The Island of Vanilla, Serenity, and Hidden Paradise

Destination Overview

Tahaa, often called “The Vanilla Island,” is so much more than its name suggests.What we found here was an island that quietly takes your breath away — a place of pure tranquility, unspoiled beauty, and timeless Polynesian soul.

While the island itself is lush and green, the true magic of Tahaa lies within its lagoon — on a private motu that feels like a dream: Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts.Floating in the shadow of Bora Bora’s majestic peak, this island is a postcard brought to life.

Unlike other islands where days are filled with activities and sightseeing, Tahaa invites you to slow down. Here, you don’t chase moments — you live inside them. 🌴✨

Why We Loved It

Our stay at Le Taha’a was nothing short of unforgettable.Imagine waking up on an island shaped like a heart, surrounded by nothing but the sound of waves, the scent of vanilla in the air, and sunsets that set the sky ablaze with Bora Bora shimmering on the horizon.

The Coral Garden, the calm lagoon, and the soft rhythm of the tides created a sense of peace we hadn’t felt anywhere else.Every evening, as the light faded and the ocean turned gold, we felt completely disconnected from the world — and deeply connected to ourselves.

This island isn’t about doing more. It’s about feeling more.

Where to Stay

Without question — stay on the private motu at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts.This little island is paradise perfected: overwater villas floating above the reef, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and views of Bora Bora glowing in the distance.

The resort itself feels intimate and timeless — with incredible service, pristine beaches, and a lagoon that’s straight out of a movie.

If you’d like to explore the main island, you can also spend a night there to visit vanilla farms and black pearl farms for a taste of authentic local life.

💡 Secret Tip:Take a half-day boat trip to one of the lesser-known motus around Tahaa’s lagoon. It’s an affordable and truly authentic experience — quiet, genuine, and full of Polynesian charm.

But if time is short — skip everything else and stay on the motu. You’ll thank us later.

Where to Eat

The resort has three restaurants, each offering fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented dishes.We loved rotating between them — one each night. From grilled local fish and vanilla-scented sauces to cocktails by the lagoon, dining here is part of the experience.

Top Things to Do

🪸 Explore the Coral Garden

Just steps from the resort lies one of the most beautiful coral gardens in French Polynesia — a natural underwater drift between two motus.Grab a snorkel, float gently with the current, and watch a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, coral, and rays pass beneath you. It’s peaceful, alive, and absolutely mesmerizing.

🏝️ Paddle Around the Lagoon

Take a kayak or paddleboard from the resort and explore the surrounding islets.You’ll glide past tiny motus, quiet beaches, and shades of blue you didn’t know existed.It’s the perfect mix of freedom, sun, and stillness.

🌅 Chase the Sunset

Walk along the sandbar near the Coral Garden in the late afternoon, heading toward the open ocean — facing Bora Bora in the distance.As the sun sets, the sky turns into a masterpiece of pink, orange, and gold.Bring a drink, sit back, and just let it happen.

💕 Visit the Heart-Shaped Island

A short boat ride away lies one of Tahaa’s most photogenic secrets — a small, heart-shaped motu surrounded by turquoise perfection.Go early in the morning to have it all to yourself.

🚗 Explore the Main Island

If you stay an extra night or go for a day trip, rent a car or scooter and circle the island.Stop at local vanilla farms — the air is filled with the scent of fresh vanilla pods drying in the sun.Visit black pearl farms to learn how these rare treasures are cultivated, and don’t miss the local rum distillery — their flavored rums are the perfect souvenir.

Best Photo Spots

📸 The heart-shaped island — go early for a magical, intimate experience. 📸 Overwater villas at Le Taha’a — iconic and cinematic. 📸 The resort’s infinity pool — framed by palm trees and turquoise perfection. 📸 Paddleboard or kayak shots with Bora Bora in the background. 📸 Coral Garden underwater photos — alive with color and motion.

Best Time to Visit

☀️ The dry season (May–October) offers calm seas, perfect visibility for snorkeling, and vivid sunsets.🌦️ November–April brings warmer, humid weather with the occasional tropical shower — but the island stays lush and green year-round.

Travel Tips

💡 Book Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts early — it’s exclusive and sells out fast. 💡 Bring reef shoes for the Coral Garden — it’s shallow and full of life. 💡 Plan your transfers — the resort boat from Raiatea is not included in the room rate.💡 If you’re continuing to Maupiti, arrange your ferry ahead of time — schedules are limited. 💡 Don’t rush. Tahaa is about slowing down and breathing it all in.

How to Get There

✈️ Fly to Raiatea — only a 50-minute flight from Moorea or slightly less from Bora Bora.From Raiatea, the resort will pick you up by private boat (additional cost).The ride — about 30 minutes — is pure bliss: turquoise lagoon, vanilla-scented air, and views of distant motus.

⛴️ By Ferry:You can also reach Raiatea by Apetahi Express from Bora Bora (around 1 hour).From there, resort transfers run regularly to the motu.

If you’re heading onward to Maupiti, ferries operate a few times a week — and the resort can assist with the short boat ride to the main island pier (only 5 minutes away).

Final Thoughts – Travel With Love

Tahaa truly surprised us.We came expecting an island of vanilla — and found an island of serenity .It gave us something we didn’t know we needed — silence, connection, and a reminder that beauty doesn’t need to shout to be unforgettable.

Days passed slowly here — the ocean shimmered, time stood still, and we felt completely at peace. Tahaa was not about chasing experiences, but about living inside a perfect moment.

In a world that never stops moving, this island whispered:“Slow down. You’re already where you’re meant to be.” 🌸💫