Although small at just 6 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, Bora Bora a lush, tropical paradise with a mountainous center and reef-protected lagoon. One of the 13 Society Islands in French Polynesia, it was first made famous by author James Michener who called the land “the most beautiful place on earth” in his book Tales of the South Pacific and later by Oscar Hammerstein II, who expanded that book into the film South Pacific, declaring “Here am I, your special island! Come to me, come to me”; lovers of beauty and romance should heed the call.
To relax without feeling like you need to do anything but enjoy the exotic beaches.
$1086+: Low airfares to Tahiti via LA (round-trip) Air Tahiti Nui
South Pacific vacations now sell from just $1263 Editors' Review
Bora Bora has some of the most romantic, luxurious, and expensive hotels in the world – in this locale, anything under $300 per night qualifies as “budget” (top-tier properties go for upwards of $650 nightly). Accommodations tend toward lavish suites and over-water bungalows. Most have exotic wood interiors with light upholstery and colorful Polynesian accents (usually textiles and tropical flowers). Tetiaroa, the atoll once owned by Marlon Brando, is slated to open as the eco-luxury Hotel Brando in 2010.
Most visitors dine in hotels, but two freestanding musts are La Villa Mahana and Bloody Mary’s. You’re in French Polynesia, so expect a good wine list, but otherwise keep things simple – the island is not known for its cuisine. Poisson Cru, raw fish marinated with lime juice and coconut milk, is Bora Bora’s signature dish. Dinner is usually served from 6:30-9:00pm.