They say good things come to those who wait. If it feels like you’ve been waiting forever to enjoy a romantic getaway to the world’s best honeymoon destination, your time has arrived. The Islands of Tahiti are preparing their warm, South Pacific welcome for travellers craving a little luxury and indulgence.

 

‘The World’s Best Honeymoon Destination’ isn’t hyperbole, either. It’s a claim backed by two consecutive Trazee Awards. Besides being the by-word for paradise in many travellers’ imaginations, an image upheld by such cultural icons as artist Paul Gauguin and Marlon Brando, the Islands of Tahiti are the living definition of South Pacific luxury. 

 

Bora Bora stands out, with the stony, extinct volcanic peak of Otemanu towering above lush green vegetation and a deep blue lagoon sheltered by coral reefs. Along those reefs stretch sandy motus dotted with some of the most luxurious resorts in the South Pacific. Romantic travel cliché or not, Bora Bora offers fine island luxury in a setting that seems almost too beautiful to exist. A wide range of watersports and tours await, and as you start to explore, you’ll quickly realise there’s more to fall in love with than Bora Bora’s beauty, from historic sites that tell the atoll’s story, to spellbindingly colourful reefs. You can even take your wedding vows underwater for an unforgettable ceremony. 

 

With very different geography to Bora Bora, Moorea is a popular choice for romantics, families, or just globetrotters who want a luxury Polynesian experience at a slightly lower price point. It’s commonly seen as a more authentic destination among the Islands of Tahiti, but Moorea still offers a wide range of accommodation options including the instantly recognizable overwater bungalows. The island offers its share of memorable experiences, including helicopter tours over its lush, ravine-lined hinterland, and 4x4 tours culminating in champagne at sunset. 

 

Since each island offers a slightly different history, geography, and all-round experience, it’s important to know a little about each one when choosing destinations beyond Moorea or Bora Bora. For instance, Raiatea will appeal to anyone interested in Polynesian history, holding both the traditional meeting place, Taputapuatea, and a wide range of archaeological treasures. If you want to travel back even further, say to 700AD, the Lapita people built a large number of marae on Huahine, the former seat of Polynesian royalty. 

If you’d prefer a pure sensory experience, it’s hard to go past Taha’a, also known as The Vanilla Island for reasons you’ll appreciate as soon as you catch the sweet scent of its warm breezes. The snorkelling here is exceptional too, though Tikehau takes things up a notch further. Leave its picturesque white sands behind, and immerse yourself in a diver’s paradise, populated by tropical fish, gentle black-tipped reef sharks, and the occasional manta ray. It’s also a smaller island, making it a good boutique choice for travellers seeking privacy as well as luxury.