After a deeply personal and perhaps a touch controversial first installment of our honeymoon journey, we’re thrilled to transport you to the tranquil and utterly breathtaking paradise of Bora Bora, French Polynesia. This segment is dedicated to the sheer visual splendor and unforgettable moments that made our time in this iconic destination truly special, filled with stunning photography and fewer of the ‘juicy details’ that stirred up conversation last time. Prepare to be swept away by the unparalleled beauty of Bora Bora, a destination that continually calls us back with every glance at these cherished memories. Oh, and yes, there’s an exciting video capturing the essence of our adventure!
Every time I revisit these images, an irresistible urge to return washes over me. And honestly, it’s hard not to get a little carried away with the sheer number of photos. Bora Bora wasn’t just our first visit to French Polynesia; it marked our inaugural stay at a Four Seasons Hotel. And let me tell you, the Four Seasons experience is an entirely new level of luxury and sophistication! If my home could possess even a fraction of the pristine elegance and immaculate order found at that resort, I’d be shouting it from the rooftops. But alas, we’re not here to discuss my domestic shortcomings. Instead, let’s dive into the visual narrative of our dream honeymoon.
Our arrival set the tone for the entire trip. We were greeted at the airport and whisked away on a private boat that felt more like a luxury yacht than a simple transfer vessel. Its elegance outshone every other boat in sight, gleaming under the Polynesian sun. What truly amazed me was the onboard Wi-Fi – a small luxury that made the journey feel even more seamless and connected, even in such a remote paradise.
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The Four Seasons Bora Bora Villas: An Overwater Dream
Upon reaching the resort, our excitement was palpable. As I mentioned in our previous honeymoon recap, if you’re making the journey all the way to Bora Bora, committing to an overwater bungalow is absolutely essential for the quintessential experience. The Four Seasons exclusively features overwater villas, each offering direct access to the mesmerizing lagoon. While all are spectacular, some are positioned closer to the beach, resulting in shallower water beneath them. Our particular villa was situated further out, in deeper waters, which, surprisingly, became my only minor point of contention. This was mainly due to my slight apprehension about what might be lurking in the deeper, darker parts of the ocean – a sentiment many can relate to!
Despite my personal trepidation about the deep water, the villa itself was a masterpiece of design and comfort. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon, with Mount Otemanu towering majestically in the distance. The spacious interiors, elegant decor, and direct access to the ocean from our private deck were truly beyond compare. Every detail, from the plush furnishings to the thoughtful amenities, contributed to an atmosphere of pure indulgence and serenity.
The views of Bora Bora’s dramatic mountains, particularly Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, are nothing short of spectacular. They provide a stunning backdrop to the calm, iridescent waters of the lagoon. We didn’t venture up the mountains on this trip, having experienced similar hikes in Moorea, but we’ve heard the summit views are equally, if not more, breathtaking. From our overwater haven, simply gazing at the majestic peaks made us feel incredibly connected to the raw, natural beauty of this island.
While Bora Bora is primarily about relaxation and daytime activities, the Polynesian dinner and show at the Four Seasons is an absolute must-do! By chance, it fell on our very first night, offering a delightful immersion into local culture. The food was exquisitely prepared, showcasing authentic Polynesian flavors, and the entertainment – a vibrant display of traditional dance and music – was captivating. It was also a fantastic opportunity to mingle with other honeymooners and travelers. We certainly had an entertaining evening, especially sharing a table with a particularly lively group, a story that many of you who follow my IG stories might recall!
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual poolside meals to elegant fine dining, ensuring every culinary desire is met. Each restaurant boasts stunning views, creating the perfect backdrop for romantic dinners and memorable moments. Beyond the Polynesian show, evening entertainment is generally understated, allowing the natural tranquility of the island to take center stage. Guests often prefer to enjoy quiet dinners, romantic strolls under the stars, or simply relax on their private villa decks, soaking in the serene atmosphere.
The water surrounding Bora Bora is so incredibly clear and vibrant, it truly resembles a giant, natural swimming pool. It’s an inviting canvas of blues and greens, perfect for swimming and wading. While the resort provides some amenities for water play, we brought our own pool float to enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon directly from our bungalow. Floating peacefully, surrounded by such breathtaking beauty, was an unparalleled experience of pure relaxation.
Excursions and Adventures in Bora Bora French Polynesia
Beyond the blissful relaxation, Bora Bora offers a thrilling array of excursions. We dedicated much of our time to enjoying the resort’s stunning beach and central pool area, which is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying refreshing cocktails. However, we also eagerly dove into some adventures. Our top picks were jet skiing – an activity I absolutely adore on any vacation – and coral reef snorkeling.
We always opt for independent jet ski rentals because I prefer to be in control and explore at our own pace. Seeing the island from the shimmering blue waters, circling its majestic contours, was an exhilarating experience. The panoramic views of Mount Otemanu from the lagoon are truly unforgettable, providing a unique perspective of Bora Bora’s dramatic landscape. The freedom of gliding across the water, feeling the spray, and discovering hidden coves is simply unmatched.
We take our jet skiing seriously, always seeking the best experiences. Instead of booking directly through the hotel, we secured our jet ski rental through Moana with Taylor from The Simple Sol. This savvy move allowed us to save nearly half the price compared to the hotel’s tour, a tip worth noting for budget-conscious travelers seeking premium experiences. We applied the same strategy for our snorkeling adventure the following day, which, I admit, initially filled me with a mixture of excitement and terror.
Our snorkeling tour was a small-group experience, with only six people on the boat, which was a huge plus for a more intimate encounter. However, be prepared: this 4.5-hour tour was bare-bones – no bathroom, no snacks, and no drinks. We made stops at various open ocean locations, free-snorkeling in water up to 100 feet deep for 30-45 minutes at a time. Our first stop was a designated area for spotting magnificent manta rays in the wild. This was, without a doubt, one of the coolest and most intimidating experiences of my life. To see them, you have to swim fast and keep your head down, but witnessing these gentle giants glide gracefully through the water was absolutely mesmerizing and profoundly beautiful.
The intensity of the manta ray snorkel was amplified by the choppy water that day, making it physically demanding to keep pace in such deep conditions without a chance to rest. Despite the challenge and the initial fear, would I do it again? Absolutely, yes. The sheer majesty of the manta rays made every strenuous stroke worthwhile. Later, snorkeling in the shallower coral gardens of Bora Bora French Polynesia was a completely different, yet equally amazing, experience. The vibrant colors of the coral, teeming with an abundance of tropical fish, felt like swimming in an enormous, living aquarium. This offered a more relaxed and equally captivating exploration of Bora Bora’s incredible underwater world.
The remaining days of our Bora Bora honeymoon were dedicated to pure, unadulterated relaxation. We savored every moment of lounging, pretending that our to-do lists back home simply didn’t exist. This feeling of complete freedom from responsibility, surrounded by such exquisite beauty, was truly a gift – a beautiful, blissful escape from reality. Bora Bora offered us the perfect balance of thrilling adventures and serene tranquility, cementing its place as the ultimate honeymoon destination. If only every day could be a honeymoon, right? Perhaps someone should indeed put that sentiment on a t-shirt – it perfectly encapsulates the enduring magic of our unforgettable trip.