French Polynesia

Whatever your dream beach setup, you’ll find it here in French Polynesia. From Maupiti’s lagoon-side Tereia Beach and the black volcanic coastline of Point Venus in Tahiti to the classic white sand and waving palm trees of Matira Beach in Bora Bora, the variety here is mind-blowing.

The beaches might be the most beautiful in the world – but the underwater scenery is even more spectacular. Scuba diving tops the list of must-do French Polynesia holiday activities, with Bora Bora, Raiatea and Huahine among the best places to try it out. Expect to be wowed by unforgettable encounters with sharks, rays and colourful reef fish.

Nowhere does luxury like French Polynesia, a favourite haunt of A-list celebs trying to escape the paparazzi. Think glitzy five-star beach hotels, thatched restaurants suspended above the turquoise ocean and relaxing spa treatments. If you’re looking to holiday on the cheap or fancy a more authentic experience, though, then getting off the beaten track is as easy as hopping on a boat – try the coral atoll of Ahe or remote Raivave for unspoiled beauty and locally-run lodgings.

The best time to visit French Polynesia for guaranteed sunshine is May through to September, which is the driest time of year. Opt for August to October if whale watching is your priority, or September and October to see manta rays and hammerhead sharks in the Tuamotus.

If you’re wondering when to visit for the lowest prices, hotel rates peak in July and August and the cheapest time to travel is during the rainy season between November and March. Go for early November or late March to enjoy reliable weather along with the cheapest package deals.

A packed calendar of festivals is just one of the reasons to visit French Polynesia. Book a trip for early February to enjoy Chinese New Year, which is celebrated across the islands with music, dancing and street parades. Heiva i Tahiti in July is the biggest festival in the archipelago, featuring music and dance competitions, beauty pageants and food tastings.Surfers congregate around Teahupoo lagoon in April and May to watch Billabong Pro, one of the world’s most prestigious surfing competitions.