Bora Bora
The subject of legends and the resting place of dreams, Bora Bora is an island that can only truly be understood by visiting and experiencing its perfection first hand. If you are visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora is only a few minutes away and makes a wonderful addition to any tropical getaway.
Considered to be the Tahitian island of romance, this wonderful island is covered in greens and blues of ocean and plant life and will enthrall you to stay. A favorite for honeymooners and romantical getaways, the island of Bora Bora is a great place to start or rekindle any relationship.
The scenery and activities here on Bora Bora make it not only the most romantic place in the world, but also the most beautiful. From resorts with lagoon bungalows to quiet bed and breakfasts, there is always something here for everyone.
Here are a few of the things that you can enjoy while here in Bora Bora:
- Canoe trips, wave runners, para sailing, and nightly sails
- 4X4 safaris
- Great shopping
- Wonderful restaurants
- Lagoons
- Shark feedings
- Diving
Getting Around Bora Bora
You can get to Bora Bora by some of the same flights that will take you to the other main islands here if you like to fly, or you can rent a boat to make your way on your own. While on Bora Bora, you can take a taxi or Le Truck to where you want to go or rent a bicycle if you are feeling adventurous. There are also car rental companies as well if a bike isn't quite fast enough for you.
Where Exactly Is Bora Bora?
On a map of the world, Bora Bora lies east of Australia past Fiji and Samoa. Among this rather dense grouping of islands Bora Bora's exquisite beauty earned it the name "Pearl of the Pacific". The island itself is rather small and is easily identified by the towering black volcano that overlooks the island. Mount Otemanu is an extinct volcano so it poses no risk to the island or it's inhabitants.
The most common way to get to Bora Bora is by international flight. You will have to fly in to surrounding larger islands, mainly Tahiti and take a smaller plane to Bora Bora. Bora Bora is only about 45 minutes from Tahiti by plane. For some looking for less hustle and bustle they have found much pleasure in chartering a boat for their trip to Bora Bora. Chartering a boat can be an amazing an unforgettable experience as nothing can compare to the breeze experienced on the open ocean.
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful locations on Earth, almost completely surrounded by reefs. The reefs cause natural lagoons that provide the peaceful shallow coastline so prevalent in most pictures of Bora Bora. The huts on stilts are private bungalows that are available for rent and are a relaxing and luxurious way of enjoying the island.
The Seasons of Bora Bora
Basically there are two seasons on Bora Bora. The wet or rainy season lasts from November to April. The majority of the rainfall received in a year is during these wet months. It is always hot in Bora Bora so this time of year is especially muggy and humid. Sometimes it can rain your entire trip, and if it isn't raining the clouds will block out the sun. There are of course advantages to booking during the off-season. It is a lot easier to get some of the more exclusive lodging available on the island. May through October is the dry season and is the best time to visit the island. The sun is always shining and it rarely rains. Naturally, this means the island is busier and it is harder to get into the exclusive resorts. Keep the time of year in mind when planning your visit.
Can I Really "Get Away"?
Many of the visitors to Bora Bora are concerned with enjoying their privacy. Being members of upper class or even enjoying celebrity has its downfalls. One of those is the almost complete lack of privacy no matter where in the world they are visiting. Due to its relatively small population, Bora Bora is able to offer a more secluded get away where contact with other visitors is minimal. The good thing is that chances are they are just trying to privately enjoy paradise as well so they wont be interested in disturbing you.
What To Do?
The black volcanic rock is the perfect backdrop for the dazzling blue waters of Bora Bora's lagoon. The lagoon is one of the main reasons to visit Bora Bora and provides visitors with a wealth of water sports to enjoy. Water lovers flock from all over the world to experience what French Polynesia's islands have to offer. Bora Bora offers some of the best scuba diving, sailing, swimming, snorkeling and jet skiing in the pacific. Aqua safari is another feature that is available on Bora Bora.
There are several very reputable companies on the island that make it their goal to provide you with the most amazing island experiences that are sure to stick with you for a lifetime. Scuba Diving is most popular anytime of the year and is so popular scuba operators are well trained and easy to come by. The local scuba diving operators are ready to serve all of your scuba diving needs.
Snorkeling is another water activity that draws people to Bora Bora. Equipment though, is unfortunately very hard to come by on the island and so it is recommended that you bring your own. In most cases any equipment rented by a hotel is most likely not going to work properly. Don't let this stop you though, by bringing your own equipment you will be able to begin snorkeling when you want to and as long as you may want to. Bora Bora also has some of the most accessible snorkeling because it is possible to access the lagoon from almost every point on the island. Locals can be hired to show you some of the most amazing snorkeling spots. Thanks to years of experience they can tell you where you are going to see the largest assortment of fish and coral.
Swimming in the Bora Bora lagoon is by far a favorite of locals and visitors. The waters are clear and warm all year long, so they are always inviting. All around the island there are very good spots for wading and swimming in shallow water. If you are interested in serious swimming there are only a few places that are deep enough. The hotel should be happy to give you directions to all of the popular (or secluded) swimming spots. One note of caution, it is easy to get caught up in the fun of splashing around, but swimmers need to be careful to avoid straying too far from the shoreline. There are some spots on the lagoon that can have stronger then average currents and should be avoided by weak or inexperienced swimmers.
Most people come to Bora Bora to relax and spend some time in sun doing nothing. Occasionally you want a little more excitement. Renting a Jet Ski for the day is the fast and fun way to explore the island and will no doubt be the highlight of your trip. Talk to your hotel about renting a Jet Ski or a wave runner from a local outfitter for a good recommendation. They are light, fast and it doesn't take long to learn how to ride one.
A newer activity that has recently opened up on Bora Bora is the rental of Jet Boats. Based on the same technology of a Jet Ski, a Jet Boat is a great way for a group of friends or family to explore together. The great thing about a Jet Boat is that it is designed to be able to run in the shallow waters of the lagoon. Use a Jet Boat to get to some of the fabulous scuba diving and snorkeling locations.
Relax...
You know the whole reason you go to Bora Bora is to just relax. Like the island natives, take a few moments to just breathe in the ocean air and slow down. One of the favorite relaxing activities that many enjoy is called a Motu Picnic. This romantic picnic is actually out on the water and is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have on Bora Bora. You are dropped off on one of the small islands and are left to sample the finest Polynesian cuisine available in the South Pacific.
Take a cruise onboard the islands glass bottom boat operators for a unique perspective on the underwater reef life, or take an evening cruise that starts out by watching the sun set on the "Pearl of the Pacific" then enjoy dinner and live music from some of the local musicians. If that doesn't sound like the perfect end to a day in paradise then pamper yourself with a well-deserved shiatsu or traditional massage by a professional masseuse. Plan ahead and find out from your hotel that they recommend.
Your trip to Bora Bora doesn't just have to be about fun in the water. Because of its ties to World War II there are a lot of sights to see throughout the island. A 4x4 expedition is the perfect way to traverse the interior roads of Bora Bora. Get an up close view of the coastal defense guns that are slowly being swallowed by the Bora Bora jungle. A local expert will guide you on this excursion and educate as well as entertain you.
While the island isn't exactly big...okay it is actually rather small, that hasn't stopped people from enjoying the hiking trails that weave through the island. Just big enough for a hiking trip lasting a day or two, the Bora Bora trails allow you to experience the local flora unlike any of the other options available to a vacationing adventurer. You can also arrange to spend a night or two of your vacation camping to get the true island experience as you drift to sleep listing to the gentle waters lap against the sand.
Parasailing is another exhilarating sport is parasailing. Taking you to heights of around 600 feet above sea level, the view is as stunning as it is exciting. No view is more picturesque then seeing the stark contrast of Mount Otemanu against the lush green forest below, and the beautiful white sands.
Eco tours of the island provide a fabulous way to relax and learn about the local fauna. For a once in a lifetime experience, try visiting what is call the "Lagoonarium". A Lagoonarium is an area of the island that allows you to get in and actually interact with animals you have probably only seen in pictures or movies. If you want to, you can even hand feed sharks and rays.
Bora Bora also has a wide variety of shops and boutiques for the perfect souvenirs. To come to any of the French Polynesian islands and not leave with a black pearl would be a huge regret. Bora Bora and Tahiti are the largest exporters in the world of black pearls. Their unique beauty is one of its many coveted treasures.
Restaurants
Bora Bora offers a great assortment of restaurants to suit everyone's tastes. From five-star dining to local stands, you are sure to find a great assortment of foods to tempt your palate.
Hotels and Lodging
In Bora Bora you will get the mystical escape that holds all the legends and mysteries that have been told over the years. You will find the romance of the island to be everything you dreamed of and get lost on the beaches of Bora Bora.
If you are wanting to find the best place to stay to enjoy all the wonderful views from your very on bungalow. You can even dine at the finest restaurant right inside your hotel. Here are a few that you can choose from when you are staying in Bora Bora.
Bora Bora Lagoon Resort is located on a Motu in Bora Bora's lagoon. You can have everything that you need right there with you. Swim, snorkel, and just enjoy the sandy beaches as you relax on your dream vacation. Have dinner with your family in the hotel that is inside the resort. Being away from home doesn't get any better than this.
TOPdive Resort is a divers dream, with breathtaking views from your very own oasis on the water. Watch the wildlife from your bungalow and you stay in the over water bungalow or watch the sunset and rise from your spot on the beach. The choice is yours. Once you have watched the sunset you can dine at the restaurant located at the hotel.
If you are wanting to stay in a family owned and operated hotel then the Village Temanuata Beach or Ilt. You can enjoy the beach and all the sun you want, as you stay in a beautiful hotel. There are restaurants and snack bars within walking distance for your dining needs, all you have to do is enjoy your trip.
Where To Stay
The great thing about a trip to Bora Bora is that you have such a wide assortment of lodging options for whatever your budget or desire. From plush waterfront resorts to secluded family homes or even an over the water bungalow, your lodging choice is completely up to you. The following are reviews of 15 of the hotels available to you on Bora Bora.
Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa
Serene and luxurious, the staff of the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort will have your every want and need taken care of. Private Bungalow accommodations, restaurants and a casual poolside cafe is just a taste of what this resort has to offer. The hotel offers many amenities like fitness center and massage treatments from talented professionals, a tour/excursion desk and even offers babysitting for those romantic lunches for two. Each bungalow comes with all the comforts of home and then some. One tip that may be helpful when making your vacation plans with this resort is to make sure you ask for a bungalow with an unobstructed view. A specialty offered by the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is a traditional Polynesian Wedding Ceremony.
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort
The gentle trade winds will lull you into complete relaxation as you enjoy this resort’s garden and over water bungalows. Built in pure Polynesian style, this resort bills itself as the perfect romantic retreat. Ask for a view of Mount Otemanu to see one of the most breathtaking sights of the Bora Bora lagoon. Each room comes with all the amenities you need to make your stay as pleasant and beautiful as possible. Mixing modern convenience and style with the serenity of nature can make your stay a wonderful experience. The hotel staff is knowledgeable about all of the activities that are a must for any visitors to the island.
Hotel Bora Bora
Perfect for students and singles, Hotel Bora Bora is one of livelier hotels available on the Island. Your stay at the Hotel Bora Bora starts when you are greeted at the airport and the terrific service doesn't stop until you leave. The food is top notch and the service is some of the best on the island, both are displaying the relaxing Polynesian style. All of your booking needs can be coordinated through the resort so that you can enjoy all that the island has to offer. Just as a warning to the budget conscious traveler, hotel Bora Bora is known for being one of the more expensive places to stay but due to its location, service and amazing food, the money is well spent. You really can't put a price on paradise.
Intercontinental Le Moana resort Bora Bora
Perfectly situated on the pristine white sand on the southern point of Bora Bora, this resort takes full advantage of the lagoon's beauty. The generously spacious over water bungalows come complete with everything you may need on your visit. An extra that they Intercontinental Le Moana resort is known for is glass bottom table in the over water bungalows that present the beauty of a natural aquarium. The turquoise water of the lagoon when light at night is indescribable. The garden view bungalows are situated near a swimming pool with a sand bottom. The Noa Noa restaurant was built so it is accessible from both the patio and the lagoon and offers friendly service for a relaxing meal. What makes a stay here even more special is the fact that being situated on the south end, you get an incredible view of both the islands sunrises and sunsets.
Intercontinental Resort and Thalasso Spa
Checking in is like checking into a spa and not having to leave. Your every need is catered too in this spacious resort. All of the villas have been built over water and feature a large bathroom that opens to the lagoon. Deep Sea water is pumped up from a depth of 2,500 feet in order to bring the natural healing power of deep-sea water directly to you. Honeymooners are welcomed with open arms for an experience that will no doubt follow the happy couple throughout their marriage. Many guests leave the resort commenting on the cleanliness and say they were treated like royalty. For an unforgettable experience visit the Intercontinental Resort and Thalasso Spa.
Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa
Considered one of the most exclusive resorts in Bora Bora, the Nui Resort and Spa is part of the Starwood Hotels "Luxury Collection". As soon as you arrive the hotel staff will take you on a tour of the resort and everything it has to offer. A 600 meter long white sand beach surrounds the property. The crown of this resort is the 2 over water Royal Suites along with several hillside bungalows that provide some of the most stunning views over the lagoon along with surrounding islands. The hotel is very accommodating for any of your touring needs like private helicopter rides and 4x4 excursions. If you are looking for the resort that world travelers visit to be impressed, this is it.
Le Meridien Bora Bora
You are royalty at La Meridien. As soon as you step foot on the motu it's built upon, you will forget every care in the world and struggle for breath looking at the astounding view of Mount Otemanu in all of its glory. Possibly the La Meridien's most amazing feature is a large natural swimming pool fed by the Bora Bora lagoon. This pool allows for the safest lagoon swimming on the island since you don't have to even worry about ocean currents. The bungalows are inspired by the relaxing Polynesian style and the over water ones have a large glass-bottom floor for viewing the aquatic life in its natural environment.
Sofitel Motu
The word motu is actually Polynesian for island and describes to a tee the feel of the Sofitel Motu. A smaller resort in comparison to Bora Bora's other resort hotels, this hotel only has 30 units. This resort gives the relaxing seclusion most people are looking for when they venture this deep into French Polynesia. Located on a private island this hotel offers incredible views and very comfortable bungalows. The snorkeling area that surrounds Sofitel Motu offers some of the best snorkeling on Bora Bora. For a private getaway that won’t disappoint consider a few days at this relaxing resort.
Bora Bora Dive Resort
This resorts sole purpose is to put you in touch with some of the best diving available on Bora Bora. Affiliated with the TOPdive diving center, the Bora Bora Dive Resort is one of the more affordable resorts on the island. The hotels 9 bungalows tend to book up pretty quickly so make your plans well in advance to make sure that you get the views you want. The bungalows themselves have a very natural feel to them and are roofed using local palm leaves. The restaurant offers a mix of French and International cuisine along with an amazing view of the lagoon.
Maitai Polynesia
This hotel is owned and run by the locals so you never feel like you are missing out on the true Bora Bora experience. A full service hotel that won’t break the bank, this affordable hotel offers large and roomy over water bungalows for quick access to the lagoon. An outdoor shower means that swimming anytime of the day is convenient, and glass-bottom tables make sure you get to observe the living lagoon while relaxing in your room. Reviews for this hotel are remarkably positive, but there have been sporadic reviews from customers who were not completely satisfied due to a larger then normal number of bugs. To make sure that you get the most benefit from this hotel, make sure don't plan your vacation during the rainy season.
Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort
Located south of the island, the Fijian-style buildings are large and accommodating, especially for families. The restaurant has a beautiful view and features a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine for your sampling. A beach bar is available to serve fresh tropical cocktails made with fresh island fruits. One note about getting to the hotel, instead of getting a ferry directly from the airport like some of the hotels on Bora Bora, you have to transfer in Vaitape, the main village of Bora Bora, before your final trip to Novotel resort.
Hotel Matira
Hotel Matira is a barebones facility that houses a small number of units. The units are made of imported teak from Indonesia and have thatch roofs. The units themselves come stocked with only the essentials. If essentials to you mean a TV or a phone, then this is not the place for you. Due to a lack of screening, insect repellant is an absolute necessity. The staff though is friendly and if you book ahead of time through the hotel you can get a discount on your stay. If you are looking to visit Bora Bora on a budget, this is a hotel that should get some consideration.
Club Med Bora Bora
Built upon a beautiful tropical garden, this Club Med getaway is located in half moon bay not far from Matira Point. Full ranges of water sports activities are available through the hotel and most of the activities are included in the rates. Scuba Diving is extra. Bora Bora is actually a really good value considering how much other hotels are going to cost on Bora Bora. The rooms are varied, and if you want more privacy the beachfront bungalows are a good choice. All of the rooms are comfortable and well furnished.
Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort
The Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort comes complete with a swimming pool built over Matira Beach and the lagoon and focuses heavily on water activities for the guests. All of the activities offered through the hotel are available at an extra cost. These activities are also available to non-guests as well, so if you are staying at another resort that doesn't offer as many choices on the water you can still visit. The Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort boasts 21 overwater bungalows that have glass bottom areas for viewing underwater aquatic life. The resort restaurant only offers buffet style eating so you may be looking for more in that regard.
St Regis Bora Bora Resort and Spa
St. Regis is one of the newer resorts available on the island. Featuring a full service spa and a two level swimming pool close to the beach, this resort's aim is to bring you comfort and relaxation. St Regis offers a fine dining establishment and also proudly displays the islands World War II history. An impressive 84 of these resorts units are built overwater and have large sun decks for relaxation. This resort also has royal suites that offer top of the line luxury and are quite expensive.
A trip to the French Polynesian islands wouldn't be complete without a visit to Bora Bora, plan ahead and be ready to experience the Pearl of the Pacific.
Romance On Bora Bora
Bora Bora is known as the most romantic place on Earth, therefore it is also one of the most photographed places as well. The crystal clear waters in the largest lagoon in the French Polynesian Islands, coupled with the white sandy beaches and the secluded bungalows make it a honeymooner's dream spot. Every different hotel and resort here on Bora Bora offers it's own unique ways of welcoming lovers and honeymooners to its shores, and you are sure to find the perfect experience here. Some of the ways that the resorts and hotels here help you to cherish your time with your loved one are: breakfast brought to your bungalow, special picnic lunches, private beaches, sunset sails around the lagoon and surrounding areas, fine dining, Polynesian dancing and song, candlelit dinners, and, who could forget, the Polynesian Wedding Ceremonies.