French Polynesia, lined with vivid turquoise lagoons, moss-green peaks and piercing-blue sky, is the destination to choose for a warm, laid-back experience that will leave you breathless. A real heaven on earth, French Polynesia prides on its simple life and a guilt-free desire for lust; the excitement of the islands’ adventures that’s like nowhere in the world and all the dreamy, postcard-like sceneries add to the overall feel of beauty in abundance – it’s no surprise celebrities gush over French Polynesia whenever they can!

This part of the world is as varied as it is exotic; from desert-like atolls where lagoons far outsize the landmass to geometric ridges strung with waterfalls on the high islands. Getting around the islands will excite you as much as it will stun you.

To melt into the pace of island life, you’ll have to fly on Air Tahiti, the country’s only domestic airline and it will take no longer than a day to experience the beauties of this part of the world. Please, don’t forget to bring your camera!

Everything about French Polynesia is spectacular; however, this time around we’re giving you the lowdown on our three favorite region thrills.

Tahiti

A home to Polynesia’s all-around-adventure, Tahiti is your starting point. Known as the Queen of the Pacific, Tahiti and her islands span 4,000,000 square km, covering an area as large as Europe. 

Hanging around a day or two to explore Tahiti’s many mountains and waterfall valleys such as the Papenoo and Fautaua Valleys will make a perfect base for the rest of your French Polynesia adventure. Most visitors quickly depart for more far-flung islands, especially in July during the Heiva festival. This is by far the most vibrant time to visit as the festival takes over the island with elaborate traditional costumes, fast percussion performances, shaking hips, and sports, dance and singing competitions. Don’t be shy to ask celebs like Christina Applegate and Johnathon Schaech how amazing Tahiti is!

Teti’aroa

A sparkling lagoon seated 30 miles northeast of Tahiti (and a 20-minute fight from it), Teti’aroa is a former vacation spot for Tahitian royalty. Today, it is the it destination for the honeymooners and those with a keen eye for luxury and indulgence. The Godfather of French Polynesia (not really, but you’ll see what we mean) is widely known for having been purchased by Marlon Brando, who was immediately enamored of the island’s exotic beauty back in the day while filming Mutiny on the Bounty there in 1960 – “Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe. One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas.”

The Brando resort is known as the most gorgeous eco-friendly resort in the world that offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. The resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, exotic birds and manta rays. As Brando was fascinated by the honesty and carefree lifestyle of the Teti’aroa people, he intended the resort to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture. The Brando gained such reputation that even Forbes expressed their fascination with this piece of heaven-on-earth. Describing adventures in the joltingly blue lagoon of Tetiaroa, they said: “Guests can spend their days in the Varua spa experiencing treatments such as “the Varua Mana experience,” a Tahitian tamanu oil scrub followed by a coconut oil Polynesian massage. Off land, they can go snorkeling out in the lagoon or take excursions conducted by Te Mana O Te Moana, a Tahiti-based nonprofit devoted to the conservation of marine wildlife. They can also visit the eco-station of the island’s own nonprofit Tetiaroa Society, where research is being conducted by scientists from visiting universities–another important goal of Brando’s”. Now, who wouldn’t want to experience this?

Bora Bora

This regal, square peaked island rises from its aquamarine lagoon like a photoshopped illustration of paradise.

Bora Bora’s spectacular lagoon is encircled by private, beach-laden islets with celebrities from around the world rushing down to the most outlandishly luxurious resorts on these islets – the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and the St Regis Resort.

This is where you come to indulge in overwater bungalows, nightly buffet feasts served by fiery torch light and glass coffee tables that let you peer into the fish-filled waters below. Well, at least Jen Aniston and Justin Theroux do, as well as Jon Favreau, Orlando Bloom, Miranda Kerr, Jason Bateman, Kristin Davis, Malin Akerman and Kristen Bell. No surprise there!

With spectacular nature’s sights and zero tolerance for paparazzi mania, the world-known glitterati are running down to French Polynesia with no hold back – and we absolutely understand why!

About the author:
Nicole is an avid traveler passionate about yoga and healthy living. She loves to explore different cultures and share her experiences with others.