You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a sumptuous, tropical Paul Gauguin painting when you visit the magical island of Tahiti. The vivid colors and stunning environs of these islands inspired masterpieces because they’re already nature’s masterpieces themselves, worthy of your most important moments. Whether to commemorate a wedding anniversary or milestone birthday, or to simply celebrate for the sake of it, a nine-day tour of The Islands of Tahiti is a spectacular, unforgettable way to bask in life’s greatest pleasures: sun, sand…and overwater bungalows!
This dream vacation will take you to a trio of some of the most-beloved islands in the world. You’ll visit the palm-fringed shores of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, with recommendations for pampering and luxuriating all along the way. Perhaps you’d like a parasail built for two to glide over the blue lagoons of Bora Bora, or maybe you’d rather a solar-powered luxury catamaran to cruise around on the crystalline waters? Read on for more next-level experiences.
Itinerary / 9 DAYS
PLAN YOUR TRIP
DAY 1Tahiti’s black sand beaches
Arrive in Tahiti and check into Le Tahiti, where you’ll marvel at its plush, black sand beach and spectacular sunset views of your next destination, Moorea, in the near distance. Kick back, order room service, and revel in the luxurious setting for the night.
DAY 2Luxuriating on Moorea
Fly, or take a fast catamaran or high-speed ferry, from Tahiti to Moorea. Check in at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort and pinch yourself to make sure you know you’re not dreaming as you move into your luxury overwater bungalow, the largest on the island, for your next few nights in paradise. Dip into the crystal-clear lagoon directly from own platform, lounge in your private solarium, or spend the day enjoying the resort facilities. Cap it off with a romantic dinner on the beach under a cathedral ceiling made from kahaia wood from the Tuamotu atolls at Le Restaurant K on premises.
DAY 3Breathtaking views over the bay
Rent a car and discover the sights of this incredible island. Grab breakfast at Lilikoi Garden Café (and shop their concept store next door for local provisions). Stop at the Belvedere Lookout for a breathtaking view over the bays. On your way back, enjoy a tasting at the fruit juice factory and shop for crafts handmade in Moorea.
DAY 4Culinary tours to tantalize your taste buds
Hungry to taste the rainbow of flavors on the island? Try the Tamaa Moorea Street Food Tour. Tamaa means “to eat” in Tahitian, and you’ll be eating your way throughout the island on a guided culinary journey led by Chef Heimata Hall and the former (2008) Miss Tahiti, Hinatea Boosie. As you dive into local seasonal fruits, casse-croute, fish dishes, pai, mape and more, you’ll also learn about the three different food cultures (Tahitian, Chinese, and French) that make up the melting pot of Tahitian Cuisine. If you’d prefer a more casual outing, enjoy a motu picnic and have lunch with your feet in the lagoon with Moorea Mahana Tours.
DAY 5Your own private Lagoonarium
Fly to Bora Bora. Check in to an overwater suite at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and loll about there for the day. (Or opt for an overwater bungalow at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, for another spectacular view of the other side of Mt. Otemanu.)
Relax at the resort’s three beaches and two swimming pools, and get plenty of quality water time in with activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling at the St. Regis Bora Bora’s own private Lagoonarium which contains many different tropical fish and coral. For something special, try the Aqua Safari, a magical experience that lets you walk through the underwater world. Don’t bother leaving the premises for food today: Take advantage of the full in-room dining menu that’s available 24 hours
Relax at the resort’s three beaches and two swimming pools, and get plenty of quality water time in with activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling at the St. Regis Bora Bora’s own private Lagoonarium which contains many different tropical fish and coral. For something special, try the Aqua Safari, a magical experience that lets you walk through the underwater world. Don’t bother leaving the premises for food today: Take advantage of the full in-room dining menu that’s available 24 hours
OKEANOS PEARL AT LE BORA BORA
DAY 6Solar-powered catamaran rides
You’re surrounded by some of the most lusted-after lagoons on the planet. What better way to explore the island than circling the island by water? There’s no shortage of ways to do so: Jump on Jet Skis or water skis and travel along the smooth lagoon for an exhilarating ride. Charter a powerboat and enjoy stops for snorkeling or a picture-perfect beach picnic. Step into a powered canoe and tour the Lagoonarium, watch the rays, and discover dozens of snorkeling spots. Take a sunset sail in the Okeanos Pearl (located at the recently renovated Le Bora Bora), the only solar-powered catamaran in The Islands of Tahiti. End your day with fresh local fish or one of the other delicious menu items while taking in the mountain view from the overwater dining room at the Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges.
DAY 7Enjoying the view from above
Take things up a notch today by circling the island by air. A helicopter tour will provide a breathtaking view, high above the turquoise waters. Or glide smoothly over the lagoon in a parasail for one or two, or try kite surfing. Toast your adventures over dinner at one of the famed local eateries such as the dreamy La Villa Mahana, run by a noted French chef.
DAY 8Hidden paths and a secluded beach day
Hit the road on a 4×4 safari that will take you to hidden paths up to overlooks and historical sites. Discover the dozens of shopping areas for art, handcrafted treasures, pearls, and fragrant Tahitian oils. Visit the artisan galleries and pick up your own Bora Bora original. At last, beach hop! Spend the afternoon enjoying famous Matira Beach (grab a bite at Snack Matira) or the secluded beaches on one of the many islets surrounding Bora Bora.
POLYNESIAN-THEMED DANCE SHOW AT TE TIARE RESTAURANT
DAY 9Last night in paradise
Fly back to Tahiti, and enjoy a final meal in paradise and send off in style with a Polynesian show at Te Tiare before your evening departure home.
