French Polynesia’s Most Family-Friendly Resorts

Photo credit: InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa (Moorea)

While French Polynesia is often touted as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, it’s also an excellent vacation idea for families. Not only are there exciting activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, but a number of hotels cater to these groups with family-friendly experiences. To help you plan your trip, here is a guide to French Polynesia’s most family-friendly resorts.

Travel Tip: Stick to the popular and more touristy islands when traveling as a family, as theyhave more to do for children and teens.

1. Four Seasons Bora Bora (Bora Bora)

The Four Seasons Bora Bora is an excellent choice for families for many reasons. First of all, their Kids For All Seasons is a supervised program where youth aged 5 to 12 (as well as children under 4 with an adult) can enjoy arts and crafts, snorkeling, hermit crab hunts, catch and release fishing, beach sports, traditional food tasting and more. Teenagers are more suited for the resort’s Chill Island, a private beach with kite-surfing lessons, beach volleyball, introductory dive lessons, cooking lessons, and marine biology activities. Here you’ll also find a Young Adult Center with games, pool table, foosball, movies and Internet. These are just a few of the many family-friendly activities offered onsite, while their concierge can also help you book offsite excursions.

2. Manava Suite Resort Tahiti (Tahiti)

Tahiti is the tourism hub for French Polynesia, and is where you’ll find your biggest selection in terms of accommodation. A top pick for families is the Manava Suite Resort Tahiti on the island’s west coast, especially as youth 14 and younger stay for free. The property is on the beach for those interested in water sports -- free snorkeling gear can be obtained from the hotel -- while an onsite Infinity pool offers a more relaxing vibe. All of the 121 rooms feature air conditioning, television, a terrace and a kitchenette, which can help families save money on food. Other family-friendly amenities include three-bedroom suites, babysitting services and onsite restaurants with kid’s menus.

3. InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa (Moorea)

The 4-star InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa has much for the family to enjoy. First of all, guests 15 years and younger stay free, allowing parents to save money on accommodation and food. Additionally, activities like boating to nearby private huts, swimming with string rays, learning to scuba dive and snorkeling in translucent waters (the gear is free to rent, along with other non-motorized water sports) are just a few of the many onsite activities, as well as visiting the property’s dolphin centerand sea turtle care center, a highlight of the stay. For children 4 to 10, a Kids Club keeps youngsters entertained with crafts, activities, sports and games. Babysitting services are provided upon request.

4. St. Regis Bora Bora (Bora Bora)

At the St. Regis Bora Bora, families can enjoy a large number of amenities and services dedicated to children and families. Along with swimming in their onsite pool, guests can make use of complimentary non-motorized water sport equipment like snorkeling gear, paddleboards, Hobie Cats and kayaks. Onsite restaurants cater to diners of all ages, while babysitting and nanny services are available upon request. The resort can also provide cribs and child-sized bathrobes for little ones. To help enhance a family's experience at the hotel, the St. Regis Bora Bora has a Family Traditions at St. Regis program where staff offer special experiences and activities to families like an Aquasafari to trek underwater in the nearby coral gardens and meeting turtles, sharks and tropical fish at the Lagoonarium Fish Park.

5. Legends Resort Moorea (Moorea)

At Legends Resort Moorea, families won’t just be comfortable; they’ll be catered to. The 17-acre (7 hectare) property offers private villas with Indian Ocean views for privacy in a beautiful space. Each villa comes equipped with a full kitchen so you can save money even when you have many people to cook for. Additionally, Legends Resort Moorea never charges extra for children (it’s a set rate for these self-contained rooms), and offers discounted rates for groups. Along with nearby experiences like hiking, lagoon snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours, onsite amenities for families include a private beach; a pool; children’s movies, books and television shows; high chairs; infant bathtubs; and cribs. Bonus: The resort is walking distance to the Moorea Dolphin Center, where visitors can swim with dolphins in their natural habitat and partake in special family programming.

Which resort sounds perfect for your family?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.