Private bungalows on top of beautiful turquoise water… jagged, green cliffs… exotic culture… tranquility… ultimate relaxation… These are the wonderful images that come to mind when I think about the French Polynesian islands.

Not just an island…
Tahiti is not just one island, but is comprised of 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, covering approximately 2 million square miles in the South Pacific Ocean. Although the islands are spread across an area equivalent to the size of Western Europe, the total land mass only adds up to the size of the state of Rhode Island. The five archipelagoes are Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Australs, and Gambier.

Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme

The Society islands include the most famous tourist destinations in French Polynesia - Tahiti (the largest island in French Polynesia), Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, and Taha’a. The Tuamotu Atolls and Marquesas (Mysterious Islands) are also frequented by tourists, while Australs and Gambier are considered to be more remote locations.

Tahiti’s secluded islands make this location an ideal romantic destination for honeymooners and couples. However, there is also much in store for those who are in love with adventure and relaxation.

Getting there…
Halfway between California and Australia, Tahiti isn’t as far away as you think. Papeete Faa’a Airport is approximately 8 hours from Los Angeles LAX Airport. 13 hour non-stop flights also operate from New York JFK Airport. Tahiti Nui Airlines also offers flights from Paris, Sydney, Auckland, Tokyo, and Osaka. If you’d prefer to make other islands in French Polynesia such as, Bora Bora your final destination, there are connecting flights to Bora Bora available as well.

One of the things that makes French Polynesia so unique, are its style of lodging. Hotels that have private bungalows over water can be found on many resorts on the islands. If sleeping above water is not your thing, there are plenty of other options available. For accommodation packages such as Hotel Bora Bora, check out Easy Tahiti.

French Polynesia sounds like wonderful place. Hopefully someday soon my JetSet dreams of Tahiti will become a reality…until then…I’ll pretend my front porch is overlooking the ocean instead of just my yard.