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Bora Bora vs. Tahiti

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    My wife and I are trying to plan a relaxing vacation to French Polynesia and hope to stay at one of the nicer resorts in Bora Bora. We have yet to finalize which resort, so please let me know your suggestions.

    I'd also like to hear thoughts from others about whether only staying at Bora Bora is enough. Would we be severely missing out if we didn't stay in Tahiti, or any of the other islands for a few nights?

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    You would do well to at least stay one night in Papeete, Tahiti's capital, for its night market (excellent poisson cru), and get adjusted to the local time zone. That way, the next day, you are fully recharged for your short plane trip from Papeete to Bora Bora.

    We enjoyed the Hotel Bora Bora (an Amanresort) very much. It is strategically located at Matira Point, with excellent sandy beaches, outstanding service, and lagoon access. Since it is on the main island, and not on a surrounding reef (unlike some other ultra-resorts), one does not need water transport in order to catch dinner "in town" at Vaitape (the only town on Bora Bora).

    Restaurant highlights for us on Bora Bora included the Top Dive Resort restaurant (giant manta ray sighting during dinner!). And the requisite fresh fresh fresh seafood dinner at Bloody Mary's (check out the men's restroom there!).

    Activities include snorkeling (bring bread to feed all those reef fish!), diving, kayaking, 4X4 inland safari, learning about and possibly buying black pearls, and the "Desert Island Excursion", where your resort will drop you and your spouse off on your very own (guaranteed) deserted island (yes, there's usually a hut and a hammock along with many palm trees), with a gourmet picnic basket, towels, and 4-8 hours of free time to explore and spend how ever you like. After the pre-agreed upon time has elapsed, the resort transport returns and pick you up again to deliver you both back to your resort!

    Also, you might want to consider Moorea, while you're there.

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    You'll probably spend one night in Papeete, either coming or going, just because of the time of your arriving or departing flight -- but you're not flying to the middle of the Pacific to see Tahiti... Definitely spend your time in Bora Bora.

    Bora Bora has the best beach.

    Bora Bora Lagoon Resort has the best snorkeling.

    Bora Bora Nui is probably the best trade-off between and up-to-date contemporary resort and good snorkeling.

    For the newer luxury resorts (albeit on the east side of the lagoon where there's not much coral and thus lesser snokeling), the best choices are the InterContinental, St. Regis, and Four Seasons.

    I've blogged a lot about Bora Bora; my posts are here:
    http://tinyurl.com/4yyscq

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    If you're up for a little ocean traveling, I'd suggest looking into visiting the Marquesas. Very fun, with beaches you'll never see the equal of anywhere else, as well as beautiful pearl jewelry to buy and delicious seafood to sample.

    The people of Tahiti are very friendly, you guys are going to have the best time!

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