After months of organization (a bit stressful) and a day rich in emotions, why not savor the happiness of newlyweds, at the edge of a lagoon?
With its transparent waters, its expanses of white sand, its coconut groves and its mixed scents of tiare and vanilla and its bungalows on stilts, French Polynesia remains the ideal honeymoon and the absolute fantasy of
honeymooners
whatever their age .
.
Proof by ten.
To discover
Trips to Polynesia: tours, hotels and tailor-made stays from our partners
Society Islands
Windward or Leeward, the most accessible from Papeete by plane or boat.
THE PIROGUE API ON THE ISLAND OF TAHA'A, CONFETTI AND GREEN RAYS
30 minutes by private boat from Raiatea airport or ten by helicopter from Bora-Bora, the hotel is located on a private motu (small islet) and on the edge of the reef barrier, surrounded by the clear, turquoise waters of the lagoon. .
5500 m2 brightened up with vegetation accommodate five bungalows placed on the water a few seconds from fins and mask of the coral reef, a natural aquarium.
And since neither the fish, nor the turtles, nor the lobsters say a word, only the song of the birds fills the silence.
Solar energy, composting of green waste, organic eradication of mosquitoes, excellent and locavore cuisine… La Pirogue protects its guests and nature.
Kayaking, snorkeling, paddle, boat trips to Taha'a, the neighboring island, the island of pearls and vanilla,
The price:
from €450 per night, add €88 for half-board.
Hotel La Pirogue Api, Motu Moute, Taha'a, 98745, French Polynesia.
Such.
: +689 87 27 56 00.
Read alsoFrench Polynesia, between dream islands and lagoons, the Figaro travel guide
HOTEL LE MAHANA ON THE ISLAND OF HUAHINE, IN FINS AND SAILING
Hotel Le Mahana is located in the heart of Avea Bay in the southwest of the small island of Huahine.
Frantz
Huahiné, one of the most endearing islands with its inhabitants anxious to jointly manage the island's resources, to preserve their culture.
This three-star of 33 bungalows matches with this philosophy.
Coral garden, pretty village nearby, traditional massages and restaurants inside, outside with lagoon menus.
The owner also owns the catamaran company, Tahiti Yacht Charter, offering to combine a 2-day land stay and a 3-day private cruise (just for two).
The sailboat moors in front of the hotel to pick you up.
The price:
from €222 per night (bungalow with garden view), €264 (lagoon view).
Hotel Le Mahana, Bay of Avea, Parea, Huahine Iti, French Polynesia.
Such.
: +689 40 45 04 00.
RAIATEA LODGE HOTEL ON RAIATEA, LAGOON COLORS
Arranged in the hotel grounds, facing the mythical island of Bora Bora, the bungalows enjoy a truly island tranquillity.
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The largest island after Tahiti, Raietea stretches between volcanic peaks topped with vegetation, the lagoon where the pearl farms are anchored and its archaeological site of Taputapuātea, the ultimate witness of the Ma'ohi civilization, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unesco.
Its capital Uturoa, with its old-fashioned shops, seems frozen in the sixties.
This vintage side contributes to its charm.
On the west coast, the lodge, renovated a year ago, facing the lagoon with its main house of nine rooms with antique furniture and patinated wooden floors, evokes colonial houses.
In the large park, near the swimming pool, six recently built bungalows are adorned with linen and contemporary furniture chosen by Josseline Cadet, of KD & CO, star decorator from Papeete.
Chef Franck Bezy's table, renowned throughout the archipelago,
The price:
from €220 per room for two, bungalow €320;
half board €70 per person.
Hotel Raiatea Lodge, Tumaraa Raiatea, 98735, French Polynesia.
Phone: +689 40 66 20 00
INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT & THALASSO SPA IN BORA BORA, OVERWATER VERSION
Located on motu Piti Aau, on the lagoon, facing the main island of Bora-Bora and the majestic Mount Otemanu, the Intercontinental is a 5-star resort made up exclusively of villas on stilts.
I Photo press
Bora-Bora, its infinite palette of blues, the atoll of all desires with its motus encircling the corals.
To be in osmosis with this landscape, and meet the desires for privacy of its guests, the InterContinental has equipped itself with villas on stilts with private swimming pool, the last of which, Teremoana, is one of the most beautiful in Bora-Bora facing the Mount Otemanu.
Nothing could be more romantic than admiring from your deck the sun setting on this black peak, igniting the sky, the mountains and the sea. The clients of these villas enjoy a VIP welcome, with special attentions, such as the little lunch delivered by canoe with champagne, flowers and music, privileged access to the spa, free shuttles, etc.
The price:
villa with swimming pool, from €1,600 per day.
InterContinental Bora-Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, Motu Piti Aau Bora-Bora French Polynesia, 98730, French Polynesia.
Tel.: +689 40 60 76 00.
Read alsoThe InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Hotel in Polynesia, the expert opinion of
Le Figaro
THE BRANDO IN TETIAORA, THE STAR OF THE PACIFIC
Twelve islets make up the atoll of Tetiaroa, 53 kilometers north of Tahiti.
Only one is occupied by The Brando hotel.
Others are owned by Seabirds. TMK, TMK/tim-mckenna.com
Of the hotel built by Bernard Judge in 1973, for Marlon Brando, on one of the Tetiaora motus, 20 minutes flight from Papeete, there was only one shack left.
Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber, a friend of the actor, has rebuilt his paradise while respecting his wishes: 100% eco-responsible hotel, building to accommodate scientists working on ocean protection and other intellectuals.
Inaugurated 10 years after Brando's death, in July 2014, its 35 villas with swimming pool and its residence have since attracted VIPs and anonymous guests seduced by its history and the beauty of the site.
In 2017, Barack Obama dropped anchor there for 6 weeks to write his memoirs.
Surprising policy for a luxury resort: the
all inclusive
, villa, meals, even gourmet, champagnes, good wines, cocktails galore, if desired, spa treatments.
Our favorite villas: the very intimate 104, on Sirens Bay, to the south;
the 204 on the bay of the turtles in the west, for the sunsets and the coral on the surface of water.
The price
: from €3,400 per night for 2, villa with swimming pool, all inclusive.
The Brando Teriaroa, Teti'aroa Private Island, 98702 Arue, French Polynesia.
Tel.: +689 40 86 63 00.
Read alsoHotel Le Brando in Tetiaroa, the expert opinion of
Le Figaro
What is the best season to travel to Polynesia?
The ideal period is between April and mid-November.
Better to avoid December, January and February, it is the rainy season.
The Tuamutu Archipelago
To the northeast of Tahiti, the Tuamutu count 70 islands and atolls.
The closest Fakarava and Rangiroa can be reached in 1h15 by plane from Papeete.
Wild, flat, very authentic, surrounded by pink sand and turquoise water, a postcard dream.
TIKEHAU PEARL BEACH RESORT IN TIKEHAU, LIFE IN PINK
Located on Motu Tiano, 15 minutes by boat from the village, Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts can be discovered by the sea, with its infinite shades of blue.
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In the Pearl collection, this four-star with 36 bungalows and suites, 24 of which are on stilts and the others in the shade of a coconut grove, is a change of scenery for everyone, with its rich seabed, accessible from its deck or from the pink beach. , its table and its bar with Polynesian charms and menus and its spa with local ingredients sand from the atoll, vanilla from Taha'a, fruits.
A delight even if some bungalows require renovation.
Canoe or bike rides, mini-cruises, crazy sunsets, this is the spot for lovers who can dine or have a picnic together, away from it all.
If you want air conditioning, please specify when booking because some rooms do not have it.
Our favorite bungalows 1 and 2, for sunsets and tranquility.
The price:
from €450 per night with breakfast for two.
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts, Tuherahera, Motu Kahia, 98778 French Polynesia.
Tel.: +689 40 96 23 00.
NINAMU RESORT IN TIKEHAU, VERY PRIVATE
The Ninamu Resort, an eco-lodge concerned with preserving nature.
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Hidden within the vegetation of a lovely private motu, the Ninamu Resort, run by Greta and Chris, responds more to the definition of an eco-lodge concerned with preserving nature than to that of a resort.
A handful of bungalows, ten, baptized with Polynesian names, decorated with simplicity, without air conditioning but with fan and mosquito net.
The full board formula includes transfers from the airport, accommodation, three meals, soft drinks and some activities such as sea kayaking, snorkeling, fishing.
The table is good, the bar friendly and the atmosphere without fuss, barefoot style, Robinson Crusoe.
The price:
from €320 per person.
You just have to accept the fixed meal times, but the couples we met on their honeymoon were over the moon.
Ninamu resort, Motu Tavararo, Rangiroa, French Polynesia.
Such.
: +689 87 28 56 8.
HOTEL HAVAIKI LODGE IN FAKARAVA, A PEARL FARM OPPOSITE
A very simple but very comfortable address with ten bungalows along the large beach.
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A lagoon to die for, classified as a "Biosphere Reserve", where thousands of fish and turtles swim and which, in the evening, endlessly reflects the fabulous colors of the sunset, between mauve, orange, blood red.
A very simple but very comfortable address with ten bungalows along the large beach and the sea and five bungalows in the garden with its generous flora.
A plus, offshore, the pearl farm can be visited.
We love the bar on the sand and its top cocktails.
We appreciate the “fusion menu” between Polynesian and French specialities.
We borrow a bike to reach the nearby village and between two coos we play games of petanque, table football and ping-pong.
Free of charge, kayak, canoe, bicycle, masks, flippers and snorkel… Ready to go?
Our favorite bungalow 8, quiet, on the beach.
The price:
from €75 for a garden bungalow and €157 for a beach bungalow for two.
Half board €58 per person.
Hotel Havaiki Lodge, Fakarava, French Polynesia.
Such.
: +689 40 93 40 15.
The Marquesas Islands
Sung by Brel, painted by Gauguin, 1500 kilometers from Papeete (3h15 by plane all the same).
Six inhabited islands out of the 12 of the archipelago, and only three served regularly by plane.
The others are supplied only by the Aranui, a cargo liner.
In short, a disheveled nature flowing in green waves into the Pacific Ocean.
THE NUKU HIVA BY PEARL, AN ARISTOCRAT IN ALL SIMPLICITY
A Relais & Châteaux whose 20 bungalows overlook, in balance, the bay of Taiohae.
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Recently renovated, this four-star hotel is now part of the Relais & Châteaux collection.
A deserved honor for the long-neglected archipelago and for the hotel whose 20 bungalows overlook, in balance, the bay of Taiohae, one of the most spectacular in the world with its high jagged peaks.
Impossible to get tired of this view well installed on its terrace.
You only leave your armchair to enjoy the tropical gardens or the swimming pool.
Mostly local building materials, Marquesan decoration showcasing the surrounding sculptors and painters, locavore cuisine, it is impossible to remain insensitive to the atmosphere at the end of the world, in this corner of… France!
Yes, the administrative buildings, such as the post office and the blue white red flag floating here and there remind us of this.
Our favorite bungalow,
The price:
from €320 with breakfast.
Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts, Nuku-Hiva, 98742, French Polynesia.
Such.
: +689 40 92 07 10.
HIVA OA HANAKEE LODGE AT HIVA OA, IN THE SHADOW OF BREL AND GAUGUIN
Our favorite bungalows 8 and 9 because they combine a sea view. Press photo
Landing on this wild island, seized with emotion, we whisper to ourselves, this stanza of the beautiful song by Brel:
The rain is transverse-It beats from grain to grain-Some old white horses-Which hum Gauguin
… Painting with words, telling an atmosphere, upsetting.
Of course we go, with a guide from the lodge, to the very simple tombs of the singer and the painter who together scan the sea. Back in one of the 14 bungalows (nine ocean view, five looking at the mountain,) perched above the Pacific, forming a circle around the swimming pool, one understands by looking at the bay of Atuona, the love of these two for this land like no other.
Everything at the lodge is Marquesan, the fantastic staff first, the decor, the artwork, the menu.
All !
Our favorite bungalows 8 and 9 because they combine sea view (below and mountain view).
The price:
from €250 mountain view and €272 ocean view, for two;
half board €72 per person, full board €88.
Hotel Hiva Oa Hanakee Lodge, 98 741 Atuona Tel +689 40 92 75 87
Read alsoIn the Marquesas, the original land of the Haka
Go
A very long journey, with transit through Los Angeles and obligatory passage through police and customs checks.
The Polynesian company
Air Tahiti Nui
, which renewed its fleet three years ago, equipping itself with Boeing 787-9 tries, as far as possible, to land at the least busy hours to avoid queues.
And, when you enter the cabin, greeted by the smiling Polynesian staff, the lagoon-colored hues, the tiare flowers, you are already there.
ATN, even in economy mode, offers a number of options: fixed rate, payment in 3 to 4 instalments, choice of seat, access to the lounge, priority pass for recording, etc.
In business class, 30 seats, 2 meters long, recline 180°.
Return flights in economy from €1,181, departure from Paris and the provinces, in business from €4,950.
airtahitinui.
And for a few euros more, you entrust the organization of your honeymoon to a specialized travel agency like
Club Faune
, which knows how to reconcile its expertise and the wishes of its clients.
club-faune.com
