10 Reasons to Visit French Polynesia • The Blonde Abroad

One of my new favorite tropical destinations, French Polynesia, is a must-see. With diverse marine life, some of the world’s best diving, incredible natural beauty, and a heavy vanilla scent that follows you wherever you go, this is a place that you’ve never seen the likes of.

I had the opportunity to visit the Islands of Tahiti this past December and experienced beautiful weather.

From Taha’a to Rangiroa to Tahiti, there is an endless array of adventures just waiting to be had here. Ready for a dream tropical escape?

Here are ten reasons to visit French Polynesia!

1. It’s Closer Than You Think

While French Polynesia is the perfect place to get away from it all, it’s actually not as far away as you think. Air Tahiti Nui has an eight-hour direct flight from LAX. You can fly into Papeete on Tahiti, and then connect to other islands from there!

2. Natural Beauty

French Polynesia is drop-dead gorgeous. Explore the stunning coral of Taha’a, or set sail in the sparkling seas off of Rangiroa. Find out why Bora Bora has captured the hearts of generations of travelers.

Pretty much everywhere you turn has another picture-perfect view.

3. Scuba Diving

Even though hard to believe, I’d say that French Polynesia is even more beautiful below sea level. The island of Rangiroa has some of the best diving in the world and if you are a newbie, this is a great place to get started.

There are dive shops all over the island, as well as internationally renowned spots for everyone from beginner to experienced divers to explore.

4. The Marine Life

Each one of French Polynesia’s 118 islands and atolls has a world to explore right off of its coast. You will never want to get out of the water here with the 800 unique fish species, coral reefs everywhere, amazing dive conditions, and insane snorkeling.

I had the chance to snorkel with Black Tip and Lemon Sharks in Rangiroa and it was a once in a lifetime kind of experience!

5. You Can Island Hop!

It’s easy to take boat transfers and interisland flights all over French Polynesia. The ferry trips are quick, easy, and perfect for sightseeing, and most hotels offer boat shuttles from local airports.

The breathtaking views alone make it worth the trip.

To get an even better view and a faster ride, Air Tahiti makes it easy to get anywhere and everywhere on the islands.

6. The Sunsets

The sunsets in French Polynesia are truly epic. You will definitely want to get to Matira Beach on Bora Bora for an unparalleled view. Travel+Leisure voted the Four Seasons in Bora Bora one of the most incredible places on the planet to see the sunset.

I witnessed the most beautiful watercolor sunsets during my time on the islands!

7. Celebrated Culture

French Polynesia has a culture you’ve got to explore. Living in such isolation, the tiny population has a unique way of life and fascinating traditions. With a history dating back 3,000 years, the songs, dances, and craftsmanship of French Polynesia are unlike anything else that you’ve ever seen.

8. Fresh Seafood

A staple of every French Polynesian’s diet, the seafood here is top notch. You can sit on the beach and have seafood that was caught just a few feet away. While you are there, be sure to try Tahiti’s national dish poisson cru, also known as ‘ota ‘ika. Similar to ceviche, it’s made from raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime.

Basically, I had it at least once a day while I was there.

9. Adventure Opportunities

You could never be bored in French Polynesia. There’s just no end to the striking scenery—above sea level and below! In addition to all the water activities, you can go hiking, spelunking, waterfall climbing, cliff jumping, and lava tube exploring on Tahiti.

You can find every kind of adventure on the islands!

10. It’s Not Just for Your Honeymoon

Sure, French Polynesia is a dream tropical honeymoon destination. There are romantic resorts and over-water bungalows all over the islands. But it’s not just for lovers…

I spent a week exploring and soaking up the sun with my friend, Lauren!

The islands of French Polynesia offer so many amazing experiences and adventures to be had with friends and family. Whoever you travel with you, there is something for everyone all over the country.

Instagram

Some places are worth coming back to 🐧

Boulders Beach, Cape Town with Oliver
9 months → 21 months → 3.5 years

I blinked and my baby become a toddler…
and my toddler become a little boy. 😭

1858 56

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 17869856373573722

Some places are worth coming back to 🐧

Boulders Beach, Cape Town with Oliver
9 months → 21 months → 3.5 years

I blinked and my baby become a toddler…
and my toddler become a little boy. 😭

January Wrapped 🗓️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

and more like the start of our biggest adventure yet! 🌍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown

2180 69

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18090265751115394

January Wrapped 🗓️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

and more like the start of our biggest adventure yet! 🌍
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#capetown

Sun-drenched mornings, salty air, and the kind of place that makes you instantly exhale @waldorfastoriacostarica ✌️
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Our stay at this brand-new property was truly a dream — sweeping ocean views, elevated design, and more pools than I’ve ever seen at a hotel in my entire life.

From award-winning wellness to coconuts by the pool, every detail felt thoughtful and intentional.

🧖‍♀️ The Spa
Recently named Costa Rica’s Best Resort Spa, this sanctuary blends modern wellness with local healing traditions — volcanic mud rituals, rainforest-inspired therapies, and grounding treatments that leave you floating.

🛎️ Amenities
World-class service, beachfront access, a stunning collection of pools (truly — endless), curated experiences, and those sweet elevated touches everywhere you turn. Newly opened, yet already operating like a seasoned 5-star icon.

💦 Kids’ Club
One of the coolest spaces for littles — crafts, games, toys, and outdoor play areas that made traveling with Oliver feel easy (and fun for him, too).

🥥 The Food & Coffee
Fresh, locally sourced Costa Rican flavors with elevated execution. Oceanfront bites, poolside snacks, handcrafted coffee experiences, and yes… plenty of coconuts.

🌿 Sustainability
Proud holders of the Bandera Azul Ecológica for conservation and environmental efforts — luxury and responsibility beautifully intertwined.

We truly cannot wait to come back. ✨

If you’re looking for a luxury, family-friendly escape in Costa Rica — this is your spot.

A huge thank you to @waldorfastoriacostarica for hosting us on this sunshine-soaked getaway.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#costarica #waldorfastoria #luxuryfamilytravel #familytravel

452 25

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18094787833947297

A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#2025wrapped

2538 84

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18380851606081524

A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#2025wrapped

My favorite smart features of my old home! 🏠
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

I easily installed these in my guest bedroom and let me just say, when guests come over, they’re getting what feels like a hotel experience in my home (minus the room service).
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••⁠
#gifted #homedesign #interiorinspo #smarthome #rollishades

515 20

Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18083248064243187