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Size, Location, Population: 118 islands cover an area the size of Europe, yet with a land mass of only 1,550 square miles, one fourth of which is the most famous island, Tahiti. Located midway between California (4,000 miles) and Australia (3,300 miles), French Polynesia has a population of 189,000, 70% of whom live on Tahiti. The best-known and most frequently visited islands are the Society Island chain: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; and the Tuamotu Archipelago: Rangiroa and Manihi.
Time Zones: Two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, the same as Hawaii (Three hours behind during Pacific Daylight Time).
Entry Formalities: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport valid for six months beyond their date of return. If your passport is other than U.S. or Canadian, check with the French Consulate. No immunization certificates are required.
Currency: The Pacific French franc (XPF) is the currency used in French Polynesia. It is different from the French franc. Banks are located at Tahiti's International Airport and on each island. ATM machines are available on Tahiti and Moorea. Generally a higher exchange rate is given for travelers' cheques than for cash. Hotels also exchange money but give a less favorable rate than banks. U.S. currency may be accepted in most hotels, restaurants and other large establishments.
Electricity: Most hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers. For other appliances such as hair dryers, a converter/ adapter kit will usually be needed. Hotels may have either 110v or 220v systems. It's wise to always inquire at the hotel desk about the compatibility of your appliances before you attempt to use them.
Language: The official languages are Tahitian and French. English is spoken in most tourist locales.
Tipping: Although tipping is not customary in Tahiti, it is appreciated for exemplary service.
Climate: French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. The climate is divided into two seasons: a "summer" that spans from November through March, when the daily temperature is about 86° Fahrenheit, and most of the rain falls; and a drier "winter" that spans from April through October, when the daily temperature is about 82° Fahrenheit. The year-round low is about 70° Fahrenheit. The average water temperature is in the low 80s.
Food: Most tourist hotels have restaurants. In Papeete and around Tahiti, there are also a number of excellent restaurants offering a wide variety of French, Italian, American, Chinese, Vietnamese and Polynesian dishes. There are several restaurants on Moorea, and a few on Bora Bora. On the outer islands, meals are taken at the hotels.
Health Tips: While tap water is generally safe, we suggest using bottled water sold by all hotels. A good sun screen is essential (sun block is suggested for the first few days) to prevent burning. As in all tropical locales, French Polynesia has its share of mosquitoes; the hotels do their part to keep this problem to a minimum, but it is still wise to pack an insect repellent. Hospitals or medical clinics are available for emergencies on most islands. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient to the hotels.
Tipping: Although tipping is not customary in Tahiti, it is appreciated for exemplary service.
HOTEL LOCATION MAP
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Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa
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The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa is one of the most magical oases on earth, a tropical fantasy set in the crystal-clear lagoon waters of the breathtaking island of Bora Bora. The resort offers 44 over-water bungalows and 23 motu-style bungalows, built in the traditional Tahitian style with thatched roofs and private sundecks. Guests can enjoy the 160-foot freshwater free-form pool, two flood-lit tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, outdoor theme night buffets with spectacular local entertainment, as well as the Maru Spa,the only tree-top spa in French Polynesia.
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Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, Luxury Collection
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Located on a charming islet at the foot of Mount Otemanu and southeast of the main island of Bora Bora, this gorgeous escape from civilization is one of the most exclusive luxury resorts in French Polynesia. The 120 luxury villas are located on 16 acres of lush, terraced hillside and on the water of a private, protected cove - all with gorgeous lagoon views. Deluxe offerings include the Mandara Spa, fitness center, 10,000 square-foot infinity pool, private white-sand beach,sport fishing, shark and ray feeding, scuba, snorkeling, windsurfing and much more.
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Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
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The Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is situated on the island of the Motu Tevairoa, ten minutes by boat from the airport. The secluded location facing the lagoon and towering Mount Otemanu make it an ideal romantic retreat. The 80 bungalows - set over the water, the beach or in the garden are built in the pure Polynesian style. Dining choices include Tevairoa restaurant for international and French Polynesian cuisine, and Miki Miki for poolside lunch. The Miki Miki is also open for dinner and offers Italian specialities.
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Hotel Bora Bora
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Snorkeling equipment and lessons, outrigger paddle canoes, outrigger sailing canoe, tennis, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, billiards, library, garden tours, afternoon tea, video movies, slide shows, pareo-tying demonstrations, tamure lessons, basket weaving and flower hei and lei making lessons. Manager’s cocktail welcome on Tuesdays, folkloric dance shows on Wednesday, and the Mamas' show on Friday
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InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
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The InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora Resort is located to the south side of the main island, at the famous Matira Point. Matira Point is formed by two white sand beaches, a windward beach on Taahana Bay and a leeward beach on Matira bay. This is recognized as the most beautiful site in French Polynesia. Adorned by white sand and turquoise water, the InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora offers you an exclusive and exotic retreat.
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InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
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Located on Motu Piti Aau ("Two hearts" in Tahitian), InterContinental Resort and Thalasso-Spa Bora Bora is the newest upscale hotel on Bora Bora. The resort called for revolutionary solutions in both environmental protection and comfort. The sea water air-conditioning system is unique in french polynesia and eliminates pollutants effects. This deep sea water is also used in the Thalasso-Spa, the first one to be built in the southern hemisphere. This desalinated, extraordinarily pure deep sea water, containing an excellent complement of nutritional of mineral salts will be bottled under the label "Vai Moana" right at the Spa.
The architects and interior designers, in cooperation with the InterContinental Hotels Group have combined Polynesian tradition and contemporary style, making this resort hotel unique beyond compare
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Le Meridien Bora Bora
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Le Meridien Bora Bora is one of the most original hotel complexes on the island. Built on a motu the hotel offers an unsurpassed view of the world-renowned Mount Otemanu. Its 82 over-water bungalows feature an exclusive glass floor and 17 beach bungalows propose a private beach. You will enjoy a wide range of activities: a lagoon tour in an exclusive traditional sailing Polynesian pirogue, snorkelling exploration, swimming with the turtles in our unique sanctuary and family activities.
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Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort
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Enjoy 80 air conditioned rooms and 4 rooms for the disabled. Situated 9 kilometers from the city center, this hotel features a restaurant, bar, activities center, swimming pool and scuba diving club on the beach. Take advantage of free entertainment on one of the most beautiful beaches of Bora Matir.
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Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort
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On the edge of a private sandy beach in stunning Matira Bay, the newly opened Sofitel Marara Bora Bora features Polynesian architecture in a setting of unparalleled beauty to provide an unforgettable experience for every guest. Crafted from wood and woven pandanus, the Sofitel's bungalows provide all imaginable comforts while remaining in harmony with the island's natural beauty.
All bungalows boast spacious private terraces and feature Sofitel's patented MyBed for the ultimate sleep, while overwater bungalows feature in-floor viewing platforms, illuminated at night, to watch colourful fish swim by underneath.
A paradise of culinary delights is on offer at Latitude 16° which takes full advantage of the island's bountiful fare and overlooks the peaceful lagoon, or Wakaba Japanese restaurant with an ultra-stylish modern setting and the mesmerising spectacle of teppanyaki tables.
Recreational facilities include a sparkling infinity pool overlooking the lagoon and a luxurious Day Spa, while activities on offer include waterskiing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, shark feeding and romantic private island picnics.
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Sofitel Motu Bora Bora
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Set on a small private motu (island) off the southern tip of Bora Bora. Reached via a four-minute boat shuttle, the hotel consists of an open-air main building with restaurant, bar, and other guest services, and 30 surrounding bungalows set on stilts beside the beach or over the adjacent lagoon.
This resort offers three beaches with hammocks and lounge chairs, massage services and an activity center with a variety of watersports equipment. Complimentary extras include on-demand shuttles to the main island and use of the pool, fitness center and other facilities at a nearby sister property.
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St. Regis Resort Bora Bora
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Edged by powdery sands and a tranquil lagoon, this resort represents the epitome of carefree elegance. A total of 74 one-bedroom villas skim the lagoon, with eight of these featuring terrace Jacuzzis.
The five two-bedroom over-water villas with private swimming pools are a first in French Polynesia. Nestled on the beach are 11 one-bedroom villas and two two-bedroom villas. The 13,000-square foot Royal Estate, majestic on its secluded cove and extending over three separate pavilions, surpasses every expectation.
Three restaurants await you, including an over-water dining room featuring Mediterranean and Pacific Fusion cuisine. For dreamy relaxation, there's a main pool with swim-up bar and a romantic adult pool with private daybeds. The Spa at St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora, on its own private lagoon island, offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and an incomparable arrayof island-inspired indulgences.
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