Bora Bora is an island in the group of Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. Originally inhabited by Polynesian settlers who in fact named the island “Pora Pora” in the 4th Century, it is now a French colony and one of the most sought-out tourist destinations of the world. And no wonder.
The island is a paradise to say the least; a door to another world that is far beyond early commutes to work and the monotony of metropolitan life. Here, Mother Nature shows off her talents. The island is surrounded by a pristine lagoon, a barrier reef and other surrounding islets, and is home to an extinct volcano that rises to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. The waters are rich with species of shark, sting ray and vividly colourful fish and coral. Coconut and of course, fresh seafood, are among the fresh produce of Bora Bora and the locals are a welcoming people.
Staying in one of the many over-water bungalows is a must-do when visiting Bora Bora. Perched above stilts in the lagoon, these bungalows offer a unique holiday experience that can be both standard and affordable accommodation or the finest luxury depending on your preference. Most bungalows also have glass-topped tables that open, allowing you to feed the teaming masses of fish and sea creatures or to go for a swim right from your room! All the resorts generally have a high standard of quality, but to name one is the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
Even having it’s own man-made islet in the lagoon called Motu Marfo, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is an exceptional choice of accommodation. The resort offers beachside villas, over-water bungalow villas and a royal estate. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Royal Over Water Two Bedroom Pool Villa is the premium in terms of over-water bungalows. Strategically built around its own private pool on the edge of the lagoon, this villa also has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two private terrace gazebos. www.stregisborabora.com
Bora Bora has a temperate climate most of the year round, but avoid the windy season from June to August. The water on average however, maintains a wonderfully warm temperature of around 26 degrees celcius.
The local people of Bora Bora speak a mixture of Tahitian, French and English. Try your hand at some of these Taihitian expressions:
Ia Orana (yo-rah-nah) – Hello
Maururu (mah-roo-roo) – Thank you
Nana (nah-nah) – Bye / See you later
Manuia (mah-nwee-ah) – Cheers / To your health
Uua here vau ia oe (oo-ah hay-ray ee-ah oh-ay) – I love you
When you’ve got that down pat, pack minimally and catch a flight to this tropical haven. We’ll see you there!
