French Polynesia

Destination Bora Bora

Bora Bora (top), Taha'a, Raiatea

So this is it you are off to Bora Bora! Nice, here are a few lines which will give you a taste of this gorgeous island.

Presentation:
Part of the picturesque group of islands known as French Polynesia, Bora Bora has become one of the premium vacation choices for people that wish to experience the best that nature has to offer in a relatively undisturbed location.

It was first inhabited by Polynesians about 1700 years ago and they still make up the majority of people that live there.  Europeans first arrived just a few hundred years ago and have had a strong influence on the island as well.

The natural surroundings have much to do with why people find it to be such an incredible holiday destination.  The island is surrounded by a lagoon that appears turquoise and the clear water allows people to easily see the bottom and all of the colorful fish that inhabit the area.  A long reef also surrounds the island and there are a number of smaller islands called motus that rise up from the reef.

St. Régis Bora Bora

In a stark contrast to the low motus, or sand islands there are towering peaks on Bora Bora and they come as the result of volcanic activity.  Both Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu serve not only as a beautiful backdrop to many of the resorts on the island but also provide visitors with the opportunity to go exploring.  The landscape is dotted with coconut palms trees and lush vegetation that is found everywhere.

The surrounding water provides fresh seafood that has always been incorporated in traditional Polynesian cuisine.  With the

Private Motu at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort

infusion of European influences, a distinct flavor has been given to the food and the area and it is some of the finest in the world.

Many of the activities on Bora Bora have to do with the incredible water.  Many people who come to visit take advantage of the snorkeling and scuba opportunities to see the colorful aquatic life up close.  There also many water sports above the waves like parasailing, water skiing or people can take out a small watercraft like a canoe or kayak.  One of the reasons that the water sports are so popular is that the rough seas are kept away by the lagoons.

A number of different tours are available that will allow people to see the beauty of the island. Tourism is an important industry to Bora Bora and there are resorts found on the main island and also on the small motus that surround it.  Visitors can choose from larger resorts with modern facilities or select one that is extremely secluded and provides privacy in the midst of paradise.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Many tourism companies will use photographs of Bora Bora as it represents one of the finest tropical destinations available.  The overwater bungalows on stilts

are something that any traveler to the South Pacific would love to experience at some point and they are available with a surprising array of modern amenities.

What to Do In Bora Bora:
If you choose to have your honeymoon or vacation in Bora Bora, you will find that you are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenes of nature you can imagine.  While much of it is still very pristine, there are plenty of things to do and many of them are perfect for a couple.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving:
This area of the world is known for its atolls that provide quiet turquoise lagoons that are protected from the rough seas of the Pacific Ocean.  They are filled with colorful wildlife and this is one of the best places in the world that you can choose to go snorkeling or scuba diving.  If you are not familiar with it, there are many outfits that can provide you with equipment and instruction.

Jet Ski: Best to explore the lagoon:
There are plenty of other sports that you can joy on top of the water.  Renting jet skis or wave runners is a great way to tour around the area with your partner and they give you the option to simply stop in the middle of the water wherever you want and enjoy the moment.

Glass bottom boats & Lagoonarium:

Tupuna Mountain Safari

There are charter tour boats that can take you out to see the incredible world beneath the waves.  Glass bottom boats are available and you can even book some of them for a

romantic cruise for just the two of you.  Many are set up with this purpose in mind and will even provide you with lunch and celebratory cocktails to toast your love. In the natural environment of the lagoon, you will get the opportunity to swim in three separate enclosed pools and enjoy close encounters with marine life (sharks, rays, jackfish, turtles, parrot-fish). The guides will show you how to approach carefully these animals. No, you will not encounter “Jaws”; it does not live there.

Trekking, nature & drives:
There are many beautiful things to see on land as well.  This tropical paradise is filled with lush and green plants and colorful flowers.  One of the best ways to view them is to go horseback riding; you can choose either to walk along the beach or go through the trails where you will smell vanilla vines and wild hibiscus, see coconut palm trees and truly feel like you are in another world. There is a road that circumnavigates the island and tour operators can give you a 4×4 ride to experience all of the best spots.

Shopping: craft, black pearls & art:
There are places where you can shop in Bora Bora and one of the most common souvenirs that people bring back is one or more of the black pearls that the area is so famous for.

Massage at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

Many of the resorts will have boutique shops where you can buy these and other locally produced crafts. You will also find many art galleries selling local paintings or sculptures. If you are into ink, a famous Polynesian tattoo might interest you.

Spa:
Because the area is known as a romantic getaway for couples, there are many places where you can avail some of the finest spa services in the world.  They have a variety of different techniques and you can usually get a couple’s massage either in air conditioned comfort or in many cases in an open air setting by the seaside.

Eating:
The food in Bora Bora is often an interesting combination of Polynesian and other international flavors, particularly French.  There are places where you can go and enjoy a meal in the dining room and look out on one of the serene lagoons as the sun makes its way over the horizon.  It is a romantic moment that will surely stay in your memories for years to come.

Enjoy your stay!

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Franck Sebire

Franck is our Managing Director. He is passionate about traveling and about customer's satisfaction. During a 20 year career in the hotel industry, he worked in Europe, Middle East, Asia and America. He spent the last 10 years managing different properties in the luxury segment. Franck enjoys writing about the different destinations he likes. He tirelessly shares his product knowledge with our customers. Top service, top advice and top value for money are his credos.

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