Beyond Our Borders: Bora Bora

Jewel of the South Seas

Undoubtedly the most celebrated island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is French Polynesia's leading lady. Her beauty is unrivaled and her fame, unwavering. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamored.

The Allure

More than just a romantic ideal, Bora Bora is a romantic reality. It comes as no surprise that the island is an internationally acclaimed honeymoon destination. Our newlyweds who decide on a Bora Bora honeymoon often feel as though they have escaped to a private oasis tailored entirely to their special moment of marital bliss—and anyone in the midst of planning a wedding can relate to just how enticing that sounds.  

The Locale

Bora Bora may feel worlds away, but this South Seas splendor is well within reach. Where is Bora Bora, exactly? The island lies just northwest of Tahiti, less than an hour away by plane from Papeete. The airport is located on a small, separate part of the island known as Motu Mete. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a warm smile and fragrant flower lei and transferred by boat to your Bora Bora resort, meaning you hardly have to wait for your first encounter with the island's famously translucent lagoon.

The inevitable love affair with this island begins right before you touch down. The view from the plane window is a moment you will not soon forget. Have your camera in hand as you begin your descent and prepare for the moment when iconic Mount Otemanu comes into view. From that point on, each experience will only continue to exceed even your highest expectations.

Accommodation

Bora Bora has become synonymous with overwater bungalows. Many of these lavish floating villas have glass floors that supply a window to the lagoon life below. This locale is unique in the fact that most Bora Bora resort hotels are built on their own tiny island, or motu, and visits elsewhere must be arranged by boat transfer. Not to worry, though, you will hardly need to leave your bungalow let alone the resort. From lounging on your own private deck and receiving room service via outrigger canoe, to indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, you will pass the time in quiet seclusion and opulent luxury.

Recreation

The wonderful thing about Bora Bora is that you can be as active or inactive as you wish to be. Should you decide to venture away from the resort, you can visit the main village of Vaitape and shop at the local boutiques or dine at one of Bora Bora's restaurants including Mai Kai Bora Bora, or the legendary Bloody Mary's. You can also explore Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu on a guided hike or Jeep Safari tour.

Since water is a way of life on the island, popular lagoon excursions include snorkeling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, Jet Skiing, and of course, shark and ray feeding. You can also take your experience to new heights by parasailing, skydiving, or touring the island by helicopter.

Final Impression

Once seen, Bora Bora is never forgotten. From the day you arrive until the moment you part ways, you will be in awe of how her soaring mountain peaks, turquoise lagoon and luxuriant overwater bungalows somehow look even more spectacular than the pictures.

Activities 

Enjoy Bora Bora`s underwater world without getting wet. While aboard a comfortable, covered boat, you`ll glide over the colorful coral and see numbers of beautiful tropical fish through the glass-bottom floor. Your guide will share the history and legends of Bora Bora`s famous lagoon during your cruise. Operates: MON WED FRI

Our Top 10 Hotel Resorts (In No Particular Order)

10. HILTON BORA BORA NUI RESORT & SPA

While the Hilton hotel chain might be better known for its business properties, the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is one of their finest resorts, with 5-star service and amenities all the way. Nestled on a white beach and blue lagoon, the resort is an idyllic retreat, located ten minutes from Vaitape village. You can enjoy views of the lagoon from your private water-side balcony or relax in your king canopy bed and watch Bora Bora’s exotic marine life float past the glass floor-viewing panels. Some may prefer to soak up the privacy of a villa set on the hill or in the garden to absorb the lush tropical landscape. The real stars of the resort are the unique 2-flevel presidential  overwater villas, that come with sunset view, wellbeing room, whirlpool and private pool.

9. LE TAHA’A ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Since its opening in July 2002, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa has gathered its share of industry honours and has been included in the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection. Located on the secluded Motu Tautau islet, facing the lush island of Taha’a on one side and the majestic silhouette of Bora Bora on the other side, the resort welcomes you to a world of immaculate beauty, a timeless universe of sophistication and authenticity. Inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture, the hotel has 57 remarkable suites and villas. Defined by the Relais & Chateaux philosophy, Le Taha’a is the promise of a total change of scenery, a way of life of its own, in harmony with its preserved environment, people and local culture.

8. INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA LE MOANA RESORT

Adorned by white sand and turquoise water, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is located to the south side of the main island, at the famous Matira point. The latter is formed by two white sand beaches, a windward beach on Taahana Bay and a leeward beach on Matira bay. The hotel, situated only 5 miles (8 kms) from the main village of Vaitape, offers a breathtaking view of the lagoon, but also of the impressive Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. The 64 beach and overwater bungalows all feature a large sun terrace, living room, bedroom and beautiful bathroom with bath and dressing area decorated with live vanilla plants. In the overwater bungalows, the glass coffee table in the living room looks into the natural aquarium of the lagoon, with its clear turquoise water and sand bottom, illuminated at night.

7. SOFITEL BORA BORA PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT

Sofitel Bora Pora Private Island, managed by Accor Hotels, is located on a lush islet in the crystal-clear lagoon of Bora Bora. From the private island resort, you enjoy 360-degree views of endless ocean, the island of Bora Bora and Mount Otemanu. Nature meets stylish luxury in the design of each of the 21 luxurious and refurbished beachside, water or hillside bungalows. Pandanus thatch towers over sumptuous beds and plasma screen TVs, and stone tiled bathrooms offer up luxe French bath elixirs. Soak up lush surroundings and beautiful botanic gardens, then succumb to the resort’s signature restaurant and delight in fine food and panoramic views across your table. For weddings and other private events, the island and its bungalows are available for exclusive bookings.

6. BORA BORA PEARL BEACH RESORT & SPA

Featuring a spectacular view of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu, the resort enjoys an idyllic  location on Motu Tevairaoa. The 80 thatched-roof Polynesian-style bungalows are scattered in lush tropical gardens and across the turquoise water. The hotel has 3 restaurants, 2 bars, 2 meeting rooms, 1 boutique, an on-site diving centre, a prestigious spa and a fitness center, a fresh-water swimming pool, a floodlight tennis court, mini-golf, table tennis, volley-ball and bocce ball courts, billiards and a wide variety of activities and excursions. The luxurious accommodations, delicious cuisine and indulgent spa treatments guarantee an unforgettable experience at this resort, that is part of the prestigious “The Leading Hotels of the World” collection.

5. LE MERIDIEN BORA BORA

Completely renovated in a contemporary and elegant design, this luxury resort is set on a magnificent islet surrounded by the world’s most beautiful lagoon and offers stunning sights over Mount Otemanu. Guests stay in beach bungalows under coconut trees, or in luxurious over-water bungalows, built on stilts above the lagoon, where they can spot marine life through a glass floor with a clear view down to the water. All bungalows have chic and modern furniture, full facilities and the flavour of the Polynesian culture. A turtle sanctuary at Le Meridien Bora Bora is the only one of its kind in French Polynesia, and allows guests to experience swimming with the magnificent hawksbill sea turtle.

4. INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA

Opened in May 2006 as one of the 4 French Polynesian hotels managed by the Intercontinental Hotel Group, the resort is located on a virgin beach on the Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef along the eastern side of Bora Bora. The view of the main Island from the resort is unique, especially towards Mount Otemanu, rising majestically across the blue crystal waters of the lagoon. The resort features an eco-friendly air-conditioning system by using the cold of deep-sea water extracted from the Pacific Ocean. Whilst the award-winning Deep Ocean Spa is the centrepiece of this French Polynesian paradise, there are countless other activities to enjoy, including diving, canoeing or kayaking in crystal clear waters or working out in our glass-walled fitness centre.

3. THE BRANDO

The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort is designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture. It was in this natural wonderland that the legendary actor Marlon Brando settled down, and finally found his home. Room rates start at – uhm – 3000 euro per night for the cheapest room category (one bedroom villa), inclusive of food & beverages.

2. FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA

Wrapped by majestic views, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that enclose a turquoise lagoon. The resort offers 121 spacious hideaways with 100 over-water bungalows and 7 beachfront villas, all overlooking the lagoon’s crystal clear waters and some with spectacular views of Mount Otemanu. Inspired by local architecture, all guest accommodations offer a restful, airy ambience; complete with traditional teak wood furnishings, high ceilings and thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves. Special touches that accentuate the feel of Polynesia include striking works of art, private pools and sliding doors by deep bathtubs for panoramic fresh-air views of the lagoon.

1. ST REGIS BORA BORA

Reaching out across 44 acres of lush landscaping edged by powdery white sands and a crystalline lagoon, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort represents the epitome of carefree elegance. Its 100 exquisitely designed accommodations feature the largest over-water villas in the South Seas as well as stunning beach villas, showcases for the warm glow of exotic woods, handwoven fabrics and regional art. Rising in the distance, the towering majesty of Mount Otemanu is an ever-present symbol of the lofty luxury and impressively personalized service that are the hallmarks of St. Regis. There is something for everyone here … endless pleasures set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping beauty.

Articles Taken From: Thahiti.com