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The Best Luxury Hotels in French Polynesia

From emerald lagoons to volcanic mountains, the atolls of French Polynesia are the gems of the Pacific
From emerald lagoons to volcanic mountains, the atolls of French Polynesia are the gems of the Pacific | Courtesy of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa / Expedia

We’ve all seen the photos: crystal-clear water, powder-like sandy beaches, swaying palm trees. But what’s often forgotten is, with halo-like atolls and towering volcanoes, just how dramatic the French Polynesian land- and seascapes can be, and how the region is as well-equipped for adventure as it is for relaxing. What’s also typically neglected is the fact that the accommodation here is diverse, ranging from artsy bungalows to decadent over-water villas. Here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in French Polynesia, all are bookable through Culture Trip.

Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa

Luxury, Spa Hotel, Resort

A luxurious hotel room with straw-roof at Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa.
Courtesy of Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa / Expedia

A brief boat ride from Bora Bora airport, Le Bora Bora combines 108 villas and bungalows in an almost impossibly Polynesian setting of turquoise waters and towering mountains. When you grow weary of the views – if indeed that’s possible – there’s a host of activities in which to take part, including sunset cruises on the resort catamaran and 4×4 tours to see World War II remnants.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Resort, Spa Hotel

A private patio and plunge pool look over ocean huts and the ocean from Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
Courtesy of Conrad Bora Bora Nui / Expedia

The private island of Motu To’opua is home to the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, one of the best resorts in Bora Bora. Accommodation here ranges from suites to over-water villas (including the almost legendary two-storey Presidential Villa), with private pools as standard in all. There’s a host of respected dining outlets, and the Conrad brand means you can also expect international levels of service.

Ninamu Resort

Resort

A lounge area with traditional straw-roof at Ninamu Resort Tahiti.
Courtesy of Ninamu Resort / Expedia

Located on tiny Motu Tavararo, part of French Polynesia’s Tikehau atoll, Ninamu Resort spans eight quirky, artsy “hand-crafted” bungalows. With an emphasis on sustainability, the building materials are local, power comes from solar panels and produce from the resort’s organic garden. As such, air conditioning doesn’t come standard in all bungalows, but charm and a host of adventurous activities do.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Hotel

A luxurious ocean hut hotel suite with glass floor panel and private covered deck at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.

Hilton Moorea packs a bit of everything. The 106 rooms at this luxury hotel in French Polynesia are situated both on land and over water, and have both modern amenities and downright prehistoric views of the jagged volcanic mountains of Moorea. Don’t miss a glass of champagne or a galette (a Breton-style buckwheat crepe) at Toatea Bar & Creperie, the only overwater dining experience on Moorea.

Vahiné Island Resort and Spa

Resort

An aerial view of the Vahiné Island Resort and Spa.
Courtesy of Vahiné Island Resort and Spa / Expedia

Your adventure begins with a thrilling 30-minute boat ride from Raiatea airport (or private helicopter transfer from Bora Bora) to this luxurious private-island resort in French Polynesia. The 9ha (23 acres) here are home to three over-water bungalows, two beach suites and four beach bungalows. Enjoy quiet moments on a pristine beach and sunset views over Bora Bora. Or snorkel in private coral gardens, kayak, windsurf, and row on a traditional Polynesian pirogue. Tropical breakfasts, gourmet lunches and romantic French-inspired dinners are served in a charming lagoon-view open-air dining room.

Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

Resort

Ocean huts along a wood walkway as seen from an aerial view at Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.

Located on Rangiroa, Hotel Kia Ora’s impressive open-air reception and views of a turquoise lagoon instantly immerse you in the island vibe at this luxury resort. Choose from an over-water bungalow with a glass-bottom floor, garden villa with a private plunge pool, or beach bungalow with an ocean-view hot tub and semi-private beach. Boozy sunsets at the Miki Miki bar over the water are not to be missed.

Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Beach Resort

Resort

The beach side infinity pool looking towards ocean hut guest suites at Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort.
Courtesy of Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort / Expedia

One of the more historic hotels in French Polynesia, the five-star Sofitel Moorea still shines. The resort sits on the longest white-sand beach on Moorea, which means you’ll enjoy views of its crystal-clear lagoon and sky-piercing lush mountains. You can also choose between an over-water, garden, or beach-view bungalow, each with a private balcony. A lavish Polynesian-inspired breakfast is included, and the Vue Bar is the place to be come sunset.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa

Resort

A luxurious ocean hut guest suite with private deck and views of volcanic islands at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.

Just minutes from Faa’a airport, this luxury resort in Tahiti is the perfect way to bookend your French Polynesian adventure. The romance begins in the magnificent lobby where you’re greeted with stunning views of neighbouring island Moorea. Once checked in to an over-water bungalow, lagoon- or garden-view room, explore the lush tropical gardens or take a dip in the open-air aquarium teeming with tropical fish. Book a jet ski to explore the lagoon or simply relax by one of two pools with a tropical cocktail in hand.

Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Spa Hotel

A luxurious ocean hut guest suite at Le Tahaa Island Resort and Spa.
Courtesy of Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa / Expedia

Just off Taha’a island, the five-star resort Le Taha’a is a naturally elegant Polynesian escape. Built around majestic trees and surrounded by lush vegetation and flowers, it has 58 suites and villas, and a traditional Polynesian look. Over-water bungalows have a glass-bottom floor that opens to feed the fish below. Restaurants on the property vary from a casual barefoot atmosphere to elegant fine dining.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Resort

The pool area and deck with covered lounge and dining areas outside a guest villa at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora / Expedia

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, which sits on a private islet, is a lush tropical paradise under the majestic peak of Otemanu with over-water bungalows and lagoon views. It offers a slew of bespoke experiences, including the chance to explore the Ruahatu Lagoon Sanctuary with a marine biologist. And rather than order dinner from a menu, you’re invited to fish with your chef on a private boat. Afterwards, they prepare your catch for a spectacular private waterside dinner.

The Brando

Resort

A luxurious double bathroom with jungle access at The Brando.
Courtesy of The Brando / Expedia

Located on a private atoll, the Brando is a favourite among the eco-conscious crowd – with solar energy powering the resort and cool sea water used in the air conditioning. This luxury French Polynesian resort can only be accessed by private plane, but the villas are nestled in a tropical paradise where biodiversity is fiercely protected. You’ll discover an abundance of nature from exotic birds to manta rays, reef sharks and turtles.

St Regis Bora Bora Resort

Resort

A long wood jetty leads to ocean guest suites with views of volcanic islands behind from the St Regis Bora Bora Resort.
Courtesy of St Regis Bora Bora Resort / Expedia

Unwind and find inner bliss at this marvel of a resort that offers bespoke butler service for a seamless stay. The St Regis Bora Bora has manicured tropical grounds to meander through, or you can relax by the lagoonarium (protected waters home to plenty of marine life) and dine at signature restaurant Lagoon by Jean-Georges. The adults-only pool is a paradise for couples, while the main pool features a swim-up bar.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa

Resort

With epic sunrise and sunset views and garden bungalows with private terrace and plunge pool, you won’t feel short changed at the Hilton Moorea if you don’t book an over-water bungalow. It’s the only all-bungalow resort on Moorea, and it’s situated between two stunning bays with a 4ha (10-acre) lagoon to explore.

Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort

Resort

The luxurious pool area at Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort.
Courtesy of Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort / Expedia

When you want to get away, Tikehau Pearl is where you want to be. With a pink-sand beach, wild coconut grove and just 29 bungalows, eight suites and one villa, you are immersed in a remote romantic oasis. With a dive centre on site, you can adventure by day and relax by night at the oceanfront Poreho Restaurant.

Looking for more top hideaway in paradise? Check out our rundown of the best resorts in Bora Bora.

The Culture Trip Travel Team contributed additional reporting to this article.

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