French Polynesia - Paradise on Earth
An Elevated Escape Into Whales, Lagoons, and Untouched Luxury
French Polynesia has a way of capturing you long before you ever arrive. It’s a place where time stretches, the ocean glows in shades you never knew existed, and life slows down to the rhythm of the tides. For many, it’s a dream destination. For us, in the summer of 2022, it became the experience that shaped the way I design my elevated—but still attainable—group travel journeys today.
Back then, my husband Julius and I had one goal: to explore nature at its most pristine, swim with whales in the open ocean, and spend almost three weeks traveling across the islands—from Tahiti to Moorea, Bora Bora, Fakarava, and Rangiroa. The journey was long, layered, and transformative in ways we didn’t expect.
And while this was a personal trip, it ultimately inspired the kind of curated island experiences I now offer—seamless itineraries that combine authenticity, adventure, and a touch of luxury.
Traveling from Europe to French Polynesia is not simple. It’s far, it’s expensive, and it requires intention. We started planning in January for our July departure, booking Prague–Frankfurt–San Francisco–Papeete with a 16-hour layover to explore San Francisco. The ticket price came to 2,091 EUR (2,432 USD / 50,684 CZK) per person—a significant investment, but one that transformed into incomparable value the moment we saw the Pacific glowing beneath the wing.
Because we wanted to visit multiple islands, we purchased the Air Tahiti “Reva Pass”, which allows access to several islands from Tahiti. For two people, it cost 1,264 EUR (1,471 USD / 30,639 CZK)—an ideal solution for island-hoppers.
After 37 hours of travel, we finally landed in Tahiti late in the evening, greeted by warm tropical rain and the soft chaos of an island airport. Immigration for EU citizens was quick; for others, expect a longer wait. We picked up our rental car and headed straight to our Airbnb, ready to start the adventure.
Although we arrived during the dry season, our first day on the island was drenched in warm tropical rain. We explored anyway, driving around both the big and small islands, stopping at Vaihi Waterfalls, walking along the black sands of Cocoteraie de Atimaono, and watching the powerful surf at Teahupo’o, one of the world’s most iconic surf breaks.
On our final full day, the skies cleared just enough for us to drive up to O Belvédère, where the views open toward lush valleys and the distant silhouette of Moorea. We ended the afternoon at Mahina, watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Tahiti is raw, vibrant, and full of natural drama—an island that sets the tone for what’s to come.
The next morning, we took one of the world’s shortest flights—a mere 15 minutes—from Tahiti to Moorea. This island is the epitome of tropical perfection: emerald peaks, sapphire lagoons, and a landscape shaped by volcanic beauty.
Because we hadn’t booked accommodation in advance, we ended up staying at a property that was far below basic standards—an important reminder that small islands book out quickly, especially affordable stays. When I design group trips, this is exactly the type of logistical stress I eliminate for travelers.
We immediately set out to explore, driving to the iconic Belvedere Lookout, hiking to Three Coconuts Pass, wandering through the pineapple plantations, and ending the day with a golden sunset in Opunohu Bay, one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world.
The next several days were filled with experiences that define Moorea:
– A catamaran day on the turquoise lagoon
– Snorkeling with stingrays and black-tip sharks
– Watching dolphins arc through the water
– Relaxing on pristine public beaches
– And most memorably, swimming with whales in the open ocean
Moorea is one of the rare places on Earth where swimming with humpback whales is possible. We floated for hours, waiting in silence, listening to their songs reverberate through the water. And then they appeared—slow, graceful, enormous, yet gentle. It’s the kind of encounter that shifts something inside you.
We ended our time on the island with a dinner at the Hilton, where sharks and stingrays glided quietly beneath the deck. Moorea, for us, felt magical—wild yet refined, simple yet profound.
Next came the island that needs no introduction—Bora Bora.
Descending over the lagoon felt unreal: the ocean opening in shades of turquoise, jade, and electric blue. Palm trees, white sand, and a volcanic mountain rising from the center—it truly is a paradise.
For the first night, we splurged on an overwater bungalow at the Four Seasons, complete with uninterrupted views of Mount Otemanu. The resort experience was flawless: private decks, crystal-clear water, and that sense of exquisite stillness that luxury resorts master so well.
But after a day of indulgence, we transitioned to the local side of Bora Bora, staying in overwater bungalows at Oa Oa Lodge and later Sunset Hill Lodge—humble, affordable, and surrounded by everyday island life. Here, we met locals, explored the island, and visited Matira Beach, one of the few public beaches on Bora Bora.
We hiked to WWII cannons overlooking the lagoon, joined a snorkeling and lagoon tour, and easily found some of the most vibrant coral reefs we had ever seen. It was Bora Bora in two moods: luxurious and grounded, refined and authentic.
Our journey continued to Rangiroa, one of the world’s largest atolls and a dream destination for divers. Flying over the atolls was breathtaking—circles of turquoise floating in endless ocean.
We stayed at a simple Airbnb in Tehana Village. On arrival, we borrowed bikes and rode to Tiputa Pass, a famous dive site known for dolphins, sharks, and strong currents. A tropical storm caught us mid-ride, and we hid in an abandoned gas station until the skies cleared—a funny travel memory we still laugh about.
The next morning, Julius spent the day diving with Six Passengers, one of Rangiroa’s most reputable dive operators. I spent the day relaxing on their quiet beach, watching palm trees sway while he explored the underwater world.
The following day, we embarked on an unforgettable excursion to the Blue Lagoon, a secluded corner of paradise with pink sand, baby sharks swimming in shallow water, and clear blue stretching for kilometers. Lunch was prepared Polynesian-style, fresh and simple, and the entire day felt like a dream.
From Rangiroa, we flew to Fakarava, another world-class diving destination and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Because online booking systems are limited here, we secured our accommodation—Relais Marama—via email months in advance.
Fakarava is quiet, almost untouched. On our first full day, rain kept the island still. Julius went diving while I enjoyed the rare luxury of doing nothing.
The next day was bright and warm—perfect for biking to PK9 Beach, home of the famous leaning palm tree. Crystal-clear water, untouched coral, and complete silence make Fakarava feel like a world preserved.
After returning to Tahiti, we immediately hopped on a ferry back to Moorea for one final spontaneous escape before flying home. We booked a last-minute jet-ski tour, fed sharks and stingrays once more, and spent the evening watching the sky turn gold over the lagoon.
We had planned to sleep in the car for a quiet, romantic night under the stars—but a tropical storm and hungry mosquitos quickly humbled us. Travel has a sense of humor.
The following afternoon, we returned to Tahiti, spotting several whales near the ferry—a perfect full-circle moment. And by the evening, we were boarding our flight back to San Francisco, then onward to Prague.
This journey is one of the reasons I now design curated group trips for travelers who want to experience French Polynesia—properly. Not rushed, not confused by logistics, not overwhelmed by planning.
Traveling across these islands requires effort, coordination, and often insider knowledge. And I’ve seen firsthand how complicated it can be to align flights, ferries, tours, accommodations, and weather.
My goal is to take that weight off your shoulders so you can simply enjoy the beauty of French Polynesia—the lagoons, marine life, slow sunsets, and pure serenity.
If this story resonated with you, stay tuned for my upcoming luxury-meets-authenticity group journeys across French Polynesia and other dream destinations like Mauritius, the Seychelles, the Maldives, and Australia.
Your next elevated adventure might be much closer than you think.
