 French Polynesia Hotels
About The Islands of French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a French overseas territory located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. About 20 million years ago volcanic activity in the area birthed the 118 islands of French Polynesia. The Society, Marquesas, Austral and Gambier Island groups remained high islands, while the Tuamotu Islands group became atolls. The total land area of the islands is equivalent to Europe.
Polynesian origins are believed to be from the area of Southeast Asia, specifically the eastern part of Indonesia or the Phillipines, around 4,000 years ago. The remoteness of the islands insulated its people from the rest of the world until European travel began in the 1700s. Contact between the Polynesians and European explorers did not begin until the discovery of Tahiti by Englishman Wallis in 1767. This resulted in an upheaval of the economic and social structure of the Polynesians. The Christianisation by Protestant and Catholic missionaries resulted in the abandonment of traditional religious practices. After decades of rivalry between Britain and France, France declared the islands as a protectorate in 1843 and an overseas territory of France in 1944. Today, French Polynesia is largely autonomous with some responsibilities remaining with France, such as currency and defence.
Weather - Tropical storms are not common in French Polynesia. Some severe weather may be experienced during the El Niño years.
Currency - The currency of French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc or CFP (sometimes XFP). The rate of exchange for this currency is tied directly to the Euro, at a rate of 119.3317 CFP to €1. For exchange with the US dollar, it amounts to aproximately 75 CFP to US$1. The Faa'a International Airport is one of the best places to get your currency exchanged, or at the Westpac or Socredo banks. Hotels may be more convenient, but you get less for your dollar there.
Language - Although the official language of French Polynesia is French, the unofficial language 'Tahitian' is spoken widely. It is not uncommon to hear locals speaking a combination of Tahitian and French.
Society Islands Hotels
Including the islands of Bora Bora, Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea & Taha'a
 Bora Bora - Bora Bora can truly claim to be a tropical paradise with its turquoise lagoons, lush foliage and brilliant white sands. The ultimate honeymooners spot, this is an island of sheer luxury and indulgence.
Tahiti - The island of Tahiti is the largest and most well known of all the islands in French Polynesia. The capital city of Papeete is located on the northwest coast and is the government centre of French Polynesia. The international airport is located in the village of Faa'a, just south of Papeete.
Moorea - Moorea has been described as the most beautiful place on earth. Its striking features include jagged peaks and spires that give the island a unique profile. Like the other islands in French Polynesia, Moorea's presence is the result of volcanic activity hundreds of thousands of years ago.
Raiatea - Your stay at the Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel will be like discovering the soul of the ancient Polynesians. This property provides a wonderful gateway to discover Raiatea, the Sacred Island, known as the birthplace of the Polynesian gods.
Taha'a - Superbly located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef, the Le Taha'a Private Island & Spa faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and offers an unsurpassed view on Bora Bora island on the ocean side. It is just 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and has been built from natural materials in traditional Polynesian style to ensure that blends perfectly with its motu environment.
Marquesas Islands Hotels
Including the islands of Hiva Oa & Nuku Hiva
Hiva Oa - Hiva Oa is the administrative capital of the southern group of islands. The island is home to the archaeological sites of Puamau where one can see the biggest tikis of French Polynesia, or the site of Taaoa which boasts more than one thousand paepaes. Stay at the Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge, which faces the majestic Mount Temetiu and offers amazing views of Traitors Bay, Bordelais Canal, the small island of Hanakee and the precipitous volcanic island of Tahuata.
Nuku Hiva - Nuku Hiva is the biggest island of the Marquesas archipelago, and the second largest island of French polynesia. Its beauty is breathtaking with the north coast dominated by spectacular basalt pinnacles. The Hakaui waterfall, situated at the end of an ancient royal valley, should also be on your list of must sees, as well as the village of Taipivai. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge, where comfort blends with the charm and hospitality of the Marquesans.
Tuamotus Islands Hotels
Including the islands of Manihi, Rangiroa & Tikehau
Manihi - Manihi and the surrounding area is well known for farming black pearls. Stay at the 5-star Manihi Pearl Beach Resort, situated on a beautiful lagoon populated with tropical fish.
Rangiroa - Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the South Pacific and one of the largest in the world. Its lagoon is enormous and rated one of the top 5 dive destinations in the world. Stay at the Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort.
Tikehau - Considered to be one of the most beautiful atolls in French Polynesia, the fragrance of the air is matched only by the abundance of life in the water. Not surprisingly, fishing is the primary industry for its residents. Stay at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort situated on 4 hectares of tropical paradise.
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