Honeymoon in French Polynesia

Hi everyone, A quick introduction. I'm 27, I live in Picardy, and I'm getting married in 2017. We'd like to spend our honeymoon in French Polynesia for 3 weeks. I'm open to all kinds of advice!!! I think we'll use a travel agency because our work schedules don't leave us much time to organize the trip... Unless I change my mind! ;-) But we don’t want our trip to turn into tourist clichés—we really don’t like that. That said, we *do* want to see those postcard-perfect beaches and landscapes! We don’t dive, but I think we’ll try a beginner’s dive, and maybe even get our Level 1 certification, depending on how it goes (I read some comments about it on this forum). Anyway, I’m looking for any information and internet links to make this trip a success. This is THE trip of a lifetime, and it has to be perfect! Thanks for your help! I’m also checking out the different threads about Polynesia on this forum ;-)

Looking through the different links about French Polynesia on the forum, didn't you find what you were looking for? It's hard to know what you like, what you want to see, etc... Each island is different.

First tip: visit some high islands (Tahiti, Moorea, etc.) and some Tuamotu atolls (Fakarava, Rangiroa, etc.), so you'll get a bit of everything.

I went on my honeymoon last year and absolutely fell in love with the island of Huahine—wild, authentic, and relatively untouched by mass tourism :)

In Tahiti, our excursion into the lava tubes was also a memorable experience!

Here’s a tip from our travel agency that I really appreciated: alternate between big hotels and family-run guesthouses to enjoy both the comfort you need for a honeymoon and the chance to connect with locals.

Since you seem to be just starting your research, you might find some ideas in my travel journal: http://www.destinationsdejulie.fr/destinations/polynesiefrancaise

Happy planning (for both the trip and the wedding)!

Good evening

Thanks, I’ll check out your website!!

Actually, I’m gathering all the info because we really don’t want to mess up and end up saying, "We should’ve done this instead of that," ...

The travel agency rep told us the same thing, and I think mixing both options is a good compromise.

Thanks again for your help! And thanks for the encouragement!! ;-)

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the link to your site—it’s really well done.

I’ve also dreamed of going to Polynesia one day, and I have to say your site is packed with great info.

I’m planning a trip that’s purely for relaxation with a few discoveries, but I don’t have the budget or time to visit all the islands.

When I finally make it to Tahiti, I’d like to visit Tahiti itself plus two islands at most. Before reading your post, I was already thinking of Moorea and Huahine.

I took note of your personal opinions on luxury hotels—how the service often doesn’t match the nightly rate...

For my part, I’m not at all interested in luxury hotels. I’d much rather stay in guesthouses to be closer to the locals and enjoy home-cooked meals.

I’m checking out your Norway itinerary now—those photos are stunning.

Norway is such a beautiful country too. I visited a long time ago, and I have to say, the weather in early August was just like what you described.

Back to Polynesia—your thoughts on guesthouses really confirm what I was already thinking. Though I hadn’t really considered the little critters, but at least they’re harmless.

The airfare prices, though… that’s what really blows the budget for making this dream happen.

Best regards,

Laure

Thanks for the compliments! :) Norway and Polynesia—two completely different countries, but each magical in its own way.

What a lovely plan you have; I hope you can make it happen soon!

I’d love to go back to Polynesia to see the low islands and the Marquesas—maybe one day...

I get your point about luxury hotels being really expensive and impersonal, but I have to admit I enjoyed all that comfort at least once in my life, especially for a honeymoon ^^ Safe travels!

Hi there, Personally, I’ve already been to French Polynesia (FP) three times (in 2003, 2007, and 2011) and I’m heading back this October (a package trip with e-Tahiti Travel, an agency that’s also very responsive). I’ve visited Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Mataiva, and even Rurutu (in the Austral Islands). I also did an inter-Marquesas cruise on the Aranui during my 2007 trip.

Below are some tips to help you plan your trip, compiled from various discussions I’ve been part of (back then on the Routard forum):

I organized my first trip in 2003 through small hotels and a few guesthouses via a travel agency (Tourinter). For the second trip (2007), I did a mix of agency bookings and personal reservations at guesthouses. And for the third trip (2011), another mix between a local agency (www.yestahiti.com) and booking a few guesthouses myself (those that didn’t work with the agency).

Contrary to what you might think, I didn’t pay more by going through an agency—I actually saved compared to what I would’ve paid on my own. I had to pay for all the flights (international + inter-island pass) upfront and only 20% of the accommodation booking. The balance was due one month before arrival.

I got five quotes from local agencies and was able to compare. So, I strongly recommend asking for quotes with a detailed breakdown of the services you want (inter-island flights, type of guesthouses or hotels)... For the international flight, I recommend flying with Air Tahiti Nui. The advantage is you arrive in the late evening, so you recover better from jet lag than with an Air France flight arriving early in the morning.

My tips for a first trip: you should visit the high islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, and Maupiti) as well as one of the Tuamotu atolls (Tikehau, Fakarava, or Rangiroa, especially if you want to go diving). There’s also another Tuamotu atoll with tons to do: Mataiva (though it’s less frequently serviced). Pure bliss. Very few visitors (only three guesthouses on the island). However, this island isn’t included in the inter-island pass.

Bora Bora is worth spending two days on, if only for the magical arrival over the lagoon. Maupiti is wilder but has less frequent service.

From Rangiroa, you can also visit a bird island when you take the excursion to the Blue Lagoon.

Personally, I prefer the excursion to the Reef Island for Rangiroa.

About excursions:

On Moorea: Do the lagoon tour with a meal among rays and sharks. I did it in 2003 with a company whose name I’ve forgotten. My friends did it in 2007 through the Les Tipaniers hotel with Tip Nautique, I think. They were very happy with it. ATV ride to Magic Mountain (great views) with ATV Moorea (www.atvmoorea.com) Evening at Tiki Village Island tour by car Go to Painapo Beach for lunch. Some Sundays, they do a Tahitian oven (http://www.painapo.com) Join a Tahitian feast (some Sundays at noon at Painapo Beach).

On Huahine: Do a mixed island tour (land and lagoon) with a picnic on a motu. In 2003, I used Huahine Nautique and was very satisfied (www.huahine-nautique.com) Rent a vehicle to tour the island (and the peninsula). Take the cross-island road and go up to the Belvedere (great views of Maroe Bay and Bourayne Bay). From the Belvedere, there’s a hiking trail (we didn’t do it).

On Rangiroa: Do the Reef Island and the Blue Lagoon, but I preferred the Reef Island. If you’ve stayed on Bora Bora, you can skip the Blue Lagoon.

On Bora Bora: Island tour by bike 4x4 safari (great views of the lagoon) Picnic on a motu Lagoon tour on a funnycat, a kind of motorized pedal boat (http://boraborafunnycat.in-tahiti.com) On foot, you can hike up to the Belvedere (but it’s a climb...).

On Maupiti: Island tour by bike Hike up to Teurafaatui, the island’s highest point. Bring plenty of water and time, and start early in the morning to handle the heat. Be warned, the climb is tough. We had to turn back due to lack of time (we got lost at one point...) Walk across the lagoon from the main island’s tip to the motu opposite Lagoon tour (I did the Sammy Tour with Sammy, who was the manager of Maupiti Residence at the time)

For diving, we dove on every island mentioned. All dive clubs offer free pick-up from accommodations.

Of all the islands we dove on (Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Rangiroa, Fakarava), our favorites were Fakarava, then Rangiroa, Raiatea, and Maupiti (for the manta ray cleaning station).

We didn’t stay in luxury hotels, preferring smaller, friendlier places, especially if they were run by locals rather than *popa’a* (non-Polynesians). It might be worth splurging for one night in an overwater bungalow. Also, you can catch amazing shows at the big hotels without staying there. Just go to the bar or restaurant. ACCOMMODATIONS: - In Papeete (2011), I recommend staying at Fare Suisse (http://www.fare-suisse.com/french/) The advantage is you’re a 20-minute walk from downtown and can sleep in peace. In 2003, I stayed at the Hôtel Tiare (right in the city center), and it was very noisy.

Here are some guesthouses I’ve stayed at:

- Moorea (2007): Fare Edith (http://www.fareedith.com) Only downside: it’s a bit out of the way (about 2 km from Petit Village Shopping Center, where you’ll find everything: restaurants, activities...), so a vehicle is a must.

- Huahine (2007): Pension Ariitere (http://www.pensionariitere.com) Bungalows were a bit dated (at the time). Small pool on-site. The advantage is you’re close to the town of Fare, and there’s a small beach a few hundred meters away.

- Raiatea (2003 and 2011): Sunset Motel (http://www.sunset-raiatea.pf/fr/) A safe bet. In fact, I didn’t hesitate to stay there a second time... Beautiful bungalows by the lagoon. No dining on-site, but free transfers to certain restaurants. Breakfast is delivered every morning. It’s pure bliss to start the day with breakfast on the terrace facing the lagoon!

- Tikehau (2003): Aito Motel Colette http://www.iles-resa.com/hotel-PENSION-AITO-COLETTE-Tikeau-La-Polynesie-Francaise.html A real Robinson Crusoe experience... However, there’s little swimming opportunity since the lagoon isn’t deep...

- Rangiroa: - Raira Lagon (2003) (http://www.raira-lagon.pf) The owner has changed since my stay (old info).

- Pension Ariitini Village (2011) (http://www.rangiroa.pf/pension-ariitini-village) Has a small coral sand beach (rare in Rangiroa). Bungalows needed a little renovation (at the time). Meals were good and very filling.

- Fakarava (2007): Pension Havaiki (http://www.havaiki.com) - Mataiva (2011): Pension Ariiheevai - Maupiti in 2011 at Maupiti Residence (http://www.maupitiresidence.info): bungalow on Temae Beach. Only downside: no dining. But there’s a small snack nearby, and you can have meals delivered.

Of course, double-check all this info, as some of it might be outdated—things change often.

Don’t hesitate if you want more details.

One last tip: book well in advance, especially if you want to stay in small places, as capacity is often limited to just a few accommodations.

Hi there,

Like many people, I’m hoping to make my dream come true of going to French Polynesia.

For a first trip to Tahiti, I already know where I’d love to go: Tahiti, Mo’orea, Huahine, and maybe a fourth island (Bora-Bora). But I’d be thrilled if, for a first trip, I could include all three... or four islands.

Given the cost of flights, when do you think is the best time to go?

What I mean is: which month of the year offers "moderate-affordable" airfare combined with decent weather? Even though I know it’s never cold there, I’d hate for my trip to be ruined by bad weather.

Since there are two seasons, including the austral winter, I’d really prefer to avoid that.

At the moment, I’m leaning more toward late spring (April-May) or the start of the austral summer (November).😎😎

I know that in Dec-Jan-Feb-Jul-Aug, prices skyrocket, and I’d rather not pay 2,000 € for a round-trip ticket when it’s possible to pay 400 to 500 € less by choosing a different time. Of course, I’m aware that I’ll also need to factor in the inter-island pass, which I think is still reasonable.

For accommodation, my budget doesn’t allow me to stay in high-end hotels for the whole trip, so I’m looking at family-run hotels instead.

I’ve already taken a look, and these places are still affordable with breakfast and dinner included, all while enjoying the same lagoon as if I were staying in a luxury hotel...

Thanks for the exchange😉

Best regards,

Laure

Hi Laury13,

Regarding the timing, airfare prices often drop after August 15th. I took my various trips in late August/early September. The weather was pleasant during that period (except on Raiatea Island, which gets more rain than the other islands). A colleague went on her honeymoon in May and had terrible weather in Bora Bora. But you can never be sure with the weather! I have a friend who’s expatriated in French Polynesia, and she tells me this year’s weather hasn’t been great.

Book well in advance to get the best prices (we booked our tickets in April for an October trip). We went through the e-tahiti travel agency, and it didn’t cost me more than booking directly on Air Tahiti Nui’s website. Plus, I was able to choose my seats when booking.

As for choosing islands, whether you visit 3 or 4, try to include at least one Tuamotu atoll along with the high islands you mentioned. The scenery is completely different. The "recommended" duration for each island is at least 4 days (since you often lose the first and last day to flights and transfers).

If you want to rent a vehicle, I’d also advise booking it in advance (to make sure you get the category you want).

Don’t hesitate if you’d like more info.

Thanks for your tips, I’ll check out the agency’s website.

Ah, when it comes to weather, with climate change these days, you can’t be sure of anything...

I went to southern Morocco at the end of April and had amazing weather (34°C), but the following week, they had hail in Marrakech and temperatures dropped.

A few years ago, the seasons were much more predictable—you’d just wonder when to go and could pretty much count on weather that matched the month you chose.

I need to study the route I want to take in more detail, check out the guesthouses along the way, and save up some more...😉😉

I’m even wondering if, in the end, a round-the-world flight ticket might not be cheaper than a round-trip on ATN or AF. I saw that Air New Zealand offers tickets to Papeete, but the route is a killer. Basically, you have to fly to Auckland first and then backtrack to Papeete—6 extra hours of flight time, not to mention the 24 hours already in your legs to get to Auckland.

Thanks again

small accommodations Tahiti-hebergement.com and Tahiti-gite

Thanks for these links, though some of them are inactive.

Best regards

if you can tell me which ones!...thanks

Hi,

For those of you who’ve taken multiple trips to FP, can you tell me what kind of "state" we’ll be in when we arrive in Papeete after such a long flight?

Meaning:

- The first priority: check into the hotel, shower, and sleep—maybe even spend at least 48 hours completely out of it?

or

- Hotel, shower, and then start following the itinerary we’d planned?

Personally, I’m leaning toward the first option—your thoughts would be super helpful...

Best regards

Hi Laury13, Personally, every time we’ve traveled with ATN, it’s been arriving late in the evening. So, bedtime and the next day we’re off to start the planned program. First time (flight to Moorea), Second time (flight to the Marquesas), Third time, flight to Maupiti...

On the other hand, my colleague who came with AF on a flight arriving early in the morning took 2-3 days to recover from jet lag!

It really depends on the person, but jet lag can still be felt a week after arrival. If you arrive in the morning, don’t sleep at all—with the excitement of arriving, it’s possible! Take a shower, change, and have a relaxed day. Try to go to bed late in the evening so you can sleep through the night. Don’t be surprised if you wake up at 3 AM!

Thanks, Gaguine.

Actually, you were really lucky that ATN didn’t have any major delays—I guess things would’ve gone very differently otherwise...

No matter which airline we take, I’m not sure I’d trust the schedules 100%, since you never know.

Even if ATN takes off on time, I’m sure that even arriving late at night, I definitely won’t be fresh the next day—or even the day after.

I needed to know, and you’ve helped clarify things for me...

Thanks for the info about jet lag😉

Anyway, I really need to start saving up if I want to go 🙁🙁

I saw that a multi-city ticket isn’t more expensive than a round-trip with AF or ATN to Papeete.

I’m willing to go up to 1500 €, but not more, since I still have to add the inter-island pass.

Wow, going to Paradise sure is expensive😎😎

Hi! We're leaving on July 29, 2016 for three weeks to Moorea, Huahine, Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Papeete. We’ll give you a rundown if you’d like. There’s an agency in Paris that specializes in French Polynesia—they customize everything based on your wishes. The agency is called JLT Voyages in Paris.

Thanks for the name of the agency in Paris.

That said, if you could give us some feedback on your trip when you get back, that’d be great. Especially since you’re going during the season when I have the most vacation days, which would let me plan my future trip there.

Happy preparations...

Hello hello!

So, we're about to finalize our booking for our honeymoon in Polynesia 😄😄

We'll be leaving for 17 days in early October 2017. Here's the itinerary: - First night in PAPEETE - 4 nights in Moorea - 3 nights in Huahine - 3 nights in Bora Bora - 4 nights in Rangiroa - 2 nights back in PAPEETE Coming soon! We still need to decide if we'll make a 2-night stop in LA on the way back, mainly for jet lag...

Anyway, it's by reading all your tips and blogs that we got inspired, so thank you!

If you have any travel feedback, I'm all ears ;-)

See you soon

Hi Marie,

You can check out this travel blog—a couple who are passionate about Polynesia:

https://www.mylittlepolynesia.com/voyage-en-polynesie-en-15-jours/