BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Bora Bora is an island in the French Polynesian Society Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean. French Polynesia is an "overseas country" of 118 islands that are part of France, divided into five groups (Society Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Gambier Islands, Marquesas Islands, & Austral Islands). Bora Bora is 30.55 square kilometers (12 square miles) in size, and is home to over 10,600 people! This tropical paradise is at the top of many travelers Bucket List due to it's coral fragmented white sand beaches, stunning coral reefs, villas hovering over the turquoise lagoon, endless palm trees, and dramatic views of Mt. Otemanu.
Best Time to Visit & Climate
Bora Bora always has a tropical climate, but can alter depending on the amount of rainfall. The island is on the edge of the Cyclone Belt, which makes it rare to experience a cyclone.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Upon my arrival on the island of Bora Bora, I took a private boat transfer to the five star resort I called home while on the island, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. As I made my way through the lagoon, I passed a few of the other resorts, admiring their overwater villas, but nothing compared to where I was staying! As I arrived to the welcome dock at InterContinental, the lush green view of the private island took my breath away! I was taken to the reception area, and then to my Diamond Otemanu Overwater Villa! My home was villa #221, and boy, it was spectacular! It was absolutely huge (almost 1,500sqft), and so luxurious! The living area was so spacious, that had a glass coffee table whose top slid open so I could feed the fish in the lagoon, right underneath my villa! Attached to the living area was sliding glass doors that opened up to my deck. The view of Mt. Otemanu was remarkable, hence why I wanted the Diamond Otemanu Villa! The deck area stepped down to another deck area, which then had the stairs that led straight into the lagoon! The bedroom area also had a large ceiling-to-floor window, with both sides of the window opening up to the outside. The bathroom area, fully enclosed, had a large walk in shower, separate toilet area, and Jacuzzi. I was very impressed with the beauty of this villa!
Best Time to Visit & Climate
Bora Bora always has a tropical climate, but can alter depending on the amount of rainfall. The island is on the edge of the Cyclone Belt, which makes it rare to experience a cyclone.
- Dry Season (winter): June through November is considered peak season. The prices are at their highest, and the crowded can be quite dense, at times. June through September are the driest months. Coolest month is July. August is the driest month. Temperature range from a high of 26-28°C (80-83°F), and a low of 20-22°C (69-71°F).
- Wet Season (summer): December through March is considered low season. The prices are at their lowest, and there are no crowds. Hottest month is January. Wettest month is December. Temperatures range from a high of 28-29°C (83-84°F), and a low of 22-23°C (72-73°F).
- Shoulder Season: April & May are great months to travel to Bora Bora, right before the seasons change. The prices tend to be a bit lower, and the crowds are almost non-existent. Temperatures range from a high of 27-28°C (82-83°F), to a low of 22-23°C (72-73°F).
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Upon my arrival on the island of Bora Bora, I took a private boat transfer to the five star resort I called home while on the island, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. As I made my way through the lagoon, I passed a few of the other resorts, admiring their overwater villas, but nothing compared to where I was staying! As I arrived to the welcome dock at InterContinental, the lush green view of the private island took my breath away! I was taken to the reception area, and then to my Diamond Otemanu Overwater Villa! My home was villa #221, and boy, it was spectacular! It was absolutely huge (almost 1,500sqft), and so luxurious! The living area was so spacious, that had a glass coffee table whose top slid open so I could feed the fish in the lagoon, right underneath my villa! Attached to the living area was sliding glass doors that opened up to my deck. The view of Mt. Otemanu was remarkable, hence why I wanted the Diamond Otemanu Villa! The deck area stepped down to another deck area, which then had the stairs that led straight into the lagoon! The bedroom area also had a large ceiling-to-floor window, with both sides of the window opening up to the outside. The bathroom area, fully enclosed, had a large walk in shower, separate toilet area, and Jacuzzi. I was very impressed with the beauty of this villa!
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Walking around, exploring the private island of InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, was absolutely gorgeous! There are so many paths and jetties around the island, even a path leading to the oceanside! There are six restaurants/bars, and they had the most delicious Polynesian cuisine! The beautiful glass-bottomed chapel, lagoonarium, pool, and state-of-the-art spa gave this resort such a magical appearance, and made for a memorable experience! The views were stunning, the staff was so nice & helpful, and the grounds were just pristine. I would absolutely recommend (and have to many people) staying at this magical resort! Though the resort is large, I felt like I had this beautiful paradise to myself, the entire time!
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Exploring Bora Bora
To explore the mainland of Bora Bora, I explored by foot and bus! It doesn't take long at all to explore this beauty, but the views are amazing! I also made sure to explore InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and St. Regis Bora Bora Resort!! Having a drink at Bloody Mary's is a must, and it's so cool to see how many celebrities have hung out, there!! I saw one of the most incredible sunsets while exploring the mainland, I captured many shots of it as it changed into every color of the rainbow! I also explored Bora Bora's beautiful lagoon via boat, and made a complete circle around the mainland. The motu (islands) surrounding the mainland are mainly private, which is nice! Though you don't get the "Robinson Crusoe" feel here, it is still extremely private while on most resorts!
To explore the mainland of Bora Bora, I explored by foot and bus! It doesn't take long at all to explore this beauty, but the views are amazing! I also made sure to explore InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and St. Regis Bora Bora Resort!! Having a drink at Bloody Mary's is a must, and it's so cool to see how many celebrities have hung out, there!! I saw one of the most incredible sunsets while exploring the mainland, I captured many shots of it as it changed into every color of the rainbow! I also explored Bora Bora's beautiful lagoon via boat, and made a complete circle around the mainland. The motu (islands) surrounding the mainland are mainly private, which is nice! Though you don't get the "Robinson Crusoe" feel here, it is still extremely private while on most resorts!
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