Bora Bora: the best place for Honeymoon

[steaner]

Bora Bora - Unquestionably the most mythical of the Pacific islands remains the island of all dreams.
Honeymooners and romantics from around the world have laid claim to Bora Bora where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky above the crystal lagoon with its unique over the water bungalows that offer a magical oneness with this extraordinary environment.


Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly colored fish animate the coral gardens. So much has been written about Bora Bora, and yet it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic that emanates from this island.

Seen from the air, Bora Bora has been compared to that of "a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls".

The airport, built by the US forces in 1942, is located on a palm fringed motu about 20 minutes by boat from the main village of Vaitape.


Some other remnant of the US presence are 2 large cannons hidden in the lush hills overlooking the lagoon.

The view of Bora Bora from the airport is truly breathtaking, and as you travel across the spectacular lagoon you will soon understand why it is the main area of attraction for most visitors.

Bora Bora itself is rather small, and can be circled by car in about an hour.

The lagoon is 3 times the size of the land mass and offers an amazing range of hues of blue and turquoise as you navigate its crystal waters.

To the southeast of the island is the Coral Garden, a natural underwater park where all types of fish and corals are found.


Off the Point Matira there is an area where the huge and graceful manta rays congregate for your viewing pleasure. There are other types of ray such as the beautiful spotted ray and the friendly gray ray which love to be petted during the "ray feeding" excursions.
At the entrance of the pass, the "White valley" teems with gray sharks and barracudas in a never ending ballet.

Most of the temples (Marae) having been destroyed during the last century by the English missionaries, and unfortunately there is little archeological remnants left.

Bora Bora lagoon offers a multitude of activities and excursions, one of the most popular being the Shark feeding (video) where from chest-deep water you watch local divers feed 4' to 5' reef sharks by hand. It's a lot of fun and totally safe. The same routine is done with a large group of friendly gray rays (video).

You can also take a circle-the-lagoon excursion with motu picnic, rent a small boat, visit the Lagoonarium near Le Meridien Hotel and take a 4x4 excursion to the panoramic view points and the US cannons.

BORA BORA DIVING SPOTS:

1 - THE LEOPARD RAYS TRENCH. The Bora Bora lagoon, world renowned for the beauty of its crystal clear waters has several areas where one can see leopard rays. The diving site at the southern tip of Bora Bora as well as that of the Toopua Iti islet is home to this lovely ray. Sometimes up to 10 individuals at any one time stage for the divers an astonishing subaquatic ballet. The white sandy bottom makes for good viewing.
2 - THE WHITE VALLEY. This dive site is found at the northern end of Bora Bora. This sandy extrusion highlights the clarity and outline of all the seascapes made up of coral porites, and attracts parrot-fish, daurades, perch, lutjans, balistes, rougets, soldier-fish, butterfly-fish, pterois... This open water spectacle is not easily forgotten. Sometimes up to three hundred barracudas, many sharks, hundreds of jackfishs and for the luckler ones, dolphins, can be met in these parts.
3 - THE TUPITIPITI POINT. The unusual aspect of this dive is the straigh drop off to 2000',and from the time to entry, you will be floating an infinite blue colour where the bottom can only be assumed. A few sharks, barracudas, carrangues, parrot-fish and lutjans populate this sky-blue domain. On the walls, a multitude of purple, while and pink corals, orange, red and green-coloured sponges and yellow ( gorgones), ( at a depth of 35 metres), cover the whole chromatic spectrum and you are guaranteed a rich, highly coloured spectacle.
4 - MANTA RAYS DANCE. A fantastic dive at a very beautiful lagoon site, which at a depth of 22m (65") can accommodate all divers, from beginners to expert. Here Manta rays glide about, either alone or in groups throughout the year, usually in the morning. A giant barracuda may come to greet you, and you may even come accross a grey ray or a napoleon wrasse.

Activities in BORA BORA

Shark Feeding

No visit to Bora Bora is complete without this exhilarating, unforgettable experience. Taken to the outer reef, you don snorkel and flippers, slip into the water (with just a touch of trepidation!) and watch Tahitian divers hand feed back-tip sharks right before your eyes.
Half day - from $94 per person

Helicopter Sightseeing

Soar like a bird over Bora Boraís multi-colored lagoon and lushly forested interior. Get a closer look at misty Mount Otemanu and see why no one has ever been able to climb to the top of this fabulous basalt obelisk.
30 minutes - from $380 per person

Jeep Safari

Head off the beaten track on this daredevil, four-wheel drive adventure. Climb to dizzying heights and discover sacred sites in Bora Boraís virgin mountain interior.
Half day - from $79 per person

Scuba Diving

Graceful manta ray and hundreds of neon-bright reef fish greet you as you descent into the lagoon, marveling at its natural beauty and abundant sealife.
One tank dive - from $75 per person

Rental Car

Itís easy to get around Bora Bora on its 20-mile circle-island road. Youíll pass villages and archaeological sites, with wildflowers, ferns and giant palms bordering the route.
4-hour-rate - $125 per car

Catamaran Charter

Set Sail for a carefree afternoon aboard the deluxe, 50 ft. TaraVana. Or escape for two days, giving yourself over to the trade winds, fishing, or just drifting along in search of the perfect motu. Exceptionally stable, a catamaran sail is heaven on water, for both salty seadogs and landlubbers alike.
Half day charter - $900. Overnight charter - $1,800.

Private Picnic

- Etienne’s Tour, Patrick’s, or Keishi Tour will arrange these outings. I highly recommend Keishi (ask for Pierrot, Phone 79 26 56). He sets up a table in the lagoon water next to a private Motu. Lunch features Lobster, Crab, Steak, Chicken, Fruit and Champagne. Snorkeling around the Island, Shark and Ray Feeding, Manta Ray viewing and whatever else your heart desires. These run around $500.00 for two, plus $100.00 for each additional person. The operator will usually pick you up at your hotel around 9:30am and drop you off at 3:00pm.
Patrick’s tour is also very nice. He serves a traditional Tahitian feast of foods cooked in an ahima'a (underground oven). Meals consist of roast pig, breadfruit, plantains, taro leaves, and the ever present poisson cru. Patrick is from Bora Bora and is a gracious host.

HorseBack Riding

- Ranch Reva Reva, on private Motu for Beach and interior ride.

Bora Bora Lagoonarium

- next to Le Meridian, swim with the sharks and many other sea creatures, can also purchase a movie of you swimming with the Sharks.

Sunset Cocktail Cruise

- aboard the “Taravana” with Captain Richard, sails from many of the hotels, can be booked through your hotel.

Boat rentals

– based at Matira Beach near Le Matai, small aluminium boats with 6 hp - no permit required, larger boat (15 hp) requires a boat license. Also a taxi service to and/or from any place on the Island (Phone (689) 67.60.61 ). Renting a small boat is a great way to see the lagoon at your own pace. You can rent 4 hours or day. But watch for the shallow coral heads.

Parasailing

– Bora Bora Parasailing, offers single and double person rides, no age limit. Contact Bora Bora Tel/ Fax: (689) 67 70 34 , cell: 78 27 10

JetSki:

Milki Miki Tours - leave everyday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm from Matira. Two hour tours are about $220.00 US dollars. You will be with a guide.
Book from your hotel room by calling (689) 67.76.44

Restaurants:

All the resorts have excellent restaurants offering great views and upscale gourmet fare. It's well worth trying other resorts dinner options. We recommend the restaurant at the St Regis, the Intercontinental Thalasso, the Four Seasons or the Intercontinental Le Moana. Ask your front desk to make reservations for you.

On Bora Bora island:
Villa Mahana

- arguably the best food on the Island. Located in a private villa, the ambiance is beautiful and romantic. There are five tables on the main level, and two tables up a few stairs that get reserved early. Your host, Chef Damien Rinaldi, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere serving outstanding French cuisine with Asian and Polynesian influences. The restaurant features ala carte dining, as well as, two prixe fix menus nightly. We highly recommend the "Discovery Menu" where you will have the opportunity to indulge in all of his latest creations. Save this restaurant experience for your last night in Bora Bora, as once you have dined here, nothing else can compare.
If you can, try to get the table at the very top, but if you can't, don't worry, there isn't a bad table there. Reserve well in advance - Tel: (689) 675 063 [Only Registered users can see links . Click Here To Register...]
Fare Manuia –

5 min. walk from the Intercon Moana Beach (Matira), nice place, intimate, top rate food with reasonable prices.
Top Dive - Upscale/fancy restaurant, romantic, good to excellent food, very expensive.
Bloody Mary’s - Fun casual ambiance, Ok food and service, very touristy, and expensive.
La Bounty - casual outdoor dining, rated very well on most forums.
Pirate Bar – on the water, occasional Manta Ray viewing, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices.
Bamboo House - nice relaxed ambiance, mixed reviews.
Snack Matira - sandwiches, burgers, fries, etc.
Ben’s Pizza - pizza, burgers, fries, etc. Open until 5:00 pm.
Restaurant Patoti - snacks, burgers, fries, and also serves a variety of fish, steak, duck, and desserts.
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The Snack Matira Beach - Close to the Hotel Matira. Can be accessed from the road or from the beach. Good breakfasts for reasonable prices. Decent Ham and Cheese omelets for less than 1000cfp. They also serve lunch and dinner. Cheeseburger and fries is 1300cfp.
L'Appetisserie: In the back of the main little shopping center in town (Vaitape) - good little sandwiches and snacks, croissants, ice cream, and a few computers to check your E-Mail. Serves beer and wine.
Snack Bora Burgers - Next to post office; small fast food place; has good burgers and fries as well as croque-monsieur

Resorts in Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora :

Open since September 2008, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is located on a long motu across the lagoon from the island of Bora Bora, 10 minutes by boat from the airport. It shares the same area of the lagoon as the St Regis, the Le Meridien and Intercon Thalasso Spa.
It offers 121 spacious hideaways with 100 over-water bungalows and 7 beachfront villas. Nested around the Bora Bora lagoon and its outer beaches, they overlook the lagoon’s turquoise waters and spectacular views of Mount Otemanu.
Inspired by local architecture, all guest accommodations offer a restful, airy ambience – complete with traditional teak wood furnishings, high ceilings and thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves. Special touches that accentuate the feel of Polynesia include striking works of art, private pools and deep bathtubs offering panoramic open-air views of the lagoon.
St. Regis Resort and Spa Bora Bora:

Located on Motu Piti Aau ("Two hearts" in Tahitian) the St Regis Resort Bora Bora is the grandest Five Star Hotel on Bora Bora.

Edged by powdery sands and a tranquil lagoon, the resort represents the epitome of carefree elegance. A total of 74 one-bedroom villas skim the lagoon, with eight of these featuring terrace Jacuzzis. The five two-bedroom overwater villas with private swimming pools are a first in French Polynesia.
Nestled on the beach are 11 one-bedroom villas and two two-bedroom villas.
The 13,000-square foot Royal Estate, majestic on its secluded cove and extending over three separate pavilions, surpasses every expectation.
Four delectable restaurants await you, including an overwater dining room, featuring Mediterranean and Pacific Fusion cuisine.
For dreamy relaxation, there's a main pool with swim-up bar and a romantic adult pool with private daybeds.
The Spa at St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora -- on its own private lagoon island -- offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and an incomparable array of island-inspired indulgences.
Rising in the distance, the towering majesty of Mount Otemanu is an ever-present symbol of the lofty luxury and impressively personalized service of St. Regis. The celebrated St. Regis Butler ensures that everything is possible -- from arranging an unforgettable day of yachting and diving, to supervising every detail of a lavish "at home" dinner with family and friends.
The Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa:

The Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is a large and upscale resort which was openend in 2001 and is situated on 16 acres of a terraced hillside on the backside of Motu Tupaa. Compared to the other resorts in Bora Bora, the Bora Bora Nui doesn't have a view of the lagoon or the island of Bora Bora.
Accommodations are designed as suites (semi-separate bedroom and living room), decorated with natural woods and upscale furnishings. Accommodations have air-conditioning, large marble bathrooms and terraces which provide a shaded place for room service and an open area with two lounge chairs.
The 120 suites are located on the terraced hillside and over the water. All suites are air-conditioned (see below for list of amenities).
- 2 Horizon Over Water Bungalow Royal Suites (1,453 square feet
- 38 Horizon Over Water Bungalow Suites (1,012 square feet) which offer unobstructed views of the ocean.
- 42 regular Over Water Bungalow Suites (1,012 square feet) which may face towards the resort or have a limited view of the ocean.
- 12 Beach Bungalow Suites (915 square feet) which are situated about 30 yards from the lagoon with a view of the Overwater Bungalow and some ocean.
- 7 Hillside Lagoon View Bungalow Suites (915 square feet) and the Hillside Lagoon View Royal Suite (1,453 square feet) nestled on the slopes of Toopua, afford panoramic views of the horizon. Private entrances and lush gardens provide guests with a secluded retreat.
- 16 Lagoon View Suites (1,023 square feet) located in a two storey building offer comfort and convenience with excellent views of the ocean.
Small glass floor panels in the overwater bungalows enable a view of the lagoon water below.
All the bungalows are almost identical (except for the Royal Suites) with a bedroom separated by a sliding panel from a small living room with a couch . The bathrooms are spacious and decorated with rich, natural woods, marble and French bath fixtures and bathtub.
The hotel also has a large infinity swimming pool, gift boutique, and the usual water sport activities and excursions available in Bora Bora. There are three restaurants including an open air beach restaurant, a snack restaurant by the pool and a panoramic restaurant.
The Mandara Spa is located on a black lava hill on the islet and offers an extensive menu of spa treatments and services, fully equipped fitness center and juice bar facilities. The spa facility is available to pamper you with its renowned service.
Restaurants & Bars
- Panoramic Restaurant - featuring a diverse menu of international and local cuisine, breakfast and dinner daily.
- Beach Fare Grill - an outdoor beach and poolside-dining venue offering lunch service.
- Over Water Bar - convenient location near guest check-in.
- Beach Bar - casual, relaxed outdoor cocktails.
- Panoramic Bar - nestled between thatched-roof bungalows and looking out over the ocean.
- 24-hour room service.
- Canoe Breakfast - available for overwater bungalows.
Guests are picked up at the airport by boat shuttle, and an hourly shuttle to the main dock of Bora Bora is available free of charge during the day.

Evening shuttle to Bora Bora may be subject to a charge of $20 per person.
Le Meridien - Still a very good resort, sharing the same lagoon and view as the Intercontinental Thalasso.
-The Good: View, Restaurant, Beach, Service, Beach Bungalows, Private Lagoonarium
-The OK: Bungalows decor and large floor glass
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling (poor), Bungalow size, Access to Bora Bora
-Our Opinion: Great views and good amenities. But the bungalows are on the small side compared to the newer hotels. The glass floor is impressive, though...

Sofitel Motu Resort - Still the best boutique resort in Bora Bora, secluded and intimate. Only 30 bungalows
-The Great: Snorkeling , View, Location, Lagoon - the best in BB. Also, privacy, easy access to shore.
-The Nice: Traditional Polynesian decor, Service, Food.
-The OK: Bungalow decor a little dated but spacious, service can be spotty.
-Our Opinion: One of our favorites with its superb location, view and snorkeling. The personalized service is good, and the use of the amenities of the new Sofitel Beach Resort is a plus.
Pearl Beach Resort - Very good upper mid-range resort on a motu with all the amenities and an excellent choice of well priced bungalows. Not too large.
-The Good: View, Bungalows, Restaurant, Pool and Beach
-The OK: Food, Service, Shore access to Bora Bora
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling.
-Our Opinion: Rarely disappointing, very good all around, an excellent value.

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort - A nice resort in a good location across the lagoon.
-The Good: View, Restaurant, landscaping, Pool and Beach, Snorkeling, Shore access to Bora Bora
-The OK: Food, Service, Bungalows
-The Not So Good: Maybe a little dated, Bungalow decks are on the small side.
-Our Opinion: A quality resort with 5 stars amenities and a superb view of the lagoon and Bora Bora

Sofitel Bora Bora Resort (ex Marara) - On the main island - A very good mid-range resort that is basically brand new.
-The Good: Beach, Restaurant, Pool, Bungalows
-The OK: Food, Service, snorkeling, view
-The Not So Good: Nothing so far..
-Our Opinion: A very good mid-priced resort with a nice beach and spiffy new bungalows.

Intercontinental Le Moana Resort - On the main island, a mid-size resort with an intimate Polynesian feel.
-The Good: Food, Service, View (depending on bungalow location), Snorkeling, Convenient to main tourist area of Bora Bora
-The OK: Bungalows
-The Not So Good: Small beach in crowded area of Bora Bora, Maybe a little overpriced.
-Our Opinion: A good resort, but too little privacy or sense of seclusion. Too many homes and hotels nearby.

Le Maitai Polynesia - On the same beach between the Intercon and the Sofitel
-The Good: Price
-The OK: Food, Service, Snorkeling, View, Bungalows
-The Not So Good: Narrow beach, A road runs between between the main part of the hotel and the beach. Traffic can be heard in beach bungalows and some overwater. Spotty service.
-Our Opinion: A fair budget hotel - offers the least expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.

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[tanjungsari]

ok its great

[Li_Ly]

Looks amazing!

[kira_loves_cloud]

i totally want to go there for my honeymoon it has always been my dream to go there it would be so romantic

[seosecrets]

Nice and relaxed island with a great beach (White Beach). Sun, sea, beach and nature, what more could you want? The better resorts weren't very cheap and you'd best book those in advance via internet, not at the resort itself.

[kanenas223]

cool place, i wonder if i would return back home after being there o.O

[johnsmiltons]

There are so many island in the worlds but I like in Bora bora Island.It's a very nice and Romantic Island.It's Island provide to open Air and extraordinary environment to everyone.The Island is One type of Romantic Place.

[sandymilton]

There are several islands in the world, but I want the island of Bora Bora Island.It is beautiful and romantic island.It everyone the open space to a unique Environment to Provide a way is a romantic destination.

[lmack]

Wow, Pretty cool, That's right It is the wonderful place for honeymoon. Amazing view and So Interesting place for relation after heavy wedding occasion. I love the Scuba Diving and Sunset Cocktail in Cruise and I think this is the perfect place for that types of activities.

[ethanlds]

Truly Bora Bora is the best romantic island in the world where honeymooners can get romance. the dramatic scenery to the privacy and all amenities available for the couples. there are also some good places for couple to visit like best love points. Enjoy the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all. really this is the fantastic place for honeymoon.