Bora Borajust hearing the name inspires an instant longing for azure waters and white-sand beachesand it’s the third stop for me on this trip around the world.
I’ll be at the St.Regis for the duration of my three-day stay. I could not imagine a more picture-perfect place to celebrate my honeymoon. On a private motu (island) off the mainland, not only do the over-water villas offer incredible privacy, but the resort even has a Romance Concierge on hand to customize your personal journey of love. Private beach side dining? Sunset boat cruise? You name it, the St. Regis staff can make it happen.
Of course, Bora Bora is sort of synonymous with luxury, so there are other great options for accommodations.
On the same motu as the St. Regis, The Intercontinental Thalasso-Spa is also breathtakingly beautiful, but gets mixed reviews in the food and spa-service areas. If you stay here, plan on dining at other resorts or on the mainland.
The Four Seasons is pretty incredibleon a different private island just a short boat ride from the mainland, they offer beautiful rooms and bungalows, a great spa and good restaurants, too. Much of the on-property swimming is in man-made lagoonsa great way to see a diverse amount of marine life (the pools are populated by an on-staff marine biologist) but not an authentic dive or snorkel experience, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Although it would be tempting to stay in the hotel and breathe in the scenery, there’s more to Bora Bora than just beach and ocean, so I’ll be renting a 4×4 and heading into the rough terrain of the island’s mountains where we’ll see incredible foliage, ancient temples and even the crumbling remnants of the American presence on the island during WWII.
By sea, plan on getting into the water one way or the other: an Aqua safari, where you walk the lagoon floor wearing a diving helmet, is a fun way to get up close to the island’s marine life. No diving experience (or even swimming ability) necessary and, with the help of your guide, you’ll score some amazing pictures.
By sky, consider a helicopter tour of the island for a great way to fully appreciate the breadth of Bora Bora’s beautyit’s such a popular idea that many resorts have their own helipads.
The views are incredible, but if you want a private tour, you will likely have to pay the cost of the empty seats, so be prepared to share or cough up some serious cash.