9-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in French Polynesia
Welcome to the jewel of the South Pacific. This nine-day luxury escape is designed for those who seek the perfect balance between the rugged, volcanic beauty of the Society Islands and the unparalleled sophistication of world-class resorts. From the vibrant markets of Papeete to the secluded motus of Bora Bora, every detail of this itinerary is curated for comfort and exclusivity.
Traveling through French Polynesia in style means utilizing domestic flights for seamless transitions and indulging in private charters to explore the turquoise lagoons. Expect a journey where the scent of Tiare flowers follows you, and the service is as warm as the tropical sun.
Day 1: Papeete - Tropical Arrival & Coastal Elegance
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Touch down in Tahiti and receive a traditional flower lei greeting. A private chauffeur will transfer you to your luxury resort to begin your Polynesian adventure.
Check-in at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Settle into your ocean-view suite. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of Moorea across the sea of moons.
Le Marché de Papeete
Visit the vibrant public market to find high-quality Monoi oils and locally crafted vanilla beans. It is a sensory introduction to Tahitian culture.
Fine Dining at Le Lotus
Experience overwater dining at its finest, featuring a menu crafted by Michelin-starred consultants paired with exquisite French wines.
Day 2: Tahiti - Island Secrets & Heritage
Private West Coast Tour
Explore the lush interior and the West Coast with a private guide. Visit the Marae Arahurahu, an ancient Polynesian temple set against dramatic cliffs.
Water Gardens of Vaipahi
Walk through these botanical gardens featuring rare tropical flowers and a sacred waterfall, followed by a light organic lunch nearby.
Pointe Vénus Lighthouse
Visit this historic site on the black sand beach where Captain Cook once observed the transit of Venus.
Sunset Cocktails at The Tiki Bar
Return to the resort for artisanal cocktails infused with local passion fruit and pineapple as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 3: Tahiti to Moorea - The Magical Island
Scenic Flight to Moorea
Take a 15-minute Air Tahiti flight for incredible aerial views of the reef, far superior to the ferry for a luxury experience.
Arrival at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort
Check into your overwater bungalow positioned between the two legendary bays of Moorea: Cook’s and Opunohu.
Snorkeling in the Lagoonarium
Dive into the crystal-clear waters directly from your bungalow deck to see colorful coral gardens and tropical fish.
Private Sunset Sailing
Charter a private catamaran for a sunset cruise around the jagged peaks of the island, sipping champagne while watching the sky turn pink.
Day 4: Moorea - Marine Life Encounters
Private Whale & Dolphin Expedition
Join a marine biologist for a private boat tour to observe and swim with humpback whales (seasonal) or playful spinner dolphins.
Picnic on a Private Motu
Enjoy a traditional Polynesian lunch prepared on a secluded islet, featuring 'Poisson Cru au Lait de Coco' (raw fish in coconut milk).
Beach Club Relaxation
Relax at Temae Beach, known for its wide stretch of white sand and the best swimming waters on the island.
Polynesian Fire Show & Dinner
Witness a high-energy traditional dance performance and fire show, reflecting the ancestral spirit of the islands.
Day 5: Moorea - The Lush Interior
4x4 Land Safari Adventure
Traverse the rugged interior of Moorea to visit the pineapple plantations and the agricultural school for local jams.
Belvedere Lookout
Stand at the most famous viewpoint in the South Pacific, offering a panoramic view of Mount Rotui and the two symmetrical bays.
Afareaitu Waterfall Hike
Take a gentle guided walk to one of the island's hidden waterfalls for a refreshing dip in natural volcanic pools.
Dining at K Restaurant
Experience an intimate, toes-in-the-sand fine dining experience under a cathedral of Kauri wood trees.
Day 6: Moorea to Bora Bora - The Pearl of the Pacific
Flight to Bora Bora
Board your Air Tahiti flight to the world's most famous lagoon. Request a seat on the left side of the aircraft for the iconic aerial view of the atoll.
Luxury Boat Transfer
Board the private yacht of your resort at the airport motu for a scenic 20-minute cruise to your accommodation.
Spa Ritual at the Edge of the Lagoon
Indulge in a Taurumi massage using locally sourced Tahitian vanilla and sandalwood oil at the resort's award-winning spa.
Sunset Dinner at Arii Moana
Enjoy a fusion of French technique and Polynesian ingredients overlooking the tranquil lagoon.
Day 7: Bora Bora - Private Lagoon Discovery
Exclusive Lagoon Safari
Board a private boat to swim with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in the shallow, turquoise waters of the outer reef.
Gourmet Sandbank Picnic
A white-linen lunch served in the shallow water of a private motu, featuring chilled lobster and premium champagne.
Coral Gardens Exploration
Drift over the 'Aquarium' coral garden, teeming with hundreds of species of neon-colored tropical fish.
Stargazing from your Deck
Relax on your bungalow's private deck as the lack of light pollution reveals the stunning Southern Cross constellation.
Day 8: Bora Bora - Heights & Horizons
Mount Otemanu Helicopter Flight
Take to the skies for a 15-minute flight around the iconic volcanic spire of Mount Otemanu for the ultimate photographic perspective.
Lunch at Bloody Mary’s
Visit this legendary yacht-club style restaurant for fresh-caught mahi-mahi and a glimpse into the island's celebrity history.
Jet Ski Circle Island Tour
Speed across the lagoon on a guided jet ski tour, circling the entire main island and stopping for a coconut husking demonstration.
La Villa Mahana
Dine at the most exclusive restaurant in Bora Bora, which only hosts a few tables per night for a Mediterranean-Polynesian tasting menu.
Day 9: Bora Bora to Tahiti - Final Farewells
Morning Lagoon Swim
Enjoy one last dip in the crystal waters from your bungalow before a leisurely breakfast.
Air Tahiti Return Flight
Transfer back to the airport for your flight to Papeete, connecting to your international departure.
Tahiti Pearl Market Shop
Before leaving, visit the specialized boutiques in Papeete to select a certified black South Sea pearl as a permanent memory of your trip.
Farewell Dinner at L'O à la Bouche
End your journey with a modern French gastronomic experience in the heart of Papeete before your transfer to Faa'a Airport.
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 with low humidity and pleasant temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F). This period also coincides with the best visibility for diving and the peak of whale-watching season (July to October). The wet season, from November to April, brings more humidity and occasional heavy rain, though it remains warm and sees fewer tourists.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF). While the exchange rate is fixed to the Euro, it is roughly 110 XPF to 1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted in all luxury resorts, fine-dining restaurants, and major shops on Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. However, carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases at local markets or on remote motus. Tipping is not culturally mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service in high-end establishments.
Getting Around French Polynesia
Inter-island travel is most efficiently handled by Air Tahiti, the domestic carrier, which offers frequent flights between Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. For a more luxurious experience, private helicopter transfers are available between islands. Once on the islands, luxury resorts typically provide private boat transfers from the airports. On land, private chauffeured cars or high-end SUV rentals are the preferred methods for exploring the coastal roads and interior lookouts.
