Seductive, exotic and endlessly mesmerizing, French Polynesia is the epitome of paradise
Scattered throughout the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a favorite of honeymooners and couples seeking the ultimate in romance and adventure. If thoughts of calm, neon blue water, coconut palms and indulgent overwater bungalows make you weak in the knees, then this is your Garden of Eden.
Along with overwhelmingly beautiful beaches and jaw-dropping tropical splendor, French Polynesia also hosts some of the world’s most spectacular resorts and spas. And if you’re the type who prefers a change of scenery each day, there are also many intimate, luxury cruise alternatives that sail throughout the Polynesian islands. To assure yourself the most romantic and unforgettable getaway to French Polynesia, be sure to contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist to find out which island, resort or cruise best suits you.
The Big Three
For island lovers, a trip to French Polynesia is not just any vacation getaway, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Then again, there are just as many reasons for returning as there are islands to explore. First-time visitors should consider exploring the French Polynesia they have fallen in love with in photos and movies—the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.
Tahiti
A jewel of the Pacific, Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and is home to the vibrant capital city of Papeete. Outside Papeete’s cosmopolitan atmosphere of boutique shops and delightful Tahitian, French and Asian restaurants, Tahiti offers a wealth of striking natural beauty, archeological sites, outdoor action, and both white- and black-sand beaches. The island’s mountainous interior is adorned with deep valleys, towering waterfalls, crystal clear streams and fields of tropical flowers. A rugged coastline with shimmering black-sand beaches makes a striking contrast against the glistening azure waters.
Tahiti is ideal for couples and families looking to incorporate both land and water adventure during their stay. For a true taste of the island, it’s recommended that you take some time during the day to visit Papeete’s 155 year old public market, Le Marché. The market is the perfect place to find unique gifts and a wonderful place to sample French Polynesian fare. In the evening enjoy a walk around Vai’ete Square, along the waterfront, where dozens of colorful roulottes, or food wagons, dish out a large variety of island cuisine and desserts. The boardwalk atmosphere is informal and lively, and the setting is not to be missed.
Tahiti also boasts a number of enlightening museums such as the Gauguin Museum (dedicated to artist Paul Gauguin’s life during his years on Tahiti), the Pearl Museum (the only museum in the world devoted entirely to pearls), and the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands—considered to be one of the finest museums in the South Pacific.
Moorea
Here it is, the island paradise you’ve been drooling over and dreaming about all winter. But be warned, Moorea is the kind of island that will have you kicking and screaming when it comes time to leave.
For many, Moorea is the preferred island of choice as it offers the best of both Tahiti and Bora Bora. Moorea is just a short flight from Tahiti—30 minutes by high-speed ferry—and the close proximity of the two islands allows visitors to conveniently take in both. Because Moorea has been developed to a lesser extent than Tahiti, it retains a more traditional Polynesian atmosphere. The locals and artists who live here take great pride in the island and are happy to share it with visitors. It’s this friendliness, paired with stunning beaches and a wide range of resorts, which makes Moorea a favorite of return vacationers.
While first-time visitors may be happy soaking up Moorea’s unparalleled beauty from the comfort of their resort, there are stunning walks and sacred sites to explore all over the island. A favorite among visitors is the circle-island road that hugs the coastline and is dotted with fruit-tasting stops, pineapple fields, quiet beaches and unique shopping experiences. The island’s surrounding waters are shallow and the lack of strong currents provides an ideal habitat for marine life and all levels of snorkeling. As you can imagine, the waters further out from the island are some of the very best for scuba diving.
Bora Bora
When it comes to romance, no island provides a better setting or more visual magic than Bora Bora. This is the legendary island that has graced countless movies and postcards with its lush, tropical scenery and crystal-clear lagoons. In fact, Bora Bora may be the most romantic island in the world—which is why so many couples are willing to go a little out of the way to witness its fairy-tale beauty and truly luxurious resorts.
Just under a one-hour flight from Tahiti or Moorea, Bora Bora is immediately recognizable as the majestic Mount Otemanu rises from the center of a stunning blue-green lagoon. Palm-covered reef islets circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the island’s thoroughly indulgent five-star resorts—which feature the overwater bungalows that have become synonymous with it—Bora Bora is the quintessential island vacation where every whim, need and want you can imagine will be filled without hesitation.
At only six miles long, Bora Bora packs in plenty of unparalleled beaches that give way to emerald waters where brightly colored fish and coral gardens greet gentle giant manta rays. On the southern end of Bora Bora’s main island is Matira Beach, one of the most sublime beaches in all French Polynesia. The beach stretches more than two miles and is scattered with coconut palms making for a scene right out of Robinson Crusoe. Don’t miss an opportunity to take a guided Polynesian-style outrigger canoe tour or glass-bottom boat tour over these pristine waters, you’ll be wowed by the abundance of marine life just below the surface.
For more information contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.
