Spend 30 seconds with Chris Prelog, the gregarious president of Windstar Cruises, and you’ll feel his enthusiasm about French Polynesia. It is, he tells me with unabashed frankness, his favorite part of the world.
Sure, the region’s absolutely astonishing physical beauty qualifies it as a favorite destination for many travelers. For Prelog, though, it goes beyond that.
“The first time you come for the beauty, the second time for the people,” he says. “From that first visit you start discovering you’re involved in, not just culture but also their lives. That’s a natural transition in Tahiti. … What struck me early in my career was how easy and unpretentious it is, and how much people love you. It planted a root in me there.”
It was a root that stuck. In our Getting to Know You profile on Chris, he remembers his first cruise contract, how rough it was for him, and how it was a call at Bora Bora that gave him the strength to keep going.
As Windstar continues to expand its footprint in French Polynesia, with Star Breeze sailing year-round and itineraries that include the Society Islands of Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahiti, along with itineraries that incorporate the Cook Islands, the Tuamotos, Tonga and the Marquesas, and Wind Star joining it there in 2027, we thought Chris would be the perfect person to give us advice on his favorite haunts.
“Everyone likes Bora Bora, which is the princess of French Polynesia. And yet I’m always looking for the underdog. I like Huahine because it offers forests, beaches, culture, the people, there’s a lot of specialness, which is partly due to its being a little bit more off the radar which makes it more tranquil and peaceful. It’s a hidden secret in that there’s always the possibility for discovery, from jet-skiing to a mountainous ATV (all-terrain vehicle), there’s more to it than a beachy island.
Here are Chris’ favorite experiences in French Polynesia. And if you’re already a fan of Tahiti and French Polynesia, please share your tips and discoveries in our comments, below.
Arriving in French Polynesia
After an eight-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, my wife, Silke, and I love to plan for a pre- (and often post-) cruise stay at Tahiti’s Intercontinental. As a cruise executive whose career is all about hospitality, I love the way they greet all of their guests (with an amazing pineapple drink) and the way that the lobby opens up over the resort and a magnificent view of craggy Moorea across the sea. It sets a tone for the trip.
Also an absolute highlight of arriving: being greeted at Tahiti’s airport by Fifi, my favorite driver in the world, who awaits me with a huge smile and an even bigger hug.
More than pearls in Taha’a
Taha’a to me is always a special place. I feel closest to paradise there because it’s just picture perfect. I love to go to the opposite part of the little motu and enjoy the views in complete peace (and also to snap some incredible pictures with a palm tree framing the Star Legend).
What to eat in the islands
My favorite dish in Tahiti is Poisson Cru, which is available in almost every restaurant, and I will eat it probably three times a day because I really like the composition of it, the freshness, coconut and vanilla with it. Even when I arrive, occasionally tired and jet-lagged on my first day, I’ll order it from room service
Onboard Star Breeze, an absolute highlight is the sail away ritual
I always go up to Deck 8 because you have the biggest, literally 360-degree view. I love to experience it with our guests. I’m really interested in hearing about their impressions from different voices and perspectives. I’m never hiding during sail away!
On Huahine, the opposite of a beach day
On Huahine Iti, I love the ATV tour because it takes you through the agricultural area of this most green of islands. “Scenic Huahine by ATV,” stops at places like the ancient Polynesian temple of Marae Manunue and Belvedere for an incredible view over Maroe Bay.
I thought I knew a lot about French Polynesia — and then I discovered the Marquesas!
On a recent voyage on Star Breeze, we traveled to the Marquesas Islands, among the most exotic destinations in what already is an incredibly remote part of the world. The locals were so welcoming, the vistas — of so many craggy peaks and forests — and especially its cultural celebrations, including tribal dances. And don’t miss the silky black sands of the beach that’s part of the town of Atuona, on Hika Ova.
Do you have favorite places in French Polynesia? Have you returned again and again? Tell us more about your experiences in the comments below.
