Raiatea and Tahaa Honeymoon

Escape the crowds for a secluded honeymoon holiday or romantic getaway on the languid ‘Sacred Island’ of Raiatea.

Raiatea is widely considered the cradle of Polynesian civilization, where the organised migrations to Hawaii, Aoteroa (New Zealand) and other areas of East Polynesia first began.

Things to do and see
Idyllic Tahaa Island retains an authentic flavour of Polynesia and makes for an ideal, romantic honeymoon getaway.

Sharing a common lagoon, the rugged twin islands of Raiatea and Tahaa lie in the heart of the Society Islands just east of Bora Bora and are perfect for honeymoon couples wishing to escape the more crowded commercial islands of Tahiti.

While neither of the two islands host a single beach, the surrounding lagoon boasts many tiny motus where you relax on gorgeous white-sand beaches, sunbathe, swim and enjoy honeymoon picnics in relative seclusion.

Raiatea
Located within a protected lagoon, both Raiatea and her sister island of Tahaa have become one of French Polynesia’s best locations for sailing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving, as well as growing in popularity as honeymoon destination.

When the Polynesian explorers first discovered the island we know today as Raiatea, they named it Havai after their legendary ancestral home. Second only to Tahiti in size, Raiatea today is the administrative and trading centre of the Leeward Islands. Take time to wander the streets of Uturoa, a sleepy little waterfront town reminiscent of Papeete from years past.

Tahaa
Sharing a common lagoon with Raiatea and accessible only by boat, Tahaa is the only island in the Society Islands that can be completely circled by boat while still inside the protected lagoon. Here you can explore the reef and discover the beauty of its multi-coloured lagoon, with many deep bays and small, isolated sandy motus that sit atop the reef for a peaceful and relaxing honeymoon experience.

Tahaa offers various several adventures for the active honeymoon couple: Observe several species of turtles living in their natural environment at a turtle sanctuary located near the charming village of Haamene, hike mountain trails through sweet-scented vanilla plantations, enjoy champagne picnics on a deserted motu or browse for a perfect honeymoon memento at one of the nearby pearl farms.

Accommodation
A sprinkling of luxurious resorts also offer stunning beachfront and lagoon settings that are perfect for honeymoon couples wanting a quiet time, such as Le Taha'a Private Island & Spa, which sits on a small motu in front of a gorgeous white-sand beach facing a tranquil lagoon on Tahaa's northwest coast; and Sunset Beach Motel, a collection of quaint cottages nestled in front of a palm-fringed white-sand beach on Raiatea.

Best time to visit Raiatea and Tahaa?
The best time to honeymoon on Raiatea and Tahaa is during the dry season between May and October, when the average annual temperature of 29°C is tempered by refreshing sea breezes. The wet season lasts from November until April, with February and March the hottest months. The water temperature hovers between 26°C and 29°C throughout the year.

Location – Raiatea and Tahaa is located between Huahine and Bora Bora in the leeward islands of the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

Getting there – By air to Raiatea from Papeete, Huahine, Moorea and Bora Bora on Air Tahiti. Alternatively, by ferry from Papeete, Bora Bora and Huahine.

Flight time – Raiatea is 45-minutes flying time from Papeete.

Getting around – Take Le Truck; hire a car scooter or bike to explore the island.