April 21st, 2023

Few destinations on the planet feel as far-flung as the South Pacific island nations of Fiji and French Polynesia. Located thousands of miles from the next inhabited islands, these remote green mounds peep above a sapphire sea, are rich in Polynesian heritage, and abound with natural beauty. Spanning an area the size of Europe, they offer visitors the chance to find their own private hideaway, where indulgence comes in the form of some of the most luxurious resorts on the planet – as well as the most unspoiled landscape.

Bora Bora and Tahiti are the jewels in the crown, yet offshore atolls and tiny islets are home to understated, ultra-luxe resorts that offer guests adventure on a Jacques Cousteau level. Scuba diving among thriving reefs, walks along endless sandy beaches, and centuries-old Polynesian traditions bring color and vibrancy to the vacation of a lifetime.

Here we take a look at some of this far-off region’s most outstanding resorts, where watery adventures, world-class spas, and family-friendly escapades are enveloped in tropical luxury. 

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji

The adventurous spirit of Cousteau is harnessed at this award-winning, five-star resort on Fiji’s sublime Vanua Levu. Families are welcomed with open arms to experience tropical adventures above and below the sea, while romance fills the air with thatched roof cottages and sunset walks along private beaches. The al fresco restaurant serves a blend of Fijian cuisine and South Pacific and Asian-inspired dishes, while the PADI dive center guides budding ocean explorers on magical underwater forays in one of the healthiest marine ecosystems on the planet.

Kokomo Private Island Resort Fiji

A true Fijian paradise in the heart of the Pacific Ocean comes to life at the Kokomo Private Island Resort Fiji. This is a place where infinity pools provide views of endless azure seas and tiny forest islets, and the best snorkeling and scuba diving on the planet is accessed just feet from the private sand beaches. Guests can indulge in exhilarating activities, from deep sea fishing, to kayaking, or just unwind in the Yaukuve Spa Sanctuary. Accessible only by sea plane or helicopter, this luxurious haven offers total seclusion and privacy a world away from everyday life.

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort

When you daydream of French Polynesia’s iconic Bora Bora islands, images of luxurious, stilted cabins jutting into turquoise waters swirl into mind. That place is the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, where guests are engulfed in the natural beauty and cultural charm of French Polynesia. Breakfast is delivered by canoe as the sounds of water lapping under the luxury thatched bungalows provides the soundtrack to sleep. You can walk along private beaches, scuba dive among reefs thriving with iridescent fish, and dine on the sumptuous, local cuisine.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa

Just off the main island of Bora Bora, on a secluded coral island, this state-of-the-art hotel takes luxury, privacy and relaxation to new heights. The glass-floored, overwater villas are sublime, as would be expected of a 5-star resort in this most idyllic of destinations. But it’s the Deep Ocean Spa which truly shines. Drawing water from deep in the sea, French Polynesia’s first thalasso spa uses the nutrient-rich waters to create blissful treatments based on Polynesian traditions. The perfect way to unwind after a day of tropical adventures.