FRENCH POLYNESIA

After 16 years of many incredible vacations and 4.5 years of full-time travel with Ritik, I am finally starting the Travel section of my blog with one of my absolute favorite destinations—French Polynesia. And trust me, that’s saying something! I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking blue-water, white-sand destinations - the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Maldives, Antigua, Aruba, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Andaman and Nicobar, islands in Thailand, Malaysia and counting.... Each of these places is stunning in its own right, but none come close to French Polynesia—not just in terms of beauty, but in the sheer soul of the place.

What sets French Polynesia apart? It’s not just another postcard-perfect island paradise for the ultra rich or the honeymooners. It’s a land steeped in history, culture, and the spirit of fearless exploration.

Imagine this - ~2,500 years ago, before the world had maps, compasses, or any scientific understanding of ocean currents, a group of humans from Southeast Asia set out on one of the greatest voyages in history. No GPS, no weather forecasts—just their deep understanding of the stars, the winds, and the rhythm of the ocean. In their outrigger canoes, they paddled into the vast unknown, ultimately reaching the Marquesas Islands. From there, they spread across what we now call the Polynesian Triangle (Hawaii, Easter Island, New Zealand), forming one of the most extraordinary civilizations on Earth—long before any European explorers even thought about crossing the Pacific! That’s the magic of these islands—wild, untamed, and breathtakingly remote. Do you feel my excitement yet?

French Polynesia isn’t just about its mesmerizing lagoons or the impossibly soft sand underfoot, it is where the ocean isn’t a barrier but a highway, and where the same fearless, exploratory spirit of the first Polynesian navigators can still be felt today. And we were fortunate enough to not just meet but spend our entire time in French Polynesia with one of them! Meet Captain Hinano - she is the one and only woman Captain of Polynesian descent and first of the 3 women Captains sailing the Polynesian waters today. We knew we were in for something special when we boarded our Dream Yacht Charter and found it had an all-women-crew, but had no idea that we had actually hit a jackpot!

Captain Hinano was incredible—her deep love for her homeland was evident in the way she cared for us and shared its beauty. Unlike most captains who simply drop anchor and let you explore on your own, she personally took us on adventures beyond the Dream Yacht itinerary, from exploring ruins of a luxury hotel on to hidden snorkeling spots we would have never found without a local expert. It was an experience that made our trip truly unforgettable.

But it wasn’t just the incredible all-women crew that made this trip unforgettable—our fellow passengers were truly a dream team as well.

Onboard, we shared the journey with a charming Italian couple—the husband fluent in French, English, and Italian, while the wife spoke only Italian. There was also a lovely French family: both parents spoke only French, and their son was bilingual in French and English. Then there was my husband and me, speaking only English.

Despite this colorful mix of languages and the inevitable communication challenges, something beautiful happened. We formed a bond so strong that even a year later, we’re still in touch, sharing memories, photos, and plans for future adventures together.

It just goes to show—sometimes, connection transcends language, and shared experiences can create friendships that last a lifetime.

Our journey took us on an unforgettable route — starting from Tahiti, then Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, and back to Raiatea. Along the way, we stopped at countless stunning beaches on various motus (tiny islets), so many that I’ve lost track of their names!

We marveled at the vibrant underwater world, spotting dozens of fish species, swimming alongside playful dolphins, graceful black-tip sharks, stingrays, and even meeting Nemo more times than I can count. On land, we hiked hills to soak in breathtaking panoramic views and explored vanilla plantations, pineapple farms, and the Manutea-Rotui Juice factory and distillery, where we tasted some of the freshest local produce and rum.

This trip to French Polynesia was more than just a vacation — it was a journey of connection, discovery, and wonder. From the incredible crew and our diverse fellow travelers, to the vibrant marine life and lush landscapes, every moment felt like a gift.

It reminded me how travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations, but about the stories we create, the friendships we build, and the way new experiences expand our hearts and minds.

French Polynesia’s magic lies not only in its breathtaking beauty but in the spirit of exploration and togetherness that we were lucky to be part of — a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable journeys happen when you open yourself fully to the world and the people around you.

Every sunset painted the sky in hues so incredible they felt surreal. We visited UNESCO World Heritage sites and met sacred eels. We tasted the Polynesian national dish Poisson Cru (which is incredible btw!) and learned about the cultivation of the legendary black pearls. Fun fact: the so-called ‘Tahitian black pearl’ is actually a bit of a global collaboration—the cultivation technique was developed by the Japanese, the starter shells come from the Mississippi River in the US, the process is carried out by Chinese technicians, but the waters where it all happens are pure Tahitian. Maybe we should call it the global pearl instead!

And of course, every day brought us incredible meals, enjoyed while anchored over the bluest of the blue waters, with a new island’s breathtaking beauty to soak-in.

P.S. If French Polynesia is on your bucket list and you’d like to experience it with the same warmth, expertise, and magic that Captain Hinano and her crew brought to our journey, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to connect you!