How to Plan a Luxury Honeymoon in the French Polynesia

There is a rare kind of magic in drifting across shimmering lagoons, your hand clasped in your partner’s, while the horizon glows in soft pastels at dusk. For couples seeking an unparalleled escape, Luxury Honeymoons in the French Polynesia offer exactly that: secluded over-water villas, turquoise reefs teeming with life, private beach dinners, and a sense of having the world all to yourselves.

But planning such a dream doesn’t happen by chance. With so many islands, resort choices, inter-island logistics, and premium rates, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step — from choosing when to travel, assembling the optimal island route, selecting the best hotels, mapping the booking timeline, and sprinkling in romantic touches that make it truly unforgettable.

Where every journey begins with you — let’s craft a honeymoon that blends contemporary luxury with timeless romance.

When to Go & How Long

Best time to visit

French Polynesia enjoys tropical warmth year-round, but there is a preferred window. The cooler, drier season, from March to November, is often regarded as the ideal period for travel. During those months, trade winds bring fresh breezes, skies clear, and rainfall is less frequent. Many luxury providers and travel planners recommend avoiding December–February, when humid heat and storms are more likely. 

From a UK perspective, you’ll want to target your honeymoon during the May to September window, which aligns with better weather and fewer tropical downpours. Some UK-based operators also caution that July–August sees high demand (school holiday overlap in many markets). 

Ideal duration

Because of the distances involved, a luxury honeymoon in French Polynesia truly shines over 10 to 14 nights (or more). Shorter stays risk feeling rushed or spending too much time in transit. Many expert itineraries and tour operators centre around 12-day itineraries. 

If you can extend to 15 or even 18 nights, you’ll gain the flexibility to slow down, linger on a remote atoll, or anticipate travel delays. Several descriptive blogs emphasize how honeymooners often choose 4-5 islands in that timeframe. For seasonal insights, festivals, and local culture updates, visit the official French Polynesia Tourism Board website for the most up-to-date information.

How to Structure Your Trip: Island Frameworks & Order

With 118 islands grouped into archipelagos (Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Gambier, Austral), the key is picking a manageable set so you don’t lose time in transit. 

Here are three common frameworks:

Classic Society Islands + lagoon finale

• Begin in Tahiti (for arrival, acclimatisation)
• Hop to Moorea (lush, green hills, easier access)
• Then transition to Bora Bora for overwater villa splendor
• Finish with a motu / private island stay or ultra-exclusive resort

Lagoon & Atoll Focus

• Use Taha’a / Raiatea / Huahine for calm lagoon vibes
• Then proceed to Tuamotu atolls (e.g. Tikehau, Rangiroa) for snorkelling, surf, and seclusion
• Wrap up in Bora Bora or Tetiaroa

Remote & off-grid mix

• Begin in Tahiti → fly to Marquesas (for hiking, culture, rugged terrain)
• Then island-hop into Tuamotus or outer atolls
• Finish with a dreamy base in Bora Bora or Taha’a

Choosing how many islands

Most honeymooners opt for 3 to 5 islands maximum to allow for relaxation. Overextending to 6+ means more time in planes or boats, which can erode the honeymoon mood. 

Order matters



• Always begin with islands closest to Papeete (Tahiti’s airport) to reduce early transit fatigue.
• Gradually move outward so that transfers stay efficient and you always return closer to base.
• Where possible, schedule the most luxurious stay towards the end as a crescendo.
  

Where to Stay: Top Islands & Hotels

Choosing where to stay defines the tone of Luxury Honeymoons in the French Polynesia. Whether you’re drawn to Bora Bora’s iconic lagoon, Moorea’s emerald peaks, or the soft-pink sands of Tikehau, each island offers a slightly different flavour of romance. Below are the most sought-after islands and luxury resorts that elevate the experience from spectacular to unforgettable.

Bora Bora – The Crown Jewel of the South Pacific

Few destinations symbolise tropical romance quite like Bora Bora. Encircled by a luminous lagoon and ringed by coral motus, it’s the epitome of barefoot luxury. The island’s legendary overwater villas were designed for honeymooners — secluded, indulgent, and perfectly aligned with the sunsets.

Top stays:

• The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – Known for its cinematic setting and unrivalled service, this resort offers private plunge pools, glass-floor views, and butler service. Couples can book a private lagoon boat tour or sunset dinner at Lagoon by Jean-Georges.
• Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – A blend of Tahitian architecture and contemporary comfort, its overwater villas are positioned for privacy, and the spa sits serenely on its own motu.
• Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Set on Motu To’opua, the Conrad delivers sweeping lagoon views, a world-class spa, and a sense of elegant seclusion.

Moorea – Adventure Meets Intimacy

Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea offers a lush, mountainous counterpoint to Bora Bora’s polished glamour. The jagged peaks of Mount Rotui, pineapple plantations, and hidden waterfalls give Moorea a relaxed yet adventurous energy.

Top stays:

• Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa – Combines classic overwater villas with direct snorkelling access, plus an overwater creperie perfect for late-night treats.
• Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort – Features one of the island’s best white-sand beaches, with postcard-perfect views of Tahiti on the horizon.

Many couples pair Moorea with Bora Bora — the former for its charm and spontaneity, the latter for its luxury crescendo.

Awake & Wander’s specialists can build a seamless twin-island itinerary, combining Moorea’s lush adventure with Bora Bora’s opulent calm — where every journey begins with you.

Taha’a & Raiatea – The Vanilla Islands

For travellers craving authenticity and intimacy, Taha’a is the hidden gem of the Society Islands. Often dubbed “The Vanilla Island,” it’s perfumed with the scent of orchids and blessed with tranquil lagoons.

Top stays:

• Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts – Accessible only by boat, it’s set within a coral garden. Expect overwater villas facing Bora Bora, and dining infused with vanilla grown on the island.
• Raiatea Lodge Hotel – Ideal for couples wanting cultural immersion, with easy access to sacred marae temples and local villages.

For Luxury Honeymoons in the French Polynesia that balance seclusion and culture, Taha’a is a must — a place where time slows and romance lingers.

Tikehau & Rangiroa – Remote & Rewarding

Part of the Tuamotu Archipelago, these coral atolls are for those who seek quiet, barefoot bliss. Days unfold between snorkelling, paddleboarding, and watching reef sharks glide under your bungalow.

Top stays:

• Ninamu Resort (Tikehau) – Eco-chic with a rustic twist, perfect for honeymooners who value privacy and sustainability.
• The Kia Ora Resort & Spa (Rangiroa) – Offers elegant beachfront villas and exceptional diving — ideal for couples who want a little thrill with their tranquillity.

Awake & Wander curates hand-picked escapes to the Tuamotus for couples who wish to disappear — together.

Signature Experiences & Romantic Touches

A truly memorable honeymoon is not just where you stay, but what you share. Across the archipelagos, there are endless ways to make your Luxury Honeymoon in the French Polynesia deeply personal.

1. Private Lagoon Cruises
   Sail at sunset aboard a private catamaran, champagne in hand, while dolphins dance in your wake. Many resorts can arrange half-day lagoon tours that include snorkelling in coral gardens and secluded beach picnics.
   
2. Underwater Encounters
   In Bora Bora or Rangiroa, swim with rays and black-tip reef sharks in crystalline shallows — a thrilling yet surprisingly serene experience.
3. Dining Under the Stars
   Imagine a table set on the sand, candles flickering, the scent of frangipani drifting through the air. Resorts like The Brando and Le Taha’a offer private beach dining curated by personal chefs.
4. Polynesian Spa Rituals
   Indulge in couples’ massages using monoi oil, or try a Tahitian black-pearl scrub. Many spas incorporate local elements — coconut, vanilla, and tamanu — for natural rejuvenation.
   
5. Aerial Adventures
   Book a helicopter flight over Bora Bora’s heart-shaped lagoon — one of the most photographed landscapes on Earth.
   

Budgeting, Logistics & Booking Order

Even paradise needs planning. For seamless Luxury Honeymoons in the French Polynesia, consider this roadmap to avoid stress and maximise value.

When to book:

• 12–18 months in advance for peak season (May–September).
• 9–12 months for shoulder season (March–April, October–November).
• Early booking secures flight availability from the UK and better villa choices.

Flights & Transfers:

From London, expect at least one stop (often via Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Tokyo). Air Tahiti Nui and Air France operate regular connections to Papeete. Domestic transfers between islands are via Air Tahiti, with options for private charters or helicopter hops for added luxury.

Budget expectations:

• Luxury mid-range honeymoon (10–12 nights): £12,000–£18,000 per couple.
• Ultra-luxury honeymoon (14+ nights, overwater villas, private transfers): £20,000–£30,000+.
• Meals and excursions can be costly, but half-board packages and combined-island deals often reduce daily spend.

Currency & tipping:

The local currency is CFP Franc (XPF), though euros and major cards are widely accepted. Tipping is not customary but appreciated for exceptional service.

Planning tip:

Build in at least one buffer day post-arrival on Tahiti before transferring out to smaller islands — long-haul fatigue can dull the magic if you rush.

Practical Tips & Health Considerations

Before you slip into island time, there are a few practicalities that make Luxury Honeymoons in the French Polynesia even smoother. While the islands are famously serene, a touch of preparation ensures total relaxation.

Travel documents

UK travellers don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days in French Polynesia. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Check that your travel insurance includes medical evacuation — small islands have limited healthcare facilities.

Vaccinations & health

No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry from the UK, though routine boosters (MMR, DTP, Hepatitis A) are recommended. Mosquitoes are present on some islands; bring reef-safe insect repellent. Resorts are well-equipped, but it’s best to travel with a small first aid kit and any prescription medicines.

Packing essentials

Light, breathable clothing, reef shoes, a dry bag, and a waterproof phone case are essential. Pack a sarong or pareo — not just for beachwear, but as a cultural nod to Polynesian style. Many couples also bring a GoPro or drone for capturing lagoon footage (check local drone regulations first).

Cultural etiquette

Polynesians are gracious and gentle. Greetings are often with a smile and a soft “Ia ora na” (hello). Avoid public displays of affection in villages — reserve romance for private resorts. When offered a lei or shell necklace, always accept graciously; it’s a symbol of welcome.

Connectivity



Wi-Fi is available at most luxury resorts, but speeds vary. Consider this a gift — a digital detox. Many couples find that disconnecting enhances their sense of intimacy and presence.

Sample 10–14 Day Itinerary

Here’s how your dream honeymoon could unfold, balancing relaxation, adventure, and indulgence.

Day 1–2: Arrival in Tahiti

Land in Papeete after your international flight. Check into the InterContinental Tahiti Resort, overlooking Moorea’s emerald peaks. Spend a day unwinding by the infinity pool, enjoy a Polynesian dance show, and let your body clock adjust.

Day 3–6: Moorea – The Wild Heart

Transfer via ferry to Moorea. Check into the Sofitel Kia Ora. Spend your days snorkelling the lagoon, hiking to Belvedere Lookout, and sampling local pineapple rum. Don’t miss a romantic beach picnic arranged by Awake & Wander’s local partners.

Day 7–10: Bora Bora – The Icon of Romance

Fly to Bora Bora for your overwater stay at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Book a private lagoon cruise at sunset, swim with rays, and enjoy a couples’ spa ritual with monoi oil. End your evenings dining at Lagoon by Jean-Georges — possibly the most romantic table in the South Pacific.

Day 11–14: Taha’a or The Brando, Tetiaroa – The Finale

Conclude your honeymoon in total privacy.

• Option 1: Stay at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, known for its vanilla-scented breezes and intimate vibe.
• Option 2: For the ultimate splurge, choose The Brando on Tetiaroa — Marlon Brando’s private island, a sanctuary of sustainability and indulgence. Think solar-powered villas, turtle nesting beaches, and world-class service.



Depart from Tahiti with memories of a lifetime — and perhaps, a touch of island sand still between your toes.

Our Take:

"There’s a certain silence that falls over Bora Bora at sunset — the sound of champagne glasses clinking over turquoise waters. That’s when you realise: this isn’t just another honeymoon. It’s your first adventure together.”

Booking Protections & Peace of Mind



Every booking with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel is protected by ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance, giving you full financial protection.

That means your flights, accommodation, and transfers are all secured — so you can book your Luxury Honeymoon in the French Polynesia with complete confidence.

We work only with vetted suppliers and trusted local partners. Should anything change before or during your trip, we’ll handle it — swiftly, transparently, and with your comfort at the centre.

Your honeymoon should be filled with sunsets, not stress. Our protection ensures that the only surprises are the good kind.

Why Choose Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

At Awake & Wander, we believe every journey begins with you.

Our travel designers don’t sell packages — they craft personal love stories in motion. From the moment you reach out, you’ll work with a dedicated expert who listens, dreams with you, and builds your perfect Luxury Honeymoon in the French Polynesia around your personalities.

Whether you crave barefoot luxury or five-star sophistication, we’ll pair you with the right islands, villas, and experiences. Every itinerary is handcrafted, ensuring seamless travel, hidden-gem experiences, and the quiet confidence of 24/7 support.

Contact us today at 01495 400011 or via our online enquiry form

Frequently Asked Questions