City Buzz & Island Calm: Los Angeles and French Polynesia Combo

So that you can travel freely between the different districts of this sprawling city, you’ll have a rental car for the duration of your stay. Don’t miss a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a wander in the neighbourhoods of Beverly Hills and Bel Air, or a trip up the Griffith Observatory for a 360° view of the city. Downtown, go to a Lakers game or browse the arts district. And, if you’re after a taste of salty sea air, head to the beaches of Malibu. If you like, we can also arrange for you to spend the day at Universal Studios where you can go behind the scenes of some of the world’s biggest blockbusters.

Get ready to feel like a real Californian, because today you’ll be discovering the legendary beaches of Santa Monica and Venice by bike. On an aptly-named ‘Beach Cruiser’, you’ll ride along the seafront mingling with locals as they run, rollerblade and play basketball – here, those wonderful LA clichés become a reality. While strolling along the beach, you’ll see the slender silhouettes of palm trees and the iconic lifeguard huts; a little further on, the Ferris wheel of Santa Monica turns gently against the blue sky, giving you a picture-perfect view. Continue your ride towards the beautiful houses and canals of Venice, its trendy artists’ boutiques and open-air flea markets.

Your final day in California is yours to make the most of before returning your rental car this evening and boarding the plane for the next phase of your adventure. Your flight to Papeete will take around eight-and-a-half hours, so you’ll arrive in French Polynesia’s capital the following morning.

When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel, which is located beside the lagoon and surrounded by unspoilt nature. You’ll likely be tired after your journey, so we’ll make sure your room is ready to go so you can rest and relax as soon as you arrive. Spend the rest of your day lounging by the beautiful infinity pool before dinner in one of the hotel’s luxurious restaurants.

Today is yours to spend exploring the vibrant town of Papeete on the beautiful island of Tahiti, and there’s plenty to get stuck into: hunt for local crafts in the traditional market; attend a folkloric show in To'ata or Vaiete square; taste local dishes from the food vans on the seafront; relax under the Gauguin Banyan Tree; visit the Pearl Museum; and explore the botanical gardens. If you’d prefer to get out onto the water, we can arrange for you to tour the Punaauia lagoon by boat in search of turtles.

You’ll head to the island of Mo’orea today, about a ten-minute flight from Tahiti. When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your accommodation – a villa nestled on the hillside that looks out across the sea. Surrounded by forest and equipped with a swimming pool and terrace, this is the ultimate place to unwind. You’re also only a stone’s throw from the calm and shallow waters of the lagoon, which is perfect for snorkelling, and within easy reach of Mo-orea’s beautiful sites. If you like, you can also rent a small convertible car to explore the island more freely. Come evening, we can arrange for a private chef to take over the kitchen of your villa to prepare a traditional meal for you.

Mo’orea’s gentle way of life has long attracted painters, sculptors, writers and poets. Now you have three full days to explore Tahiti’s sister island and see for yourself why it’s so popular. Don’t miss tucking into a plate of mahi-mahi on the beach or attending a traditional dance performance. The sparkling lagoon is brimming with multicoloured fish, so put on your mask and snorkel and drive right in. If you want to explore further, set out on a catamaran trip or go cycling around the island. For something a bit different, visit the island’s pineapple fields or the sea turtle care centre. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you take a moment to enjoy the sky’s fluorescent colours as the sun sets. A sunset boat trip is the ultimate way to experience this magical time of day.

Your final stop is a short flight away, so you’ll take a private transfer to the airport before boarding the 30-minute flight to Teti?aroa. This slice of paradise was acquired by Marlon Brando in 1966 a few years after he finished filming Mutiny on the Bounty in Polynesia. Ten years after his death, a luxurious hotel opened in his name featuring thatched-roof villas scattered between the beaches, and it’s where you’ll stay while you’re here. The conservation and preservation of the island was important to Brando and remains a priority for those who operate on it today. The hotel’s generator is powered by coconut oil produced on site and supplemented by solar panels, and the air conditioning relies on sea water extracted from the depths of the Pacific.

This exclusive island is all about relaxation, so spend today enjoying a Polynesian massage, lounging by the beautiful pool, or simply marvelling at the landscapes that surround you. If you’d prefer to do something a little more active, we can arrange for you to explore the reefs during a diving lesson, hop on a paddleboard or even go whale-watching between May and October. For a dash of culture, get your body moving at a traditional dance or try your hand at preparing local recipes at a cooking class.