Photo Credit: TT – Gregoire Le Bacon
Tahiti is perfect. No, I mean really. Not only is it a super cool environment for a destination wedding, but it is also considered the most romantic honeymoon location in the world. Hey, not just me saying, but a Brides-TripAdvisor survey of hundreds of travelers who determined top destinations for the “Brides Best Honeymoon” awards, and guess what? The Islands of Tahiti ranked #1!
There’s a reason the overwater bungalow was invented here.
In 2017, Tahiti celebrated the 50th anniversary of these iconic huts perched over the water. Read the story of the Tahiti Overwater Bungalow here.
A Dream Destination Wedding Coupled With An Amazing Honeymoon In Tahiti, All In One Trip.
Back in May 2015, I welcomed Jess on the blog.
Jess had been exploring every corner of our globe for over 3 years (and counting back then) and shared with us her take on honeymooning in the Islands of Tahiti.
Insider’s Guide to Honeymoons in Tahiti
Tahiti is one of over a hundred volcanic islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. It’s a special place for anyone—Tahiti is widely-considered to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world (it is!), with stunning landscapes and fascinating culture. But it’s especially popular with honeymooners, who love Tahiti’s temperate weather, scenic photo backdrops, and secluded beaches.
Here are some dos and don’ts for your honeymoon in Tahiti:
DO budget accordingly—and expect that it’s going to be expensive. We’re talking about one of the prime honeymoon destinations in the world here, and you’ll pay for a room with a view. If you’re not careful, your trip to Tahiti could set you back many thousands of dollars. That said…
DON’T be turned off by the price tag. One option would be to set up a honeymoon registry: rather than asking wedding guests to buy gifts, have them chip in towards your honeymoon. Here’s a good example. If you visit during off-season, you’ll usually find that prices are a bit more reasonable.
Photo Credit: TT – Ty Sawyer
DO stay in an overwater bungalow if you can (at least for one night). Come on, you have one chance to have the perfect honeymoon; set the scene for it. Believe it or not, you can find beautiful overwater bungalows for decent rates, especially if you go during the off-season (particularly in March or April).
DON’T stay in the capital city, Papeete, if you’re looking for that idyllic honeymoon experience. It’s the largest city of French Polynesia, and although it offers some good shopping, it’s not as secluded as some of the other spots on the island. You’re better off getting out to one of the smaller resorts.
DO get out and explore. There are plenty of waterfront activities to partake in, from snorkeling to surfing to swimming with dolphins and more, or you can stay dry and head out hiking or four-wheeling. And of course, spending the whole day relaxing on a beach is always a great option!
Photo Credit: TT – Gregoire Le Bacon
DON’T limit yourself to outdoor activities. Check out the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands, with its interesting historical artifacts, and the Tomb of King Pomare V, the first and only king of Tahiti. And don’t forget to check out Papeete’s main market, Le Marche—you’ll get a fascinating look into the Tahitian lifestyle.
DO grab a lei or shell necklace. It may be a bit kitschy, but hey, what better reminder of the fact that you’re on an island honeymoon. Also, it’ll look great in all your beach photos.
Photo Credit: TT – Gregoire Le Bacon
DON’T make the mistake of buying expensive imitation black pearls made of glass or fiberglass. If you’re looking to buy black pearls, know that shops selling authentic pearls should have a certificate on the wall providing proof of their legitimacy.
DO try poisson cru, a local dish made with raw fish doused with lime juice and coconut and mixed with vegetables. It’s made with different types of fish and accompaniments and is a very light and refreshing dish, so try it in a couple different places. Also keep your eyes peeled for the scrumptious arrays of fresh fruit.
DON’T blow your whole budget on food. Some of the restaurants, especially in Papeete, can charge pretty hefty prices. Instead, check out roulottes, or food trucks, for everything from Chinese food to crêpes. Also, it’s part of French Polynesia—expect to find cheap baguettes and baguette sandwiches that make for great picnic food.
DO consider visiting other islands in French Polynesia during your trip. Moorea is close and well connected to Tahiti, but it’s a bit more rural and prices are a bit cheaper. Or you can always hop over to the more expensive (but extremely stunning) Bora Bora. It can be nice for a change of scenery.
DON’T plan too much into your schedule. You’re going on your honeymoon; part of your time in Tahiti should be spent in pampering, relaxation, and spending time with your new partner. It’s okay to take time cuddling and watching Netflix in your room sometimes—use a virtual proxy network to hide your true location and Netflix’s geo-restrictions won’t cause you any problems.
Whether you plan to spend your honeymoon lazing around on a beach or want to get out and do things, Tahiti and its islands have a little something for everyone. With a honeymoon in Tahiti, you’re sure to feel like you’re beginning your happily-ever-after together. If you’ve ever imagined a tropical honeymoon, Tahiti is probably the place you’ve imagined—just get ready for it to be better in person that it ever was in your dreams!
Guest Post by Jess.
Thanks Jess! For more travel tips from Jess, you can head straight to Jess travel blog!
And now find out How To Enjoy Your Honeymoon After Your Tahiti Destination Wedding.
