Anyone who knows my travel style knows that I go wherever the flights take me. I don’t just choose a destination—it chooses me. But Tahiti and her enchanting islands had long been a dream. The very name conjures images of overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and fiery sunsets over the Pacific. So, when an irresistible opportunity to explore these islands on a luxury small-ship cruise arose, we jumped at the chance. Would this trip live up to our dreams? Spoiler alert—it exceeded them in every way.

Pre-Cruise: Papeete
Before embarking on our Windstar cruise, we spent time exploring Papeete on our own. Our adventure kicked off in the lively heart of Tahiti—Papeete. The moment we stepped into the famous 'Marché de Papeete,' we were swept into a sensory wonderland. This sprawling marketplace is a vibrant microcosm of Polynesian life, brimming with colorful sarongs, handcrafted jewelry, aromatic local spices, and the freshest seafood imaginable. The lively hum of bargaining, the intoxicating scent of vanilla, and the stunning variety of artisanal goods made for an immersive cultural experience.
As the day faded into a golden sunset, we made our way to Place Vai'ete, home to the legendary food trucks known as "Les Roulettes." As the sun dipped below the horizon, the square came alive with the sizzle of grills and the mingling aromas of Tahitian poisson cru, wood-fired pizzas, and French crêpes. Dining under the stars, surrounded by a mix of locals and travelers, we felt an immediate connection to the island’s welcoming spirit.
Our pre-cruise stay at Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts was nothing short of magical. Nestled on the black-sand shores of Lafayette Beach, with panoramic views of Matavai Bay, the resort was a tranquil escape from the city’s energy. Swaying palms, soothing ocean breezes, and luxurious accommodations made it the perfect introduction to the splendor of Tahiti.

Boarding Windstar Spirit
Windstar is known for its unique approach to luxury cruising, offering experiences that immerse guests in the destination in a way that larger cruise ships simply can't. One of the standout features was the watersports platform, where we could kayak, paddleboard, and snorkel directly off the back of the ship—bringing us even closer to the ocean's magic. The ship’s open-bridge policy also allowed us to chat with the captain and crew, gaining fascinating insights into life at sea. Another thoughtful touch was the signature champagne welcome, a small yet luxurious detail that made us feel like VIPs the moment we stepped aboard.

After our time in Papeete, we boarded the Windstar Spirit, our home for the next leg of the journey. Unlike massive cruise liners, Windstar’s intimate sailing yacht—accommodating just 148 guests—felt like a floating sanctuary. The open-bridge policy allowed us to visit the ship’s control center and chat with the crew, deepening our appreciation for life at sea. Dining was another highlight, with locally inspired cuisine and a starlit deck barbecue that perfectly captured the romance of small-ship cruising.
Moorea
Sailing away from Tahiti, we arrived at our first stop—Moorea, a stunning island that felt like stepping into a dream. Unlike massive cruise liners, Windstar’s intimate sailing yacht—accommodating just 148 guests—felt like a floating sanctuary. The open-bridge policy allowed us to visit the ship’s control center and chat with the crew, deepening our appreciation for life at sea. Dining was another highlight, with locally inspired cuisine and a starlit deck barbecue that perfectly captured the romance of small-ship cruising.
Moorea greeted us with emerald peaks and a lagoon so impossibly blue it felt like stepping into a dream. This stunning island was our first stop on the voyage. At the Sofitel Resort & Spa, we wandered through its idyllic beachfront and overwater bungalows, each offering a slice of paradise.
Eager to explore, we rented a boat and set off across the lagoon, where black-tip sharks gracefully weaved through the crystalline waters. Swimming alongside black-tip sharks in their natural habitat wasn’t just thrilling—it was transformative. There’s something humbling about being face-to-face with these elegant creatures, watching them glide effortlessly through the water, completely uninterested in our presence. Back on land, we hiked through lush trails leading to panoramic vistas, each turn revealing another breathtaking perspective of the island’s raw beauty.
Raiatea
One of the highlights of our Windstar experience was the spectacular barbecue night on deck, which took place while anchored near Raiatea. Under the starlit sky, we dined on freshly grilled seafood, succulent meats, and a variety of local delicacies, all while the ocean breeze set the perfect ambiance. This mid-cruise event was a guest favorite, bringing everyone together for an evening of exceptional food and camaraderie.
Arriving in Raiatea, known as the cradle of Polynesian culture, we ventured on a unique local experience. Unlike the more popular tourist spots, this hidden gem had no crowds, no souvenir stalls—just raw, untouched island life. It felt like stepping into a forgotten world, where the rhythm of the ocean and the melody of islanders’ ukuleles were the only soundtrack. Wanting to see a more authentic side of the island, we took a ferry to a small, less-visited island for the day. With virtually no other tourists around, this was one of the most immersive cultural experiences of our trip.

Motu Mahaea, Taha’a
Another highlight of our journey was Windstar’s private island dinner experience on Motu Mahaea, Taha’a. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we stepped onto the pristine shores of this secluded motu, where an elegant, candle-lit feast awaited. The meal featured locally inspired dishes, fine wines, and an ambiance that felt like a dream. The exclusivity and natural beauty of the setting made for a truly magical evening, perfectly capturing the romance of the South Pacific.
Taha’a, often called the "Vanilla Island," offered a day of bliss on the private Motu Mahaea. Here, powdery white sand beaches framed impossibly clear waters, inviting us to snorkel, paddleboard, and simply bask in paradise. A beachfront barbecue, complete with fresh tropical fruits and refreshing cocktails, made for the perfect island escape.
Exploring deeper into the island, we visited lush vanilla plantations, where the heady aroma of this prized spice filled the air. Learning about the intricate process of cultivating vanilla beans added a new layer of appreciation to every Tahitian dish we had enjoyed.
Bora Bora
Windstar’s exclusive Destination Discovery Event in Bora Bora was an absolute showstopper. On our second night in Bora Bora, we were treated to an awe-inspiring evening on a private motu, where flaming torches illuminated the night, and the sounds of rhythmic drumming filled the air. The highlight of the evening was the breathtaking fire dancer performance, where skilled performers dazzled us with their precision and energy under the starlit sky. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captured the soul of Polynesian culture and provided the perfect send-off from this world-renowned paradise.
No place quite captures the imagination like Bora Bora. Arriving by sea, we were immediately struck by its dazzling lagoon, encircled by lush peaks and overwater bungalows straight out of a postcard. Our overnight stay on the Windstar Spirit allowed us to take in the stunning scenery, swim in the crystalline waters, and witness the island’s beauty from multiple perspectives.
Among the top things to do in Bora Bora, a helicopter ride over the lagoon offers a jaw-dropping perspective of this Pacific paradise. Taking to the skies, we embarked on a breathtaking helicopter ride, witnessing the full splendor of Bora Bora from above—its coral reefs and turquoise waters unfurling like a masterpiece beneath us.

Huahine
Huahine, known as the "Garden of Eden" of French Polynesia, welcomed us with its lush forests, secluded beaches, and serene villages. We explored ancient Polynesian ruins, snorkeled in pristine waters, and marveled at the untouched beauty of this lesser-visited gem. It was the perfect final island stop before heading back to Papeete.

Post-Cruise: Half-Day Tour & Departure
Looking back on this journey, I realize that Tahiti wasn’t just about the postcard-perfect scenery or luxurious experiences—it was about the connections we made. From the warmth of the locals to the camaraderie of fellow travelers aboard Windstar, this adventure left an imprint on our hearts. Tahiti didn’t just meet our expectations—it redefined them.
Returning to Papeete after disembarking, we had time for one last adventure before our flight home. We embarked on a half-day tour, exploring the Grottos of Maraa, Point Venus Lighthouse, and the serene botanical gardens, adding the final touches to an already unforgettable journey.
Before heading to the airport for our night flight, we relaxed at the Manava Resort in a comfortable day room—an ideal way to refresh before a long-haul trip.

Tahiti is more than a destination—it’s a transformative journey. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious overwater bungalow, a thrilling dive with black-tip sharks, or an intimate yacht cruise through the French Polynesia, Chelax Adventures is here to make it happen. Let’s start planning your bucket-list escape today! If you’re ready to experience it for yourself, let Chelax Adventures craft your dream itinerary. Your adventure begins now—where will the journey take you?