Tahiti and French Polynesia are a popular honeymoon destination for those looking for a once in a lifetime experience. Crystal clear waters, white sand beaches with palm trees, water bungalows, and amazing corals are only some of the things these islands have to offer.
Here we’ll have a look at some of the main things you need to consider when planning your honeymoon to Tahiti and French Polynesia.
Getting To Tahiti
Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and stretching for more than 1,200 miles, Tahiti is the largest and most populated of the 118 islands that comprise French Polynesia. This remote overseas collectivity of France is divided into 5 groups and Tahiti is in the Society Islands, an archipelago that also includes the famous Bora Bora and Moorea, among others.
Due to its faraway location 3,700 miles east of Australia and 4,100 miles southwest of the American west coast, getting to Tahiti can be quite expensive. Qantas, Air France, Delta, and KLM offer direct flights from Los Angeles for nearly $1000, while a trip from New York with at least one stop starts at $1300. A ticket from the main European cities includes at least one layover and will set you back nearly $1500.
When to go
Tahiti enjoys warm temperatures year-round but it’s better to plan your visit considering the rain and the crowds. High season runs from June to August during the coolest and driest months, while the most humid and wettest period goes from November to April. Taking into account that many travelers flock to French Polynesia for Christmas and New Year, the best months to visit Tahiti are May, October, and the beginning of November.
Tahiti Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
French Polynesia receives nearly 200,000 visitors every year, making tourism the country’s main industry. Tahiti is no exception and has an excellent infrastructure for tourists, especially around the capital Papeete in the north and west of the island. Here, you can find a bed in a hostel for $50, a room in a basic inn for $120, 3-star hotels for $170, as well as a wide range of exclusive resorts from $350 per night.
If you’re not sure where to stay, these are some of the best options considering location and value for money:
Vanira Lodge
Located in Teahupoo in the smaller, southeastern peninsula (also known as Tahiti Iti or “Small Tahiti”), this is a great option for those looking for a unique experience.
Vanira Lodge offers different bungalows made of natural materials, a restaurant, and a swimming pool facing the sea. The lodge also provides guests with bicycles and kayaks for free, as well as snorkeling, diving, and other excursions. Yoga classes and massages are also available. A bungalow in Vanira Lodge starts at $130 per night.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
This 4-star resort has a 25-hectare tropical garden and is surrounded by the sea. It offers overwater bungalows, panoramic views of the island, two infinity pools, restaurants, and tropical bars. Additionally, you can relax in the spa or enjoy a wide range of water sports.
A night in this the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa starts at $300.
Villa Mitirapa
Located only 1 mile from Taravao in the isthmus between Tahiti Nui (“big Tahiti”) and Tahiti Iti (“small Tahiti”), Villa Mitirapa offers luxurious villas equipped with a kitchen and a coffee machine, as well as a pool and beautiful views of the gardens and the ocean.
Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available to rent for free, and there’s also a tour desk that organizes scuba diving, hiking trips, and other activities.
A night in Villa Mitirapa starts at $150 per night.
Villa Ninamu Pearl
Located in Punaauia in the northwest of the island, Villa Ninamu Pearl, features a swimming pool, a garden and a bar. Rooms come with a terrace, air conditioning, TV, and a private bathroom.
A room with a buffet breakfast included starts at $120 per night.
Cost
Tahiti is a very remote and exclusive destination, famous for its amazing resorts and water bungalows. French Polynesia isn’t the cheapest option for a honeymoon but if you avoid luxury accommodation and meals, it may not cost as much as you think.
Tahiti has diverse hotel and resort options so if you’re not planning on going to an expensive resort, you can expect to spend between $60 and $80 per person per day.
When it comes to food, it’s possible to eat at a reasonable price. Some hotels offer a buffet breakfast and a set menu for some meals for around $30 per person. This the best choice to try the local cuisine while saving money.
Tahiti is a great place to use as a base to do some activities such as trekking, snorkeling, diving, a safari tour, cruise trips or visiting the neighboring island of Moorea. The price of these activities varies a lot but there are several options from $50 to $120 per person.
All in all, if you go to mid-range hotels and restaurants and do some activities, you should budget between $150 and $200 per person per day. If, on the other hand, you prefer to stay in luxurious resorts and enjoy fancier meals, you can expect to spend around $300 per person per day.
Things to do On Your Honeymoon
Even though most visitors that arrive at French Polynesia land in Tahiti, this island doesn’t receive all the attention it deserves. Many see it mainly as a gateway to visit other islands in French Polynesia rather than a destination in itself. However, it has a lot to offer and shouldn’t be underestimated.
Tahiti may not be as popular among tourists as Bora Bora or other islands but it’s home to 70% of French Polynesia’s population and it’s the cultural and economic center of the country.
Tahiti is renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Some of the top ones are Lafayette Beach, a 2,600-feet public beach with black sand, Plage de Toaroto, popular for snorkeling, or Teahupo’o on the southwest coast, famous for its big waves and home to the annual Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous and you like the outdoors, Tahiti also has something for you. Standing tall at 6,778 feet, Mount Aorai is the place for trekking lovers, and the Papenoo Valley on the northeast has arguably the most beautiful scenery on the island with green peaks and waterfalls such as Faarumai. Many hotels and resorts also organize activities such as snorkeling and diving tours, 4×4 safaris, cruise trips around the island, among others which can be a very good option to make the most of your time in Tahiti.
Additionally, if you’d like to get to know the Tahitian culture, the spectacular Heiva Festival which takes place between June and July should be in your itinerary.
Nearby Islands to Visit
- Bora Bora: Located nearly 170 miles northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora is probably the most famous island in French Polynesia. With its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, amazing reefs, sea life, and relaxed vibe, it’s a popular choice among honeymooners. Bora Bora is a very exclusive island so expect higher prices than in Tahiti.
Apart from beautiful beaches, massages, and spas, activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, 4WD tours, and hiking are also available.
Moorea: Awarded as the third best island in Australia and South Pacific by Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards in 2018 and located only 11 miles northwest of Tahiti, Moorea is a popular destination for those visiting French Polynesia’s main island. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and spectacular corals, and famous for its two amazing bays (Cook and Opunohu), Moorea is definitely a must in every honeymoon’s itinerary. There are several ferries per day so you can either visit on a day trip from Tahiti or spend a couple of days on this beautiful island.
Huahine: Located 110 miles northwest of Tahiti, Huahine is part of the Leeward Islands. Even though it’s not as famous as other surrounding islands, Huahine is a fantastic option for those looking for a resort vacation in a quiet and cheap place relative to Polynesian standards.
Some of the highlights of the islands are Fare Beach, and Maeva Marae, the best archaeological site in the country.
Marquesas Islands: The Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and they’re the most remote administrative division of the country. These volcanic islands aren’t famous for their beaches but they’re an excellent option if you’re looking for deep ravines, waterfalls, hiking trails, and forests.
Tahiti is a dream destination for honeymooners. Even though it’s quite remote and not as cheap as Bali or Mauritius, you can also enjoy your holidays without breaking the bank.
With gorgeous beaches, amazing outdoors and water activities, cultural events, and nightlife, it’ll keep you busy for several days. Additionally, it’s very well connected to other islands making it the perfect gateway to explore other destinations in the country.