French Polynesia Hotels

French Polynesia is a group of some 130 islands spread over an area the size of Europe, the most famous of which is Tahiti, and which includes Bora Bora, Maupiti and Tupai. It is directly administered by France, and French is the official language, although political instability and the pro-independence movement have been growing. The first European to ‘discover’ the island was Magellan in 1521, and James Cook visited in 1769. The island of Tahiti does not live up to the azure sea and dazzling white beach stereotype, but its waterfalls, mountains and black-sand beaches are gorgeous nonetheless. The capital is Pape’ete, the only city on the islands.

Tahiti is rich with archaeological sites, and has a music and dance festival in July. Whale watching and surfing are also popular. The celebrated painter, Paul Gauguin, lived on the island and depicts its inhabitants and landscape in glowing colours.

The island of Bora Bora is one of the most luxurious destinations in the world, and is priced accordingly. For those on a budget, or who prefer a less developed area, Maupiti is a gem. It is one of the most isolated of the islands, sparsely developed and lacking luxury resorts.

To many visitors this is bliss.