Bora Bora – 5 Things to Love about this Tahitian Paradise

An emerald mountain in the distance snagged docile clouds as I gazed out on the South Pacific, with shades of see-through blue to deep sapphire. 

I had seen images of Bora Bora and heard from friends about its brilliant water, but seeing it in person was nearly unbelievable. I thought to myself, I’d never seen any place more beautiful.

Swirls of white billows continually shrouded the crag, named Mt. Otemanu, and I wondered if I would ever get a glimpse of the pinnacle.

If this French Polynesian destination is on your bucket list—and I hope it is—read on for my recommendations for the best of Bora Bora.

1. Overwater Bungalow Bliss at Four Seasons  

An overwater bungalow is the best of the best in Bora Bora.

And few—if any—are better than those at Four Seasons. Enjoy dreamy sunset views from your private deck or step into warm ocean waters to swim or snorkel.

Bungalows are so spacious they feel like a small house sitting on stilts in the ocean.

You’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping and wake—if you wish—to coffee and croissants delivered to your bungalow by staff paddling a Polynesian canoe.

Warm Polynesian Welcome

The Tahitian touch strengthens the impeccable service for which Four Seasons is known. People in French Polynesia have an endless attitude of positivity and warmth.

When I admired the elegant flower crown my server,  Angéle Sangue, wore at breakfast, she explained it was a cultural tradition for festive occasions or simply coming to work.

Angéle beamed when she shared that her 15-year-old daughter had made the fragrant masterpiece for her that morning as a gesture of love.

2. Graft a Coral

Clad in snorkel gear, I followed marine biologist Marc Shellard into the lagoon sanctuary, carefully cradling the baby coral I would attach to a coral nursery.

With my goggles fogged, tying the floss-sized string underwater to attach the coral was no easy task, so Marc assisted.

After we completed the mission, I grinned right through my snorkel.

When I originally signed up for “Graft a Coral,” at Four Seasons, it sounded intriguing, but I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

It turned out to be my favorite experience in Bora Bora.

Read More: French Polynesia: Exploring Its Underwater Paradise with Diving and Snorkeling

What is Grafting a Coral?

Marine biologists at Four Seasons lead sessions to teach guests about ocean conservation and why coral reefs are essential.

Following the short presentation, guests select a coral that has broken from the reef, possibly by an errant fin or a storm.

Marc, an accomplished diver, marine biologist, and educator, is committed to protecting the environment and teaching others about ocean preservation.

And he loves his job. 

“I’m so lucky I get to do what I love,” he said, adding, “and in a place so beautiful.”

Only two of us had signed up for the class, so it felt like a private session.

After a 15-minute presentation, during which we learned about the importance of coral (it provides hiding places for fish and is even used in some medicines to benefit humans), we each chose a coral that had broken away from the reef.

We then donned snorkel gear—minus fins—and entered the lagoon sanctuary. Underwater, we tied the orphan coral to a structure that resembled a gym, affectionately called a coral nursery.

Biologists periodically check the corals, and after 9-12 months when the coral is ready, they reattach it to a colony.

As cliché as it sounds, I felt gratified to have made a small but positive impact.

3. French Cuisine and Wine

The best of Bora Bora includes the wonderful world of meticulously prepared French cuisine. And, of course, French wine, which is some of the best on the planet.

While some guests hire a boat to the mainland to dine, there are enough restaurants at Four Seasons that you can try a different one practically every night for a week.

Choose a chic restaurant with white linens or go more casually to a café on the beach, and dangle your feet in the sand.

My favorite eatery was Vaimiti, which serves Asian cuisine with flavors from Japan, China, and Vietnam. Tempura prawns and grilled red tuna with sesame-soy sauce were better than any I had eaten in Asia.

Even the breakfast buffet expressed flair. “Beignets au Nutella” (translated as Nutella donut), brie, smoked white tuna, three kinds of mustard, and the best-ever French Toast were exceptional.

4. Discover Your Inner Drummer in Polynesian Percussion Class

Even though I was five minutes late, percussion instructor Sam Fiu grinned and said, “Welcome,” when I walked in.

Sam had just given a demonstration on the drum. Then, he shared with the three of us who had signed up for the activity that he and his bandmates had recently competed in a music contest in their village.

“We won!” he exclaimed.

Tahitians are fiercely proud of their heritage, and drumming and dancing are a big part of Polynesian culture.

The Tahitian drum we practiced on was crafted from a hollowed-out log with a slit on the side, which produced a distinctive tone, volume, and pitch.

Sam played an arrangement, shouted, “Hey!” at the end, then asked us to repeat.

Marching to the Beat of My Own Drum

We did our best to impersonate Sam, striking the drum on its top or middle.

Sam told us that he and musicians from Four Seasons were preparing to compete in a competition among Bora Bora resorts.

One class member jokingly asked, “Do you need our help?”

Sam laughed and shook his head no. Even though it was a friendly competition, a win would result in high-stakes bragging rights.

Meanwhile, Sam was teaching novices to try staying with the beat. Others in the class synchronized, but I seemed to add one more strike after everyone else stopped.

We all laughed at my lack of rhythm.

Playing the drum required more skill than I had expected. It was also more fun.

5. Savor the View from the Bungalow Deck

Before arriving at Four Seasons Bora Bora, I had big plans to do it all:  morning yoga on the beach, nighttime snorkeling with a marine biologist, paddle boarding, playing pickleball, and kayaking.

After I got into the tropical tempo, I found myself simply sitting on the bungalow deck for long stretches with morning coffee or an afternoon glass of wine.

I loved gazing at Mt. Otemanu, wondering if the stubborn clouds hiding its peak would ever clear.

On my final morning, the billows vanished, and the chiseled peak presented itself in all its glory.

But, I felt a pang of sadness because it was the day of departure. I longed to linger so I could sit and watch for the swirls to return. 

If You Go to Bora Bora 

May through October are considered premium months to visit Bora Bora. Temperatures are not as high, and there is less rain. But then again, any month is a good time to visit Bora Bora. The weather is balmy and beautiful year-round.

For the absolute best of Bora Bora, book an overwater bungalow at Four Seasons Bora Bora.

Many activities at Four Seasons, such as a percussion or palm weaving class, require no additional cost; however, some, such as pickleball clinics or scuba, have a fee. The $150/person fee to graft a coral supports the lagoon sanctuary.

For more information about the islands of Tahiti, visit Tahiti Tourism. 

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