Where to Go Next: French Polynesia

Where to go next

By Heidi Sherman Mitchell

Tahiti, Bora-Bora, Moorea—just saying these names evokes the exotic, unspoiled islands that first entranced Gauguin and, later, in their 1970's heyday, the likes of Marlon Brando and the Hollywood set. But in recent years French Polynesia has been known primarily as a quiet honeymoon retreat. No longer: with the opening of four sumptuous resorts, the islands are poised to regain their title as the far-flung luxury destination. InterContinental introduces 80 stunning villas on Bora-Bora this summer; St. Regis Bora Bora's 92-room resort welcomes guests in June; a Four Seasons has broken ground next door; and Brando's estate on Tetiaroa will soon debut as a luxe eco-resort. Add in Air Tahiti Nui's (www.airtahitinui.com) new nonstop, 12-hour flight from New York, and these islands are back in the limelight.