With crystal clear lagoons and sandy beaches, Tahiti and her islands in the French Polynesia really do exceed all expectations as a luxury dream holiday.
There is something so magical about Tahiti being so refreshingly real and naturally preserved. You can occasionally smell the vanilla in the air from local plantations, watch sting rays and reef sharks minding their own, and most of the time you feel you are genuinely deserted in your own Robinson Crusoe isle. Stunning sunsets, beautiful green moss-covered mountains, and skies so blue add to the authenticity that French Polynesia is best known for.
Buried in the south of the Pacific, the journey from London is a lengthy 29 hours (via Los Angeles), but it is worth it.Because it's best to experience more than one island on any Tahiti holiday, we've rustled up a guide on how to enjoy two islands in one trip, where bare foot luxury meets elite laid-back chic.
Vahine Island
After three plane journeys and an exhilarating speedboat ride, the first stop is the intimate and private island resort of Vahine Island, situated just off Tahaa. With just nine suites, this boutique-luxe escape offers a mix of above-water bungalows and beach huts. Complete with a coconut grove, dreamy scenes across miles of turquoise waters and exceptional backdrops of sunrise and sunset (over Bora Bora in the distance), you have no choice but to unwind on a swaying hammock, eat 5-star cuisine and simply relax. The resort has been unaltered and the natural beauty of the coral allows for brilliant snorkelling... Don't be afraid of the occasional baby gecko sneaking into your hut – it just adds to this tropical island experience.
The owners and their staff here are charming, accommodating your every need from organising (amazing) massages in your villa, arranging activities such as snorkelling and kayaking to private excursions including jet skis and vanilla plantation tours. You'll always feel as though you are the only residents enjoying this paradise and what it offers.
The food here is exquisite, with menus changing every day accommodating the freshest and most tasteful cuisine. With TVs in the villas set up to only watch films from a USB and no need to wear shoes any time of day anywhere on the island (even in the restaurant and bar) this is barefoot luxury like no other.
Bora Bora
The Intercontinental Thalasso in Bora Bora is the ultimate choice for elite laid-back chic. Only overwater villas are on offer, and the views of the iconic Mount Otemanu surrounded by deep crystal clear turquoise waters are simply stunning, making this resort perfectly placed.
Spacious rooms, contemporary décor and fantastic room amenities is what makes the hotel's overwater villas so desirable. You won't want to tear yousrelf away from your own piece of paradise, where you can have breakfast delivered to you in a canoe to enjoy on your private deck.
Enjoy an enchanted evening by working your way through the amazing cocktail selection either in the resort bar or on the beach, lounging on a daybed watching the sunset and listening to live acoustic music.
There's plenty of food choice on offer with three restaurants, and whether you are a fan of steak, sushi or fish, there are plenty of delights to choose from on all menus.
Should you want to enjoy massages at the award-winning spa, participate in daily feeding sessions with playful sting ray, bathe beside an infinity pool or stay away from it all on your private deck – this resort offers everything you could possibly want from any Bora Bora holiday.
Enjoy a 13-night holiday on the Islands of Tahiti, including 5 nights in a Beach Bungalow at Vahine Private Island Resort on a half-board basis and eight nights in an Emerald Overwater Villa at the Intercontinental Thalasso on a bed and breakfast basis, from £5,220 per person. Price includes international flights with Air New Zealand & Air Tahiti Nui, domestic inter-island flights and all transfers. For more information call Turquoise Holidays on 01494 678400 or visit turquoiseholidays.co.uk.