Where to Go in French Polynesia: Q&A with Travel Advisor Kiki Humes

French Polynesia is the kind of destination that makes a recurring cameo in travel dreams, with luxury overwater bungalows, water in impossible shades of blue and warm hospitality the stars of the show. Icons like Bora Bora and Moorea deliver the classics: dramatic volcanic peaks and lush scenery, lagoon swims and posh resorts made for honeymooners and milestone trips. But you can also find quieter magic on islands like Taha’a, the “Vanilla Island,” where the luxury appears in small details and the peek into Polynesian life feels a little more authentic.

Ciao Bambino Senior Travel Advisor Kiki Humes and several colleagues recently journeyed to French Polynesia, where the turquoise lagoons, breathtaking sunsets and daily rainbows were just the tip of the pleasurable iceberg in this South Pacific paradise. During her weeklong trip, she stayed at two Relais & Chateaux resorts: Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts and Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts.

We asked her about her trip and what travelers should know if they’re considering the long journey.

Advisor Q&A: Where to Go in French Polynesia for All Ages

CB: Is there something about travel to French Polynesia you want travelers to know or that surprised you?

KH:  Yes! Island hopping was easier than I thought, and not just to popular islands like Bora Bora. I was looking at Air Tahiti’s map, and they have so many flights between all the islands. So while it takes a long time to get to French Polynesia, once you are there, it’s easy get from one island to the next.

Another thing we noticed is that once you go through security in Tahiti, you don’t need to go through security anywhere else. So if you’re going from Bora Bora to a different island, like Moorea, you can get to the airport 40 minutes ahead, check your luggage and you’re done. That was really nice.

CB: Were these inter-island flights readily available? Expensive?

KH: The flights seemed relatively available, and I wouldn’t say they were inexpensive, but they’re not crazy expensive compared to what the hotel stays will cost.

CB: When someone calls you and wants to go to French Polynesia, how do you guide them to make the right island choice?

KH: I find a lot of people don’t know where they want to go unless they’ve already been there. So the first question we usually ask is: What type of vibe are you seeking?

Some of the resorts are more suited to adults, and a lot of them are even age 13- or 14-plus. Others have a more romantic and secluded vibe. And then many of the larger resorts, like the Four Seasons Bora Bora, have full kids’ programming, a ton of other traveling families and family-friendly room configurations. So the type of experience they want is really important to decide up front.

Another question is whether all-inclusive is important. There’s one private island, The Brando. It’s a luxurious private island experience. You pay a lot upfront, but then everything is included once you’re there.

If I had someone wanting to do more tours or activities, Moorea would be a great choice because guests can leave their resort to do things like ride ATVs or hike to a waterfall, whereas on Bora Bora, once you’re at your resort, you are not leaving unless you’re boating or snorkeling.

CB: Luxury is this word that gets swung around a lot in travel. Beyond the overwater bungalows and hotel amenities, what stands out in French Polynesia?

KH: The service. The small, thoughtful details are what made the experience feel luxurious, like the friendly staff that say “La ora na” [a warm Tahitian greeting] as you pass by. They also assist with luggage to the overwater bungalows upon arrival and departure. Considering the cost of these stays, it’s nice to have someone who kind of takes care of things for you.

CB: When it comes to French Polynesia, “overwater bungalow” comes to mind. What did you think about them?

KH: That was something that kind of surprised me too — the size of the overwater bungalows. They are not small hotel rooms. They’re pretty big. A lot of them have private decks. From our bungalow, we saw stingrays and nurse sharks. It’s a decent amount of space.

Something to consider, though, is that not all ages are welcome in the overwater bungalows. For a lot of them, it was 14 and up. So if you are traveling with younger kids, you’re probably looking at a beach villa or a regular hotel-style room, if available.

CB: Was there a moment that felt distinctly Polynesian, or something that you think no other destination could replicate?

KH: Yes. Arriving by private boat is super cool, and that’s how we arrived in Bora Bora as well as Taha’a. That was kind of the wow factor experience. And hearing the Polynesian language. We heard English and French speakers, of course, and other languages from around the world. But hearing Polynesian people say hello and thank you in their language made it kind of special.

CB: Are there tradeoffs to a resort stay versus a cruise vacation in French Polynesia?

KH: There are a few cruise lines that go, like Paul Gauguin and Lindblad, but I can’t imagine going all that way to go on a cruise, to be honest. But again, it comes down to your travel priorities and the vibe you want. If an overwater bungalow experience or spending time on a beach is important to you, a cruise limits that unless you add on days or are on an excursion.

CB: Is there a ‘best time’ to visit French Polynesia?

KH: Personally, I think it’s great year-round, but there is a rainy season, which is November through April. I visited in November, and we definitely had some rain, but then we also had rainbows. It’s like many tropical destinations — rain comes and goes.

Rates tend to be friendlier during rainy season. For families, I would recommend traveling during spring break, summer or the holidays so they’re around other families. There are a lot of couples and a lot of romance around you. I was there in the middle of the week in November, and there were no families.

CB: Let’s talk practicality. French Polynesia is a long journey. What should travelers not leave home without?

KH: Don’t leave home without swimsuits, hats and sunglasses. All the resorts that we visited provided reef-safe sunscreen, big tubs of it, which was really nice if you’re traveling with just a carry-on. They also had snorkel equipment and goggles, so there’s no need to bring that either.

CB: How about travel insurance? Flights?

KH: Yes, for sure I recommend travel insurance. What happens if you’re going from Bora Bora back to the U.S. in the same day, and bad weather prevents you from getting to Tahiti for your flight home? I also recommend smart planning, like adding a night in Tahiti on each end.

As most flights from the U.S. arrive in the evening, you kind of have to stay over on the front end. Most flights back to the U.S. leave in the evening, local time. We flew from Bora Bora to Tahiti and had four hours between flights. Some Tahiti hotels offer day room rates so you can change before your flight and stuff like that. But if you want to build in a buffer, just in case, our Advisors can step in and help.

CB: Lastly, what’s your favorite memory or souvenir from the trip?

KH: I would say the amazing photos of the water. The colors look fake. I think my favorite memory was arriving by boat at a dock where someone was playing the ukulele and then putting a flower necklace around my neck. That was a wow moment.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all vacation ideas in French Polynesia on Ciao Bambino

Best things to see and do on Tahiti with kids

Magical Moorea: Paradise for families in French Polynesia

3 fabulous family resorts in Fiji worth a splurge

Best family beach vacations for kids at every age

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.