19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is the world’s gold standard for tropical luxury. This 19-day epic journey spans the iconic high islands of the Society archipelago and the secluded coral atolls of the Tuamotus, designed specifically for travelers who demand the finest service, exclusivity, and breathtaking natural beauty.
This itinerary balances high-octane adventure—such as helicopter tours over heart-shaped reefs—with moments of profound serenity in private motu (islet) sanctuaries. Every transfer is managed via premium domestic flights or private boat charters, ensuring your transit is as seamless as the turquoise horizons you'll be traversing.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Papeete, French Polynesia - Arrival in Paradise
Arrival at Faa'a International Airport
Complete your VIP arrival with a traditional flower lei greeting and private transfer to your luxury resort.
Check-in at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Relax in a panoramic room overlooking the sister island of Moorea as you decompress from your journey.
Sunset Cocktails at Tiki Bar
Sip on a signature Mai Tai while watching the first of many South Pacific sunsets.
Fine Dining at Le Lotus
Enjoy a sophisticated overwater dinner featuring French-Polynesian fusion cuisine.
Day 2: Papeete, French Polynesia - Island Interior Exploration
Private 4x4 Safari to Papenoo Valley
Explore the lush, volcanic heart of Tahiti, visiting hidden waterfalls and ancient basalt peaks.
Riverside Gourmet Lunch
A private catering setup deep in the valley featuring local delicacies like Poisson Cru.
Venus Point Visit
Walk the black sand beaches where Captain Cook once observed the transit of Venus.
Papeete Market & Roulottes
A refined take on local culture: browse luxury black pearls at Robert Wan then visit the famous gourmet food trucks.
Day 3: Moorea, French Polynesia - Crossing to the Magic Island
Scenic Flight to Moorea
A short 15-minute hop providing incredible aerial views of the reefs separating the two islands.
Check-in at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort
Settle into your overwater bungalow situated between the historic Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.
Lagoon Paddleboarding
Glide over the crystal-clear waters of the northern lagoon at your own pace.
Arii Vahine Restaurant
Indulge in a seafood buffet featuring the freshest catch from the Moorea waters.
Day 4: Moorea, French Polynesia - Marine Life Encounters
Private Whale & Dolphin Watching
Join a marine biologist on a private boat to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat (seasonal).
Lunch at Snack Mahana
A local favorite known for its world-class mahi-mahi dishes served beachside.
Belvedere Lookout Point
A private driver takes you to the highest accessible point for a panoramic view of the twin bays.
Polynesian Fire Show
Experience the traditional dance and fire performances at the Tiki Village Cultural Center.
Day 5: Moorea, French Polynesia - Wellness & Relaxation
Mandara Spa Treatment
Enjoy a couple's massage using local monoi oil and volcanic stones.
Tropical Garden Exploration
Taste local jams and explore the vanilla plantations at the Moorea Tropical Garden.
Private Sunset Sailing
Charter a catamaran for a private sunset cruise with champagne and appetizers.
Dinner at Le Lezard Jaune
A cozy, high-end French bistro known for its creative use of local ingredients.
Day 6: Huahine, French Polynesia - The Garden Island
Flight to Huahine
Transfer to the less-traveled, lush island of Huahine, often called the 'Garden of Eden'.
Check-in at Hotel Maitai Lapita Village
Stay in a premium garden bungalow built on ancient archaeological grounds.
Explore Fare Village
Rent a car to visit the charming main town and its artisanal boutiques.
Dinner at Omai Restaurant
Traditional French cuisine served in an open-air pavilion overlooking the lake.
Day 7: Huahine, French Polynesia - Sacred Sites & Traditions
Maeva Village Archaeological Tour
Visit the ancient Marae (temples) and the unique V-shaped stone fish traps still in use today.
Sacred Blue-Eyed Eels
Visit the village of Faie to see the legendary eels that are sacred to the islanders.
Distillerie Huahine Passion
Sample exotic liqueurs made from local fruits like starfruit and ginger.
Private Beach Dinner
A candlelit setup on the sand for an intimate evening under the stars.
Day 8: Huahine, French Polynesia - Motu Sanctuary
Private Motu Picnic
A private boat takes you to a remote islet where a chef prepares a feast of grilled lobster.
Snorkeling at the Coral Garden
Discover vibrant coral formations and reef sharks in the shallow, clear channels.
Huahine Itineraries Spa
Relax with a traditional Polynesian Taurumi massage.
Fare Mauarii Dining
Experience authentic island flavors in a rustic yet refined setting.
Day 9: Raiatea, French Polynesia - The Sacred Island
Flight to Raiatea
Travel to the spiritual center of Polynesia, the second-largest of the Society Islands.
Taputapuatea Marae Visit
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, the most important ancient temple in the South Pacific.
Faaroa River Kayaking
The only navigable river in French Polynesia; paddle through a lush rainforest canyon.
Dinner at Fish & Blue
Modern seafood dishes served in a stylish waterfront setting in Uturoa.
Day 10: Taha'a, French Polynesia - The Vanilla Island
Private Boat Transfer to Taha'a
Cross the shared lagoon from Raiatea to the fragrant island of Taha'a.
Maison de la Vanille Tour
Learn why Taha'a produces the world's most sought-after vanilla beans.
Check-in at Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts
Experience a Relais & Châteaux property on its own private motu.
Hawaiki Nui Dinner
Fine dining set high in the trees with views of the Bora Bora skyline across the water.
Day 11: Taha'a, French Polynesia - Pearls & Gardens
Champon Pearl Farm Visit
Discover the meticulous process of cultivating the rare black Tahitian pearl.
Coral Garden Drift Snorkel
Let the gentle current carry you over a mesmerizing field of coral and tropical fish.
Rum Distillery Tasting
Sample award-winning organic rums at the Pari Pari distillery.
Beachside BBQ
A sophisticated weekly event featuring traditional earth-oven (Ahima'a) cooking.
Day 12: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - The Jewel of the Pacific
Flight to Bora Bora
The ultimate aerial arrival over Mount Otemanu and the world's most famous lagoon.
Check-in at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Retreat to your massive overwater villa with private butler service.
Private Lagoonarium Swim
Enjoy a private encounter with rays and reef sharks in the resort's protected sanctuary.
Lagoon by Jean-Georges
Exquisite French-Asian cuisine over the water with views of the mountain.
Day 13: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Private Yacht Odyssey
Private Sunreef Yacht Charter
Spend a full day exploring the farthest reaches of the Bora Bora lagoon on a luxury catamaran.
On-Board Gourmet Lunch
Freshly caught seafood and champagne served on the deck of your yacht.
Sandbank Relaxation
Drop anchor at a deserted sandbank for a private swim in waist-deep turquoise water.
La Villa Mahana Dinner
The most exclusive restaurant on the island; only seven tables available per night.
Day 14: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Mount Otemanu Views
Mount Pahia Guided Hike
A challenging but rewarding private trek for the best views of the entire archipelago.
Vaitape Shopping
Visit the main town for luxury black pearl shopping at boutiques like Tahia Exquisite Pearls.
Sunset Jeep Tour
Explore the WW2 remnants and scenic overlooks as the sky turns pink.
Bora Bora Yacht Club Dinner
Enjoy the relaxed, high-end atmosphere and the legendary tuna tartare.
Day 15: Bora Bora, French Polynesia - Aerial Splendor
Private Helicopter Tour over Tupai
Fly over the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai for the most romantic view in the world.
Beach Lunch at Bloody Mary’s
Visit the iconic restaurant frequented by celebrities for a casual fish burger.
Spa Miri Miri treatment
A final resort spa session utilizing pearl powder and island botanicals.
Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill
Feet-in-the-sand dining with high-end grilled meats and live acoustic music.
Day 16: Tikehau, French Polynesia - The Pink Sand Atoll
Flight to Tikehau
Leave the high islands for the vast, low-lying coral atolls of the Tuamotus.
Check-in at Ninamu Resort
An exclusive, all-inclusive luxury eco-lodge on a private motu with only 7 villas.
Pink Sand Beach Walk
Walk the shores of the lagoon where the sand takes on a distinct rosy hue from coral dust.
Family-Style Gourmet Dining
Fresh lagoon fish caught that morning served in the main lodge.
Day 17: Tikehau, French Polynesia - Bird Island Sanctuary
Boat Excursion to Motu Puarua
Visit the 'Island of Birds' to see red-footed boobies and frigatebirds nesting in the trees.
Robinson Crusoe Picnic
A secluded lunch on an uninhabited motu far from any other human presence.
Kayaking the Inner Lagoon
Explore the shallow, crystal waters where the reef sharks are often found 'sleeping'.
Stargazing & Dinner
With zero light pollution, the Tuamotu night sky is one of the clearest on Earth.
Day 18: Tikehau, French Polynesia - World-Class Diving
Scuba Diving the Tuheiava Pass
Experience one of the most shark-dense passes in the world for an adrenaline-pumping drift dive.
Fare Lunch by the Sea
Enjoy a simple but delicious lunch of grilled lobster and coconut rice.
Bicycle Tour of Tuherahera
Rent a bike to explore the main village of Tikehau and meet the friendly locals.
Farewell Dinner at the Lodge
A multi-course tasting menu celebrating the flavors of the Tuamotus.
Day 19: Papeete, French Polynesia - Final Farewells
Flight back to Tahiti
Final views of the coral rings of the Tuamotus as you return to the main island.
Day Room at InterContinental Tahiti
Relax in a day room to refresh before your international flight later tonight.
Tahiti Pearl Museum
A final educational stop to understand the history of the black pearl industry.
Departure from Faa'a International Airport
Private transfer to the airport for your flight home, ending your epic journey.
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
The best time to visit French Polynesia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this window, you'll enjoy clear skies, lower humidity, and cooler temperatures (averaging 78°F/25°C). June, July, and August are the peak months, offering the best conditions for diving and sailing, though early September is often the 'sweet spot' for seeing humpback whales in Moorea while avoiding the heaviest summer crowds.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF), which is pegged to the Euro. While luxury resorts and high-end restaurants in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora widely accept Visa and Mastercard, smaller islands like Huahine or Tikehau still rely heavily on cash for local markets and small boutiques. Tipping is not culturally expected in French Polynesia, though a small gratuity for exceptional service at high-end resorts is always appreciated.
Getting Around French Polynesia
The most efficient and luxurious way to travel between islands is via Air Tahiti, the domestic carrier. For a 19-day multi-island trip, purchasing an Air Tahiti Pass is highly recommended. For inter-island transfers within the lagoon (like Raiatea to Taha'a), private boat charters are the standard for premium travelers. On the islands themselves, private chauffeurs or rental cars are the best ways to explore, as public transport is limited or non-existent on the outer islands.
