Where to Stay in French Polynesia 🇵🇫 – Complete Guide to 6 Best Islands & Areas

Best Hotels: 🏠

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts
• ✨ 5-Star: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
•  🏨 4-Star: Hilton Hotel Tahiti
•  🛏️ 3-Star: Ononui Lodge Airport
•  💸 Cheap: Fare Om
• 🏢 Apartment: TAMANU LODGE
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
• 🏩 For Couples: InterContinental Tahiti Resort

Quick Guide to Best Areas to Stay: 📋

• 🌴 For First Timers: Tahiti
• 🏊‍♂️ For Adventure and Families: Moorea
• 💑 For Couples and Luxury: Bora Bora
• 🏛️ For Authentic Experience: Huahine
• 🤿 For Diving and Seclusion: Rangiroa
• 🏝️ For Peace and Remoteness: Maupiti

1. Tahiti – Where to Stay in French Polynesia for First Timers

Best area to stay in Tahiti. I always recommend Papeete for first-time visitors to French Polynesia. The capital gives you everything you need – restaurants, shops, and easy island hopping connections. Plus, you’ll save money compared to remote resorts while getting authentic Polynesian culture.

Transportation and access. Tahiti’s main airport connects all outer islands, making it your perfect base for exploring French Polynesia. Local buses called “le truck” run frequently between Papeete and coastal areas. These colorful vehicles are both cheap and fun, connecting you to every corner of the island.

Shopping and local markets. The covered market in Papeete opens at 5 AM and stays busy until evening. You’ll find everything from fresh tropical fruit to handmade pareos here. I love buying vanilla beans and monoi oil at Marché de Papeete – the quality beats anything you’ll find at the airport. The weekend night market at Place Vaiete serves incredible food from mobile roulotte trucks.

Local dining experiences:

Activities and cultural sites. Venus Point offers incredible snorkeling right from shore, while the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands in Punaauia tells amazing stories about Polynesian culture. The black sand beaches of Taharuu are perfect for bodyboarding, and locals gather here for weekend barbecues. I discovered the best hiking trails start from Papenoo Valley.

Getting around the island. Renting a car lets you explore the entire coastal road in one day. Stop at Gauguin Museum in Papeari and the Arahoho Blowhole on the northeast coast. The Three Cascades of Faarumai are an easy hike from the main road, and the cool mountain air feels amazing after beach time.

Best Hotels in Tahiti

Luxury Hotels

• Hilton Hotel Tahiti – This premium resort offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and stunning lagoon views, plus multiple dining options and a luxurious spa facility.
• TAMANU LODGE – A boutique property featuring elegant accommodations with private terraces and tropical garden settings, perfect for travelers seeking tranquil luxury.
• Grand Large - Premium suite – This upscale suite accommodation offers sophisticated design and premium amenities with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Ononui Lodge Airport – Conveniently positioned near the airport with ocean views, private bathrooms, and complimentary WiFi, plus on-site car rental services for easy island exploration.
• "A Tomo Mai Homestay" Airport – A charming homestay offering authentic Polynesian hospitality with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and optional breakfast service.
• Chez Eden Coconut Studio – This cozy studio accommodation provides great value with modern furnishings and easy access to Papeete’s attractions and local markets.

Best Budget Options

• PENSION TE MITI hebergement touristique TAHITI - plage a 200m – A budget-friendly guesthouse just 200 meters from the beach, offering simple but comfortable rooms with authentic local charm.
• ROYAL VAI – This affordable accommodation provides clean, basic rooms with essential amenities and friendly service at excellent value for money.
• Pension Te Miti – A traditional Polynesian pension offering simple accommodations with local hospitality and easy access to island activities and cultural experiences.

2. Moorea – Where to Stay in French Polynesia for Adventure and Families

Getting around the island. Moorea is way smaller than Tahiti, so you can drive around the whole thing in about an hour. I rented a scooter from Albert Transport – it’s right at the ferry dock when you arrive. The coastal road is super easy to follow, and you’ll see everything from ancient temples to pineapple plantations.

Adventure activities and water sports. Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay are where all the action happens. I tried jet skiing with Moorea Fun Jet, and the dolphins at Moorea Dolphin Center run swimming tours that actually let you see these amazing creatures up close. The lagoon here is perfect for first-time snorkelers.

Local pineapple tours and agriculture. The Manutea Tahiti pineapple plantation offers free tours every Tuesday and Thursday morning. You can taste the sweetest pineapples I’ve ever had and learn how they grow them without pesticides. Opunohu Valley has the best hiking trails through old vanilla plantations.

Family-friendly spots and beaches:

Local food culture. Bloody Mary’s gets all the attention, but I prefer Snack Mahana for authentic island food. The pizza at Le Mayflower is surprisingly good, and they use local fish and tropical toppings. Cook’s Bay weekend market has the freshest fruit on the island.

Ancient sites and viewpoints. The Belvedere Lookout gives you those Instagram-worthy shots of both bays. Magic Mountain hike is tougher but totally worth it for 360-degree views. The ancient marae temples near Opunohu Valley tell stories of old Polynesia that most tourists never hear about.

Best Hotels in Moorea

Luxury Hotels

• Moorea Beach Lodge – This upscale beachfront property offers elegant accommodations with direct beach access and premium amenities, perfect for travelers seeking luxury with authentic Polynesian charm.
• Niu Beach Hôtel Moorea – A sophisticated beach hotel featuring modern design and luxurious facilities with stunning lagoon views and world-class service.
• Fare Oaoa Haapiti – This premium accommodation offers exclusive villa-style lodging with traditional Polynesian architecture and high-end amenities in a tranquil setting.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Moorea Vaiare Lodge – Conveniently located near the ferry dock with comfortable rooms offering great value, plus easy access to island transportation and local attractions.
• La Maison Orange – A charming mid-range property with colorful décor and friendly service, providing excellent balance between comfort and affordability for island exploration.
• Fare Juliette – This cozy lodge offers comfortable accommodations with local hospitality and good value pricing, ideal for travelers wanting authentic Moorea experiences.

Best Budget Options

• Apartment Studio Halfon – A budget-friendly studio apartment with kitchenette facilities and basic amenities, perfect for independent travelers seeking affordable self-catering accommodation.
• Fare Honu Cooks Bay Moorea – This budget guesthouse offers simple but clean rooms with stunning Cook’s Bay views and friendly local hosts at unbeatable prices for the location.

3. Bora Bora – Where to Stay in French Polynesia for Couples and Luxury

Getting to the main island. The airport sits on a tiny island, so you’ll take a boat transfer to get anywhere. Most places organize this for you, but the public ferry runs every 30 minutes. I always grab a seat on the right side for better lagoon views during the 20-minute ride.

Romantic spots and activities. Matira Beach is hands down the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen – and I’ve been to a lot of beaches. The sand is like powder, and sunset happens right in front of you. The main village of Vaitape has pearl shops where you can design custom jewelry together.

Water adventures and marine life. The lagoon here is unreal – the water is every shade of blue you can imagine. I did a full-day lagoon tour with Bora Bora Pearl Company that included snorkeling at Coral Garden, swimming with rays at the lagoonarium, and lunch on a private motu. Diving with TopDive takes you to see massive Napoleon fish and reef sharks.

Dining and nightlife scene:

Shopping for unique souvenirs. The main village has several black pearl shops, but I found better deals at smaller family-run places along the coast. Local artists sell hand-carved tikis and traditional quilts called tifaifai. The weekend market happens Saturday mornings with local handicrafts and vanilla products.

Adventure beyond the beaches. Mount Otemanu dominates the island’s center, and 4WD tours take you up jungle tracks for incredible views. I hired Tupuna Safari for a half-day adventure that included stops at ancient temples and a traditional lunch cooked underground.

Best Hotels in Bora Bora

Luxury Hotels

• Maitai Bora Bora – Beachfront property with spacious rooms, lagoon views, and two restaurants serving authentic Polynesian dishes.
• Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa – High-end resort featuring overwater villas, an infinity pool, and a full-service spa facing Mount Otemanu.
• Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – Five-star retreat with iconic overwater bungalows, reef-side snorkeling, and the acclaimed Tāvai Spa.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Sunset Hill Lodge – Hillside apartments with kitchenettes, sweeping sunset views, and easy access to Vaitape town at mid-range prices.
• Tiki House – Friendly guesthouse offering colorful bungalows, free bikes, and a shared kitchen for relaxed island breaks.
• Lokai House – Comfortable air-conditioned rooms with lagoon-view terraces and great value near Matira Beach.

Best Budget Options

• Vaiotaha Lodge – Budget-friendly lodge with clean rooms, garden setting, and free kayaks for exploring the lagoon.
• Bora Bora Hiva Home – Simple homestay providing private rooms, shared kitchen, and warm hosts at wallet-friendly rates.
• Chez Hina no Pacifica – Hostel-style stay with basic beds, communal areas, and local tips for enjoying Bora Bora on a tight budget.

4. Huahine – Where to Stay in French Polynesia for Authentic Experience

Traditional island life. Huahine feels like stepping back in time – no big crowds, just real Polynesian life happening around you. I spent hours chatting with locals at Fare Market every Tuesday and Friday morning. The vanilla plantations here are family-owned, and at Rima Vanilla Farm they’ll show you the whole drying process.

Ancient temples and archaeology. This island has more ancient temples than anywhere else in French Polynesia. Maeva village sits on a lagoon filled with stone fish traps that are over 1,000 years old. Local guide Teiki explains the stories behind each sacred site and knows which ones you can actually climb.

Local artisans and traditional crafts. I watched women weave pandanus leaves into hats and bags at several family workshops around the island. The woodcarvers in Fare village create beautiful bowls and sculptures from local miro wood. You can commission custom pieces and pick them up before you leave.

Authentic dining experiences:

Hidden natural spots. Avea Beach on the south end stays completely empty most days. The coral here is amazing for snorkeling, and I saw more tropical fish than at touristy spots. The sacred eels at Faie village are huge and ancient – locals say they’ve been there for generations.

Getting around both islands. Huahine is actually two islands connected by a bridge. The main road takes you past coconut groves, small villages, and archaeological sites. I stopped at every little village and always found someone willing to share stories about island life.

Best Hotels in Huahine

Luxury Hotels

• Maitai Lapita Village Huahine – Lagoon-side resort with spacious Polynesian-style bungalows, an infinity pool, and on-site museum showcasing local artifacts.
• B & Bee Wild Island – Nature Song – Eco-chic hideaway offering over-water hammocks, organic garden meals, and complimentary kayaks for tranquil lagoon paddles.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Miki Miki House – Friendly guesthouse with tidy waterfront rooms, free snorkel gear, and sunset decks perfect for relaxing after island tours.
• Ravehei Smile Relais 3 – Simple air-conditioned rooms, scooter rentals on-site, and host-prepared breakfasts featuring fresh island fruit.

Best Budget Options

• Chez Angele – Family-run pension with basic but clean rooms, shared kitchen, and warm Huahine hospitality near Faie village.
• Alaroots Huahine – Backpacker-friendly lodge offering dorms and private rooms, communal BBQ area, and bike hire for easy island exploration.

5. Rangiroa – Where to Stay in French Polynesia for Diving and Seclusion

World-class diving opportunities. Rangiroa is basically a giant ring of coral in the middle of the ocean – the diving here blows my mind every time. Tiputa Pass attracts gray sharks, dolphins, and massive schools of barracuda. Six Passengers Diving knows every corner of the lagoon and takes you to spots where other dive shops never go.

Unique island industries. Yes, wine in French Polynesia! Dominique Auroy makes wine from coral-filtered water at Vin de Tahiti. The tasting room overlooks the lagoon, and you can learn about this crazy experiment in tropical winemaking. Gauguin’s Pearl Farm shows you how black pearls develop inside oysters.

Endless lagoon exploration. The lagoon here is so big you can’t see across it – it feels like being on the ocean. I took lagoon tours that included swimming with manta rays at specific cleaning stations and visiting the “Blue Lagoon” where the water is so clear it’s like swimming in air. Local guides know exactly when and where to find different marine life.

Island dining and provisions:

Village life and local culture. The island has two main villages – Avatoru and Tiputa – connected by a road through endless coconut plantations. Tiputa village is only accessible by boat, and the whole community feels like one big family. I rented bikes and spent days just pedaling between coral gardens and pink sand beaches.

Natural phenomena and wildlife. During certain tide changes, you can watch dolphins “surf” the current at Tiputa Pass. The reef walks during low tide reveal tide pools full of colorful fish and sea creatures. At night, the lack of light pollution makes the Milky Way visible like nowhere else on earth.

Best Hotels in Rangiroa

Luxury Hotels

• Le Coconut Lodge – Premium beachfront property offering spacious bungalows with lagoon views, an on-site restaurant, and direct access to pristine coral gardens for world-class snorkeling.
• Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa – Iconic overwater and beachside villas with luxury amenities, full-service spa, and renowned restaurant serving fresh local seafood with panoramic atoll views.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• AOTERA GUEST HOUSE – Comfortable guesthouse with air-conditioned rooms, friendly local hosts, and excellent value near Avatoru village with easy access to diving centers.
• Te Mao – Family-run pension offering clean rooms with modern amenities, home-cooked meals, and insider knowledge about the best lagoon excursions and diving spots.
• Rangiroa Sunny House – Cozy accommodation with tropical garden setting, bicycle rentals, and warm hospitality perfect for exploring the atoll at a relaxed pace.

6. Maupiti – Where to Stay in French Polynesia for Peace and Remoteness

Ultimate isolation experience. Only one flight comes here three times a week from main island of Bora Bora – that’s how remote Maupiti is. The whole island has maybe 1,200 people, and everyone waves when you walk by. I felt like I discovered a secret that most travelers never find.

Traditional transportation. There are no rental cars here – just bikes and boats. Everyone travels by bicycle or boat taxi to the small offshore islands. The main village has one road that circles the island, and you can walk or bike the entire loop in a couple of hours while stopping to chat with locals.

Untouched natural beauty. The hike up Mount Teurafaatiu takes about 3 hours and gives you views of Bora Bora in the distance. Local guide Maui knows all the best photo spots and tells stories about island legends along the way. The beaches here are completely empty – I had entire stretches of white sand to myself.

Traditional island activities:

Authentic food culture. There’s basically one store and a few family restaurants on the entire island. Snack Tarona serves the best poisson cru I had anywhere in French Polynesia. Most guesthouses include meals because options are limited, but the food is incredibly fresh and prepared with love.

Why this island changes you. Swimming with sea turtles happens every morning at certain beaches. Learning traditional weaving from local women connects you to centuries-old skills. Watching locals fish with methods passed down through generations shows you a different way of life. The genuine Polynesian hospitality here feels like being welcomed into a family.

FAQ

What are the best resorts in French Polynesia?

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora remains the best luxury hotel offering unparalleled overwater villa experiences with private pools and stunning views of Mount Otemanu. Other top-rated resorts in French Polynesia include The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, and Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, all providing world-class amenities and authentic French Polynesian hospitality.

Which hotels in French Polynesia offer overwater bungalows?

Most luxury hotels and resorts in French Polynesia feature overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and Moorea, including the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort, and Conrad Bora Bora Nui. These hotels offering overwater bungalows provide direct lagoon access, glass floors for marine life viewing, and some of the most beautiful accommodations in the South Pacific.

What’s the best place to stay in French Polynesia?

The island of Bora Bora is arguably the best place to stay for luxury travelers seeking overwater villa experiences and pristine white sand beaches. For a more authentic trip to French Polynesia, Moorea island offers excellent resorts like Sofitel Moorea and Hilton Moorea with easier access to local culture and adventures.

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia?

The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season from April to October, with September being the optimal month for whale watching and fewer crowds. This period offers the most comfortable weather for your trip in French Polynesia, with lower humidity and ideal conditions for water activities in the Moorea lagoon and other stunning locations.

Which Bora Bora resort offers the best spa?

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort features French Polynesia’s only thalasso spa, offering unique seawater treatments and holistic wellness experiences. This resort and spa provides luxurious treatments using natural Polynesian ingredients while overlooking one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.

What makes Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora special?

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora sits on a private island motu and offers the most spacious overwater villas with private pools and personalized butler service. This luxury hotel represents one of the most beautiful resort experiences in French Polynesia, combining traditional Polynesian architecture with modern amenities.

How much do overwater bungalows in Bora Bora cost?

The cheapest overwater bungalows in Bora Bora typically start around 500-800 euros per night at 3-star and 4-star hotels like Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora. Luxury 5-star hotels like The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Four Seasons can cost significantly more, but provide an unforgettable stay with world-class service and amenities.

What’s the best island hopping itinerary in French Polynesia?

A perfect island hopping in French Polynesia itinerary includes 3-4 days each on the island of Tahiti, Moorea island, and the island of Bora Bora, with optional stops in Rangiroa for diving. This allows you to experience the diverse culture of French Polynesia while staying at beautiful hotels ranging from boutique pearl resorts to luxury island resorts.

Which French Polynesia hotels are best for families?

Hilton Moorea and InterContinental Tahiti Resort offer excellent family-friendly amenities with spacious villa accommodations and kid-friendly activities. These hotels and resorts provide good value for families seeking to stay in Moorea or on the main island of Tahiti while exploring the 118 islands and atolls of this South Pacific paradise.

Where should I stay in Rangiroa for diving?

For the best diving experience, stay in Rangiroa at pearl resorts or boutique hotels near Tiputa Pass, known for world-class shark encounters and pristine coral gardens. This remote location offers an unforgettable stay for diving enthusiasts seeking to explore some of French Polynesia’s most spectacular underwater sites away from the crowds of Tahiti and Bora Bora.