French Polynesia has a way of recalibrating you. Scattered across the South Pacific, its 100+ islands span jade peaks, reef-lined lagoons, sugar-soft beaches and that trademark overwater living. But it’s not just the scenery that sets this region apart—it’s the feeling. The hush of the water at dawn. The scent of tiare flowers on the breeze. The sense that time has loosened its grip.
This is a place where five-star luxury feels effortless. Resorts are discreetly spaced across the islands, with Bora Bora, Moorea, and Taha’a home to some of the most iconic overwater bungalows in the world. Think thatched-roof villas with glass-panel floors, steps into turquoise lagoons, and views that belong in a dreamscape.
But French Polynesia isn’t only for honeymooners. It’s ideal for couples, yes—but also for families, divers, and travellers seeking culture and connection alongside calm. Explore lush volcanic interiors, snorkel coral gardens brimming with marine life, paddleboard into hidden coves, or visit vanilla farms and pearl ateliers run by local families.
Whether you’re island-hopping by boat or seaplane, staying put in an overwater suite or heading inland for wild hikes and waterfall swims, French Polynesia delivers space, stillness, and something entirely off-radar.
If you’re travelling in July, we’ll always recommend planning your stay around Heiva i Bora Bora—an island-wide celebration of Polynesian culture that brings real meaning and energy to your time in the islands. This is when the community comes alive with traditional dance competitions, outrigger canoe races, floral parades and fire dancing, all set against a backdrop of local music and storytelling that’s passed down through generations. It’s not put on for tourists—it’s for the locals first—which makes it even more special. From the costumes (handmade and spectacular) to the chants and percussion that fill the air after dark, it’s a side of Bora Bora most resort guests don’t even realise exists.
The St. Regis Bora Bora leans into scale in all the right ways—larger villas, expansive decks, and a sweeping location that places you right on the edge of Bora Bora’s impossibly blue lagoon. From the moment you arrive (by private boat, of course), everything feels spacious and cinematic: wide views of Mount Otemanu, overwater walkways that stretch further than you’d expect, and villas that genuinely invite you to settle in.
There’s a reason so many travellers dream of Bora Bora—and there’s a reason they choose the Four Seasons. Set on a private motu facing Mount Otemanu, this resort offers the classic Bora Bora picture: wide skies, glassy lagoons, and villas poised just above the water. But what makes it stand out is how beautifully it all flows. The setting is cinematic, yes—but the energy is calm, grounded, and full of warmth.
There’s no fanfare when you land at Tetiaroa—just filtered sunlight through coconut palms, the soft shift of warm air, and that instant sense of having arrived somewhere that runs on its own time. This was once Marlon Brando’s private escape. Today, it’s home to one of the most low-key, high-standard properties in the world.
Swords Travel are bonded by the Travel Trust Association for further financial protection and are ATOL bonded. Swords Travel Limited a UK Company, registered in the UK under companies’ house 10075557. For more information, you can review Terms & Conditions on the following link: Swords Travel T&Cs
