora Bora
The most beautiful flight in the world. Request a seat on the left side for the best views of the atoll.
Check-in at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Enter a world of unparalleled luxury in your expansive overwater bungalow with a private plunge pool.
Infinity Pool Relaxation
Gaze out at Mount Otemanu from the edge of the world's most famous infinity pool.
Dinner at Arii Moana
Sophisticated seafood and fine wines overlooking the lagoon.
Day 12: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Lagoon Mastery
Private Lagoon Expedition
Explore the farthest reaches of the Bora Bora lagoon on a private boat, visiting secret snorkeling spots.
Private Island Lunch
Your guide will prepare a 5-course lunch on a private motu, complete with white linen service.
Sharks & Rays Encounter
Safe and guided interactions with black-tip reef sharks and friendly stingrays.
Cocktails at Vini Vini Bar
Enjoy the evening breeze with a signature tropical cocktail.
Day 13: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Island Peaks & Skies
Helicopter Tour
Soar over Mount Otemanu and see the heart-shaped island of Tupai from above.
Lunch at St. Regis Te Pahu
Indulge in an open-air Mediterranean-style lunch with a view of the main island.
Jet Ski Tour
Circumnavigate the entire island of Bora Bora on a high-speed jet ski tour.
Dinner at Bloody Mary's
Visit this legendary sand-floor restaurant, a favorite of celebrities for decades.
Day 14: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Wellness & Serenity
Holistic Spa Day
Enjoy a 'Kahaia Haven' ritual using black pearl powder and native plant extracts at the resort spa.
In-Bungalow Dining
Have a light lunch delivered to your deck via a traditional outrigger canoe.
Paddleboarding the Inner Lagoon
The calm waters of the resort's inner lagoon are perfect for a peaceful afternoon paddle.
Lagoon by Jean-Georges
Experience a culinary masterpiece at the St. Regis, overseen by a world-renowned chef.
Day 15: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - The Final Lagoon Day
Shopping in Vaitape
Visit the main town to pick up high-end Tahitian art and designer beachwear.
Lunch at Lucky House
A local favorite for wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood near Matira Beach.
Matira Beach Relaxation
Spend time on the only public beach on Bora Bora, famous for its shallow white sand floor.
Farewell Dinner on the Beach
A private, torch-lit dinner on the beach under the stars to celebrate your journey.
Day 16: Rangiroa, French Polynesia - Into the Blue
Flight to Rangiroa
Fly to the world's second-largest atoll, a haven for divers and luxury seekers alike.
Check-in at Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
Settle into a luxury beach villa with a private pool nestled in a coconut grove.
Tiputa Pass Sunset
Watch wild dolphins jump in the waves at the pass as the tide turns.
Dinner at Te Rairoa
Traditional Tuamotu flavors reimagined with French culinary techniques.
Day 17: Rangiroa, French Polynesia - The Blue Lagoon
Full-Day Blue Lagoon Tour
Take a boat to a lagoon-within-a-lagoon, where the water is a shade of blue you've never seen.
Island BBQ Lunch
Freshly caught fish grilled on an open fire on a remote desert island.
Vin de Tahiti Wine Tasting
Visit the only coral soil vineyard in the world to taste the unique Dominique Auroy wines.
Farewell Island Feast
A final gathering with local musicians and an array of Polynesian delicacies.
Day 18: Papeete, French Polynesia - Departure
Flight back to Tahiti
A final scenic flight over the Tuamotus back to the main island of Tahiti.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Duty-Free shops at the airport for final gifts of local rum and chocolate.
Relax at Day-Room
Use a day-room at the InterContinental to freshen up before your international flight.
International Departure
Board your flight home, carrying the Mana of French Polynesia with you.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is sunny and the humidity is low, making it perfect for outdoor activities and lagoon exploration. July is particularly popular due to the Heiva i Tahiti festival, though it is also peak tourist season. The wet season (November to April) brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity, with occasional tropical showers, but it also offers fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF), which is pegged to the Euro. While luxury resorts, upscale restaurants, and major shops accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry some cash for smaller local markets and snacks. Tipping is not a standard requirement in French Polynesian culture, as a service charge is often included in the bill, but a small gratuity for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Getting Around French Polynesia
Inter-island travel is most efficiently handled by Air Tahiti, the domestic airline that connects all major archipelagos. For luxury travelers, private boat charters and helicopter transfers are available for a more exclusive experience. On the islands of Tahiti and Moorea, renting a car or an electric vehicle is recommended for exploring the interior and coastal roads. Between Tahiti and Moorea, high-speed ferries operate frequently and take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
