BORA BORA BLISS
Bora Bora is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, its turquoise lagoon, low-lying motu (small islets), dazzling white sands and dominant volcano make the island a romantic dream.
A LOVE AFFAIR WAITING TO HAPPEN
If you’re after the classic over-water bungalow experience, this is your nirvana! What could be more romantic than diving off your private swimming platform into the warm, crystal clear waters and then lazing on a sun-drenched deck that looks back toward Mt Otemanu. And of course, you’ll be waited on hand-and-foot by some of the South Pacific’s best-trained staff.
It doesn’t get much better. In fact, there’s only one issue with picking Bora Bora as a place to get married or honeymoon - you’ll be spoiled forever. Bora Bora is that island somewhere over the rainbow – well, actually it lies northwest of the island of Tahiti, and just under an hour away by plane.
Indeed, your love affair with Bora Bora will begin as soon as the island comes into view through your plane window. The airport is located on a small motu, and you won’t have to wait long to experience the exquisite lagoon. Instead of a courtesy coach, a water taxi will take you to your resort.
LAGOON EXPLORATION & ISLAND ADVENTURES
There are several ways to explore Bora Bora lagoon. Relax with some snorkelling, swim from a motu or on renowned Matira Beach, or take in the sights, as you circle the island on your own jetski. The Aquarium Bora Bora diving site is particularly suitable for beginners. You’ll love the dense schools of brightly coloured fish, along with moray eels and stingrays, and majestic coral formations.
You can go on a whale watching experience beyond the reef if your honeymoon is between mid-August and the end of October. If the weather and the sea state are favourable, you can even swim with them.
The island itself is easy to explore, with four-wheel-drive vehicles climbing high into the hills for great views. Stop off at local villages and fossick for handicrafts and works of art. You may wish to see the sunset back at your resort over cocktails, but a sunset cruise on a catamaran is a great alternative. Or take a stargazing tour, and as night falls, your guide will point out how his ancestors used them to navigate their way across vast stretches of open ocean.
Bora Bora’s resorts are known for their cuisine, and lots of cafés and bistros provide a satisfying meal. But for some local flavour, have dinner at the legendary Bloody Mary’s and savour its relaxed ambience. The catch of the day will be prepared as you like it, and there is crab, shrimp, steak and other options. It’s closed during the weekend and during January.
