The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. Lined with loungers and hammocks, this stunning resort will make you forget every last one of your worries as soon as your feet hit the sand. I came across redemptions ranging from $339 plus 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night to a whopping $942 plus 140,000 Bonvoy points per night, depending on the dates I selected. You have a direct view of Mt. The resort (read our full review of the IGH Le Moana) also has kayaks and paddle boards available for guests. Youll routinely see weddings and other fun events like water races happening here. Sun, sand and silence is the Bora Bora dream Peter Griffith / Getty Images, The best time to visit Bora Bora: budget or blowout, here's our guide. Encircling the famous lagoon and spanning almost two kilometers (1.2 miles), this place is every bit as impressive as any of the much-loved private beaches. There is a small infinity swimming pool and a nice little beach to explore. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. If you have ever dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow, Bora Bora is the place to do it. However, while the island basks under cloudless blue skies in the photos, remember that this is the South Pacific and the island has a tropical rainy season from December to March. The interior included a huge living area, palatial bathroom and a canopied bed that epitomized tropical elegance. The buffet-style smorgasbord of breakfast dishes was seemingly endless, offering anything you could possibly crave in the morning. The three-star resort is located on the edge of a beautiful white sand beach on the main island, not too far from Matira Point. The beaches are filled with turquoise water thats relatively calm and shallow. In fact, you could walk it if you want but its probably more enjoyable to rent a bike and circle the road surrounding the island. The beach at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is beautiful. The official high season hasnt started yet which means you can still find deals on accommodation and avoid the crowds.Key events: Easter celebrations (these can fall in March), May marks the beginning of the high season, with more blue skies but also an increase in resort pricing. Here were some of my favorites, along with what they offer different types of travelers. A mini road trip around the islands wouldnt be complete without a stop at one of the pearl farms, where guided tours showcase Tahitis famous colored cultured pearls. Bora Bora's biggest cultural festival,Heive I Bora Bora, takes place in July, making this one of the best times to visit the island.Key events: Heive I Bora Bora, Raid Anei hiking race, Perhaps the busiest month during peak season, this is when most Europeans tend to visit. Also located on the main portion of the beach is the water activity hub, where you can borrow complimentary equipment. Swimming and snorkeling in them is easy since you rarely have to worry about any currents. Perched on one of the most beautiful lagoons on the planet and overlooking the iconic Mount Otemanu, the beach at Le Meridien Bora Bora is easily one of the most impressive spots on the globe. 11 Best Things to Do in Bora Bora | U.S. News Travel Mind the dress code. Get in touch with Many from Bora Bora Quad Adventures for an exciting half-day quad tour. Pictures can barely do them justice, and its just something you need to experience for yourself to see their true beauty. Bora Bora Eden Beach Hotel is a 2.5 star hotel located at motu Pitiaau 191 in Bora Bora. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. Nespresso coffee machines and the brand's signature beds dressed in Dobby Sateen cotton sheets come standard, as do in-floor glass tiles through which you can view the lagoon's waters and aquatic life below. This amazing feature gives the impression of being surrounded by turquoise waters. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This is the best time to see mothers and their calves in the waters surrounding the island; you cant swim with them here as you can in Moorea, but there are plenty of whale-watching tours.Key events: Whale migration, October marks the end of the high season. Most requests can be made via the Four Seasons app, so you can ask for more towels or book reservations in the spa or restaurants right from the in-room tablet. Add these best free (and nearly free!) Phuket Beaches and Phi Phi Island, Thailand Phuket is the biggest and best known island in Thailand. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Heiva I Bora Bora is the islands premier festival. Guests can spend the night or join a daytime retreat with partners like Naiki Lutz of Aroha Exprience, who shares ancestral knowledge through her tailor-made wellness treatments. Matira Beach Matira Point. Its not easy to decide which idyllic island is for you. Is there a way to explore the islands more independently? Another advantage to low season in Bora Bora is the lack of crowds; most visitors crave those iconic blue skies, and visitor numbers thin out significantly when the weather is more unpredictable. This Columbia Sun Hat Is Perfect for Summer - Travel + Leisure Spend a full day exploring the lagoon around Bora Bora by joining a lagoon excursion. Amenities: Spa, tennis courts, diving lessons, horseback riding, cultural visits, outdoor pool, fitness center. 2023 Cond Nast. Read our Privacy Policy here. Shoulder Season: April and November The best of both worlds - good weather and moderate prices The months of April and November fall between the wet and dry seasons, offering some of the advantages of both seasons. Again, tourism is slow during this month so prices tend to be lower at resorts.Key events: Special events for Valentine's Day (14 February), As March rolls in, the rain decreases further, though you'll likely still experience daily showers and high humidity. For those interested in hiking in Bora Bora, speak to your accommodation who will help you find a guide. You can find it on the southern shore of the island. There is one and only one exception to this rule: Matira Beach. I couldn't find much award availability during my research, which Katie Genter (TPG's resident IHG expert) confirmed after finding very few awards available when doing her own search. You are no longer allowed to feed the sea life (although, unfortunately, a couple of tours still do), however, its safe and fun to get in the water with them. These are the best beaches in Bora Bora starting with the most popular of them all, Matira Beach. Send tips to Clint.Henderson@thepointsguy.com. It can also be pretty rainy, with long periods of cloudy skies. When I joined the TPG team back in 2019, one destination at the top of my bucket list was French Polynesia. Despite it being designed with couples in mind, Kyle had an amazing time when he visited with his parents. While it will be crowded and prices will be at their highest, August also brings the best weather, with many hours of sunshine and low humidity. Is there a way to explore the islands more independently? Whether it is your honeymoon, a special birthday, or you just want to live it up like royalty, now is the time to seal the deal on Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts on booking.com. This activity is offered by several companies and includes multiple snorkel stops (including the shark and ray spot described above) as well as a sea-side lunch on a motu. The beaches dont contain many shells but rather bits of coral that wash up on the shore over time. Said to be the final resting place for royalty in times long gone, the views from this cave are nothing short of breathtaking. Bora Bora is a popular hiking destination, In fact, you could walk it if you want but its probably more enjoyable to rent a bike and circle the road surrounding the island, there are plenty of other wonderful events throughout the year, Bora Bora's best beaches: find your own stretch of paradise, Bora Bora on a budget: the best free (and nearly free!) These trails are not for the faint of heart; you can expect a time of about 6+ hours plus some climbing. Ask at the front desk. It is held in Vaitape at Place Tu Vavau and everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the celebrations. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. The food was served at a leisurely pace that never felt too slow. Generally speaking, yep. The highlight of this hike is, well everything. Related: How points and miles helped my family book a dream vacation to Bora Bora. With its own private island, this place is the tropical escape of your dreams. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Finding seats on flights can also be a challenge at peak times. . Best month to visit bora bora. Matira Beach Reviews | U.S. News Travel Kayaking, snorkeling, and boat trips reveal natural wonders like the turquoise waters of the queens bath. Meanwhile, a new culinary program developed by French celebrity chef Jean Imbert draws inspiration from Brandos travel diaries and local ingredients like breadfruit, lagoon fish, and vanilla. Ask the front desk for options. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. Keep in mind, though, that IHG prices its awards dynamically, meaning award nights here will likely require even more points due to the high demand, and if you do find saver availability, it might be worth checking to see if award nights are also available at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, which is much pricier in terms of cash. While you can hang out on the sand, the nearby swimming pool is where a lot of tourists like to sit at. With most travel plans in 2020 canceled or put on hold, Lonely Planet's writers around the globe are dreaming up big plans for 2021. Travel. The water is crystal-clear and the sand is soft and . 4.5Atmosphere. All the essentials: top fashion stories, editors picks, and celebrity style. And thanks to a new five-year plan to cap the number of tourists at 280,000 annuallyabout one visitor per inhabitanttheyll likely stay that way. Which is why we asked two opinionated experts to make the case. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. Best Months to Visit. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? Key events: Missionary Day, Orero championships, April is one of the two shoulder-season months. Few things instantly put your mind at ease like the sound of water gently lapping the shore with warm sand between your toes and the sun shining down on you. Since I only spent a few days at the property, I didn't get a chance to try the majority of the on-site amenities, such as the Hina Spa or the 24-hour fitness center, but I did make the most of my Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program. The waters are incredibly . Just because its a free public beach doesnt mean its anything other than first class. The massive property features a swim-up bar pool and an adults-only pool. The St Regis Bora Bora Resort. Coral Gardens Beach is known for its vibrant coral reef and diverse marine life, while Anau Beach boasts crystal clear waters and the opportunity to swim . Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? If you want a thrilling experience, indoor skydiving is the perfect alternative yet similar adventure to bungee jumping or outdoor skydiving. The beach at the Le Meridien Bora Bora offers its own exclusive coastline of tropical paradise. I always thought Bora Bora would be a truly magical place to visit, and my trip there did not disappoint. The villa was superb, offering a living room, an office in the entryway and a separate bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light and provided postcard-worthy water views. Despite having lofty expectations for this dreamy destination, the atoll including its accommodations managed to sail past the high bar I had set in my mind. Bora Bora was chosen as a strategic military supply base during WWII and much like in Vanuatu, the USA decided not to take the big stuff home when they left. As you may expect, the service was just as exceptional as the bungalow itself. Stop by for the daily feeding of the many stingrays that pass by for lunch here or go explore on your own in a kayak or stand-up paddle board. There is no gym or spa, but you can sometimes get a free shuttle to the sister Intercontinental property for gym or spa activities. #1 in Best Beaches in the World for 2023. Like most of the other beaches in Bora Bora, the water is shallow and safe for children to play in. The best beach hotels in Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Booking.com 5.0Value. From here, it's an easier hike to the cannons. Plus, since the heavy rains havent quite started yet, visibility is still great for snorkeling and scuba diving.Key events: La Toussaint (All Saints Day), Hawaiki nui vaa, Armistice Day, December is the most humid time in Bora Bora. From volcano boarding to cave diving, weve rounded up the best adrenaline-packed adventure sports. Its mid-morning, and Im lying under a leafy breadfruit tree on the French Polynesian island of Raiatea. Recognized as the first Polynesian island to be populated and the final resting place for the ancestors spirits, Raiatea protects numerous archaeological treasures and sacred spaces, including the Taputapuatea marae, a religious site used for ceremonies, meetings, and celebrations during ancient times. If you stay in a beach bungalow, itslike having your own private beach because there is rarely anyone else on the beach based on our experience. This website is here to help you find the right destination for your family vacation whilst also offering tips and advice we have acquired from our travels around the world. One of French Polynesia's undiscovered gems is the quiet, unspoiled island of Anaa. Bora Bora receives people from all over the world to its stunning shores each year. Use the filters and settings below to help find the best. Whether youll be snorkeling, scuba diving, or watching the world go by from a swaying hammock, its easy to find a slice of paradise here. Ranking of the top 11 things to do in Bora Bora. There arent any high-end facilities but there are palm trees all across the sand providing shade. Divers enjoy the rich underwater fauna comprising tiger and hammerhead sharks, dolphins, turtles . It's the only real stretch of beach on the mainland, and given that it's open to the public, it attracts a mix of locals and tourists. Editors note: Tahiti Tourism provided TPG with a free trip to French Polynesia as the country reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether its getting close to Icelandic volcanoes, travelling through one of the highest rail routes on Earth or exploring the creative process of one of. Temperatures during the winter are also a bit cooler than the summer months, with daytime highs around28C (83F). Help Me, LP! I truly unwound during my two-night stay in a standard overwater villa, which is bookable starting at $1,017 per night, or at least 120,000 IHG One Rewards points. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. You have good views of Mount Otemanu, and the sand is white and soft. There is free access to nonmotorized activities like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. Bora Bora is a popular hiking destination, although many of the island's most popular trails are well hidden in the lush, tropical jungle - having a guide for the big trails such as the Sacred Cave of Anau or Mount Pahia is essential. Travelers looking for an overwater bungalow experience on a private motu will find it at Le Tahaa by Pearl Resorts, the first member of Relais & Chateaux in the islands of Tahiti. How we rank things to do. The hotel is expensive, but definitely worth the money. Hikers will experience incredible panoramic views not only across Bora Bora but out into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. I advise wearing some kind of water shoe because there is occasionally coral that washes up on the sand. Is Tahiti for me if I am not a honeymooner? If you're hoping to trim resort costs by redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, know that you'll need a lot of them to cover a stay here. Bora Bora travel - Lonely Planet | French Polynesia, Australia & Pacific While all four islands were memorable, I found one to be particularly captivating: Bora Bora. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Just borrow gear from your resort or rent from the two nearby gear rental stores. Matira Beach is the only public beach in all of Bora Bora, so its the place where a lot of locals and tourists come to relax. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts - Traveler rating: 5.0/5. Otemanu and the pristine lagoon. There is no surf so you dont need to worry about waves. A fun way to explore the island, learn a little about the history, and take in some impressive views is to join a quad tour with a local. At the moment, the places that most consistently offer day passes include: Most day passes include a range of perks like boat shuttles, access to the facilities at the resort, meals or snacks, drinks, as well as discounts on things like spas. While Im not sure if this is fact or fiction, there's no doubt the tree has great cultural significance, given that it reportedly served as the final resting place for the ancient kings of Bora Bora. 25 mi Reef Discovery Bora Bora Moana Adventure Tours Matira Beach Bora Bora Explorer Show all Ive been to quite a few weddings since its a popular place to have a ceremony. Surround it with white sandy beaches, fringed by a ring of vivid green, palm studded motus. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. The hotel's dining outlets were plentiful and impressive, too. The best of both worlds good weather and moderate prices. On the lagoon, just a short and jaw-droppingly gorgeous boat ride from Mount Otemanu Volcano, the St. Regis Bora Bora Beach has an unbeatable location on one of the best beaches in the world. Find the right card for you. The Tahiti Pearl Regatta sailing race draws teams from across the globe.Key events: Tahiti Pearl Regatta, Victory Day, Come June youll notice a drop in temperatures at night and the humidity decreases as well, making this a perfect month to visit. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, 17 Interesting Bora Bora Facts & Information 2023, Best Beaches in Ischia for Couples and Families, 6 Best Beaches In Kona for Swimming You Should Consider, 4 Best Beaches In Holbox, Mexico (The Perfect Beach Getaway), 4 Best Beaches In Jalisco (Lifes Better at the Beach), The 5 Best Beaches In Rincon That Stole Our Hearts, 5 Best Beaches In Genoafor a Perfect Summer Getaway, Best Places To Indoor Skydive In Orlando, Florida, Are Rage Rooms Expensive? With three beaches, you'll never want for a place to swim or sunbathe. During my nearly two-week visit, I spent time in Bora Bora, Moorea, Rangiroa and Tahiti. Although its possible to do this hike without a guide, its not recommended. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora, Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price, U.S. News ranks the best resorts by taking into account reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel, U.S. News ranks the best resorts by taking into account reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings. By Julia Eskins. While most of the beaches in Bora Bora face the mainland, this special spot is lagoon-facing and offers some of the best views of the entire island. The limited availability is definitely a drawback, but if you're lucky, you may find rooms for about 120,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. Hikers cant physically get to the very top of the mountain's 727 meters (2385ft) as the towering peaks are both crumbly and vertical. Every bit of shoreline in this island paradise is truly stunning. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Given its small size and jungle-like mountainous interior, you really dont have to hike too far to feel like youre miles away from civilization. It faces Mount Otemanu on one side and the hotel's protected interior lagoon on the other (the latter is an excellent spot to see marine life while snorkeling). Home; Vacations; Travel Guides; Tours and Attractions; Hotels; Cruises; . Related: Best French Polynesia hotels to book with 4th night free or points. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. Bora Bora on a budget: the best (and nearly free!) The Valley of The Kings hike is best taken with a guide, not just because hikes on Bora Bora are rarely signed and in the words of Randy Newman, Its a jungle out there, but because this particular trail traverses over relics of the islands early history. Im an experienced travel blogger with over a decade of experience exploring the world and sharing tips and stories on popular travel websites. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to eat the island's bounty straight from the tree and take in those iconic views of the turquoise and blue lagoon. While we normally make all our own travel bookings, given the circumstances and uncertainty of pandemic-related restrictions, I agreed to their help. These beaches offer unique and stunning underwater environments, each with its benefits. Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. The ring of 12 motus, surrounded by a massive coral reef and inviting milky blue waters, looks like an AI-generated utopia from above. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. September marks the height of humpback whale season in Bora Bora (which runs from mid-July to the end of October). If youre staying at Hotel Matira or InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora, its just a short walk from these accommodations. However, the service could be lackluster at times, according to them, and everything from the rooms to meals at the five on-site restaurants is expensive. The Iridium Spa is on an island in the middle of the hotel's famous lagoonarium where you can also snorkel undisturbed in schools of local fish. The bungalow itself was breathtaking, too, with a large bedroom plus a separate seating and dining area. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. If when people sing 'Oh ho, the mistletoe' you hear 'uh oh, the stress and woe', then you need an injection of calm this holiday season. Best Beaches in the World - Bora Bora Island Guide Guests enjoy free snorkelling equipment and there are kayaks available on-site. Oyster.com Located at the southern tip of Bora Bora's mainland, Matira Beach is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of French Polynesia. Want to swim with the sharks? Top 10 things to do in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Best Bora Bora Beaches: - Bora Bora Island Guide If you are looking to experience some of the best of French Polynesian culture, then it might be worth timing your visit around this festival. 1. The real treat here is private chef Wilfrid Kobylts masterpiece meals made with sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients, including several edible flowers and botanicals from the islands garden. Humidity is high, which can be uncomfortable during the day, but it also brings some of the most incredible sunsets youll ever see. Maldives vs. Bora Bora: Which remote island chain should you visit? Typically pictured with clear blue, sunny skies or fiery sunsets, this is the luxury island escape that many travelers dream of and thanks to year-round warm temperatures, there really isnt a bad time to visit. things to do, The best time to visit Bora Bora: budget or blow out, here's our guide. For the underwater safari adventure of a lifetime, book your spot on the popular Bora Bora: Shark and Snorkeling Safari. The availability of day passes depends on how busy the resort is.Bora Bora private beaches. You can borrow snorkeling gear from them and snorkel right at the beach. 25 mi Mount Otemanu Bora Bora Lagoonarium Leopard Rays Trench Mount Pahia Show all Traveler rating 3 & up 11 & up 11 things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary. Keep in mind this also tends to mean higher prices on resorts and bigger crowds across the island. You just need the essentials (sunscreen, swimsuit, sunglasses, water shoes) and the excitement to learn! As Bora Bora's dry season comes to an end, the days start to get cloudier and there's an increased chance of rain. 27 travel photos that best represent Bora Bora, French Polynesia. It has everything from paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. This article covers the best places to go indoor skydiving in Orlando, Florida. Bora Bora isnt considered to be one of the best dive destinations in French Polynesia, but for those who take the plunge, you wont be disappointed.