Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Overwater Bliss in the South Pacific’s Crown Jewel

If paradise had a postcode, it would almost certainly be Bora Bora. This impossibly photogenic island - a speck in the South Pacific surrounded by turquoise lagoons and ringed with coral reefs - is the stuff of travel legend. Located in French Polynesia, just a short (okay, 50-minute) hop from Tahiti by plane, Bora Bora has become synonymous with barefoot luxury, honeymoon indulgence, and a kind of “I’ve-made-it” magic that you can’t quite quantify - but you can book.

Overwater Bungalows: Because You’re Worth It

Let’s address the floating elephant in the room: the overwater bungalow. Born in French Polynesia, perfected in Bora Bora. These dreamy thatched villas perched on stilts above clear, reef-filled water are the signature stay. Think glass floors for fish spotting, private decks with plunge pools, and 24-hour butler service that arrives by canoe. Resorts like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, and InterContinental Thalasso take luxury living to new (and sea-level) heights.

Yes, they’re eye-wateringly expensive - but also astonishingly worth it, especially for couples, honeymooners, or anyone with a penchant for tropical drama and strong cocktails served in coconuts.

Lagoon Life: Snorkel, Sip, Repeat

Bora Bora is actually a volcanic island surrounded by a lagoon, giving it that iconic dual-tone blue you’ve seen in every luxury travel brochure since 1998. But this isn’t just for show. The coral reefs here offer world-class snorkelling - teeming with technicolour fish, graceful manta rays, and the occasional (harmless) blacktip reef shark. Join a lagoon tour, and you’ll be whisked away by boat to snorkel, feed stingrays, and sip rum punch on a sandbar.

Prefer to stay dry? A catamaran cruise at sunset is pure South Pacific romance - the sky goes molten pink, Mount Otemanu looms majestically, and the water glows like bottled sapphire.

Mount Otemanu: Hike It or Gaze Lovingly at It

At the centre of the island stands Mount Otemanu, a jagged, prehistoric peak that gives Bora Bora its dramatic silhouette. Adventurous souls can opt for a guided 4x4 safari or a light hike along its jungle trails, while the rest of us can simply admire it from a hammock, cocktail in hand. It’s an inactive volcano, by the way - in case you were wondering whether it might upstage your honeymoon with a dramatic finale. It won’t.

Island Eats and Local Treats

While most luxury resorts have enough fine dining to keep even the pickiest palate pampered, don’t miss out on local fare. Book a dinner at Bloody Mary’s, a kitschy institution with sandy floors and celebrity bragging rights, or try fresh poisson cru (Tahitian ceviche) made with lime and coconut milk - it’s refreshingly addictive.

For daytime nibbles, coconut bread from a local bakery or island-grown vanilla ice cream will do nicely between beach lounging and spa appointments.

When to Go (and When to Bring a Brolly)

The best time to visit is May through October - Bora Bora’s dry season - when skies are mostly clear, and humidity won’t have you questioning your life choices. The wet season (November to April) is quieter and greener, but with a higher chance of tropical showers and unexpected frizz.

Bora Bora isn’t a destination; it’s a daydream. And unlike most fantasies, this one has air-conditioning, excellent Wi-Fi, and waitstaff who can paddle your breakfast to your room. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime escape, or simply want to float in the world's most photogenic lagoon, Bora Bora is proof that heaven really does have a beach.

Artistic interpretation - details may differ from the actual location.