Bora Bora, French Polynesia: The Pearl of South Pacific

Blog and photographs from a trip to French Polynesia. The fare, hotels and food may not be cheap, but the scenery is worth every penny!

There's a very good chance you'll be blissfully infatuated the moment you arrive in Bora Bora. Maybe it's the show of the vibrant shades of water -- azure, turquoise, teal. Or maybe it's the black claw-shaped Mt. Otemanu rising out of the sea.

Many say modern Tahiti and her islands bear a striking resemblance to Hawaii circa 50 years ago. The water and air are unbelievalby clear and clean, and the islands themselves are largely untamed (OK, the urban sprawl of the bustling capital city of Papeete on the island of Tahiti is the exception).

People come to Bora Bora's pristine atolls to dive or snorkel in the coral-filled lagoon brimming with fish and reef sharks, hike or jeep into the island's electric green interior, or, trudge up its three massive peaks, Jue, Pahia and Otemanu.

Many are those who prefer the idea of relaxing, luxuriating, rejuvenating and vegging out.
Life in the land may be very laid back...

... but, there's so much commotion in the water!

Bora Bora has one of the finest lagoons in the world. Aquatic forms, cut out between the great Pacific and its pearl (9km long by 4km wide), pass from tones of ultramarine to almost translucent, as one approaches the motu and the encircling reef.

Shades of paradise enough to make one forget everything else. 78 sq km of lagoon world which today relaxes tourists and local residents alike during their vacations or their weekends. The experience of the incredibly rich underwater flora and fauna is a 'must'!

Do you want to get fit and be healthy on vacation? You can swim, paddle, surf, or run to your heart's content.

If you crave the lap of luxury, crave to eat fresh fish and coconut milk
(a local delicacy called poisson cru), and spa yourself into oblivion Bora Bora can be your nirvana.

Without a doubt a perfect spot to start your new novel, screenplay or sketches.

Conclusion? In all sincerity, nothing springs to mind. The atolls leave a series of obsessive memories. The most persistent impression is that of spectacular abundance and the greatest abandon. The tranquility and luxury of the lagoon are pure and simple; to leave all that behind seems, frankly, impossible. Of course, after a weeklong stay, one gets to miss the noise and commotion of a big city. No matter what, Bora Bora is true paradise on earth!

A Bientôt...!