According to Tahiti Tourisme North America, the islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Rangiroa and Raiatea filled five of the 10 spots in the “Top Islands (Oceania)” category” in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, voted by Condé Nast Travelers’ readers, some of the world’s most discerning travelers.
On top of that, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, Te Tiare Beach Resort, Huahine, Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa and the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa filled five of the 10 spots in the “Resort (Oceania)” category. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora also ranked #23 in the “Top 100” that included properties from six continents.
Since we have already covered Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in the previous blog posts, in this blog post, we are going to take a closer look at the top five French Polynesia islands – Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Rangiroa and Raiatea, based on “Top Islands (Oceania)” category in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards.
No. 1 -Bora Bora
Situated 155 miles to the northeast of Tahiti (at latitude 16o 30’ south and longitude 151o 45’ west), Bora Bora was formed around seven million years ago. Surrounding the small island is the most stunning multi-shaded blue and turquoise lagoon in all of the South Pacific. There are almost no words to describe the colors of this magnificent lagoon and its ability to captivate even the most skeptical visitor.
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6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS
From: $2,719.00
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6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS
From: $2,819.00
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7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
From: $2,819.00
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7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
From: $2,859.00
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8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
From: $2,929.00
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No. 2 – Moorea
Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful place on earth, and it’s this magical island that inspired James Michener to write about mythical “Bali Hai.” Moorea is only 11 miles from Tahiti, and one of the features that is so striking about this island is the jagged peaks and spires that give the island its unique profile.
Packages Featuring Moorea
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7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
From: $2,199.00
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7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
From: $2,429.00
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7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
From: $2,859.00
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7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS
From: $3,029.00
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8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
From: $3,239.00
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No. 3 – Huahine
Huahine is a spectacular island and it is as beautiful as Bora Bora or Moorea but far less crowded. Visitors have just recently discovered this quaint island, where you can experience a more traditional Polynesian way of life. The beaches are unmatched in beauty and the anchorages welcome you with charm and enchantment.
Packages Featuring Huahine
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13 DAYS/12 NIGHTS
From: $4,129.00
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13 DAYS/12 NIGHTS
From: $5,289.00
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No. 4 – Rangiroa and the Tuamotu Atolls
Rangiroa, with its 42-mile long by 16-mile wide turquoise lagoon, is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the second largest atoll in the world. Only an hour’s flight from Tahiti, Rangiroa offers sunshine, white coral beaches and an immense playground for water sports and activities including some of the best diving in the world.
No. 5 – Raiatea
Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia, and is located 120 miles north-west of Tahiti. Tahitians believe Raiatea to be the sacred birthplace of their gods and their religious and cultural beginnings. In fact, the most important and well-preserved religious site in all of Polynesia is here. With the large protected lagoon around Raiatea and her charming sister island of Tahaa, the area has naturally become one of our top locations for sailing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving. It is from Raiatea that the first Polynesians set out for Hawaii and New Zealand, entire tribes sailing off to colonize new shores.
Last but not least, check out the breath-taking french polynesia’s slide-show from Condé Nast Traveler and Tahiti Travel Planner’s packages that features those amazing islands in French Polynesia!