The mere mention of Tahiti evokes images of a tranquil South Pacific paradise complete with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush rain forest, epic waterfalls and, of course, overwater bungalows. The largest of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, Tahiti has long satisfied travelers seeking just such an idyllic island getaway. The vibrant French Polynesian capital, Papeete, lies on the northwest coast of Tahiti and is not only a major port for cargo ships but also the largest cruise port in French Polynesia, appearing on the itineraries of major luxury cruise lines.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Fa’a’ā International Airport, about 3 miles from the capital city, is the only international airport in French Polynesia, convenient to all the major hotels and resorts on Tahiti. To get around, many opt to walk around Papeete’s roughly 7-square-mile area. Taxis operate at a relatively high rate; rental cars are available at the airport. There are no rideshare options in Tahiti. To visit the other French Polynesian islands, travel by boat or smaller aircraft.
LODGING
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
This eco-friendly property offers lagoon- or garden- view bungalows with private pools. Enjoy four options for dining and drinks as well as a spa for massages inspired by ancestral Tahitian techniques.
BP 1005 Papetoai, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 55 11 11
hilton.com
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Escape to an exotic paradise complete with overwater bungalows, a stunning beach, lush gardens, swimming pools, indulgent spa and dramatic volcanic peaks. Enjoy a romantic dinner at Le Lotus overwater gourmet restaurant, serving refined French cuisine with a local twist.
PK7, Fa’a’ā, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 86 51 10
ihg.com
Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts
The resort sits on Mataval Bay, where waterfront views, palm trees and local art make the perfect backdrop for a tropical getaway. Indulge in exotic treatments at the spa, then grab a drink poolside to watch the sun set. Free shuttle service to Papeete, just 10 minutes away.
Lafayette Beach PK7, Arue, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 48 88 00
letahiti.com
DINING
Hei Restaurant
The menu constantly evolves at this fine-dining venue featuring French cuisine with island flair. Open for lunch, dinner and drinks, Hei is a Papeete hot spot. Reservations are highly suggested.
FC4F+GV9, Boulevard de la Reine Pomare IV, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 43 77 14
heirestaurant.com
Restaurant Le Sully
Creating French cuisine with a Polynesian touch, this sophisticated little gem serves sumptuous dishes like house-made smoked salmon, duck filet with thyme honey sauce and parrot fish quenelle in lobster sauce. Reservations recommended.
45 Rue du Maréchal Foch, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 83 39 83
restaurantlesully.com
Villa THAI
Experience authentic, traditional Thai food at Villa THAI, where the menu features fresh seafood, noodles, duck, curry and vegan/vegetarian dishes.
36 Bis Rue Albert Leboucher, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 85 60 80
ATTRACTIONS
Explore the Rain Forest
Take a four-wheel-drive Jeep into the dense jungle with a knowledgeable tour guide. Visit Mount Marau, swim at a waterfall and learn from archaeological sites along the way.
Robert Wan Pearl Museum
Discover the history and legends of pearls and how they come from the sea to appear in jewelry and art, becoming a powerful status symbol. View a collection of beautiful pearls, including the largest round Tahitian cultured pearl in existence.
56 Ave. du Commandant Destremau, Papeete, French Polynesia
tel 689 40 54 86 40
robertwan.com
Snorkel
Jump aboard a traditional Polynesian canoe and head to Moorea to snorkel in the lagoon. The crystal-clear waters offer entrance to a bustling underwater world of marine life just beneath the surface.
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 10, 20257 Reasons to Ski in Slovenia
For most ski enthusiasts, the European country of Slovenia is not the first destination they think about when planning a winter ski holiday. But here are seven reasons that just might make a few ski enthusiasts think twice before going to Vermont, Colorado or California.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Egypt
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS
Daily
Jan 10, 20257 Off-the-Beaten-Path Asian Hotels
If exploring an off-the-beaten-path destination is on your 2025 travel bucket list, consider a stay at one of these hotels in lesser-explored Asian locations.
Daily
Jan 10, 2025IHG to Open Kimpton Hotel in Latin America’s Tallest Tower
A new Kimpton hotel is set to open in Latin America’s tallest tower in 2026. Part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Monterrey marks the brand’s sixth property in Mexico. Slated to open in Toree Rise, a brand-new, mixed-use tower in Latin America, this new hotel will feature 120 guestrooms and 60 private residences.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
Daily
Jan 9, 2025New Spier Hotel Launches This Spring in South Africa’s Western Cape
Lauded for its outstanding wines and regenerative farming practices, Spier Wine Farm in South Africa’s Western Cape region prepares to welcome its first guests to its new hotel this spring, with an opening planned for March. Owned by the Enthoven family, the wine estate is located within a protected area known as Cape Floral Kingdom.
Restaurant Christophe Hay Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jan 8, 2025eFlyer News
Jan 8, 2025San Francisco Welcomes First Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel
The latest addition to Curio Collection by Hilton debuts in San Francisco with Timbri Hotel San Francisco. This 12-story, 236-room hotel centers around a “city nature” design philosophy, evident through green-infused color palettes and modern greenhouse-inspired architecture.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
eFlyer News
Jan 8, 2025The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok Opens Today
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok officially opens today, redefining luxury in Thailand’s vibrant capital city. Situated within the One Bangkok district, this new property soars more than 700 feet above the city and each detail showcases The Ritz-Carlton’s signature sophistication blended with Thailand’s rich heritage.
ShareThis