Though we have certainly visited a number of beautiful wintry destinations, from elegant train tours and exquisite St.Petersburg, to romantic wintry gardens in England and enchanting ice hotels, often the promise of warm sunshine calls us away from home for an escape from it all . . .
. . . an escape away from snowy slopes, boots and layers upon layers, to endlessly blue waters and an indescribable golden sky, to Bora Bora, Tahiti . . .
Here, beautifully warm and languorous days await.
One may choose to rest and relax on the sandy beaches, rejuvenate at a local favorite, the Deep Ocean Spa By Algotherm, or take a helicopter ride above the waters, palms, thatched roofs, vibrant flowers, and sandy beaches below . . .
Or, for those who prefer to fill their days with adventurous activities, one may discover ancient rituals by touring Bora Bora’s stone temples, or may go snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing, or choose of one of the many lagoon excursions . . .
And for a real treat: for some who wish to catch a glimpse of the tropical animals and sights beneath the waters without entering, you may book a classic glass bottom boat ride. This unique boat allows visitors to glide gently over the waters, and view, up close, various multicolored and exotic coral and fish life.
In the evenings, beneath shimmering stars, visitors may enjoy romantic sunset cocktails and walks along the deep blue waters, with golden lights flickering in the distance, and a whole new look to Bora Bora.
The options for adventure at this heavenly destination are truly endless, and the itinerary, entirely up to you . . .
01 | Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort
This incredibly deluxe resort and spa is located on a motu that affords a stunning view of the famous Mount Otemanu. There are 20 garden suites with a private pool, 10 beach suites with a private jacuzzi and 50 over-water bungalows to choose from. Upon arriving, guests will discover beautiful, traditional warm woods that line the interiors, with not a detail or single luxury amiss.
While staying at the Pearl Beach Resort, one may enjoy impeccable service, delicious cuisine [there are four lovely restaurants in total] and indulgent spa treatments. In addition, guests may take advantage of the fresh water swimming pool, the floodlit tennis court, mini-golf, table tennis, volley ball court and bacci ball court, billiards, and much, much more.
02 | Le Méridien Bora Bora
The pleasure of staying at this beautiful resort begins before even stepping foot upon the grounds, as one is brought to and from the resort solely by boat. Indeed, this elegant destination will truly take you away, as it surrounded by the most beautiful lagoon and stunning views over Mount Otemanu. Recently renovated in 2010, Le Méridien offers a refreshed, dramatic and contemporary look and feel for guests to enjoy. One may stay in a beach or lagoon bungalow, villa suite, or the most romantic over-water bungalows, featuring an incredible glass floor, with views of the lagoon and marine life.
Beyond the rooms, there is a range of wonderful restaurants to dine in, including one, “Te Ava”, complete with its own sandy floor. As for activities, many are offered by arrangement, and some, complimentary for all guests, such as: a guided lagoon tour from 11:00am to 3:00pm each day. And lastly, Le Méridien has its very own Turtle Centre unique to the resort.
03 | Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Perhaps the most incredible of all accommodations in Bora Bora, The Four Season Resort is the number one choice for many. Offering 107 exceptional hideaways, 100 over-water bungalows and 7 beachfront villas, one may enjoy panoramas of turquoise waters and majestic Mount Otemanu. The interior is finished in warm woods, soothing colors and spacious areas. The design and feel throughout is very elegant, yet comfortable.
The resort offers four wonderful restaurants, with a range of cuisine, as well as an option to enjoy a private and romantic dinner on the beach, or within the comfort of your own space. Additionally, there is a much talked about spa, which offers a number of treatments and beautiful lounge areas. As for activities within the Four Seasons, there is an intriguing Lagoon Sanctuary to visit. The Sanctuary is always open to guests who wish to explore the lagoon, feed the fish, or learn more about the incredible marine environment at the resort. Additionally, there a number of complimentary activities, such as guided snorkeling tours of the lagoon, offered to guests each day, for all ages to enjoy.
01 | La Suite
With a welcoming entrance and stunning beachside location on the main island of Bora Bora, La Suite is a lovely spot and quite a favorite for locals and visitors alike. A fairly new restaurant, which just opened in 2011, the design of the space is quite chic, vibrant and artful. One will enjoy a wonderful mix of French savoir-faire and locally sourced foods, created with artistry and to perfection by experienced chef, Nicolas Falcoz.
02 | Kaina Hut
For those looking for an authentic Polynesian experience, this restaurant will certainly not disappoint. The hut has been built entirely of wood, with a thatched roof. The interior is quite romantic, with candlelit tables, oyster shell decorative touches, and a floor of sand. Offering an array of local seafood, including seared tuna salad, over-cooked mussels with garlic, seabass, and grilled lobster, the dished are well-presented and well-spoken of, and the service, impeccable.
03 | La Villa Mahana
A truly unique and exclusive restaurant, far from the more popular and well-known tourist areas in Bora Bora, La Villa Mahana is nestled in a warm yellow, Meditteraniean-style private villa—with just a handful of tables, one waiter, and one chef: Damien Rinaldi Dovio. The chef provides delectable French cuisine, with Asian and tropical flavours, and enjoys changing up the menu often; La Villa Mahana is a warm and welcoming restaurant that is very well spoken of.
Before setting off for this sunny destination, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, and perhaps a favorite hat and light dress for each day. Island attire tends to be more causal, and often a lovely skirt and top or dress is quite appropriate . . .
1 – Hermès scarf [image via mrs. lilien via snippet & ink], similar shown in a previous post // 2 – Chloé Stretch-piqué mini dress // 3 – Peach Cushion Cut Studs 4 – The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fiztgerald, [cover illustration by Coralie Bickford-Smith] // 5 – Victoria Beckham Oversized cat-eye acetate sunglasses // 6 – 3.1 Phillip Lim Ribbon Tie Bikini Set // 7 – Yves Saint Laurent Matte Touch Compact Foundation // 8 – By TerryBlush Terrybly in Platonic Coral // 9 – Emilio Pucci Metallic leather sandals // 10 – By Terry Rose Balm [also here & here & here] // 11 – Stella McCartney Monogrammed cotton-canvas tote // 12 – Rodin olio lusso crema // 13 – Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Shine sheer lipstick SPF 15 [also here] // 14 – John Galliano Women’s Logo Beach Towel // 15 – Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15 // 16 – Bobbi Brown Beach Body Oil // 17 – Natural Suncreen SPF 30 by john masters organics
And lastly, to help in preparing for your trip: A few tips on local flowers and flower-wearing customs | Some beautiful luggage tags, eye masks and more from Dea Rosa’s resort-inspired Spring/Summer 2012 collection | To bring back home: famous black pearls of Tahiti: their history and tips on purchasing
{images: the cherry blossom girl – one | two | three // the lane via a previous post // classic vacations – tahitian islands via giddyup via corners of the world // le meridian hotels and resort // four seasons}
