There are no Disney Worlds or other such attractions in the islands. Most tourism here is geared toward honeymooners and other couples. In fact, most resorts in French Polynesia are designed specifically for romance. Accordingly, most resorts house their guests in individual bungalows best occupied by two people. That's not to say that children won't have a fine time here, for more and more resorts are making provisions for families as well as honeymooners. Kids who like being around the water will enjoy themselves the most.
Here are a few family-friendly resorts:
- InterContinental Resort Tahiti (Tahiti): Tahiti's best all-around resort has a few overwater bungalows, but most units are hotel rooms that interconnect, thus giving families who can afford them two or more units in which to roam.
- Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti (Tahiti): The lagoon off the black-sand beach at the Radisson Plaza is subject to dangerous riptides, but kids can play in the walk-in swimming pool. Parents who don't mind letting their youngsters bunk on the living-room sofa can sleep upstairs in a two-story "duplex" suite. The Radisson frequently offers special deals for families, such as letting kids stay and eat free.
- Club Bali Hai (Moorea): Along with an awesome view of Cook's Bay, the Club Bali Hai has numerous units with kitchens, a benefit of the fact that about half of the units are timeshares. It lacks the organized activities of the InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea , but you will pay considerably less for a unit here.
- Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa (Bora Bora): This upscale resort on an islet off Bora Bora has a two-bedroom villa among its inventory, a plus for well-heeled families.
- Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa (Bora Bora): This large and swanky resort has a variety of accommodations, including hotel-style units that interconnect.
- Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort (Bora Bora): Families can opt for one of Pearl's beachside one-bedroom villas.
- Le Meridien Bora Bora (Bora Bora): In my opinion, the top family resort in French Polynesia, this Meridien has units beside a shallow, man-made lagoon, a safe haven for children playing in the water. The youngsters can also both play and learn in the resort's award-wining sea turtle rescue and breeding program.
- St. Regis Resort Bora Bora (Bora Bora): While most French Polynesian resorts take the view that you're here to get away from it all and thus don't need Internet access, the over-the-top St. Regis Bora Bora provides high-speed access even in its high-tech Hono Iti kids' club, where well-heeled youngsters can also play the latest video games.
