French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. There are over 100 islands, but it’s impossible to visit them all. At the very least, you should visit Bora Bora and Tahiti. Visiting both of these islands is super easy, but it’s even easier when you visit with InterContinental because they have resorts on both islands. Keep reading for the perfect itinerary to visit French Polynesia with InterContinental!
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When to Visit French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a tropical paradise. The weather is hot all year long, but there is a certain time of year that is more favorable to visit. The high season in French Polynesia is May to October.
French Polynesia’s rainy season is from the months of November-April. However, this island nation typically gets the most rain in December and January. The shoulder season in French Polynesia, November and April, can be an excellent time to visit.
By visiting during the shoulder season, you largely avoid any crowds, can sometimes take advantage of lower prices at resorts, and any rain showers are likely to be short lived.
How to Get to French Polynesia
French Polynesia is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The best way to get there from the United States is to fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco. You can get nonstop flights from both cities, so see which works best for you depending on your airline and connecting city.
You have to fly into Tahiti (airport code: PPT), which is French Polynesia’s largest island. After your time in French Polynesia, you’ll continue onto Bora Bora.
You have to purchase your flights to Bora Bora (airport code: BOB) separate from your international flight to Tahiti. These flights should cost about $250 each way. Make sure to book them far ahead of time as the planes are small and they can sell out, especially during the high season.
Click here to search for flights to Tahiti and Bora Bora.
How Long to Stay with InterContinental in French Polynesia
The absolute minimum amount of time I would spend in French Polynesia is a week. However, I think the best amount of time to spend in French Polynesia is at least 10 days. By staying 10 days, you allow yourself time to visit both Bora Bora and Tahiti without feeling like you’re rushing.
InterContinental has three resorts in French Polynesia, so 10 days allows you plenty of time at each to properly enjoy the resorts and soak up the sun.
If you can afford it, I highly recommend extending the trip longer than 10 days. I would say 14 days is the maximum amount of time you should spend between Bora Bora and Tahiti before you decide to add a third island to your itinerary.
Your French Polynesia Itinerary with InterContinental
By visiting French Polynesia and exclusively staying at InterContinental resorts, you guarantee a seamless process and time. InterContinental can see all 3 of your bookings and link them together to ensure that you don’t have to do any thinking to get from resort to resort.
You’ll be flying into Tahiti, so it makes the most sense to begin your stay in Tahiti. If your outbound flight back home is super early in the morning, you may have to return back to the InterContinental Tahiti for 1 night on the end, but let’s assume you don’t. Most flights out of Tahiti leave at night, so you should be okay to fly from Bora Bora to Tahiti for your international flight home.
Days 1-4: Getting Your Toes Wet at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort
Your first stop on this French Polynesia itinerary is the InterContinental Tahiti Resort. This is a natural first stop because you have to fly into Tahiti first. A lot of people will only stay in Tahiti if their flight arrives later in the day and they’re forced to, but Tahiti absolutely deserves a visit for a few days.
If you have it in your budget, stay in one of the Panoramic Lagoon View Rooms at the InterContinental Tahiti. These rooms are super close to the beach and have an epic view of the lagoon and Tahiti’s sister island, Mo’orea.
While staying at the resort, enjoy the complimentary snorkel gear and jump right into the resort’s famous Lagoonarium, filled with 200+ different species of marine life. If pools are more your speed, you can sit back and relax at one of the resort’s two pools. If you’ll be at the resort on a Sunday morning, don’t miss out on the Tahitian Brunch at the Te Tiare Restaurant where you can enjoy a live dance show and Tahitian music.
These first few days will likely consist of you relaxing and enjoying the resort’s activities and amenities, however, if you’re a go-getter and want to go out and explore, stop by the resort’s concierge and book a car rental to enjoy a half-day or full-day exploring the island of Tahiti.
Click here to check prices for the InterContinental Tahiti Resort.
Days 4-7: Your First Look of Bora Bora at InterContinental Le Moana Resort
Now that you’ve spent your first few days relaxing in Tahiti, you should have gotten used to the time and slept off the jet lag. That means it’s time to visit Bora Bora! Your next 3 days will be spent on one of the most desired island paradises in the world.
Take your morning or afternoon flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora. The seating is open on the planes, so it’s first come first served. If you can, try to sit on the left side of the plane for the most epic views of the island of Bora Bora on your approach.
Once you land in Bora Bora, a representative from the InterContinental will meet you at the airport and grab your bags. You’ll then take the resort’s boat over to the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. The resort is at the opposite end of the island from the airport, so sit back and enjoy the ride there.
Once you’re there, check into your Horizon Overwater Bungalow and be prepared for your jaw to hit the floor. Your first taste of an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora will probably leave you not wanting to leave your room. If you can manage to leave, make sure to make a stop at the concierge to book a tour or two! I highly recommend the tour to circle the island of Bora Bora in jetskis.
Click here to check prices for the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort.
Days 7-10: Live in Luxury at the InterContinental Thalasso Resort
Your final stop in French Polynesia is another resort in Bora Bora. If you’re loving the InterContinental Le Moana at this point and you can’t even imagine how it could get better, just wait! Around midday, you’ll take a boat from the resort to the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.
As soon as you check into your Diamond Otemanu Overwater Villa, you’ll have to pick up your jaw from the floor just so it can drop once more. This resort is much larger than Le Moana, so take your first day to really get the lay of the land.
Grab some complimentary snorkeling gear and enjoy the resort’s Lagoonarium. Once you’re finished snorkeling, grab your stuff and lay by the pool. This pool easily has the best view in all of Bora Bora, with Mount Otemanu being perfectly framed by two palm trees.
Stop by the resort’s concierge to schedule a tour, whether you want to live like an adrenaline junkie by skydiving over Bora Bora or enjoy a relaxing day on the water during a private lagoon tour. Make sure you don’t leave the resort without enjoying a spa treatment at the resort’s famous Deep Ocean Spa, known for thalassotherapy.
Click here to check prices for the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.
Book Your Trip to French Polynesia with InterContinental!
If you’re like me, you’re on the edge of your seat dying to book this trip to French Polynesia with InterContinental. You’ll have to book each individual resort and then contact them to link all the reservations together.
Once your reservations are all confirmed, send an email to the InterContinental reservation team in French Polynesia to make sure your transfers are all set up. You’ll want to give them your flight information at the same time if it’s booked so they can arrange your transfers based on your flights times.
All that’s left to do is book your stay! If you’re traveling during high season, don’t hesitate to book and miss out. Enjoy your stay!!
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Maddie is the traveler behind A One Way Ticket. She has been traveling internationally for over 10 years and has visited 75+ countries on 6 continents. In addition to traveling herself, she’s been helping others plan their own travel for 6+ years. Maddie eats, sleeps, and breathes travel and loves to help others discover that same wanderlust!