Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021 – The Islands of Tahiti
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Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021 – The Islands of Tahiti
Unsurprisingly, The Islands of Tahiti is being considered one of the most popular destinations in the world, which was obvious in the latest World’s Best Awards by the international magazine Travel + Leisure.
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InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa © Lei TaoInterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa voted the number 1 top resort in the South Pacific - Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2021.
There is nowhere in the world quite like The Islands of Tahiti. All 118 islands offer different experiences for every type of traveller. What is common to all is the enchanting landscapes and dream-like lagoons that make for the perfect holiday. The islands are an untouched sanctuary with black, pink, and white sand beaches, azure waters and relatively few visitors compared to other tropical destinations.
Unsurprisingly, The Islands of Tahiti is being considered one of the most popular destinations in the world, which was obvious in the latest World’s Best Awards by the international magazine Travel + Leisure. Voted by T+L’s readers over the past three years in various categories, several resorts and islands in French Polynesia have made the cut.
The Islands of Tahiti consistently appears at the top of bucket lists and is a hot contender for Australians to visit once borders open, which the T+L awards are another testament to. As international travel is finally looking like a reality for Australia in the next few months and the French Polynesian border is open to welcome travellers back, no one is going to say no to some suggestions for where to travel in the destination when we are ready to go.
Top 5 Resorts in the South Pacific
As the overwater bungalow originated in The Islands of Tahiti it comes as no surprise that the destination completely dominated the list of the best resorts in the South Pacific. The majority of T+L’s readers pointed to resorts in the famed island of Bora Bora as the ultimate South Pacific escape as well as the private atoll of Tetiaroa, which was purchased by the late Marlon Brando.
1. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
A floating oasis in the azure-blue lagoon and with an undeniably spectacular view of Mount Otemanu, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa embodies the traditional Polynesian culture. Designed with the utmost environmental sensitivity, the resort has implemented the same air conditioning technology found on the luxury resort The Brando (see nr 3), in which seawater is drawn in from the lagoon which cools down the resort and is being reused for electricity.
Known for its outstanding Thalasso Spa, guests at the resort are in for some unforgettable pampering experiences at the first spa in the region offering thalassotherapy and balneotherapy treatments using deep seawater.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa was also featured on the Top 100 Hotels in the World at number 68.
Image: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa © Lei Tao
2. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Otemanu, on the shores of the most beautiful lagoon on the planet, lies The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. The overwater villas are some of the biggest ones in the area and are gracefully designed to embrace indulgent island living while providing the inviting comfort of a luxurious home.
At St Regis, there’s always something new to explore or experience every day. Guests can spend days swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking in the lagoon’s pristine blue water and never feel bored. For those who want to embrace the ultimate relaxing holiday, three pristine beaches, two swimming pools and a ‘lagoonarium’ are at their disposal.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort was also featured on the Top 100 Hotels in the World at number 87.
Image: St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
3. The Brando (tie)
The luxury resort is located on the private island Tetiaroa, which was discovered by the late Marlon Brando who sought to preserve this little slice of paradise by protecting the land. The resort is frequently visited by celebrities including Barack Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio and most recently Rebel Wilson.
With the actor’s original idea in mind, The Brando is nearing its goal of becoming fully carbon neutral and self-sustainable. The villas are part of a pioneering scientific experiment involving a complex seawater air-conditioning system and are powered by solar energy. The eco station consists of research laboratories where scientists conduct short- and long-term studies in ecology, marine biology, and conservation. Guests staying at the resort have the opportunity of participating in tours and excursions with the naturalists working at the station. While the actor sadly passed before being able to see the results of his vision, it’s safe to say that Marlon Brando would have been very proud.
Image: The Brando
3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui (tie)
At the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, you can sleep in one of the very few two-story overwater bungalows in the South Pacific. The Presidential Overwater Villa features a terrace that leads right into the turquoise blue lagoon and provides the ultimate private paradise experience, complimented with an uninterrupted view of the horizon.
Go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding or discover the diverse and colourful sea life while snorkelling under the lagoon's surface – all complimentary activities at the resort. Those who are up for more of an adventure can go jet skiing, sailing, kite boarding, scuba diving, or take a ride in an outrigger canoe.
Image: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
4. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Located on the north-eastern side of the island along the outer coral reef, The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora exudes an effortless luxury. The overwater bungalows, some of which have their own private plunge pools, boast exceptional views of the lagoon in front of Mount Otemanu.
While romance is the resort’s speciality, Four Seasons Bora Bora is also family-friendly where three beachfront villas provide the perfect alternative when travelling with children. Kids can enjoy an indoor playroom and outdoor playground with a splash pad, while teens can keep themselves occupied on Chill Islands, with paddle boarding and snorkelling.
The resident marine biologist is even happy to take the family on an educational snorkelling tour through the resort's inner lagoon.
Image: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Top 10 Islands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
As a trip to Europe or America might not be the first one on the cards once the borders open, Australians will want to support the closest neighbours right here in Oceania and the South Pacific. On the list for the most wanted island escapes in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti was featured not once, but four times.
Moorea – 3rd
Moorea, the heart-shaped island and often considered Tahiti’s little sister island, was listed 3rd on the list. The quiet waters of the lagoon allow for a variety of activities, from outrigger canoeing to paddle boarding, kite boarding and water skiing to surfing around some of the passes. The varied coral reef eco-system is teeming with colourful marine life which can be explored by diving and snorkelling, and you can also help to protect it with the Coral Gardeners’ coral adoption program. Other activities include horse riding, quad biking, hiking and four-wheel driving through the lush valleys of the ancient volcano crater.
Image: MOOREA Divers TNH (14) © Grégoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters
Bora Bora – 5th
There’s just something about Bora Bora, the island simply radiates romance and paradise. As the destination is where the overwater villa was originated there are plenty of incredible options to choose from, but have you ever heard of an overwater floating villa? ELYT Charter Tahiti has taken the concept to the next level with the announcement of the first floating luxury villa, launching in Bora Bora next year. The ultimate luxury houseboat has four bedrooms with a 360-degree rooftop lounge that will give guests the opportunity to take in the stunningly beautiful nature of Bora Bora – at all angles.
Image: BORA BORA © Stéphane Mailion Photography
Huahine – 7th
With its lush forests, untamed landscape and quaint villages, Huahine is one of The Islands of Tahiti’s best-kept secrets, a place where you live like a local. A deep, crystal-clear lagoon surrounds the two islands that comprise Huahine, while magnificent bays and white-sand beaches add drama to the experience.
Those who are interested in a slightly different overwater villa experience can stay in one of the 15 overwater lake bungalows at the Maitai Lapita Village. Hidden away in the jungle and located on the shore of a beautiful and serene lake, this resort offers calm for those who truly want to retreat to the comfort of a traditional Polynesian-inspired hut. On the opposite side of the island, guests can visit the Huahine Pearl farm, which is only accessible via boat. The farm’s expert staff can tell you about their deep commitment to marine conservation and the protection of French Polynesia’s Tahitian black pearl heritage and the process of pearl farming.
Image: Maitai Lapita Village.
Tahiti – 9th
Crowned by a circle of majestic peaks, Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, towers over the ocean like a proud and royal Queen. The mountainous interior is adorned with mystical valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls.
Tahiti is where you can explore the authentic experience of true Polynesian culture and learn more about the enigmatic and fundamental truth of Mana and how it is the essence of universal power. Hear the stories of the mythologies and sacred traditions from the Mā’ohi ancestors that are still incredibly important to the Tahitian people. They are very proud of their heritage and love to express their respect for nature and the ocean. Experience in what way Tahitians give voice to Mana through dance and rhythms, celebrating the resilience of Polynesian culture to overcome and maintain their sacred expressions of life.
