Bora Bora is a small island northwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific. It is a magical place. Just 9 kilometers long, and 4 kilometers wide, the tiny island in French Polynesia still overflows with beauty. At its center rises a dormant volcano, Mount Otemanu, and surrounding it is lush jungle that spreads into an aquamarine lagoon.
Protected by a coral reef, the sand-edged motu (islets) are home to an abundance of luxury resorts. Once called “pearl of the Pacific,” by 18th-century British explorer James Cook, Bora Bora is the very definition of a tropical getaway. The sunny skies, warm waters, and the bungalows perched over the water on stilts, make it one of the most popular destinations in the world.
To get to Bora Bora, most visitors fly into Motu Mute Airport on a small islet just north of the main island. The view from the plane window as you descend, of the lagoon with its iridescent shades of blue and majestic Mount Otemanu, is sure to begin your inevitable love affair with this island.
Island Activities
The people of Bora Bora move at a relaxed and quiet pace. They have a life philosophy called “Aita pea pea,” which means “not to worry”. Here, you can combine the relaxation of a slow paced beach vacation with more adventurous pursuits. Snorkeling, dining, hiking, lagoon tours, and parasailing are all readily available. You can also explore the main village of Vaitape and shop at the local boutiques or dine at one of Bora Bora’s many restaurants
With such a dreamlike setting, Bora Bora is, unsurprisingly, a destination of choice for honeymooners. Most of Bora Bora’s resort hotels, with their lavish floating villas, are built on their own tiny island. This creates a unique air of having escaped to a private oasis. However, the resorts are expensive, very expensive. April to November is particularly popular among visitors.
However, this exquisite destination is much more accessible than you think. Apart from the numerous and well-known luxury and five-star resorts, there are a handful of low-key mid-range hotels. You can also find lower rates if you visit in the off-peak season, between December and March. Many cruise lines also stop at Bora Bora, so you can get a taste of its gorgeous splendor without breaking the bank!
