For the weeks leading up to my trip to French Polynesia, I kept pinching myself that I was actually going to one of my bucket list destinations. I remembered when my husband and I decided to go somewhere else instead of Bora Bora for our honeymoon, we both were a bit bummed out but held out hope we'd get there one day... and luckily, it was sooner than anticipated!

I always looked at pictures of French Polynesia and thought "that person must have an amazing camera" or "that person DEFINITELY put a filter on that photo", but truthfully, pictures don't do the place justice. The crystal clear turquoise water was so breathtakingly beautiful and held up to every stereotype. I couldn't get enough!

While in French Polynesia, I stayed for two nights on Moorea and 5 on Bora Bora, of course switching hotels each night :) With help from a very valuable BPK Travel partner, I arranged for various excursions and transfers throughout each island. And not trying to toot my own horn, but it was VERY evident how valuable working with a travel advisor is while in French Polynesia. There are many logistics that you truly don't think about or even realize, and working with a travel advisor will help make sure your trip is seamless.

I know in most of my posts, I write about the 5 things I liked best about each hotel, but I am going to do things a bit differently this time. I will write 5 categories and tell which hotel "wins" that category then give you a description about each hotel...

Moorea

Moorea is fairly close to Tahiti (where you fly in to). You just take a 25 minute ferry from Tahiti to Moorea, and then you're in paradise. Moorea is very lush and mountainous. While there, I went ATV'ing which was an absolute blast and the highlight of my time on Moorea. The easy ride takes you through pineapple plantations and to incredible vantage points. It's a definitely must do! Here are the 5 categories and the "winners" of each!

Nicest Accommodations: Hilton Moorea
Best Location: Intercontinental Moorea
Most Romantic: Sofitel Moorea
Best for Families: Intercontinental Moorea
Best Food: Hilton Moorea

Intercontinental Moorea

This was my first stop on the Tour de French Polynesia. The Intercontinental Moorea was the farthest from the pier (only 30 minutes, though) but closest to the excursions. The Intercontinental was a large property with many different types of accommodations. You could stay in a Lanai Room (aka hotel room), beach bungalows that overlook the lagoon or various types of overwater bungalows. This property is great for families because it has three orphaned dolphins and a turtle center on property as well as tons of activities to choose from. Plus, the couches in the living room of the bungalows have a trundle bed and a door that closes it off from the bedroom, so it's perfect for a family of 4!

Hilton Moorea

The Hilton Moorea is definitely the "WOW" property on Moorea. The bungalows were sooo chic with gorgeous décor and updated bathrooms. The common spaces and architecture were gorgeous and modern, too. The Hilton Moorea is about 20 minutes away from the pier and still well located to everything in Moorea. The food at the Hilton Moorea was definitely the best. There were many options to choose from... from the fancy French restaurant to the crepe restaurant in the middle of the overwater bungalows where you can watch the sea life beneath your feet and everything in between!

Sofitel Moorea

Though I didn't stay here, I did a wonderful tour of the Sofitel Moorea. This property felt the most intimate of all the other ones. It was smaller and quaint with different types of accommodations ... from garden bungalows to beach bungalows to different sized overwater bungalows. I thought the décor was very fresh and clean and the restaurants were cute. I love this property for honeymooners or a romantic couples getaway!

Bora Bora

After a few nights in Moorea, my husband and I jetted off to Bora Bora. In order to get here, you will need to take a flight. It's a quick flight, however - only 45 minutes. Once you arrive, you will find the booth for your hotel and take their boat to your accommodations. It's super easy!

And guys, I can't tell you how amazing Bora Bora was. The water reflecting off of Mount Otemanu was truly a site to be seen.

While in Bora Bora, we took a snorkeling tour (which is the same boat as the sunset cruise that's also a popular excursion) as well as rode a jet ski around the entire island of Bora Bora. I highly recommend BOTH! It was such a great way to get out and enjoy the incredible scenery from the island plus learn more about French Polynesian culture and what makes this island so special.

Since I stayed at 5 RESORTS while in Bora Bora, I'm doing 5 categories x2...

Best Overwater Bungalow: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Best View of Mount Otemanu: Intercontinental Thalasso
Best Food: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Coolest "Wow" Factor: Le Meridien (largest see through floor!)
Best Vibe: St Regis Bora Bora
Prettiest Landscape: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Most Gorgeous Spa: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Most Modern: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Most Romantic: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Most buzzing scene: St Regis Bora Bora

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Yall... I'm obsessed with this place! The Conrad Bora Bora Nui just reopened in April 2017 after a $150 million dollar renovation!! And you can tell... the rooms were by far the most comfortable and even had Bluetooth through the entire room and on your patio. Though the Conrad is the only property I stayed at that does not have views of Mount Otemanu, it makes up for that with incredible and unobstructed sunset and sunrise views. Plus, the food was amazing! There are tons of dining options to choose from. I loved the vibe at Upa Upa and thought the food at Banyan was incredible, Plus the wine bar was so cute! I loved this resort so much and just want everyone to go there!!!

Intercontinental Thalasso Bora Bora

The Intercontinental Thalasso Bora Bora truly does have the most incredible views of Mount Otemanu. This resort is modern and only has overwater bungalows! The AC in the entire property is powered by the deep water beyond the reef circling Bora Bora, and the pathways to the bungalows are made out of rubber instead of wood. This ensures that it is completely silent around the bungalows and you don't hear the sound of golf carts or AC running. Intercontinental Thalasso is owned by the same people who own the Brando, so they've recently introduced the Brando Suites. These are two bedroom suites with a huge living room and the most incredible deck and plunge pool. These are truly a treat to stay at and will only elevate your experience at this resort. And Intercontinental Thalasso's spa is great. They use a lot of techniques incorporating the deep, cold water from beyond the reef. It's truly super special!

Le Meridien Bora Bora

Le Meridien Bora Bora is the oldest property in this area of Bora Bora. It's been around for 20 years! This property definitely has a younger vibe... the pool bar has a scene and the cocktail bar was the most crowded I saw. Plus, the overwater bungalows have an incredible and HUGE glass bottom floor which is perfect to watch the sea life at night. If you don't want to stay in an overwater bungalow, there are 10 beach bungalows (either 1 or 2 bedrooms) that are surrounding the natural lagoon on property. Out of everywhere in Bora Bora, the food here was most affordable and was very good! And another thing I loved so much about this property was the turtle center. They have scientists on site who are dedicated to taking care of endangered turtles with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. It's the perfect activities for families.

St Regis Bora Bora

If you've seen Couples Retreat, you know how beautiful the St Regis Bora Bora is! This property is the largest on the island, but luckily the St Regis provides bikes for you to ride around on. It's so fun! The overwater bungalows are definitely the largest with a HUGE living room, bedroom, bathroom and patio. And yall... the spa! I can't tell you how amazing the views from the relaxation room are. It's the perfect place to "mentally prepare" for your treatment! I loved the vibe of the St Regis. Many of the guests were enjoying the beach or the pool as well as grabbing a drink for happy hour before their meals. I absolutely loved the ambiance of this resort!

Four Seasons Bora Bora

This property was just so gorgeous and all of the buildings and landscaping were so well kept. My most favorite feature of the Four Seasons Bora Bora was the incredible lagoon running through the property. Here you can snorkel and see sooo many types of fish in the crystal clear water. It is the perfect afternoon activity. I also loved the beach area. I think it's absolutely gorgeous to see a combination of the turquoise water, overwater bungalows and Mount Otemanu. The spa at the Four Seasons was truly a treat. The spa building is the tallest building on the island with incredible Polynesian inspired treatment rooms. The waiting area in the Women's locker room had a view of Mount Otemanu that honestly looks like a painting. Each restaurant at the Four Seasons was super cute and all had its own identity. I particularly loved the breakfast buffet as it had tons of options to choose from! And the bungalows... guys, these were incredible. The furniture both inside and on the patio were soooo comfortable and just beautiful. I absolutely loved my stay here!