Junaid Ansari
Oct 14 • 6 min read
When I booked The Peace Destinations’ San Francisco & French Polynesia including Bora Bora package, I honestly didn’t expect it to be this good. I thought, “Okay, some city time, some island chill — simple enough.” But, man, I was wrong. It turned out to be a journey that completely changed the way I think about travel.
It wasn’t just about seeing places; it was about feeling them — from the cold ocean breeze at Fisherman’s Wharf to the still, warm air over Bora Bora’s lagoon. And if you’re anything like me — someone who wants a bit of everything, from good food to quiet beaches — this trip might just become one of your favourites too.
First Stop: San Francisco – The City That Wakes Up Your Senses
I landed in San Francisco after a long flight from the UK. Jet lag hit me a little, but the excitement quickly took over. I checked into Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf, and right there, I got my first “movie moment.” The hotel was walking distance from the waterfront, and within an hour, I was out exploring like a local.
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of San Francisco, it doesn’t lie. The Golden Gate Bridge looks exactly as grand in real life — maybe even better when you’re standing there with the fog slowly rolling in. I must’ve taken a hundred pictures, but not one could capture how it felt to see it.
I spent my first evening walking down Pier 39 — honestly, it’s like a mini festival all the time. Street musicians, the smell of garlic fries in the air, and yes, the sea lions lounging around like they own the place. I grabbed a bowl of clam chowder (even though I wasn’t sure I’d like it), but wow, it was perfect — creamy, salty, warm, and comforting after the long flight.
The next day was all about exploring. I hopped on one of the city’s iconic cable cars, which made me feel like I was in an old film. I got off near Lombard Street — that famous zigzag road — and I couldn’t resist walking down it. The houses there look like they were painted for a fairytale.
In the evening, I went to a little café near North Beach, where I met a couple from Italy who were also on The Peace Destinations trip. It’s funny how easily conversations start when you’re travelling — within 10 minutes, we were talking about food, football, and how travel makes you forget your everyday stress.
Those two nights in San Francisco were the perfect warm-up. The city had this balance — it buzzed with energy, but it never felt too much. I remember thinking, “If the rest of the trip is even half as good as this, I’m set.”
From City Streets to Island Dreams – Touchdown in Tahiti
Flying out of San Francisco to Tahiti was surreal. One moment you’re surrounded by skyscrapers and trams, and the next you’re stepping into tropical air that feels like a soft blanket. I stayed at the Royal Tahitien, and the view from my room looked straight out of a wallpaper — mountains covered in green, the ocean shimmering like glass, and palm trees moving slowly in the breeze.
Tahiti had a calm rhythm. My mornings started with coffee on the terrace and local fruit that actually tasted like sunshine. I spent one day exploring the local markets — so full of colours, spices, and laughter. The people there have such warm smiles; even if they don’t speak much English, they’ll find a way to make you feel welcome.
I remember walking along the black-sand beach just before sunset — the sky turning orange and purple, with waves softly touching my feet. It was one of those moments where you forget your phone and just stand there, quietly grateful.
And the food — oh man. Tahitian dishes have a lot of fresh seafood and tropical fruits. I tried “poisson cru” — basically raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk — and it was surprisingly delicious. Even if you’re picky about food, this is one thing you must try here.
The Grand Finale: Bora Bora – The Place That Redefines Paradise
After a few days in Tahiti, I thought I’d seen the best of French Polynesia. But then came Bora Bora, and I realized this was something else entirely.
The flight itself was breathtaking — turquoise lagoons from above, tiny green islands in the middle of endless blue. When I landed, the air was different — warm, sweet, almost floral. I checked into Royal Bora Bora, and honestly, I could’ve stayed there forever.
The resort was pure relaxation. My room opened up to a view of Mount Otemanu, and the lagoon was just a few steps away. The water was so clear that I could see fish without even putting on snorkel gear.
The first thing I did? I jumped straight into the lagoon. Floating in that water, with the sun on my face and the mountain in front of me — it felt unreal. It wasn’t one of those overhyped destinations; it was genuinely magical.
Over the next few days, I snorkelled among coral reefs, took a lagoon cruise, and watched sunsets that made me speechless. I even went on a little 4x4 island tour, where the guide told stories about Bora Bora’s history, culture, and how locals protect their environment.
Evenings were my favourite part. There’s something about sitting by the beach with a cool drink, the sound of soft music, and the waves quietly lapping nearby. I’d often just sit there and think about how far I’d come literally and mentally.
Life Onboard the Star Princess
Between destinations, the sea days were a joy in themselves. I’d wake up early, grab breakfast by the pool, and spend hours just watching the horizon. Sometimes, I’d join an onboard activity a cooking demo, a live show, or yoga at sunrise. Other times, I’d just find a quiet spot with a book and a drink.
Meals onboard were a treat every single time. From buffet breakfasts with endless options to elegant dinners with wine pairings, everything felt thoughtfully done. The staff were kind, attentive, and always smiling. It genuinely felt like they loved what they do, and that warmth made the experience even better.
Evenings were my favorite. I’d often stand on the deck as the sun set, painting the sea in shades of orange and pink. There’s a silence at sea that you don’t get anywhere else it’s peaceful, grounding, and unforgettable.
What I Learned on This Journey
I’ve travelled before — cities, beaches, mountains — but this trip taught me something special: balance.
San Francisco gave me that sense of adventure — a reminder that the world is full of energy and stories waiting to be discovered. Bora Bora and Tahiti, on the other hand, reminded me to slow down — to just exist and enjoy being alive.
I realised that you don’t always need to rush to “see everything.” Sometimes the best travel moments are just sitting still, watching the world go by.
The best part? I didn’t have to worry about logistics. The Peace Destinations handled everything — flights, transfers, hotels — which meant I could actually focus on enjoying the experience. No stress, no hidden surprises.
Would I Recommend It? 100%.
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining a city adventure with a tropical escape, this is it. From the iconic views of San Francisco to the crystal lagoons of Bora Bora, every part of this journey felt carefully thought out.
It’s perfect for couples, solo travellers, or even friends who just want to experience something unforgettable. I went in expecting a regular holiday and came back with a lifetime memory — and a slightly deeper tan.
So if you’re sitting there, scrolling through travel pages and thinking, “Maybe next year,” let me say this: go for it. Some places aren’t meant to stay on your bucket list forever — they’re meant to be lived.
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