French Polynesia – A Southern Pacific Paradise
People recognize French Polynesia by its clear waters, white sand beaches, and sweeping volcanic landscapes. It is known for its most famous islands, Bora Bora and Tahiti. However, each island presents something unique. You can find a large selection of luxury resorts, a beautifully diverse ecosystem, and friendly locals. Visitors will quickly discover that there is much more to each island than pristine scenery.
Colorful Corals and Endless Isles
It’s easy to assume that French Polynesia may only suit beach lovers, but there’s a lot to explore across the impressive 118 islands and atolls. Although Bora Bora and Tahiti make for ideal honeymoon hotspots, you’ll find there is something to suit everyone’s tastes. For example, Moorea has been making its mark over the last few years with a laid-back vibe and countless unique excursions for visitors.
If you’re looking to have a more authentic French Polynesian vacation, Maupiti is a great option. Local family-run guesthouses and homemade cuisine make it easy to feel at home, but its main attraction is its turquoise lagoon that has earned it the reputation as the new Bora Bora. If you want to get even more adventurous, visit the island of Fakarava where they have some of the best scuba-diving in French Polynesia. These islands are a host to all types of marine life, whether you prefer to see little colorful reef fish or large animals like manta rays and turtles.
Bora Bora – Honeymooners’ Haven
Bora Bora is an island that has always epitomized luxury. That is why many newlywed couples choose it as their honeymoon destination. There are endless opportunities that you can enjoy on Bora Bora. That means you’ll be making unforgettable memories with your loved one from day one. French Polynesia honeymoon packages are a great call. You can relax in your own beach bungalow, have breakfast delivered daily to your door, or indulge in an on-call massage at sunset.
For those who wish to unleash their inner explorer, there are many excursions to choose from. You can take a driving tours through the tropical island forests or scuba-dive in the crystal clear water. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, you can plan your trip to make it the perfect honeymoon.
A Carefree Local Culture
One thing that may not shock you is that the islands’ main spoken language is French. This means you’ll never go far without locals greet you with wide smiles and a friendly “Bonjour!” Although, many natives will try as best as they can to converse in English to make you feel welcome.
Right away you’ll notice that French Polynesia has a very laid-back culture. A common saying here is “aita pea pea,” which means “not to worry”. This makes these islands the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. For a true taste of the local culture, you can choose to stay in a traditional homestay. They don’t have all of the luxuries of a resort, but will give you the most authentic experience.
Fresh Polynesian Cuisine
Polynesian cuisine is heavily based on the natural food sources in the area, seafood, fruits and vegetables. Most seafood dishes use tuna, mahi mahi, or swordfish and contain some form of fruit or vegetable. A local delicacy, poisson cru, consists of fresh, raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.
To get the proper Polynesian dining experience, try traditional food cooked in a Polynesian oven. This method involves a lot of preparation and time, but the results are delicious. First, volcanic rocks are heated in a fire pit and the food is wrapped in banana leaves. Once the rocks are hot, the wrapped food is buried with the rocks and closely monitored. After a few hours, the food is ready to be dug out of the cooking pit and enjoyed.
French Polynesia is an excellent destination if you’re planning the perfect Honeymoon or just need a relaxing vacation in paradise. The wonderful food and genuine locals will make their mark on your vacation in no time. When combined with the scenery both above and below the water, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure. By the end of your trip, you’ll find that French Polynesia is a destination that you’ll never want to leave.
Check out the latest articles in our Travel Blog!
