10 Beautiful Islands to Visit in French Polynesia for the Bluest Waters and Overwater Bungalows
Yachties love Raiatea, another Society Island that's a 45-minute flight from Papeete, for its deepwater bays and bountiful beautiful and safe anchorages. Visitors without sails to sleep under can bed down in atmospheric pensions like Opoa Beach Hotel, with just nine bungalows fronting a stunning beach on the island's southeast corner. For something even more secluded, Motu Nao Nao (accessed via a 20-minute flight from Raiatea) has just three bungalows on its own 75-acre private island. If you're looking for adventures inland, pick up a paddle to try kayaking along the only navigable river in the French Polynesia islands — Raiatea's palm-lined and lovely Faaroa River. And challenge yourself to an 11-mile hike to Mount Temehani for views that extend past the beautiful lagoon below to take in Huahine, Bora Bora, Taha'a and Maupiti islands beyond.