Island Hopping in French Polynesia

by Tony Huffman, Founder & Chairman

There are few places on Earth as beautifully natural as the islands of French Polynesia. Despite being the most famous destination, Tahiti shouldn’t be your only Polynesian experience: there is much to be discovered on the more than 100 surrounding islands.

My wife and I recently flew into Papeete non-stop from Los Angeles on Air France (direct flights are also available from San Francisco) and split our time between a luxurious seven-day cruise and the paradisiac private island of Tetiaroa. Visiting French Polynesia during our summer is my preference; however, late spring is gorgeous too.

Being a first-time visit, we loved hopping from island to island aboard the all-inclusive Paul Gauguin cruise ship. With capacity for only 332 guests, the ship feels intimate and allowed us to reach lagoons and islands that bigger ships could not. The Paul Gauguin also boasts outstanding service and accommodations. The activities, both on land and in the water, were limitless.

Upon disembarking the ship back in Papeete, we immediately boarded a private plane for the short 20-minute flight to Tetiaroa Island – once a private retreat of the Royal Family, then of Marlon Brando. The exclusive, tranquil resort, The Brando, opened in 2014 to immediate acclaim and has maintained its status as one of the top resorts in the world ever since.

In addition to Tetiaroa, the island of Bora Bora is another one not to miss where you can experience the incredible Four Seasons and St Regis resorts. The activities at these resorts are endless.

Do not delay! Experience every shade of ocean-blue, soaring mountain peaks, and the luxury of doing nothing at all in French Polynesia.