Island Elegance: Discover Tahiti and Beyond with Pleasant Holidays

Tahiti’s Treasures: Hidden in Plain Sight 

The islands of the South Pacific are filled with opportunities to settle in with the serene and tranquil surroundings. French Polynesia has a leisurely pace that affords plenty of space for reflection and thought. Time on the islands morphs into a rare space revolving around food, drink, culture and revelry. Guests seem to find new appreciation for the speed of life on the islands after visiting.  

Now you can secure a complete vacation package and SAVE $200 when you book vacations of 5 nights or longer by 07/13/2025 for travel through 02/15/2026 and include roundtrip air through Pleasant Holidays. Ask your Travel Advisor for details. 

Each of the Islands of French Polynesia has its own signature style. Tahiti is the largest island of the Society Islands archipelago. The island was formed by two volcanoes – the older, larger Tahiti-Nui in the northwest and Tahiti-Iti in the southeast - which are connected by a narrow stretch of land. The island has a figure-eight shape with a mountainous geography and is surrounded by clear waters.  

Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political center of French Polynesia. The island has a beautiful waterfront where yachts, ferries and cargo boats come and go, and a thriving market full of South Pacific atmosphere. Those who fly commercially typically begin their journey in Tahiti by landing in Papeete.  

Moorea is close to Tahiti and offers its coral reefs as a distinguishing characteristic popular with tourists. While snorkeling or diving, you can see the beautiful and vibrant colors of the reef fish in their natural habitat. Moorea’s topography includes Mount Rotui which lies between two enormous inlets, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. 

Tetiaroa is the private island that was home to actor Marlon Brando. The island is now home to The Brando, the resort that carries his namesake, which celebrates and preserves Tetiaroa's pristine beauty, offering the ultimate sustainable luxury for discerning travelers. 

Huahine is a natural wonderland steeped in authentic Tahitian tradition. It is home to copious marine life and is surrounded by coral. Culturally preserved and surrounded by lush vegetation, Huahine has an assortment of hidden temples scattered throughout the island. 

Raiatea is the second-largest island in the Society Islands chain. It’s a popular destination for sailing and deep-sea fishing and shares a coral reef and lagoon with neighboring island Taha’a.  

Taha’a is known for its spice production. It is commonly known as the Vanilla Island because of the many fragrant vanilla orchids. The island is mostly dense forest and shaped like a flower.  

Bora Bora is the Society Islands’ honeymoon retreat. Bora Bora is also where the overwater bungalow style of residence originated. The lagoon on Bora Bora is pristine, a veritable paradise where snorkeling and diving are common pastimes. With a romantic atmosphere popular with couples and newlyweds, the beaches of Bora Bora offer year-round opportunities for watersports and a relaxing scene for lounging in the tropical sun. 

Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu islands, a chain known for its lagoons as well as its atolls. Tikehau Atoll is said to have the best fishing spots in the Tuamotu island chain.  

The Marquesas are considered some of the most remote islands in the world. Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands, is a mountainous bounty of forests and stunning beaches. With the Vaipo waterfall, one of the tallest in French Polynesia, and a volcano, Nuku Hiva is difficult to beat for adventure and sights. 

Some guests prefer to spend their visit island hopping. With ample air and sea transfers available, that’s one way to see a lot of French Polynesia. Others prefer to catch some sun at the pool or wait for the tides to recede so they can hunt for interesting seashells and seaglass. Sticking close to one particular island destination is another choice if you’re into making the most out of resort living. Still others prefer to see the islands via a cruise ship to check off many ports on their journey. Several cruise lines with diverse and wide-ranging itineraries can be booked through Pleasant Holidays’ dedicated Cruise Desk.