See what the experts are saying about French Polynesia. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Tahiti and her sister islands in French Polynesia have conjured up romantic images of an earthly paradise since European sailors brought home tales of their tropical splendor and uninhibited people in the 1770s. When I washed ashore 2 centuri... Continue reading »
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Frommer's favorite experiences
Seeing the Most Beautiful Island in the World, Moorea: To my mind, Moorea is the most beautiful island in the world. Nothing I have ever seen compares with its sawtooth ridges and the great dark-green hulk of Mount Rotui separating glorious C... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
Wherever the French go, fine food and wine are sure to follow, and French Polynesia is no exception. You will get good food everywhere here, but these are a few of the best places to sample fine fare. Auberge du Pacifique (Tahiti): Award-w... Continue reading »
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The best beaches
Because all but a few of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs, there are few surf beaches here. Most of those on Tahiti have heat-absorbing black volcanic sand. Except in the Marquesas, which is almost devoid of coral, most islands (and... Continue reading »
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The best buys
Take some extra money along, for you'll likely spend it on black pearls, handicrafts, and tropical clothing. Black Pearls: Few people will escape French Polynesia without buying at least one black pearl. That's because the shallow, clear-w... Continue reading »
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The best historic sites
The Tahitians are justly proud of their ancient Polynesian culture as well as the unique modern history that sets them apart from all other Pacific Islanders. Below are the best ways to learn about the people, their lifestyle, and their histo... Continue reading »
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The best islands
"In the South Seas," Rupert Brooke wrote in 1914, "the Creator seems to have laid himself out to show what He can do." How right the poet was, for here lie some of the world's most dramatically beautiful islands. In my opinion, the best of th... Continue reading »
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The best nightlife
An editor once asked me why I didn't write more about nightlife in the islands other than Tahiti. "Let me put it this way," I replied. "Most of the visitors out here are honeymooners and other couples. On most islands you get up in the mornin... Continue reading »
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The best offbeat travel experiences
Some cynics might say that a visit to French Polynesia itself is an offbeat experience, but there are three things to do here that are really unusual. Getting Asked to Dance (everywhere): I've seen so many traditional dance shows that I no... Continue reading »
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The best family hotels & resorts
There are no Disney Worlds or other such attractions in the islands. Most tourism here is aimed at honeymooners and other couples. In fact, most resorts in French Polynesia are designed specifically for romance, not the product thereof. Accor... Continue reading »
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The best romantic hotels & resorts
Whether you're on your honeymoon or not, French Polynesia is a marvelous place for romantic escapes. After all, romance and the islands have gone hand-in-hand since the young women of Tahiti gave rousing, bare-breasted welcomes to the 18th-ce... Continue reading »
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The best sailing
Sailboats based on Tahiti and Moorea will take you out for a spin, or even to the late Marlon Brando's island of Tetiaroa, but the best sailing here is among the Leeward Islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Having arrived here o... Continue reading »
