Begin your vacation with a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, a luxurious hotel on its own motu (islet) surrounded by coconut palms and tiare (Tahitian gardenia) trees. The 108 overwater bungalow suites offer panoramic views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu from outdoor decks that feature dining areas and ladders into the water. Alternatively, the one- to three-bedroom Beachfront Villa Estates range from 2,720 square feet to 5,380 square feet and are augmented by expansive indoor-outdoor areas, private pools and a dedicated white-sand beach.

The resort’s Arii Moana restaurant is perfect for a casual lunch of Mediterranean-inspired seafood specialties, and the dinner-only Vaimiti serves contemporary Asian cuisine in a magnificent overwater thatched dining hut. The charming Faré Hoa Beach Bar & Grill, an alfresco option set on the shore of the lagoon, has a toes-in-the-sand sensibility.

You can relax at the templelike spa, which has a yoga platform and an outdoor swimming pool, play a round of tennis on one of the two grass courts, break a sweat at the hotel’s open-air fitness center that overlooks a coral reef or take part in an array of water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, water biking, kayaking and boating excursions. The exciting four-hour shark-and-ray snorkeling safari is a highlight.

From Bora Bora, it is a one-hour flight by private charter to the island of Tetiaroa, a former retreat for Tahitian royalty that was later owned by actor Marlon Brando. This emerald atoll is now home to The Brando, a seductive retreat comprising 35 lavish one- to three-bedroom thatched beachfront villas with outdoor tubs, high-tech media rooms and decks with plunge pools. The property includes a glamorous wellness facility complete with a waterfall, six treatment rooms (including the magnificent bird’s nest-like couples suite) and a fitness center.

There are several excellent dining venues at the resort, including Les Mutinés, featuring acclaimed chef Jean Imbert’s Polynesian-inspired dishes and fine French fare, as well as a convivial eight-seat teppanyaki restaurant and the Beachcomber café for local specialties.

Aside from the luxurious accommodations and the delicious cuisine, much of The Brando’s appeal derives from its pristine natural surroundings. The snorkeling is astonishing, and for those who would like to learn more about the environment, tours are offered to nearby research stations. Other memorable activities include traditional Polynesian dance and music lessons, weaving and pareu dyeing classes and cooking courses.

French Polynesia has long beckoned visitors with sensational scenery, azure seas and rich local culture. But because the islands are scattered around such a large expanse of ocean, the logistics of exploring the country can be daunting. The simplest solution is to hop aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin and cruise for a week around the archipelago. The cabins on this 330-passenger ship sport a chic décor of Polynesian motifs and a tranquil color palette of sea blue, light green and pearl. All accommodations offer ocean views, and nearly 70% come with balconies.

The three onboard dining options include a casual poolside grill and L’Etoile, an elegant white-tablecloth restaurant serving a wide-ranging menu that specializes in Polynesian delicacies.

The ship has a PADI-certified diving program, and there are ample opportunities to kayak, paddleboard or snorkel when not exploring white-sand beaches and lush rainforests. Often included is a day at Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ exclusive islet retreat off the coast of Taha’a, featuring a barbecue feast. An excursion to a private beach on Bora Bora can be arranged.

Most m/s Paul Gauguin journeys begin and end in Papeete, the capital city of Tahiti. After two weeks of exploring the enchanting islands of French Polynesia, your journey has come to an end.

Since most flights from the United States arrive in the middle of the night and depart early in the morning, it is often necessary to stay a night in Papeete. Spend your last two evenings in French Polynesia at the 246-room InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, conveniently situated just a five-minute drive from the Faa’a International Airport. The overwater bungalows, with their superior ocean views, are the best available option.

You will not need to leave the hotel for fine meals, as the two on-site restaurants offer first-rate cuisine. Te Tiare Restaurant serves Polynesian fare, while the overwater Le Lotus presents gourmet French dishes. For more lively culinary experiences, guests can enjoy Tahitian dance shows paired with an extensive buffet (themed meals regularly change) and Sunday brunches accompanied by music and dance performances.

This full-service resort encompasses a wellness complex, jogging trails through the estate’s tropical gardens and a PADI-certified diving center. Cultural demonstrations are offered daily, and snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and water skiing can be arranged by the staff at the on-site aquatic club.