world reviewer
French Polynesia
Many a tale drifts on the sweet wind and azure waters of French Polynesia. Tahiti's capital has captured the imagination of minds as diverse as Paul Gauguin and Robert Louis Stevenson as well as Herman Melville, who was imprisoned not by his creative torments but by the bars of Papeete Prison. Whatever the reason, it is more than easy to find yourself unable to leave French Polynesia's enticing realm.
Tahiti and its surrounding islands may seem like a mirage, they may seem to be a part of a translucent day dream which hovers around the office on a grey day. Yet whether you arrive there thinking you are part of some cruel Matrix-like operation or not be sure to remember, this is real. Locals who sleep beneath the white sands in dugouts, huts which hover over shimmering tides, giant oysters offering black pearls, tropical fruits falling at your feet and valleys cut by crystal rivers and waterfalls; it's all real.
When to go:
French Polynesia's tropical climate means…
“A Brush with Gauguin”
By Matthew Link for Time First Published June 11, 2009 "Gauguin was a revolutionary," says my tour guide Tim as we drive through the rainforests of Hiva Oa. "He fought against the local church, he fought for the rights of us Marquesans. … Read more...
Written by press. Continue reading on time.com
The best things to do in French Polynesia
Sailing French Polynesia
If I was going to do my honeymoon over I’d spend it sailing Tahiti. It’s got just the right kind of islands, which look like t…
Matira Beach
Matira Beach on Bora Bora is one of the best beaches in one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Swimming and sno…
Bora Bora, Pacific island paradise
Surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, Bora Bora is a typical volcanic Pacific Ocean island paradise. Recognisable for its…
Huahine
The two islands which make up Huahine, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, are at low tide joined by a natural sand bridge several hun…
Reefs of the Society Islands
On the western edge of French Polynesia lie the reef fringed Society Islands which include Tahiti, Bora Bora, Huahine and Moore…
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