TAHITI
Crowned by Polynesia’s two highest peaks and encircled by black, velvety beaches and pink coral reefs, Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands that comprise French Polynesia. As the very heart and economic center of the destination, the island proudly receives all visitors via Faa’a International Airport.
 

The legendary rock at Point Tata’a still exists today. Long ago, chiefs would come to this rock and scatter feathers in an ancient ritual that would determine a person’s destiny. The way the feathers fell would signify whether or not that individual would be able to enter Rohutu Noanoa. Known as the “Gateway to Paradise,” Rohutu Noanoa was believed to be a place of supreme perfection; a place where the water sparkles like diamonds and is abundant with fish. When someone died, if allowed in, they would transform into a bird and fly away to paradise. If not, they became a slave and lived forever in darkness.

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MOOREA

Moorea is everyone’s dream of a spectacular Polynesian paradise. Often believed to have inspired the mythical “Bali Hai” from James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, it is a magical island of savage yet captivating beauty; a land where emerald mountains rise from sandy shores and tower over pineapple plantations, ivory beaches and shady lagoons.

 

Here, life moves at a much slower pace. Beyond the hands of time, a carefree existence prevails, where the dream of walking barefoot in the sand for hours on end and basking in the glow of the warm, tropical sunlight can become an instant reality. It is this carefree lifestyle, coupled with its close proximity to the island of Tahiti, that makes Moorea a favorite among Tahitians and visitors alike. And the locals – just like the lagoon that surrounds the island they call home – are extremely warm and inviting to all arriving guests. This relaxed, friendly atmosphere, set amidst the island's rare, natural beauty, is what gives Moorea her unique charm.

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Along Moorea's waterfront road lie her quaint villages with their many boutiques, restaurants and hotels. These establishments are interspersed with uninhabited beaches and secluded coves, maintaining a perfect environment for complete solitude and relaxation. A journey to the interior part of the island reveals cascading waterfalls and amazing panoramic views of Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, whose midnight blue waters are dotted white with yachts resting peacefully at anchor. To explore her pristine landscape and witness her alluring splendor is to discover what many artists and travelers have seen before your time: Moorea’s timeless beauty and virtually untouched scenery.

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BORA BORA

Undoubtedly the most famous island in Polynesia, Bora Bora is a place of remarkable beauty, secluded luxury and turquoise waters. This tiny gem receives in its warm embrace all romantics and island enthusiasts who come to experience what a true tropical paradise should be. One glance and you will be entranced by her effortless beauty. When approaching Bora Bora from the air, spectators are utterly captivated by the view: a vast coral reef, dotted with emerald islets, encircles the main island like a string of pearls. Adding to this dramatic setting is the iconic Mount Otemanu, which rises sharply out of the gentle lagoon as the center of attention.

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The lagoon itself is an unimaginable palette of blue, sapphire and turquoise. Underneath its surface, immense coral formations teem with a variety of brightly colored fish. There is only one navigable pass in this vast lagoon, meaning the calm waters, intricate coral reefs and vibrant marine life remain pristine and protected. Known for its overwater bungalows, the luxurious resorts provide the perfect setting for their guests to enjoy the countless blue hues of the island’s infamous lagoon. Bora Bora is quite possibly the most breathtaking place in the world. This enchanting island boasts a calm, relaxing atmosphere that instantly bestows upon its visitors an overwhelming sense of peace, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it. Visitors always take a piece of Bora Bora home with them, and they forever leave a part of themselves here.

 

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HUAHINE

Often unexplored but always adored by those who visit, Huahine is a culturally preserved paradise with a beauty that rivals both Moorea and Bora Bora. This incredibly scenic island is lush with vanilla plantations, banana groves and taro fields. Huahine is actually two islands basking in one lagoon, encircled by a coral necklace. On its shores, coconut trees sprout in untamed profusion – their palms stretching out across a narrow band of powdery white sand, reaching for the sea.

 

Considered to be the cradle of ancient Polynesian culture, Huahine is home to many important archaeological sites. The former royal village of Maeva safeguards several fascinating artifacts, including numerous ancient temples known as marae. Once sacred, sacrificial shrines, these marae are now restored and preserved for all to pay homage. In a nearby lake, 300-year-old stone fishing traps – which are still in use today – are so sacred that only descendants of the Tahitian royal family can remove them.

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With some of the most hospitable people in the Pacific, Huahine retains the very best of old Polynesia. The small, sleepy main town of Fare springs to life for the arrival of inter-island ferries, when locals enjoy mingling with arriving passengers. On these occasions, the waterfront is bustling with activity. Truckloads of copra, taro, bananas and melons are brought to the dock to set up the town’s market. Here, the traditional way of life still exists, meaning visitors will always receive the warmest welcome – a greeting that is uniquely characteristic of Polynesia and its people.

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TAHA'A

An incredibly seductive haven, Taha'a will instantly heighten and engage every single one of your senses. The most fragrant of the islands, its light, tropical breeze carries with it the sweet, irresistible scent of vanilla. Beyond the aroma, visitors are drawn to Taha'a by her beautiful beaches, intricate coral gardens and secluded appeal. Accessible only by boat from sister island Raiatea, this island paradise will leave you feeling as though you have escaped to a secret, hidden world.

 

Home to numerous plantations of vanilla orchids, Taha'a is the largest producer of Tahitian vanilla in the region. While adding its signature scent to the air, this abundance also makes Taha'a one of the most flavorful of the islands. Vanilla is proudly used as an ingredient in the island's local cuisine and specialty cocktails, creating a distinctive taste that will tempt you throughout your stay. And before you part ways, you can always visit the vanilla plantations and purchase vanilla beans or extract to take a taste of Taha’a home with you. We encourage you to create a special concoction of your own, reminiscent of your stay on the island.

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The scenery on Taha'a is especially breathtaking. The island boasts an extensive tropical forest, thriving with a diversity of trees, flowers, fruits and colorful vegetation. These lush landscapes are ideal for hiking. Visitors can explore verdant mountain peaks and deep valleys, uncover historical remnants amidst dense vegetation, and discover banana and taro plantations along the way. Taha'a also lends herself to some amazing snorkeling. There are shallow coral gardens where swimmers can simply drift along the surface of the water, carried only by the natural current.

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The mainland of Taha'a is surrounded by numerous tiny islets, which lay scattered across its vast lagoon. Most are small and uninhabited – providing the perfect setting for a private motu picnic – while the others feature some of Tahiti's most secluded and luxurious resorts. Wherever you choose to stay, you will find on Taha’a your very own idyllic piece of paradise.

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RAIATEA

Raiatea is an island rich with history and ancient legends. Once the cultural, religious and royal heart of Polynesia, it was – according to legend – the birthplace of the gods. This fascinating heritage gives Raiatea her unique charm and an intriguing sense of place.

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Considered to be the birthplace of Polynesia, Raiatea was once known as Havai'i ("the homeland"). Many cultures believe that the great Polynesian migration began from Raiatea – from which canoes set out to colonize new shores and entire tribes sailed to Hawaii and New Zealand. It was also believed to be the final resting place, where the spirits of these ancestors would live on after death. For these reasons, Raiatea is still a place of pilgrimage today, maintaining many traces from its earlier past. It is home to the largest outdoor marae in Polynesia called the Taputapuatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And only here, on the slopes of the sacred Mount Temehani, can one get a glimpse of the rare Tiare Apetahi, a flower found nowhere else on earth.

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Raiatea shares her lagoon and expansive coral reef with sister island Taha'a. Their waters are rich with a variety of marine life, caverns, drop-offs and famous shipwrecks. For visitors that wish to relish in this underwater paradise, diving and snorkeling are among some of the most popular activities available.

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Serving as the nautical center of the region, Raiatea also features many world-class sailboat and yacht charter companies. It's the perfect place to begin any seagoing voyage, including a relaxing sailing getaway on a luxurious floating catamaran. Whatever your journey, Raiatea offers a variety of chartered vessels for a multitude of adventures. Beyond the open water, Raiatea is the only island in Tahiti with a navigable river. The Faaroa River winds through its lush rainforest and serves as a great way to explore the island via powered outrigger canoe, kayak or motorboat.

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RANGIROA

Ruled by the rhythms of the wind and sea, the Tuamotu Archipelago is the largest collection of coral atolls in existence – of which Rangiroa is the most immense. The second largest atoll in the world, Rangiroa boasts an incredibly vast lagoon of incomparable brilliance and color. Here, visitors can dive into nature’s most extraordinary aquarium and appreciate the complete harmony of the elements.

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From the sky, Rangiroa emulates a giant pearl necklace laid delicately upon the pristine waters of the Pacific. Creating this illusion is a string of 240 tiny islets scattered across more than 110 miles of open sea. These secluded motu encircle and protect the atoll's infinitely deep lagoon. At 42 miles long and 16 miles wide, her lagoon is so large that the entire main island of Tahiti could fit inside.

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Beyond its size, Rangiroa is highly renowned for its world-class diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing. This immense, natural aquarium is home to an impressive variety of marine life and offers an outstanding selection of dive sites. The Avatoru Pass boasts some of the most exhilarating diving in the world and is the ideal spot for dolphin sightings.

While the main attraction is surely its lagoon, Rangiroa offers enjoyable land-based experiences to complement the many water activities available. Alongside her roads are beautiful coral churches, quaint local restaurants and tiny shops worthy of a visit. And unlike the soaring, lush mountain peaks that are characteristic of many of the other Tahitian islands, these tiny motu are no more than three feet in elevation. This flat layout provides a unique opportunity to stand on a thin strip of island and see both the lagoon on one side and the vast ocean on the other.

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TIKEHAU

Tikehau, one of the most beautiful atolls in Polynesia, forms an almost unbroken circle, creating a unique ecosystem with the highest preponderance of fish. Here, you'll find a calm, peaceful landing where you can discover the true meaning of the Tuamotu way of life.

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This tiny atoll is home to only 500 friendly locals who live a traditional Polynesian lifestyle either fishing or farming copra. The perfect destination to fully embrace a more relaxed state of mind, everything here moves at a much slower pace. It’s a place where the days are mostly measured by the cycles of the sun and moon and not by the hands of time.

From above, Tikehau resembles a large natural swimming pool. At 16 miles in diameter, its crystal clear lagoon is an immense aquarium full of colorful marine life. With visibility up to 150 feet, it serves as a haven for divers and snorkelers. It is also one of the best locales for bird watching. With a small motu in the middle of the lagoon known as “Bird Island,” many sea bird colonies take refuge here.

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Tikehau is the perfect place to unwind and find an appreciation for the simple life. Imagine private, pink sand beaches, completely covered with beautiful coconut groves. So serene, your everyday stresses will melt away and evaporate into the warm, tropical atmosphere. The main islet of Tikehau is encircled by a 6-mile dirt road, providing a pathway for a scenic bike ride and inviting you to explore your surroundings until you've settled on your very own secret beach.

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FAKARAVA

Fakarava is among the least explored of the Tuamotu Atolls, allowing visitors to experience the pristine beauty of Polynesia the way early explorers once did. It is here you will uncover a pure and untouched existence – a place where time will surely stand still.

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Because of her rare, natural purity, Fakarava has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the preservation of rare species. With this exceptionally rich ecosystem, Fakarava – like many of the other Tuamotu Atolls – is one of the world's best diving destinations and boasts the largest pass in Polynesia. Here, you can virtually go where no one else has ever gone before. Scuba dive in unexplored waters and discover an incredible variety of marine life. Experience the hidden underwater valley known as Shark's Hole and witness lemon, whitecap and hammerhead sharks in their natural environment.

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Fakarava, once the active capital of the Tuamotu region, has maintained many historical traces from its past. Still preserved today, visitors can discover a lovely little Catholic Church, made entirely out of coral in 1874, near the old village of Tetamanu. Or they can pay a visit to the historic pyramid known as the Topaka Lighthouse near the main village of Rotoava.

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MANIHI

Manihi is a tiny string of islets surrounding a small, emerald lagoon. Her secluded, white sand beaches and swaying palm trees conjure up dreams of being cast away on a tropical isle, while her gentle trade winds and endless sunshine create a unique fairytale ambience.

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Just 6 miles wide and 12 miles long, Manihi sets the stage for an intimate deserted island getaway. Isolated from the modern world, the merely 800 Tahitians who call this place home are primarily pearl and copra farmers or talented artisans. With its leisurely lifestyle and extremely small island feel, places like this cannot easily be found anywhere else in the world.

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Manihi's warm lagoon is the ideal environment for cultivating the rare and precious Tahitian black pearl. The site of Tahiti's first black farm, Manihi is still the leading supplier of exotic cultured pearls. Known for their high quality and rich hues, the true beauty of these pearls can be seen in their variety of sizes, shapes and colors – from the darkest of black to many shimmering shades of green, blue, bronze and even pink. You can visit one of the atoll’s family-owned pearl farms to learn the steps involved in the cultivation process, witness their unique grafting technique, and purchase one of these beautiful pearls directly from the source as a memento of your journey.

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Manihi has just one navigable pass to the ocean, providing natural protection for the lagoon and its vibrant marine life. Here, leisurely water activities such as snorkeling, drift diving, and hand-line fishing are very popular. An idyllic escape beyond explanation, Mahihi's natural surroundings – like her black pearls – are beautifully unique.

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MARQUESAS

The rugged, untamed Marquesas Archipelago is among the most remote island groups in the world. Unlike the Society Islands, there are no tranquil lagoons and protective barrier reefs here; instead, sheer volcanic peaks soar thousands of feet above the surging sea while waves break relentlessly against their jagged shores.

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Known as the Land of Men or “Te Henua Enana” by their earliest inhabitants, the Marquesas Islands are an unmatched paradise of spectacular waterfalls, abundant sea life and quiet, unspoiled places. With their wild terrain and deep, fertile valleys ready for exploration, they are the ideal escape for hikers, divers, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

These distant, mysterious islands whisper the many secrets of their primitive past. While several of them are very small and remain uninhabited to this day, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are among the main settled islands and are home to many archeological sites. These hidden, historic treasures include stone temples, large tiki statues and ancient petroglyphs. Their quaint villages are also rich with culture and embody a lifestyle that is still infused with ancient traditions.

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The Marquesas have a fascinating artistic heritage. Many forms of traditional Polynesian artistry that once originated here are preserved and still practiced today. The locals have proudly safeguarded the ancient patterns and techniques of tattoo artistry, wood carving, sculpture and handcrafts.

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Like something out of a storybook, the Marquesas are a land of natural wonders. Their unparalleled scenery, rugged landscapes and cultural intrigue beckon to those in search of an adventurous escape beyond the ordinary.

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TETIAROA

The island of all islands, Tetiaroa appears to be something out of a storybook. Best known as Marlon Brando's private island, this tiny atoll is a retreat fit for royalty. "Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe," Brando once stated, "One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas." In his twilight years, the actor would simply close his eyes and find himself instantly transported to the still waters and swaying palms of this South Pacific haven.

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Tetiaroa holds a special place in Polynesian history and culture, as it was once the exclusive and favored retreat of Tahitian royalty. The atoll was passed through the hands of many private owners until Brando negotiated ownership in 1965, after filming "Mutiny on the Bounty." Like many before his time, the great actor fell in love with its tropical beauty and relaxed charms.

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Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Tetiaroa is a place of rare biodiversity, providing a gorgeous natural sanctuary for tropical birds and precious marine life. Brando's lifelong dream was to maintain Tetiaroa in its purest condition. He pictured a sustainable, ecological habitat where people, plants and wildlife could reside in harmony.

 

True to his vision, The Brando is the only development on the island. It combines luxury and environmental sustainability in one of the finest eco-friendly resorts in the world. Drawing on the very latest in green technology and the most ancient local knowledge, every structure is dedicated both to pleasure and planet, sensuality and science.