Bora Bora from the air.

One of the world’s most beautiful spots is getting easier to visit

A few years ago,it seemed French Polynesia was off the boil as a destination. But in 2023 the French territory announced a plan to double tourist numbers.

  • byBrian Johnston
Palm-tree perfection … Taha’a,French Polynesia.

Best lagoon in the Pacific? We’ve found a winner

Better than Moorea,or Bora Bora,or Aitutaki. But you won’t believe this patch of French Polynesia is real until you’ve seen it for yourself.

  • byBrian Johnston
The seat has just 31 inches (79 cm) of legroom,but you probably won’t need to sleep.
★★★★½
Airline reviews

Airline review:This ticket to paradise is excellent,even in economy

Even in economy class,this airline and its friendly staff get you in the mood for an island holiday from the moment you step on board.

  • byEmily McAuliffe
Tahiti Iti has all the pristine wilderness appeal of French Polynesia’s outer islands.

This year’s most beautiful Olympic venue is 15,000 kilometres from Paris

There’s a smaller version of this French paradise that offers glimpses of what the original island nation was like.

  • byCraig Tansley
Prepare for queues to move at a glacial pace.

This might be a five-star paradise,but its airport is a dismal one star

The queues are long and sweaty,the toilets are broken and the best thing about it is the view while taking off.

  • byBrian Johnston
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Papeete is more than just a gateway to French Polynesia’s other islands.

Nine things that will surprise you in paradise’s overlooked capital

Tahiti is often viewed merely as a gateway to the surrounding picture-perfect islands,but in Papeete you’ll find surprises around every corner.

  • byKatrina Lobley
Raiatea satdec10tahiti Tahiti cover story;text by Julie Miller (handout image supplied by Tahiti Tourisme<catherine@eviltwinpr.com.au> for use in Traveller,no syndication) cr:Tahiti TourismeSee filename for description

The one bargain you must buy when you visit paradise

A precious memento of paradise in Tahiti doesn’t have to cost the earth.

  • byJulie Miller
The Aranui looks like the weird offspring of a love affair between a cargo freighter and a passenger liner.

On board the Pacific's strangest cruise ship

The Aranui looks like the weird offspring of a love affair between a cargo freighter and a passenger liner

  • byTony Wheeler
In the Society Islands beauty pageant,Moorea steals the spotlight.

French Polynesia island hopping small cruise:Ban on big ships makes paradise even better

Smaller cruise ships,fewer visitors,more places to stay. Tahiti and the magic of Bora Bora are back,with a new emphasis on sustainability.

  • byJulie Miller
mar6sixbest-frenchpolynesianislands Moorea (credit Tahiti Tourisme&Stephane Mailion)2.jpg

Best French Polynesian Islands for a holiday:Six of the best

There's a lot more to Polynesia than postcard perfect beaches.

  • byBrian Johnston