The Insider's Guide To French Polynesia
Maxim|September - October 2019

Mareva Marciano, winner of Miss Tahiti (and Miss France), was born and raised on Tahiti, and continues to serve as an unofficial ambassador for the islands that she loves. Here’s a comprehensive guide to visiting French Polynesia from the ultimate insider:

Mareva Marciano
The Insider's Guide To French Polynesia

What makes French Polynesia special?

With 118 islands boasting high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts, each island paradise has something for everyone. But visitors to our islands create memories through authentic experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For centuries, the Tahitian people have referred to this as “Mana”. Mana is a life force and spirit that surrounds and connects all living things…. And from the moment you arrive, you will understand why we say our islands are “embraced by Mana.” [French Polynesia is] the center of the romantic universe. A place where every person that has ever experienced the Mana [of] the islands will tell you is where you find [the] happy life. And you will feel it ripple up your spine the moment you step off the plane, and it will fill your soul.

How do you choose between the countless beaches and atolls?

Beyond a simple beach experience, take a tour on the water. The ocean represents the complete lifecycle to the [French Polynesians], and they have a masterful, reverential and respectful relationship with it. Traditional outrigger canoes, surfing and sailing are part of everyday life. Of course, travelers can also experience sunset cruising, kayaking, jetskiing, and more. The sea, the rainforest and heaven are the realms of the gods in the Tahitian’s spiritual worlds. French Polynesia is a world of water, with dozens of unique dive sites around each island and atoll, such as the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on Fakarava island. But for me, the Tuamotus Archipelago beside Bora Bora have the best beaches and the most amazing water.

What about land based activities?

Denne historien er fra September - October 2019-utgaven av Maxim.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra September - October 2019-utgaven av Maxim.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA MAXIMSe alt
WATER WORLD
Maxim US

WATER WORLD

The New York Yacht Club team, American Magic, will make another run at the America's Cup in Barcelona through October

time-read
4 mins  |
September/October 2024
THE 2024 MAXIM HOT 100
Maxim US

THE 2024 MAXIM HOT 100

What does it mean to be hot? Maxim's eagerly anticipated Hot 100 portfolio asks just that, charting the individuals who are blazing a trail in entertainment, fashion, sports and pop culture. Not only are these world-class stars soaring high, breaking ground, smashing records and inspiring future generations with their inimitable talent and determination, they're doing it all while emitting a sizzling, sparkling energy that leaves us in awe. Read on with caution: These names are on fire right now!

time-read
1 min  |
September/October 2024
Class Act
Maxim US

Class Act

If you're looking for Elizabeth Hurley, check the garden. A longtime staple of screens, glossy magazine spreads and red carpetsparticularly since one unforgettable gown sent her profile stratospheric in 1994-one might be surprised to learn that she has quite the green thumb

time-read
5 mins  |
September/October 2024
Unexpected BEAUTY
Maxim US

Unexpected BEAUTY

A new exhibition and book show why Danish-born photographer Mare Hom is destined for greatness

time-read
3 mins  |
September/October 2024
TURKISH DELIGHT
Maxim US

TURKISH DELIGHT

Türkiye's remote D Maris Bay resort offers a verdant oasis of pristine beaches, opulent amenities and a variety of world-class culinary outposts

time-read
4 mins  |
September/October 2024
The CHOSEN ONE
Maxim US

The CHOSEN ONE

Catching up with Ferrari's star driver Charles Leclerc at the Montreal Grand Prix

time-read
5 mins  |
September/October 2024
MONDO DINO
Maxim US

MONDO DINO

Enzo Ferrari's exquisite homage to his late son Alfredo, the Dino sports car, now enjoys the status of being an all-time classic

time-read
2 mins  |
September/October 2024
Sweet Caroline
Maxim US

Sweet Caroline

As a teenager, Caroline Silta dreamed of becoming a supermodel. With sheer determination, she now walks the runway, graces magazine covers and headlines billboards in Times Square

time-read
3 mins  |
September/October 2024
MANN on the STREET
Maxim US

MANN on the STREET

Exactly one member of the 2023-24 NBA rookie class had built a legacy long before entering the league: Skechers. Last fall, the Los Angeles-based footwear giant launched its inaugural line of technical basketball shoes: the SKX Resagrip and SKX Float.

time-read
3 mins  |
September/October 2024
SPORTS STAR
Maxim US

SPORTS STAR

A conversation with Meg Stewart, Division 1 soccer player-turned-sports and talent agency president

time-read
4 mins  |
September/October 2024