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Originally Posted by twitchyzero
Is your list based strictly on aesthetics? Or does it include activities, amenities, weather, people, food, pricing?
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It's really just based on my overall feelings towards the beach. It may be tainted by my personal experiences at each beach, but I try not to let things like shit weather on the day I visit a beach influence my assessment.
I personally prefer calm, secluded, exquisite water color, fine grain sand, etc... I'm less influenced by how long or wide a beach is, how great the surfing is, what facilities are available, etc.
Definitely didn't include price in any of my rankings, although if I did consider money -- or travel time -- the Maldives would drop the fuck off the list. Bora Bora was equally insane in terms of cost, but way closer. In terms of beaches, the best I visited in French Polynesia crack the top-10 but don't quite compare with my faves in the Caribbean.
Quote:
Originally Posted by twitchyzero
Think I'm more mountains kinda guy but after a glimpse of even an average Polynesian beach, my interest to visit places like Cook Isl and Pora Pora has shot up dramatically
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Dude. Now that I've been and seen it in person, yes. Go for it. If you like the idea of towering mountains covered in lush jungle surrounded by a brilliantly turquoise lagoon, fringed by beaches, and awash in palm trees....... you will really love French Polynesia. Bora Bora was my favourite island, meeting all expectations -- it's just as gorgeous in real life as in all the pics you see online. It's very touristy (in a 5-star exotic kind of way) and SO expensive, tho... so, those on a budget might prefer Moorea or other islands (apparently Huahine and Mauputi are equally beautiful but more secluded and off the tourist radar).
That said, I think I can sum up French Polynesia with this: think Kauai (Hawaii) in terms of geography and scenery, but much smaller, less populated, and more authentic feeling. It's the perfect spot for your stereotypical dream honeymoon vacation, with decent land excursion options and spectacular underwater shit to see and do. Diving was as good as anything I experienced in the Maldives and perhaps overall the best spot for diving/snorkeling I've been to.
Downsides? $$$$$.
Nonetheless, it's way closer, so I'm ready to deliver a verdict: French Polynesia > Maldives.
