The Best things to Do in Tahiti and the Ultimate French Polynesia Culinary Experiences

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Tahiti Tourisme. All opinions expressed are my own. All information, offerings, and prices are accurate as of time of posting. Please refer to Tahiti Tourisme and corresponding businesses/restaurant websites for the most up to date information.

*All images are copyrighted Allons.Y Styling & Photography. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable*

When I was invited by Tahiti Tourisme to visit this French Polynesian paradise for a culinary tour I wanted to die. But in the good way of course. I mean, this is a destination that is on everybody’s top wish list of travel destinations. Mine included. For obvious reasons.

While The Islands of Tahiti are legendary for having the clearest waters and a lush tropical topography, I have to be honest and say that I didn’t know much about the cuisine there. It is easy for all other factors of a destination to be overshadowed when the backdrop is as crazy beautiful as The Islands of Tahiti are, but I was definitely excited to find out what delicious-ness awaited me.

Where to Stay

First let’s talk about where I stayed during my time here. As much as I love the idea of sleeping under the stars I’m definitely a modern day girl that loves cozy sheets and an outlet to charge my devices. Luckily The Islands of Tahiti have no shortage of accommodations that give you the feel of being one with nature while still having running water and luxurious bath robe.

Pearl Beach Resort

What a treat this hotel was to stay at! Every single room has an ocean front view with a balcony. Some rooms even offer multiple floors & balconies, and multiple bedrooms/bathrooms for larger groups or families. For me, the most striking thing about this place was the black sand beach. It also had the most incredible sunsets out of anywhere we stayed for our entire trip.

Le Taha’a Island Resort And Spa

This hotel was a true Tahitian paradise. We were lucky to stay in the over water villas and it was just as dreamy in person as it looks in pictures. If you’re able to I definitely recommend staying in one of these for at least one evening in your lifetime. It gives you a sense of being truly out on the water and with nature while still enjoying all the modern comforts. It also has the most incredible views of both Bora Bora and Taha’a isalands. Don’t forget to check out the heart shaped island close by to the hotel as well. It is just a short paddle away to see the cutest little island.

If all of that doesn’t convince you about this place then maybe this will – you can have breakfast delivered to your over water villa on a canoe! Pre-order your breakfast choices the evening before and your feast will appear via canoe the next morning. You’ll never want to go back to eating at a table ever again.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Bora Bora is a world renowned travel destination and the Conrad Bora Bora Nui has just the digs that match that reputation. This place is pure luxury from top to bottom. With gorgeous on-land garden suites as well as those coveted over water villas this spot also offers plenty of outdoor activities like stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and bicycles which you can use to quickly make your way around the resort.

In addition to all that the Conrad Bora Bora Nui also has a 5 star food offering that easily matches the beauty of their private island and villas. With six different restaurants, bars, and lounges the food offerings are global so there’s no craving that will go unsatisfied.

What to Do and Eat for the Culinary Darlings

What makes The Islands of Tahiti the dreamiest of destinations is that you can have the best of both worlds when it comes to adventure and food. We had the opportunity to sample local authentic Tahitian meals to high end dining while we were here and all against the most breathtaking backdrop of the various islands. Here are all the things that you must do and eat while you’re here:

Market Tour + Cooking Lesson with Famed Tahitian Vegan Food Writer Evy Hirschon

For a true local experience we took a tour with the Polynesian Planner to visit a local market place to see the freshest fruits, vegetables, florals, pastries, and proteins. The tour was led by Evy Hirschon, famous Tahitian vegan food writer, and champion of leading healthy lifestyle within the French Polynesian islands.

We then ended the tour by a visit to Evy’s home where she gave us a cooking lesson on cooking classic and healthy Tahitian dishes like Poisson Cru, sautéed taro and yams, and fresh pineapple with ginger and mint.

Papenoo Waterfalls 4×4 Safari Tour + Local Lunch

Head out with Mato Nui Excursions for the the day on a 4×4 safari tour to see the waterfalls and lush foliage of Papenoo Valley. The hike to some of the waterfalls can be challenging and for those that are looking for adventure. It is definitely well worth it though to see those beautiful blue waters and cascading waterfalls. We followed up the day with a home cooked meal before heading back to the hotel.

Traditional Sailboat Ride + Snacks Seaside

This was one of my favourite activities during my visit. We spent the morning on the water in a traditional sailboat with Moana Explorer. After paddling out to a nearby coral reef we docked the boat for awhile to enjoy some snacks and cocktails while taking in the clear waters. It was one of the most relaxing mornings and a great way to enjoy the water.

Coral Reef Snorkeling, Vanilla Plantation, Rum Factory, and Local Lunch

Another huge highlight of my trip was the tour with Taha’a Tours Excursions. We started the tour doing some reef snorkeling to see all the coral and the brightly coloured tropical fish.

We then visited a Tahitian vanilla farm. It smelled heavenly and it was amazing to see how vanilla from The Islands of Tahiti is grown, harvested and made. It was a culinary dream especially since The Islands of Tahiti produces some of the finest vanilla in the world.

We then visited a Tahitian vanilla farm. It smelled heavenly and it was amazing to see how vanilla from The Islands of Tahiti is grown, harvested and made. It was a culinary dream especially since The Islands of Tahiti produces some of the finest vanilla in the world.

ATV Exploring in Bora Bora

For one of the most exhilarating ride of your life you have to try out an ATV tour from Bora Bora ATV. We went off road exploring and ended up with the most beautiful views of Bora Bora.

Swim with the Sharks and Stingrays

One of the most memorable experiences of my life was definitely the lagoon tour excursion with Manu Taxi Boat in Bora Bora. They will take you to the clearest waters where you will get to swim with tropical fish, stingrays, and sharks. Don’t worry, the sharks and stingrays are docile. That being said you should still exercise caution but as long as you do it is quite mesmerizing to be able to experience these beautiful creatures up close.

And if you’re looking for more ideas of delicious things to eat and amazing things to do check out Tahiti Tourisme and be sure to follow along on social media #TastyTahiti.

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