Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary in French Polynesia: A Dream Vacation to Bora Bora, Mo’orea, and Tahiti

Today, I’m so excited to share one of my own vacations—my husband and my’s 10th anniversary vacation to French Polynesia! Charlie and I wanted a vacation that felt like a true escape—relaxing, beautiful, and unforgettable. Plus, we wanted a bucket list destination to celebrate such a big milestone. We found exactly that in French Polynesia, a tropical paradise spread across islands known for their breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Our adventure began with a flight to Tahiti, but it didn’t stop there. Immediately after landing, we took a ferry to the island of Mo’orea, where the real magic began. Read on to hear all about our vacation to Bora Bora and beyond!

Mo’orea: Laid-Back Bliss and Snorkeling Adventures

Mo’orea instantly stole our hearts with its relaxed vibe. We stayed in an overwater bungalow that was just as dreamy as it sounds. Waking up every morning to the sound of the ocean and jumping straight into the water from our bungalow was pure bliss. The snorkeling right off our deck was the best we experienced during our entire trip! The coral, fish, and crystal-clear waters made it an underwater wonderland.

Our days on Mo’orea were spent sipping coffee on our lanai, enjoying the resort’s spa, soaking up the sun on the beach, and exploring the island. We rented a car from the resort and spent a day driving around the island, stopping at Belvedere Lookout for breathtaking views and having lunch at Snack Mahana, where the atmosphere was as laidback as the island itself. One of the highlights of Mo’orea was the tour we took, where I swam with reef sharks and stingrays. It was an adrenaline rush and an experience I’ll never forget, even though Charlie opted out of the snorkeling part! Check out the video here—it’s a fun one!

Beginning Our Bora Bora Vacation with Stunning Blue Waters

As much as we hated for our time in Mo’orea to end, it was time for the creme de la creme of the trip—Bora Bora! After a ferry ride back to Tahiti, we flew to Bora Bora—often called the “jewel of the South Pacific,” and for good reason! When we arrived, we were greeted by our resort and whisked away in a boat, giving us our first glimpse of Bora Bora’s famous blue waters. And let me tell you, I’ve never seen water so BLUE in my life. The color of the water in Bora Bora is due to the shallow lagoons surrounding the island. The sun reflects off the white sandy bottom of the lagoon, creating that electric blue color that makes Bora Bora a dream destination.

Luxurious Overwater Bungalows

Our overwater bungalow in Bora Bora was more spacious and luxurious than the one in Mo’orea, and we loved the stunning views of Mt. Otemanu. The resort staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, especially the ladies we met at breakfast every morning. Their kindness made our stay even more special. We found the dining here to be wonderful, and enjoyed many lunches and dinners in the open air. The resort even brought us champagne to the table on the night of our anniversary!

I especially loved having room service deliver breakfast one more, enjoying it on the patio. But one of my favorite nights of the trip was when we ordered room service for dinner and stayed in bed watching Netflix! No really! 🤣 It is rare that we can watch a movie in silence, so this was a treat! We ended up watching Murder Mystery and Murder Mystery 2 with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston—both movies were hilarious! Though we did spend most of our time relaxing, soaking in the beauty of the island in Bora Bora, we did venture out for a jungle tour.

Surprising History in Bora Bora

The experience had us exploring WWII relics, including bunkers, tankers, and cannons—a surprise for us both. During the trip, I had read the book, The Bungalow, and found out the role that Bora Bora played for the U.S. during WWII, so when I saw the tour, I knew that we had to do it. I loved seeing the places described in the book, and , of course, Charlie truly enjoyed it! It was such a surprising addition to our trip that we hadn’t planned for.

The tour took us to an artist’s home as well. I brought home a souvenir painting that now hangs in our home alongside a collection of tropical paintings of places we’ve visited over the years. The grounds had ancient Polynesia ritual relics, which was pretty remarkable to see. So much history on this island that I hadn’t anticipated! We also had a wonderful time doing a photoshoot to commemorate our anniversary. Sasha Popovic Photography was so fun to work with, and now we have the most beautiful photos to remember our time there!

Tahiti: The Starting and Ending Point of Our Adventure

French Polynesia is a collection of over 100 islands located in the South Pacific, often referred to simply as “Tahiti” due to the island’s prominence. However, it’s important to know that Tahiti is just one island in the group. French Polynesia is made up of over 100 islands, including Mo’orea and Bora Bora. Tahiti is the largest and acts as the central hub for travel to the other islands. It’s here that we began and ended our journey, with an overnight stay on the island before heading home. Though we didn’t spend as much time exploring Tahiti, it was the perfect jumping-off point for our adventures in Mo’orea and Bora Bora.

Why French Polynesia is the Perfect Destination for a Romantic Getaway

Our 10th anniversary trip to French Polynesia was everything we dreamed it would be—relaxed, adventurous, and filled with beautiful memories. The laid-back atmosphere of Mo’orea, the luxurious vibes of Bora Bora, and the stunning blue waters made it the perfect destination to celebrate such a special milestone. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both, French Polynesia has something for every traveler.

These are our personal memories from French Polynesia, but the islands offer countless opportunities for unique and magical experiences. If you’re planning a trip to Tahiti, Mo’orea, Bora Bora, or beyond, I’m here to help craft the perfect itinerary! Ready to plan your dream anniversary or romantic getaway? French Polynesia is waiting to welcome you with open arms, just as it did for us.