Dream Design

French Polynesia

  • A group of birds taking flight on a beach

Cast so far-flung that they’re barely visible in the big blue, the unspoilt islands of French Polynesia are so colourfully rich that it is as if Gauguin himself painted them.

Cast so far-flung that they’re barely visible in the big blue, the unspoilt islands of French Polynesia are so colourfully rich that it is as if Gauguin himself painted them.

Where luxury is laid-back and the welcomes are legendary, this dreamy collective of archipelagos is the siren of the southern hemisphere. Instead of luring unsuspecting visitors to a questionable end though, they’re welcomed to good-natured shores; greeted by beaming locals with floral lei garlands, culinary traditions unique to the Pacific Rim and lush volcanic vistas even a Disney film can’t quite depict the true beauty of.

These little bundles of paradise haven’t just gifted the world with their good looks though, they’re the origin for the word ‘tattoo’ and the world’s first overwater bungalow. Their bread letterboxes haven’t taken off worldwide yet, but we’re hopeful.

A sea turtle underwater surrounded by butterfly fish
Close up of corals
Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora with a mountain in the background
A sea turtle underwater surrounded by butterfly fish
Close up of corals
Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora with a mountain in the background

In pursuit of…

An aerial view of boats on the sea with an island shoreline on the right
… plain sailing

When in French Polynesia, do as the Polynesians are known for – sailing. These pioneers of celestial navigation perfected the art of island-hopping without the aid of a compass and eons before computers took over. While this form of navigation may be a novelty explored during traditional races and cultural  tours now, bouncing around the islets in these archipelagos is still the best way to explore their easy-going heritage; moving between the likes of the ‘Vanilla Island’ Taha’a and its sacred sister Raiatea, the warmly welcoming Moorea and Bora Bora’s romantic exclusivity.

Paul Gauguin, artist
“I have come to an unalterable decision – to go and live forever in Polynesia. Then I can end my days in peace and freedom…”

Its essence...

DREAMY
FAR-FLUNG
HOMELY
Destination essentials
  • Jun - Oct
    HIGH
  • May - Nov
    SHOULDER
  • Dec - Apr
    LOW
SEASON
  • 35hrs 55min
    LHR - EWR - SFO - PPT
Flight
  • -10hrs
    GMT
Time difference
  • XPF
    CFP FRANC
  • French
    OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
Currency / Language
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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Australasia & Oceania

From the laid-back cultures of Australia's coastal cities and the natural wonders of New Zealand, to the picturesque islands and friendly faces of French Polynesia, a trip to Australasia & Oceania never fails to surprise at every turn.

  • A white SUV driving on a dirt path in the Australian outback
    Australia

    The charming soul of the Red Centre, the curious personalities of its metropolitan cities, and the one-of-a-kind marsupials and marine life – this land Down Under might invoke a feeling of the familiar on the face of it, but its sheer scale of surprises leave the lasting impression.

    Explore
  • A view down a stream towards Aoraki / Mount Cook
    New Zealand

    Two islands soulfully connected by the land and its people – where an abundance of rugged, natural beauty makes its out-of-this-world adventures the ones to rival.  

    Explore
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