Known as the ‘Romantic Island’, Bora Bora is a perfect destination for couples and individuals who are looking to escape from the bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by the calm translucent waters of its lagoon, this island offers a wide range of fun activities and thrilling experiences. Visitors can choose to explore the interior of the island by hiking or jeep excursions, snorkel in the beautiful coral gardens populated with hundreds of marine species or take an exhilarating helicopter tour that provides stunning aerial views of the island’s rugged peaks and lush jungles.
The enchanting island is also home to many world-class restaurants and hotels. Guests can enjoy fine dining at a variety of establishments with some of the most breathtaking panoramic ocean views. The food is delicious and combines traditional Polynesian and French-inspired flavours with fresh ingredients and expert cooking techniques.
For the ultimate culinary experience, head to Arii Moana for a dinner with a difference. Located at the Four Seasons Resort, this restaurant is one of the most sought after places to dine in Bora Bora because of the impeccable view and ambience it offers. Enjoy delicious Polynesian and French-inspired cuisine beneath a thatched roof beside the romantic waterside.
Arii Moana serves a range of mouth-watering dishes including yellowfin tuna cooked on Bora’s volcanic stone with crusted sesame seeds, roasted pineapple and vegetables. Alternatively, try the Australian lamb which is served with a thyme and rosemary lamb juse, carrot puree and caramelized onions. For dessert, the popular choice is the deconstructed Black Forest which includes sponge cake, Taha’a vanilla cream, cocoa biscuit, alcoholic cherry coulis and sorbet.
Visitors to Bora Bora can also visit the island’s museums and other cultural attractions. There are several that provide fascinating insights into the rich history of French Polynesia. These include the Marquesas Museum, Pahia Taha’a Heritage Center and the Ao Nui Museum. The Museum of Arts and Culture is another must-visit attraction that showcases a selection of artworks from the region along with various exhibitions.
The most prominent feature of Bora Bora is the island’s picturesque lagoon. The clear turquoise waters resemble a fantasy and have earned the island a reputation as a tropical paradise. The lagoon is characterized by its depth and varied colour – it is dark indigo at its deepest (Teavanui Passage, Poofai and Faanui bays) and varying shades of blue and green throughout the rest of the lagoon.
The lagoon’s shallow water is a habitat for numerous marine species, and it is possible to snorkel in the area and spot sharks and stingrays while visiting Bora Bora. Snorkeling is a must-do activity when visiting the island, and most resorts will offer tours of their best snorkelling spots.
The island’s beautiful landscape is adorned with coconut palms and is a sight to behold. These trees are extremely important for the locals, and they can be seen everywhere. They are used for everything from valuable ingredients in traditional Tahitian meals to providing a refreshing drink. In addition to their practicality, the coconut palms are a symbol of the love that is present on the island. In fact, placing a flower in a woman’s left ear means she is taken while the right ear signals she is single and ready to mingle.