12 Days in Paradise: The Hilton Moorea and St. Regis Bora Bora

French Polynesian is comprised of over 100 islands, with Tahiti being the largest--that's where you'll fly in. You could spend weeks exploring truly secluded islands such as Rangiroa, Taha’a and Raiatea. For this trip, you're heading to the crown jewels of Moorea and Bora Bora.

Take a day or two to settle in, and enjoy the tantalizing views of Moorea from the Te Moana hotel. If you have energy, take a tour around the island on land or by sea. (Tip: load up on preferred snacks and drinks as you won't be able to find them elsewhere.)

Take a short puddle jumper to Moorea (sit right for aerial views), and be transferred to the Hilton, your home for four nights (or five if they have a deal!).

Of course you'll splurge for your first overwater bungalow. Though the property is a little aged, Hilton's Bungalow 79 is amazing! So many fish, eagles and sting rays, occasional sharks and other sea creatures looking for food, circling the coral that's all around your room. Bask in the golden sunrise from your deck, then jump in to swim in your personal aquarium.

The Hilton is perfectly positioned so you can see both sunrises and sunsets. It has a pool, lagoon, several dining venues plus three luaus weekly, and complimentary water activities (paddle boards, snorkel gear and kayaks). Just walking along its boardwalks and spotting critters is great fun.

On Moorea, there are many tours to choose from, including snorkeling with stingrays and sharks, scuba diving, jet-skiing and swimming with whales. From mid-July to mid-November, ships will take guests to within 657 feet of a whale sighting. You'll swim hard and fast to the spot where the whale dove and is likely to (eventually) resurface. If you're lucky, the whale(s) might bob around for a bit near you. When they leave, they move incredibly fast for such mighty beasts!

Spend one day driving around the island. You can stop at the Belvedere viewpoint with views of two bays, hike up steep Magic Mountain (where you can see the Hilton) and check out the picturesque Sofitel property from the Toatea Lookout.

For dinner, go out to Rudy's for delicious escargot and their signature parrotfish (which will change the way you view these fish in the sea). Transfers are provided, but you have to wait for fellow diners to depart.

Your next plane may return to Tahiti before landing in Bora Bora. Ask the steward which side to sit on for best views of the island's craggy peaks, vivid sea and sandy shores, scattered atolls and bungalows.

After landing on a very short runway, you'll walk out straight to a dock, where St. Regis staff will whisk you off in a boat to the posh resort. As the first to demonstrate the exquisite St. Regis touch, they'll know your names and any special occasions.

You'll get a tour via golf cart before entering Overwater Villa 115, your gorgeous home for four nights of pampered care (or five if they have a special!).

St. Regis bungalows are larger than most New York apartments. This includes a huge bedroom and bath, comfortable living room and expansive deck with side views of the famed Mount Otemanu.

(Alternatively, opt for a reef-side garden villa, with a private pool and direct, though sharp and rocky, access to the ocean.)

What it doesn't have, compared to the Hilton, is much coral around the overwater rooms--thus there are few fish around (so note that stunning blue water means there is no coral).

Instead, St. Regis has a Lagoonarium, where they planted coral in 2005, and is home to a lot of sea life. You can use a complimentary bike to ride here (or ask for a golf cart pickup) and snorkel any time--including during the 3x-a-week feedings. (Make sure to look for Maeva, a beautiful, giant Napoleon fish.)

Bora Bora's activities are similar to Moorea (which is better for whales), focused on the lagoon and reef area or the island. You can snorkel high above massive manta rays while admiring the scuba divers far below, and track eagle rays while keeping an eye out for turtles and sharks. Take a 4x4 tour or a village/hiking tour with a local, arranged through the St. Regis. You'll stop at sacred sites, local farms and have views of the island's highest peaks: Otemanu, Paia and Hue.

The St. Regis meal plan includes their three excellent restaurants (Bamboo is amazing!) and a fun luau (go early for the best seats: the first row facing outward inside the main dining room).

When you head home, you will be sated, sun-tanned, spoiled and so blissful. Paradise found.