Hotels French Polynesia

The five groups of islands that go to make up French Polynesia are surely among some of the most beautiful islands in the world. With its lush rainforests, alluring tropical plants, white sand beaches, crystal clear beaches and assortment of beautiful luxury hotels French Polynesia is a striking destination. It has a true flavor of paradise and is increasing in popularity as a romantic destination favored for weddings and honeymoons. The hotels on the islands are extremely adept at supporting guests in their plans and can offer a backdrop hard to beat anywhere.

The five groups of islands (Society Islands, Tuamotu Islands, Gambier Islands, Austral Islands and Marquesas Islands) all have their own flavor. While they are all, of course, Polynesian and have their own ancient customs and traditions, they are also heavily influenced by the French identity as they have been under French administration since the 1700s. The French and Tahitian languages sit side by side and both countries' flags are flown. The islands have always been an important trading point and visitors will also find a minority Chinese population from their trading days. All this foreign influence means that the ancient Polynesian tradition of tribes and chieftains with their own rank structure has disappeared. The Polynesian people are keen genealogists though and keep records of their noble past. Because of its vast array of tiny islands the Polynesians import a large number of goods, but there are traditional crafts and beautiful locally produced goods to delight visitors. Coconut oil is particularly widely used and beautifully scented beauty products are made from it. A visitor staying in the luxury hotels French Polynesia boasts can treat themselves to beauty therapies and massage treatments that use the local products.

The great beauty of the islands has always attracted artists including the impressionist Paul Gauguin. Indigenous artists produce some highly skilled handicrafts including quilts, wood sculpture and intricate mats, baskets and hats made from coconut palms. Bark painting is another ancient craft that is practiced by the local people. All of these things are available in an array of colorful markets.

Many of the festivals and holidays observed on the islands revolve around other cultures due to the number of foreign countries who have passed through the territory. The Christian holidays of Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, All Saints' Day and Christmas are all celebrated. Chinese New Year is also a festive time. With its French past Bastille Day is celebrated in July. For those seeking more traditional local customs, July sees the Tahiti festival and the Hawaiki Nui Canoe race. Locals show their great island heritage and prowess on the water and are noisily cheered on from the shore. The Polynesians also celebrate the first missionaries arriving on the island by performing an annual re-enactment. Food plays an important part in festivals. Generally the Polynesians cook just once a day for lunch or supper and eat leftovers for other meals.

On Sundays and festival days, however, elaborate feasts are prepared in Ahimas. These are unique underground ovens. Once the oven is pre-heated by burning wood it is stacked with fresh wood and then covered in volcanic rock. Once the fire goes out the rocks are leveled and different foods are placed on top wrapped in banana leaves and covered with more banana leaves and purao leaves before being buried in earth. Three or four hours later delicious pork, vegetable and fish dishes can be dipped in coconut cream sauce with the fingers from traditional wooden plates. Tempting snacks can also be obtained including Poisson cru, or ia ota, which is lime marinated raw fish and vegetables soaked in coconut sauce. Festivals will also include elegant and fascinating displays of Polynesian dance and storytelling.

Visitors are offered a real sense of the luxuriously exotic in the hotels French Polynesia boasts. Most are set very close to the beaches offering spectacular views. English speaking staff are helpful and the Tahitian tradition of hospitality is very much practiced. Many hotels have their own in house teachers to help their guests enjoy the excellent scuba diving, surfing and water skiing on offer. Hotel bars and restaurants are colorful and are open throughout the day to satisfy their hungry guests.

US Dollar Currency

1.2721
|
1.5818

Featured Hotels

US Dollar Currency