Tahiti
French Polynesia

Tahiti

Destination Overview

Ahh, Tahiti, the island paradise so spectacularly romantic, it’s as if it rose out of the South Pacific Ocean for the sole purpose of delivering newlywed bliss. A picture may say a thousand words, but neither words or images can come close to the experience of true perfection in this idyllic heart of French Polynesia. With beauty that’s truly among Mother Nature’s best, Tahiti and its 118 sister islands, including Moorea and Bora Bora, form a volcanic archipelago about 3,000 miles south of Hawaii and 4,000 miles east of Australia. Each island consists of vibrantly colored rain-forests, imposing mountain peaks and sparkling azure lagoons rimmed by luxuriantly soft beach. No matter which island you choose, your honeymoon in Tahiti is sure to deliver the seclusion, relaxation, gorgeous weather and all the romantic activities your trip of a lifetime demands.

Step outdoors to Tahiti’s blissful world of snorkeling, surfing, and outstanding diving, and even indulge in countless ways to live out the ultimate fantasy of being stranded with your love on a secluded desert isle. Take a Polynesian-style spa and be pampered in tropical bliss, or just let the gentle breeze kiss your cheeks while you lie back with your new bride or groom on the beach.

The island nation’s five-star resorts and communities, like the bustling capital hub of Pape’ete, are full of shopping, dining and entertainment as glamorous as anywhere in the world. That means that a Tahiti honeymoon doesn’t just show you the beauty of the islands, but brings you fun as diverse as snorkeling in bays to shopping at boutiques and live music at night.

A honeymoon in Tahiti may be a bit of a reach for the budget-conscious, but for newlyweds unwilling to settle for anything less than a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the decision to travel here is simple. Romance, adventure, natural splendor…simply nothing compares to Tahiti.

 

About Tahiti

At a Glance

The question should be what can’t you do in Tahiti! Place your superlative of choice like dazzling, spectacular or unforgettable in front of activities ranging from diving to coral reefs, whale watching or simply discovering sublime relaxation lagoon-side on a fabulous soft beach. Whatever you chose to do, you can’t escape the lush magnificence of the islands. Shopping, archeology, museums and exquisite dining just touch on the wonderful honeymoon you have in store.

  • FIND YOUR SPARKLE: You don’t have to be a pirate to be drawn to the mystique and beauty of black pearls. Tahiti is known for its abundance of the jewel and Pape’ete is the place to get them. Before you purchase one, you can learn all about them at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum.
  • GET YOUR FRESH FISH HERE: For a taste of local life, visit the Municipal Market. Vibrant and aromatic, you’ll find everything from handcrafted items to Tahitian delicacies such as the uru, fei, taro and corossols as well as an incredible variety of fish. Open 24 hours, this is a fascinating stop any time of day or night.
  • SAMPLE THE ESSENCE OF TAHITI: Monoi oil is a Tahitian tradition that will create a wonderful, one-a-kind souvenir of your idyllic honeymoon. From island to island, the fragrances of the oils and soaps are as different as the families each represent, and they are handmade by the women sell them.
  • ENJOY A MOBILE MEAL: Another experience you can’t find anywhere else is the coming of the roulottes. These mobile food vans roll in as evening comes, lining the water’s edge at Place Toata. Fun and thoroughly unique, you can stroll around for a dizzying choice of delights from Chinese, Italian and French cuisine to steak, pizza and much more.
  • WALK THE WALK: A fantastic way to experience Tahiti’s virtually endless display of natural splendor is through its many hiking trails. However, be aware that not all trails are well marked and a rainy squall can present a dangerous situation with overflowing streams and rivers as well as potential mudslides. That’s not to deter you from an incredibly rewarding hike, and guides are available to offer expertise, just do your homework to plan out a safe and wonderful experience.
  • TAKE THE PLUNGE: Tahiti is among the most gorgeous places on earth for water sports. Snorkeling, water skiing, kayaking and sailing, to name a few, can be enjoyed through professional assistance or on your own nearly everywhere you look. Other memorable activities include dolphin and whale watching tours that never fail to please.
  • SURF AWAY: The massive might of ocean waves smashing along jagged shores draw world-class surfers from all over the world, especially at Teuhupo’o on Tahiti Iti. If that sentence excites you, you know you’re in the right place. For everyone else, less intense surfing can be found around Tahiti and you can even take classes in surfing and body-boarding.
  • HIT THE LINKS: One of the finest spots for excellent golfing is at the 27-hole Olivier Breaud International Golf Course of Atimaono. All the amenities from swimming and spa to top-notch dining are here for all-day golf that’s underscored by simply magnificent scenery of volcanic mountains.

 

Fast Facts

  • CLIMATE: The average temperature in Tahiti is about 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenings can cool down, especially with the sea breeze, so a light jacket may be needed.
  • ELECTRICITY: Tahiti uses the 220-volt system found in Europe. Many hotels do have 110-volt outlets for travelers from the U.S., but you should probably bring an international adapter to be on the safe side.

 

Honeymoon Hints

  • PRACTICE YOUR FRENCH: French is Tahiti’s official language and it’s everywhere from the people you’ll meet on the street to all signs you’ll encounter. In the major shops and restaurants, English is spoken, but it’s always a good idea to honor your hosts by attempting to converse in their mother tongue.
  • RENT A CAR: Your best bet to see more in a shorter time period is by driving yourself here and there. If you are not pressed for time, you still may want to consider it for the freedom it offers in exploring this wonderful destination
  • TRY THE BUS: On the other hand, L’Truck, or bus, is a viable option to see the sights and save money in the process. However, it doesn’t operate on Sundays and schedules may not always be accurate, but if that doesn’t bother you, L’Truck is a great transportation alternative.
  • STAY LONGER: Of course there are so many factors involved in planning a honeymoon, but traveling to Tahiti, with its natural majesty and remote locale, begs to be explored for longer periods of time. “A long weekend” to Tahiti would be akin to traveling to the Louvre to read a comic book.
  • DON’T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT: Securing a new or renewing an old passport is best handled well in advance of your Tahitian honeymoon. While Americans and Canadians only need a valid passport, folks from other nations may want to check with their French Embassy to inquire if a VISA is necessary as well.
  • WATER TO DRINK: Tap water around Tahiti is considered safe for consumption, but many will suggest that you buy bottled water. As is true in most tourist destinations, purchasing it outside of hotels is much cheaper.
  • THE MONEY SITUATION: Knowing their French background, there’s no surprise that Tahitians use a currency called the Franc, also known as the Pacific Franc. Banks are readily available in the bigger centers, such as Pape’ete, and most ATMs are 24 hours.