Beyond overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons, The Islands of Tahiti are a diverse, soulful destination that reward curiosity, celebrate authenticity and invite every kind of traveller.

Scattered across a vast area in the middle of the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti are more than just a postcard-perfect paradise.

There is a sacred force in The Islands of Tahiti called Mana; the vital force that is the spirit of the islands, the people and the Ma’ohi culture. As part of the Mana, the Tahitians believe there’s a link between man and nature and that this must be maintained. With its unique ecosystems and untouched nature, The Islands of Tahiti need to be protected at all costs. A great way to put less pressure on the islands is to visit in the off-peak season, which falls between November and April. This is when the islands are lush with flora and fauna due to the occasional downpour, which usually only lasts a few minutes, followed by a sunny day. It’s also typically a bit quieter, which means you’ll have more accommodation options to choose from and the opportunity to get some great deals.

But whenever you go, this collection of 118 islands and atolls offers a rare fusion of natural beauty, deep Polynesian culture and a sense of serenity that’s increasingly hard to find.

For The Hiker: Tahiti & Moorea

The Queen of the Islands, Tahiti, is more than a pitstop. With its black sand beaches and imposing, majestic mountains, the largest island in French Polynesia towers over the South Pacific Ocean. Explore the island via 4WD tours to stunning waterfalls in the valleys, surf the notorious Teahupo’o waves or visit some of the most beautiful volcanic black sand beaches in the destination.

Just a short 40-minute ferry ride away, you’ll find the sister island, Moorea, which has a wide range of adventurous activities both in the water and on land. Lagoon activities include snorkelling, planting corals on the reef, swimming with stingrays and sharks, or stand-up paddling through the calm waters in the bays. Landlocked activities include mountain biking and hiking through the lush vegetation, ziplining in a treetop adventure park, or following the pineapple trail across the island. With its proximity to Tahiti and regular ferries, Moorea can easily be explored for the day.

For The Cultural Buff: Raiatea

Known as the sacred island, Raiatea is the cradle of Polynesian civilisation and a must-visit for those seeking to connect with the islands’ spiritual roots. It is home to Taputapuātea, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marae (a Polynesian open-air temple), which is considered the birthplace of the Polynesians. Standing before the ancient stone platforms overlooking the lagoon, it’s easy to imagine the voyagers who once set sail from here, navigating by the stars to explore the Pacific. Today, travellers can immerse themselves in this living history by joining local guides who share oral traditions passed down through generations. Beyond its cultural significance, Raiatea is also lush and untamed, with rainforest-covered mountains and the winding Faaroa River offering an adventure through its heart.

For The Couples: Bora Bora

With its dramatic backdrop of Mount Otemanu, hibiscus-covered slopes and colourful lagoon, it’s no surprise that Bora Bora is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’. The island, which is known for its range of overwater bungalows, is the ultimate honeymoon destination and for good reason. Wake to the sound of gentle waves beneath your overwater bungalow or beach villa, share a romantic breakfast delivered by canoe and spend sun-drenched days exploring coral gardens or cruising the lagoon at sunset. Beyond its postcard perfection, Bora Bora offers moments of genuine connection, from private beach picnics on secluded motus (islets) to stargazing under the South Pacific sky. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply love itself, Bora Bora invites couples to slow down, savour each other’s company and rediscover what it means to truly escape together.

For The Diver: Fakarava

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava is one of the planet’s most extraordinary diving destinations. Its vast lagoon is edged by coral reefs so pristine they feel untouched by time. Beneath the surface, divers encounter colourful coral gardens, schools of barracuda and walls of grey reef sharks that move in unison through the famous Garuae Pass. Unlike many dive hotspots, Fakarava’s magic lies in its balance: it’s thrilling yet tranquil, wild yet carefully protected. Local dive operators work closely with conservation groups to preserve the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem, ensuring that each descent leaves nothing but bubbles behind. Above water, life moves at a slower rhythm. The atoll’s small guesthouses and family-run pensions offer warm Polynesian hospitality, giving divers a true sense of connection to both nature and community.

For The Slow Traveller: Taha’a

Just a short boat ride from Raiatea lies this little-known island, which is often called the Vanilla Island – and with good reason. As you arrive by boat to Taha’a, the sweet, heady scent of vanilla lingers in the air, carried from small family plantations that dot its lush hillsides. Visitors can tour these farms to learn how the delicate orchids are hand-pollinated and cured, creating some of the world’s most sought-after vanilla pods. Beyond its fragrant fame, Taha’a is a place where time seems to slow. Its lagoon, shared with Raiatea, is dotted with uninhabited motus fringed by coconut palms and perfect snorkelling spots. The island remains blissfully under the radar, with only a handful of boutique resorts and guesthouses. It’s the ideal spot for travellers seeking a blend of authenticity, quiet luxury and untouched beauty.

For The Explorer: Hiva Oa & Nuku Hiva

In the remote archipelago of the Marquesas Islands, far from the main tourist path, lie Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva. These islands, with their ​​rugged, majestic and hauntingly beautiful nature, appeal to those drawn to raw landscapes and deep cultural heritage. On Hiva Oa, dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea, while ancient tiki statues stand guard in lush valleys, remnants of a powerful pre-European civilisation. The island was also home to artist Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, whose legacies add an artistic mystique to the wild terrain. Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas, is a land of waterfalls, basalt peaks and untamed trails. It is a paradise for hikers and adventurers. Exploring these islands feels like stepping back in time: life here is guided by tradition and every encounter with locals offers insight into a Polynesia that has changed little over centuries.

For The Ultimate Relaxer: Tikehau

If paradise had a shape, it might look like Tikehau: a near-perfect circle of coral enclosing a luminous lagoon. Often described as one of the most beautiful atolls in the world, Tikehau is the ultimate escape for those craving peace and simplicity. Days here unfold slowly: a morning snorkel among clouds of colourful fish, a bike ride to a pink-sand beach, an afternoon siesta beneath a thatched roof in a local guesthouse. Tikehau’s small scale and sense of seclusion make it ideal for couples or anyone wanting to unplug completely. With its gentle pace, abundant marine life and radiant sunsets, it captures the essence of what makes The Islands of Tahiti so irresistible: the luxury of time, space and nature in perfect harmony.