With 118 islands of unimaginably beautiful beaches, sparkling lagoons teeming with life, and some of the most dramatic mountain peaks, The Islands of Tahiti already provide plenty of reasons to visit. In 2025, the destination saw a 7.5% YOY increase in worldwide visitor numbers. Australia remains one of the destination’s major markets, with visitor numbers increasing by 5.5% for the months of January to August compared to the same period in 2024.
As travellers seek fresh, meaningful escapes, The Islands of Tahiti is stepping up with an impressive lineup of new and improved hotels, cruise ships and experiences that showcase its evolving energy and charm, making it one of the most exciting places to visit right now.
- Air Tahiti Nui – New Premium Experience (Launched in October 2025)
- Reva Tahiti – 2-star hotel opens (November 2025)
- The former Le Méridien in Punaauia becomes Tahiti Lagoon Resort (late-2025/early 2026)
- Bloody Mary’s Hotel in Bora Bora is Due to Open in mid-2026
- Ponant will introduce a new ship – Le Jacques Cartier (September 2026)
- Sofitel Moorea Engages in Major Renovation Works and Reopens (October 2026)
Air Tahiti Nui – New Premium Experience
The Tahitian experience doesn’t just start once you land in Papeete; it starts before you have even taken off from your flight in Auckland. The Air Tahiti Nui aircraft has been designed to evoke the Tahitian lifestyle, offering an immersive experience that connects you with the soul of the destination from the moment you step onboard. Air Tahiti Nui has just launched an upgrade to its Moana Premium Economy class, now called Mānava Premium. The upgrades include a complimentary welcome drink, a redesigned meal selection, a wider selection of sparkling drinks, new cushions, and other improvements to enhance the travel experience on your way to The Islands of Tahiti.
Reva Tahiti – 2-star Hotel Opens in November 2025
Hotel Reva Tahiti is a new boutique hotel featuring 43 rooms, designed with Polynesian influences and incorporating cutting-edge technology and eco-responsible principles. The 2-star urban hotel, scheduled to open at the end of 2025, is conveniently located near the Papeete market, the ferry terminal, and shopping areas, making it an ideal spot to base oneself in the capital while exploring the island of Tahiti next year.
The Former Le Méridien in Punaauia Becomes Tahiti Lagoon Resort
Five and a half years after its closure in 2020, the major property located at the Pointe des Pêcheurs (formerly Le Méridien and later Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort) is preparing for its grand relaunch. The property, now controlled by the locally owned Moana Nui group, is set to reopen sometime between late 2025 and early 2026. The Tahiti Lagoon Resort will reclassify the property as a purely local 3-star hotel, surrounded by a huge tropical garden located on the edge of a white-sand beach on the west coast of Tahiti, facing the sister island of Moorea. The hotel features 146 rooms and overwater bungalows, a relaxed beachfront restaurant and bar, and will frequently offer various events and experiences, including traditional dance shows and painting classes run by local artists.
Bloody Mary’s Hotel in Bora Bora is Due to Open in mid-2026
The restaurant, which has been well-frequented by celebrities and is considered an institution for travellers visiting the island of Bora Bora, closed for renovations in 2023 to expand the space for a hotel. The renowned Bloody Mary’s restaurant will remain at the heart of the development, preserving its legendary charm while enhancing the guest experience. The new hotel will feature 53 rooms and hillside bungalows, plus 14 overwater bungalows, offering stunning views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. It will also include docking and mooring facilities, making it easy for cruising travellers to drop anchor just steps from the hotel and enjoy a lovely dinner at one of the most iconic restaurants in Bora Bora. The reopening of the Bloody Mary’s Hotel and the refurbished restaurant are scheduled for mid-2026.
Ponant will position a new ship in The Islands of Tahiti – Le Jacques Cartier
From 2026, PONANT will expand its French Polynesian cruise portfolio by bringing the luxury ship Le Jacques Cartier to The Islands of Tahiti. The ship, which will be positioned at the destination from September 2026 to March 2027, features 92 cabins with a capacity of 184 passengers and offers a unique expedition experience. Le Jacques Cartier joins the already positioned m/s Paul Gauguin, which continues its 25-year legacy of delivering authentic, culturally immersive voyages in The Islands of Tahiti year-round.
Sofitel Moorea Engages in Major Renovation Works and Reopens in October 2026
The Sofitel Moorea has announced that it’s expanding its renovation program, with significant renovations not only of the overwater bungalows (as originally planned), but also of the reception, spa, and Ocean View and Garden View bungalows. From November 2025 until April 2026, work will be carried out to upgrade the reception and spa facilities. From May 2026 to October 2026, the Ocean View and certain Garden bungalows will have their interiors renovated. The renovation will give the hotel a fresh feel just in time for the Christmas season next year.
