Most people dream of going to Tahiti once in their lifetime. I went for work, and now I’m going back for love.
When I first traveled to Tahiti, it was part of a professional familiarization trip. My goal was to experience the islands the way my clients would, to understand the rhythm of each destination, and to truly evaluate the properties and excursions I recommend. I expected it to be beautiful. I did not expect it to completely capture me.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I understood why Tahiti leaves such a lasting impression. The air itself smells different, soft and floral, like a welcome before you even see the water. That first breath set the tone for everything that followed.
Three Islands, Three Very Different Feelings
My journey began on the main island for one night, just enough time to ground myself and ease into the pace of Polynesia. From there, I headed to Moorea for several nights, then finished my stay in Bora Bora.
Each island felt distinct, yet deeply connected.
Moorea was lush, dramatic, and grounding. The mountains rise sharply from the island, and the energy there feels slower and more intimate. One of my favorite experiences of the entire trip happened here.
I joined a private tour that first brought us to a vanilla farm, where we tasted fresh jams made right on the property. It was simple and authentic and exactly the kind of experience that stays with you. Afterward, we were driven to the end of a trail and walked an easy slope up the mountain. The view from the top was breathtaking. The kind of view that makes you stop talking and just stand there, taking it in.
Bora Bora, on the other hand, felt like stepping into a dream. The lagoon is unreal, shifting shades of blue that don’t seem possible until you see them with your own eyes.
The Excursions That Changed Me
In Bora Bora, I experienced one of the most memorable excursions of my life. We swam with black tip reef sharks, who honestly seemed to have a sense of humor. They would swim straight toward us and then abruptly turn away at the last second, clearly enjoying the reaction they got.
After the sharks, we moved to an area to swim with stingrays. Surprisingly, this is what scared me. I wasn’t nervous about the sharks at all, but the stingrays made me hesitate.
Our local guide was incredible. He showed me how the stingrays would gently “hug” you, wrapping themselves around your legs and body. Once I understood their behavior, everything changed. They were affectionate, curious, and full of personality. They would actually get jealous if another stingray was getting attention, nudging them aside so they could be the one getting the hugs.
I fell completely in love with them.
Overwater Bungalows That Truly Live Up to the Hype
My overwater bungalow in Bora Bora was everything people hope it will be, and more. Spacious, beautifully designed, and positioned over water so clear it felt like floating above glass.
Mornings became my favorite time of day. I loved waking up to the ocean stretching endlessly in front of me, stepping out onto my deck for a quick swim, then heading to the main areas of the resort to mingle with other guests at the pools and bars.
The service across every resort I stayed at was exceptional. Friendly, intuitive, and genuinely warm. My butlers learned my daily coffee order almost immediately and made sure it was ready and delivered at whatever time I wanted each morning. I never once handled my own luggage. My room was always immaculate when I returned.
And then there were the bathtubs.
Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite way to end the day is with a long bubble bath before bed. Whether I’m traveling solo or with my soon-to-be husband, it’s my ritual. The bathtubs in Tahiti were huge, deeply comfortable, and exactly the kind of detail that turns a beautiful stay into a restorative one. It’s honestly one of the things we’re most excited about for our honeymoon.
The Heart of Tahiti Lives in Its People
What truly made Tahiti unforgettable, though, was the people.
The locals were incredibly warm and welcoming. I loved wandering through marketplaces, talking with artisans, purchasing handcrafted goods, and sampling local cuisine. There was an ease and generosity in every interaction that made me feel not just welcomed, but invited.
Why I’m Going Back, This Time for Us
I went to Tahiti alone, focused on learning and experiencing it through a professional lens. Somewhere along the way, it became deeply personal.
Tahiti inspired me. It calmed me. It surprised me. And it exceeded every expectation I had.
Now, I get to go back and share it with my soon-to-be husband. I want him to smell the floral air when we step off the plane. I want him to float in the lagoon, to experience the kindness of the people, to understand why this place feels so special.
This time, I’ll experience Tahiti not as a work trip, but as a honeymoon. And having firsthand knowledge of the islands, the properties, and the experiences, supported by the relationships I’ve built through my work and my Virtuoso network, makes it even more meaningful.
Some destinations are beautiful. Others stay with you.
Tahiti is the kind of place you don’t just visit once. It’s the kind you return to, for the moments that matter most.
