Beaches and Reefs of French Polynesia
Trip highlights
- Snorkel with a naturalist guide in Moorea Lagoon
- Relax on some of the most pristine beaches in the world
- Enjoy a private sailing cruise on Bora Bora’s lagoon
- Set off scuba diving in Rangiroa
- Experience a private tour on the pink sands near Vahituri
- Stay in exquisite beachside or lagoon accommodation
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. This bespoke trip includes:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Expert-guided tours
- Private transfers and internal flights
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–4 Moorea
- Days 4–7 Bora Bora
- Days 7–11 Rangiroa
- Days 11–14 Tikehau
- Days 1–4 Moorea
- Days 4–7 Bora Bora
- Days 7–11 Rangiroa
- Days 11–14 Tikehau
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Three nights on the island of Moorea
Start the trip in Moorea, where dramatic peaks cloaked in emerald green forest rise up from the bright turquoise waters of the lagoon that surrounds it. Sitting north west of Tahiti, its lagoon is home to stingrays, black tip reef sharks and turtles and is a wonderful place to swim, snorkel and kayak, though keen divers will want to head out in the islands’ pristine waters to marvel at the coral reefs and marine life.
Where you could stay
Moorea
Overview
Nestled between two bays on the idyllic island of Moorea is the Hilton hotel, the perfect place from which to enjoy this little piece of paradise.
Choose from a garden bungalow with its own private terrace and plunge pool, or opt for an overwater villa where you can dip into the turquoise water from your decking. Both are decorated in contemporary Polynesian style.
There are plenty of options when it comes to eating and drinking. Enjoy Polynesian and international cuisine at Arii Vahine Restaurant on the lagoon, or refreshing drinks and platters of fresh fruit at the Rotui Grill and Bar. Toatea Bar sits over the water and the perfect spot for a cocktail and a crepe overlooking the clear waters.
You’ll likely want to spend most of your days relaxing on the powder soft sand, exploring the incredible underwater world enjoying the resort’s facilities. There is also a spa for those wanting to indulge in a treatment or two.
→ Find out moreMoorea
Overview
Immerse yourself in a world of French luxury surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, exquisite lagoons and impressive mountains that rise from the clear Pacific Ocean waters at this lagoon-side beach resort.
With views of the island of Tahiti, the resort offers 112 luxurious bungalows, either built out over the water, or nestled in the beautifully landscaped gardens. The rooms features natural wood and stone finishing with accents of warm colour adding an inviting touch. Wide windows allow in plenty of natural light and draw in the sounds and scents of the sea and jungle.
Enjoy the magical view out over the lagoon towards Tahiti as you dine on chef Guillaume Burlion’s world-class menu at K Restaurant, or enjoyed a relaxed contemporary meal at Pure. Get out of the sun and sip on a refreshing south Pacific cocktail typically Polynesian Vue, or raise a glass to another day in paradise at the beach bar.
When not soaking up the rays on the beach, take a dip in the swimming pool, or treat yourself to a session of pampering at the day spa. A selection of water activities like scuba diving can also be arranged.
→ Find out moreMoorea Lagoon snorkelling tour
Board a boat to discover Moorea Lagoon alongside a naturalist guide. Spot dolphins, stingrays, black tip reef sharks or turtles, usually without encountering another boat. You can also swim among tiki statues submerged near Opunohu Bay, or the colourful coral near the barrier reef. Surfing enthusiasts can ask the captain of the boat to visit the best surfing spots.
Three luxury nights on Bora Bora
Enjoy your time relaxing on one of the most famous islands in the world, Bora Bora. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive to admire colourful schools of fish and coral reef, or stay dry and explore the magnificent lagoon waters on a luxury catamaran. At your Bora Bora resort, delight in incredible food and spa treatments.
Where you could stay
Bora Bora
Overview
White sandy beaches, breathtaking sunset views and rooms right on the water – Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a luxurious retreat set in a private cove on Motu To’opua. With Mount Otemanu as an impressive backdrop, the renovated resort offers panoramic lagoon views, cultural activities, luxury dining and personalised service.
The 115 rooms include overwater, garden and beach villas with Polynesian décor and an emphasis on the resort’s lagoon-side location. Enjoy the views from your private terrace, or relax in a comfy net over the water.
With six restaurants and bars covering a variety of cuisines, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Dine at Iriatai French Restaurant, Banyan Chinese Restaurant or Tamure Beach Grill. Choose between Upa Upa Lounge Bar and Iriatai Wine Bar for sundowners or make a splash at the swim up Tarava Pool Bar.
The resort also features a hilltop spa with stunning views, a pool, fitness centre, miniature golf and various water activities.
→ Find out moreBora Bora
Overview
Perched on an outer coral reef and surrounded by sandy islets, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is an idyllic island retreat surrounded by the turquoise waters of the South Pacific.
There are 107 suites and villas scattered along the outer beaches and over the water. The beachfront villas are draped along a stretch of semi-private beach, with private gardens filled with coconut palms and colourful bougainvillea and a private swimming pool. There are a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas making them perfect for honeymooners, families and groups of friends.
The overwater bungalows sit on stilts over the ocean, some with their own private plunge pools. Teak wood and thatched roofs give them plenty of traditional charm while the high ceilings and spacious interiors ensure they offer guests the most comfortable of stays.
When it comes to dining, guests are spoiled for choice with four restaurants serving a cuisine inspired by Polynesian and French traditions, as well as light salads and freshly grilled seafood. There are also pleny of spots to enjoy a cocktail as the as the sun sets. There is also the option to enjoy dinner on the beach with Polynesian singing and a fire dance performance, and have your breakfast delivered to your suite in a ceremonial Polynesian canoe.
With the inviting waters of the South Pacific on your doorstep, you’ll want to dive straight in and explore the fascinating underwater world. Enjoy snorkelling adventures in the Ruanhatu Lagoon Sanctuary, home to over 100 marine species including octopus, eagle rays and unicorn fish, then explore the coves by sea kayak, stand up paddleboard or water bike. There is also an infinity pool, spa, fitness centre and tennis courts.
→ Find out moreBora Bora
Overview
Motu Piti Aau island is a slender strip bordered on one side by Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon and the South Pacific on the other.
Reaching out into the lagoon are four walkways linking The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa’s 80 overwater villas. Each feature a spacious furnished sundeck with outdoor freshwater shower, a shaded area and a sundeck with direct access to the water outside – some also have their own pool – while indoors you’ll find a comfortable bedroom and living room complete with glass-bottomed coffee table that acts as a window to the lagoon and the fish below. Design is in a sleek, contemporary island style, with touches of traditional Polynesian design alongside the latest in-room technology. Perched at the end each walkway there is an exclusive Brando Suite, situated for the utmost privacy and best views of Mt. Otemanu.
On dry land, find the resort’s numerous facilities including three restaurants serving cuisine ranging from authentic local dishes and beach barbecues to fine French dining, a collection of bars and the Deep Ocean Spa, the first seawater therapy spa in French Polynesia.Perfectly placed to experience the best of Bora Bora, you have the chance to explore both the island’s landscapes and its indigenous culture, with plenty of activities and excursions to choose from land and sea.
→ Find out moreBora Bora
Overview
Located on the picture-perfect island of Bora Bora, the St. Regis sits within 44 acres of lush, tropical grounds in the shadow of the iconic Mount Otemanu.
The resort consists of 89 villas, some of which are nestled in the gardens or along the beach, and others which are perched over the sparkling waters of the South Pacific. Some of the garden and beach villas have their own private pools while the overwater villas feature separate dining gazebos so you can enjoy views of the lagoon while you eat. There is also a two-bedroom villa perfect for families and an estate that sleeps nine.
The Lagoon Restaurant is St. Regis’ signature restaurant, offering a fusion of French and Asian cuisine with lots of fresh seafood and creative flavour combinations. Mount Otemanu is framed by the large windows, and there are long glass panels on the floor through which you can see the black-tip sharks who live beneath the restaurant. The overwater terrace is the perfect place for a sunset drink. There is also a sushi and sake restaurant, Far Niente Ristorante offering Italian cuisine and fine wines, and Te Pahu restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Polynesian dancing and music.
The resort has its own Lagoonarium, a protected underwater sanctuary filled with marine life. Sat on its own island in the middle of the Lagoonarium is the spa, a tranquil haven where guests can relax and unwind with a treatment. There are two swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis court and bikes for hire for those that wish to explore the island.
→ Find out moreBora Bora lagoon cruise
Sail the waters around Bora Bora aboard a forty-foot catamaran. Enjoy stunning views of Otemanu mountain, the barrier reef and pristine motu (islets). The boat stops in the most beautiful areas of the lagoon, where you can dive into the water for a swim. Sweets, snacks, fresh fruit juice, a glass of champagne and lunch are all included.
Four nights on the coral atoll of Rangiroa
Head to the lesser known yet equally beautiful island of Rangiroa, staying in the exquisite Hotel Kia Ora, famous for its unique location on a ten-kilometre-long motu, with views of both the lagoon and the ocean on either side. The second biggest atoll in the world – with 240 motu (islets) and more than 100 hoa (channels) – it is a real tropical island getaway, with incredible diving and snorkelling, beautiful beaches and the laidback atmosphere that’s characteristic of the South Pacific.
Accommodation on Rangiroa
Rangiroa
Overview
Located in a coconut plantation on the northwest part of Rangiroa, the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa makes the most of its unique setting. The resort is on a 10km long motu, with the brilliant blue lagoon on one side, and the gently lapping ocean on the other.
The 60 villas and bungalows are scattered throughout the coconut grove, on the beach, or suspended over the turquoise lagoon. Garden villas feature an enclosed yard and a private plunge pool, an ideal option for families. The buildings are designed in a traditional Polynesian architectural style, and the views from the resort are impressive as the water glistens in the sunlight.
Dine on a fusion of Tahitian and French cuisine at the resort’s Te Rairoa restaurant where freshly caught seafood and local ingredients are the stars of the menu.
As well as the over-water Miki Miki Bar, there’s also a spa, a fitness centre and an infinity pool. Snorkelling gear, kayaks and canoes are also complimentary – Rangiroa is world-renowned for its diving and snorkelling, so you’ll definitely want to get in the water and swim with the fish.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
diving
Pink sands
Scuba diving around Rangiroa
Offering some of the best scuba diving in the world, Rangiroa is well known for its abundance of sharks, rays and other reef life, and is one of the only places in the world where you are able to dive with dolphins.
Pink Sands private tour
In the lagoon off Rangiroa near the islet Vahituri, you will find the Pink Sands, a beautiful natural phenomenon caused by crumbled shells. These coral sands with delicate glints are covered by clear warm water, ideal for snorkelling. The tour includes lunch on a wild islet, and ends in the Tiputa pass, where you may spot dolphins jumping through the waves.
Three nights in Tikehau
You’ll finish your journey on the coral atoll of Tikehau, a small oval-shaped atoll west of Rangiroa. Tikehau’s white-and-pink sand islets are dotted with coconut groves and its lagoon is formed by an almost unbroken ring of coral, creating an immense natural swimming pool that is absolutely teeming with life.
Accommodation on Tikehau
Overview
Hidden away among the pinks sands of this secluded private island, lapped by surf-perfect waves, you will find the eight charmingly crafted bungalows of Ninamu Resort.
Each is designed using locally sourced materials, such as the grand woven ceilings, wooden beams and coral clad walls. The chalets create a perfectly authentic tiki-style bubble for a relaxing nights rest after an activity-filled day in the bluest of waters.
This beachfront resort is the perfect location for surfers, kiteboarders, paddleboarders, and divers. Once this has worked up your appetite, you’ll delight in the resort restaurant, which serves homemade, organic cuisine with endless views of the both the lagoon and sea.
All of the meat is sourced from the fully organic, family run local farm, Eden Isle, which is located on the other side of the atoll, while you can try your own hand at fishing and reap the rewards at dinner.
With a maximum capacity of 16 guests at any one time, here you’ll be sure to have a wonderfully personal and intimate experience in this quintessential paradise.
→ Find out moreDiving and snorkelling around Tikehau
The Tuamotu Archipelago offers pristine, undisturbed conditions for diving and snorkelling. This colourful underwater world is home to lionfish, clownfish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…