Just Married | Polynesia
MONICA & IGNACIO
Together since 2018
Born in Madrid
Now living in Madrid
First kiss outside a club in Madrid, talking between two cars
First trip together Ibiza
You work as Monica is a stylist, founder of shoe brand ‘the trenza’, and works in social media / Ignacio is a tech product manager
Married on 21/5/2025 in Menorca
Wedding night hotel Amagatay in Menorca
Honeymoon in French Polynesia in June 2025
the trip
Why French Polynesia?
We chose Polynesia because, by chance, both our parents had gone there on their honeymoons and highly recommended it. It was also a place we’d always wanted to visit, and we knew it’s not the easiest destination to reach, but we’re already dreaming of going back.
Who planned it?
Our honeymoon was designed by Ariadna from Mundo Expedición. Ignacio knew Ariadna from Menorca, and we knew her agency was something special. Plus, she’s passionate about Polynesia herself, so we trusted she’d give us real, local recommendations.
Itinerary
Santa Barbara — 3 nights
We flew into Los Angeles and stayed at El Encanto in Santa Barbara, such an incredible place. I loved the town and we found some amazing spots:
— Brophy Bros: restaurant by the harbor in Santa Barbara. The perfect spot, very authentic with a great atmosphere
— Raoul Textiles: a beautiful store filled with antique pieces and unique fabrics
— The Blue Door: another special antiques shop
— Tre Lune: a must if you’re into real Italian food
— Corazón Comedor: a mexican restaurant we loved
Moorea — 1 night
We landed in Tahiti and took the ferry to Moorea, where we stayed in a small, charming hotel tucked between the mountains and the sea. The hotel felt like a little house in the middle of nature, set on a peaceful bay with a tiny islet just in front.
We spent our days kayaking, snorkeling, and just soaking in the beauty of the place. We didn’t spend much time in Moorea, but we truly enjoyed every moment.
Rangiroa — 3 nights
One of the islands Ari from Mundo Expedición had insisted we visit. She described it as wild, untouched, and full of marine life, and she couldn’t have been more right.
We were welcomed at the airport with flower garlands and taken to our hotel, Kia Ora, which we absolutely loved. Our room was adorable, decorated in traditional Polynesian style, with beautiful views of the sea.
The hotel felt like its own little world, with a great restaurant and everything we needed to fully enjoy our time there.
During the day, we went out to explore, and one of the absolute highlights was a boat trip with a local guide for diving and snorkeling. It was truly magical. We swam alongside sharks, spotted whales and manta rays, and were surrounded by the most vibrant, colorful fish. An experience we’ll never forget.
Taha’a — 4 nights
Taha’a was the crown jewel of the trip. An absolute dream.
We were welcomed at the airport with the most beautiful flower garlands, which I loved since I’m obsessed with flowers. I even did a floral workshop at my wedding because I find their symbolism so special. In Polynesia, floral craftsmanship holds deep cultural meaning and you can feel it everywhere.
We reached the hotel, Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, by boat just as the sun was setting, it was really amazing! When we arrived, a Polynesian man greeted us singing traditional songs, creating the most magical atmosphere.
The hotel was truly special and so inviting, I couldn’t recommend it more. Our room was absolutely incredible, set right above the water. Since the island is home to just the hotel, it had a nice variety of restaurants to choose from.
We went on several diving excursions, watched spectacular sunsets, read, rested, and fully slowed down.
I also bought a wonderful book that beautifully explains the history and traditional culture of Polynesia.
Just before heading to the airport, a rainbow appeared. The most magical farewell!!!
Tahiti — 1 night
Our final stop was Tahiti, where we explored the island’s mountains and got a glimpse into local life and beliefs.
Polynesian culture is incredibly rich and deeply connected to nature. Before colonisation, they believed in powerful gods, built complex canoes using natural materials, and used tattoos as a way to express identity, status and spirituality.
We went on a 4x4 tour through the island’s interior and absolutely loved it. Along the way, we learned how they used medicinal plants, how their ancestors communicated with shells, and how they held spiritual gatherings to call for good weather before navigating the sea.
Los Angeles — 1 night
With a bit of sadness, we said goodbye to Polynesia and arrived in Los Angeles at night.
We stayed just one night at Palihouse Santa Monica before flying back to Madrid the next morning.
We wrapped up the trip with a delicious Japanese dinner in LA.
DEBRIEF
Favourite hotel of the trip Taha’a by Pearl Resort
Epic hotel breakfast El Encanto Santa Barbara
Most memorable meal or dish the food at the hotel in Taha’a: lots of fresh fish and local cuisine / and in Santa Barbara we loved Tre Lune and Corazón Comedor.
A place you’d go back to a chapel we found in Santa Bárbara called la Virgen de Guadalupe. It was spectacular. We couldn’t stay long because we had to leave, but it was one of the highlights of the trip.
A ritual we really enjoyed breakfast throughout the whole honeymoon.
A person you’ll always remember our guide on the 4x4 excursion through Tahiti, who welcomed us into his culture and explained everything with so much warmth.
Most ‘honeymooner’ thing you did sleeping in an overwater bungalow!
What made your honeymoon different than your past trips? Polynesia is unlike anything we had seen before. Maybe because of the distance, but also because of its strong, distinctive culture… it makes it truly special.
Wish you’d had time for I wish I had gone diving more, all the way to spotting turtles. They're my favorite animal, and whenever I travel to places where they’re usually found, I dream of seeing them. It didn’t happen on this trip, but we did see other amazing animals.
What did you learn about each other? that we’re both very curious. We love adventure, discovering local spots, and diving into the culture of every country we visit.
Favourite past trips Santa Teresa in Costa Rica
Travel Wish List Ecuador & Galápagos / Camino de Santiago
Discover more places to stay in French Polynesia here.