Speak with our friendly team today and discover how you can stand in front of our readers and make this space your own.
A little slice of tropical paradise nestled in the Pacific Waters, Bora Bora’s economy rests on a successful tourist industry, yet it never feels overcrowded or commercialised. There’s no fighting over sunbeds or queueing up for dinner – Bora Bora moves at its own pace, making it a tranquil holiday gem.
There are 118 islands that make up the French Polynesia and they receive the same number of tourists in a year that Hawaii gets in a week, so you know you are in for a more tailored, luxury experience. And around 80% of those visitors will stop at Bora Bora at some point in their stay, unable to resist the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’.
There’s no international airport on the island, just a small aerodrome set up in the Second World War, so the only way on to Bora Bora is by private plane or boat. To get to your hotel, you have to fly to Tahiti and get a private transfer. And limited flights to Tahiti from the UK, with one or more stop-overs, make this a much more exclusive destination. You’ll need to plan properly to make the journey.
Once you finally make it to your final stop though, the benefits are more than worth it. This could be one of the most beautiful places in the world, with swaying palm trees, bright white sands and sparkling blue lagoon waters, you’ll never want to leave. And despite tourism being at the forefront of the communities’ minds, protecting the environment is also close to their hearts, making for an island that is beautifully clean and unspoiled. It’s as close to perfection as you can get.
There are plenty of hotels along the coasts of Bora Bora, including the Hilton, Intercontinental, Pearl Beach, Sofitel and The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa (previously The Meridien). Many of the hotels offer overwater bungalows. These are huts you can stay in that give you direct access to the azure blue waters of the lagoons, with glass floors that let you see the underwater world below you. There is nothing more peaceful than watching the natural coral reef drift from side-to-side underneath you as you soak up some rays. And you can even have breakfast delivered each morning by outrigger canoes.
The roofs of these huts are covered in pandanus leaves. This unique part of the architecture provides jobs for 50 families on the island, who work on harvesting and processing these leaves. It is a nod towards the ancient culture of the island, when huts were made from bamboo and leaves, and helps preserve that tradition.
Each hotel has a focus on guest comfort with a sustainable slant – you’ll find programmes dedicated to protecting the coral gardens and turtles, as well as fish nurseries. They encourage you to learn more about the environment of the island and show you how to respect nature while enjoying a luxury stay.
For example, the Westin Bora Bora is home to The Ecology Centre of Sea Turtles. The underwater observatory gets you up close to sea turtles, without having to get wet. Or you can go to the touch pool, where you can gently stroke these incredible creatures. This is a must-visit attraction, even if you don’t stay at the hotel.
Speak to your audience directly within articles of their interest both digitaly and through our printed issues.
Speak with our friendly team today and discover how you can stand in front of our readers.
And there’s plenty more to enjoy too. This is a mecca for scuba divers as there is so much so see in the pristine waters, or you can head off on a helicopter tour of the island, go for a guided hike up the extinct volcano, or hop aboard a glass bottomed boat for the day. Adrenaline junkies will love parasailing, jet skiing or shark feeding. And you must go to at least one of the many art galleries displaying traditional Maohi art.
If you visit at the right time, you could even find yourself in the middle of one of the many annual festivals. Heiva I Bora Bora is in July and is all about feasting and dancing, with the entire community coming together to decorate huts and enter competitions.
And the country is big on sports such as canoe racing, javelin throwing, triathlons and fishing. Maybe you’d like to get involved with one of those at the large community sports centre?
The luxurious island is well set-up for wellness and pampering, with some of the world’s best spas at your disposal. The Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa hosted Beyonce when she was pregnant with her twins, so you know you can expect the very best treatments here. The spa is the first sea-water spa in the South Pacific, using the local waters in a variety of pamper sessions, harnessing the natural healing power within them. This little slice of heaven is set in the most picturesque area, in the tropical gardens of Motu Piti Aau and waters either side.
And when it comes to food, you’re spoilt for choice. The Lagoon at the St Regis Bora Bora Resort is a celebrity hot-spot, or you can enjoy a very private and exclusive meal on one of the islets. Expect local sea food and tropical fruit – sometimes the simplest meals are the most delicious.
The most-spoken language of Bora Bora is French, but Tahitian is still learnt in school as a key link to the heritage of the island. There are only two seasons – the wet season and the dry season. If you want to avoid monsoon rains, then May to October is the best time to go. The temperature is pretty stable year-round, hovering around the 30°c mark most of the time, so stock up on your reef-friendly suncream!
Want to find out more about Bora Bora? Head to:
Speak to your audience directly within articles of their interest both digitaly and through our printed issues.
-%C2%A9-Gre%CC%81goire-Le-Bacon-Tahiti-Nui-Helicopters.avif)
Photograph: Grégoire Le Bacon/TNH
Photograph: © Tahiti Fly Shoot
Photograph: © Overpeek Studio
Never miss an edition. Sign up for our digital subscription and enjoy Swealthy content wherever you are. Simply leave your details and join our community – oh and it’s completely free of charge!
Opened in 2024 in the heart of the village, The Two Pigs combines exceptional seasonal produce with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, offering guests all the charm of a traditional country pub alongside food crafted with the care and attention of Michelin-starred chef Liam Dillon.
La squadra at La Bellezza has joined forces with Birmingham favourites LA-POP! to create the ultimate summer mashup: three limited-edition Italian gelato lollies inspired by Big Mamma's most legendary desserts.
Three months after announcing his search for the right successor, founder Raj Rana has confirmed that My Delhi will lead Itihaas into its next era, safeguarding the restaurant's legacy, retaining its first-class reputation while investing in its future.
Following a culinary exchange in Barcelona between Pete Dovaston, Head Chef and Owner of Maneki Ramen and Mike Davies, Head Chef at Umami Plant Based, Maneki is launching a new summer small plates menu inspired by the flavours, techniques and cultures of Japan and Spain.
Cow & Sow is offering all graduates a complimentary glass of fizz to kick-start their celebrations. Available Monday-Friday from 6th-31st July.
Dedicated Graduation Menu, available from 6th July to 2nd August.
Presented annually, the award recognises chefs who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession, celebrating both rising talent and established industry leaders from across the UK's hospitality sector.
New to Swealthy Magazine? Welcome. Discover where to find our latest editions and catch up on everything you’ve been missing here:
Our beautifully crafted print magazine deserves pride of place on your coffee table. Sign up to receive every bi-monthly edition, delivered directly to your door - before anyone else.
Subscribe for a year and save 25%
Copyright © Swealthy LTD
All rights reserved
.jpg)
%204541%20(1).avif)
-2.avif)
.avif)
-RSC.avif)
.avif)
-copy.avif)
