The mere mention of Tahiti evokes images of a tranquil South Pacific paradise complete with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush rain forest, epic waterfalls and, of course, overwater bungalows. The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti has long satisfied travelers seeking just such an idyllic island getaway. The vibrant French Polynesian capital, Papeete, lies on the northwest coast of Tahiti and is not only a major port for cargo ships but also the largest cruise port in French Polynesia, appearing on the itineraries of major luxury cruise lines.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Fa’a’ā International Airport, about 3 miles from the capital city, is the only international airport in French Polynesia, convenient to all the major hotels and resorts on Tahiti. To get around, many opt to walk around Papeete’s roughly 7-square-mile area. Taxis operate at a relatively high rate; rental cars are available at the airport. There are no rideshare options in Tahiti. To visit the other French Polynesian islands, travel by boat or smaller aircraft.
LODGING
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
This eco-friendly property offers lagoon- or garden- view bungalows with private pools. Enjoy four options for dining and drinks as well as a spa for massages inspired by ancestral Tahitian techniques.
BP 1005 Papetoai, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 55 11 11
hilton.com
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Escape to an exotic paradise complete with overwater bungalows, a stunning beach, lush gardens, swimming pools, indulgent spa and dramatic volcanic peaks. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Le Lotus overwater gourmet restaurant, serving refined French cuisine with a local twist.
PK7, Fa’a’ā, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 86 51 10
ihg.com
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
The resort sits on Mataval Bay, where waterfront views, palm trees and local art make the perfect backdrop for a tropical getaway. Indulge in exotic treatments at the spa, then grab a drink poolside to watch the sun set. Free shuttle service to Papeete, just 10 minutes away.
Lafayette Beach PK7, Arue, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 48 88 00
letahiti.com
DINING
Hei Restaurant
The menu constantly evolves at this fine-dining venue featuring French cuisine with island flair. Open for lunch, dinner and drinks, Hei is a Papeete hot spot. Reservations are highly suggested.
FC4F+GV9, Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 43 77 14
heirestaurant.com
Restaurant Le Sully
Creating French cuisine with a Polynesian touch, this sophisticated little gem serves sumptuous dishes like house-made smoked salmon, duck filet with thyme honey sauce and parrot fish quenelle in lobster sauce. Reservations recommended.
45 Rue du Maréchal Foch, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 83 39 83
restaurantlesully.com
Villa THAI
Experience authentic, traditional Thai food at Villa THAI, where the menu features fresh seafood, noodles, duck, curry and vegan/vegetarian dishes.
36 Bis Rue Albert Leboucher, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 85 60 80
ATTRACTIONS
Explore the Rain Forest
Take a four-wheel-drive Jeep into the dense jungle with a knowledgeable tour guide. Visit Mount Marau, swim at a waterfall and learn from archaeological sites along the way.
Robert Wan Pearl Museum
Discover the history and legends of pearls and how they come from the sea to appear in jewelry and art, becoming a powerful status symbol. View a collection of beautiful pearls, including the largest round Tahitian cultured pearl in existence.
56 Ave. du Commandant Destremau, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 54 86 40
robertwan.com
Snorkel
Jump aboard a traditional Polynesian canoe and head to Moorea to snorkel in the lagoon. The crystal-clear waters offer entrance to a bustling underwater world of marine life just beneath the surface.
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 18, 2024Likuliku Lagoon Resort to Close for Major Renovation
Ahura Resorts, the 100 percent Fijian family-owned management company of Likuliku Lagoon Resort, recently announced a series of revitalization projects that will close Likuliku Lagoon Resort from Feb. 1, 2025 through April 30, 2025.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Sep 18, 2024Industry Leader Awards 2024
Join us as we honor travel industry leaders who go above and beyond.
Daily
Sep 17, 2024Uncover the Beauty of Blue Lagoon’s Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll in Iceland
If past trips to Iceland have focused on Reykjavik and nearby sites such as the steamy waters of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, you may not be familiar with this iconic destination’s other hotel address: Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll, centrally located in an isolated mountain range in the country’s mountain region. It was named for a mythical giantess transformed to stone by the rays of the rising sun, and the resulting 82-foot pillar of volcanic rock still stands as both a reminder of the sun’s might and a powerful argument for sleeping late.
Sponsored Content
New Suites Brand Prototype Variations with Enhanced Flexibility for Business Travelers
IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled new prototype options for three suite brands: Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites. By offering expanded design choices, IHG looks to meet the growing demand for flexibility among guests in the rapidly expanding suites space. Coupled with IHG Business Edge, these suite brands provide business travelers with a multitude of destinations worldwide, ideal for their stays.
Daily
Sep 17, 2024Noble House Welcomes Snake River Sporting Club to Collection
Noble House Hotels & Resorts, a family-owned boutique hotel brand, welcomes Snake River Sporting Club to its portfolio of unique, experience-driven properties.
The Sounds of Spa at Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Daily
Sep 17, 2024Make La Plagne, France, Your Winter Getaway
Daily
Sep 16, 20248 U.S. Caves to See on Your Travels
Slideshow
Sep 16, 20245 Hotels with One-of-a-Kind Experiences
Daily
Sep 16, 2024Cruises
Sep 15, 2024PONANT Announces Latest Ship
PONANT partnered with the world’s leading South Sea pearling company, PASPALEY, to introduce a 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht, PASPALEY PEARL. This new boat will sail year-round to regions spanning the Kimberley, East Indonesia, Australia’s Far North and Papua New Guinea.
Sponsored Content
Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Cruises
Sep 14, 2024Seabourn Names New Expedition Ship
This summer Seabourn named Seabourn Pursuit in an expedition-naming ceremony at Ngula Jar Island, Australia. The naming marks the first time the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners have named a ship.
ShareThis