Bora Bora

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Moorea: French Polynesia’s Best Island

When my husband and I told people we were planning a trip to French Polynesia, one phrase kept popping up: “Tahiti looks nice!” It’s a classic line from a 70s Imperial Leather TV ad, featuring a wealthy family bathing in their private jet before rerouting to Tahiti. While it evokes a certain nostalgia for some, my recent two-week adventure revealed a different favorite among the dreamy islands. Forget Tahiti or even the famed Bora Bora; let me introduce you to Moorea. Moorea’s Allure Moorea, pronounced Mo’orea, is wonderfully accessible. A quick ferry ride from Tahiti, usually between 25 to

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Bora Bora Bliss Spa: 5 Days, Private Island.

There’s a certain magic to knowing a place intimately, returning to discover new layers of its charm with each visit. For me, Italy has always been that kind of destination—a place where every cobblestone street and sun-drenched piazza whispers stories. My family and I have found such joy in exploring its diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the vibrant coastlines of the Amalfi. It’s in these moments, away from the well-trodden tourist paths, that I feel most connected to the soul of Italy, and that’s what I love to share. Experiencing the Tuscan Countryside Tuscany offers

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Amazing snorkeling: Dominica, Belize, Fiji vs. Bora Bora.

Dominica, the Nature Isle, has truly made a splash on the global travel scene, particularly for its amazing underwater offerings. It recently earned a spot in a significant worldwide ranking of snorkeling destinations, proving that this vibrant Caribbean island is a must-see for anyone who loves exploring beneath the waves. It’s wonderful to see a place so rich in natural beauty get the recognition it deserves. Dominica’s Snorkeling Recognition It was such exciting news to hear about Dominica’s placement in a major global poll for snorkeling. Out of 41 noteworthy spots, it secured a very respectable 23rd position. This

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Dengue alert: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora-Bora. Get vaccinated.

Venturing to French Polynesia, those famously beautiful islands scattered across the South Pacific, now brings a new layer of consideration: dengue fever. This illness, spread by mosquitoes, has become a significant concern for travelers in 2025. Paradise Facing a Challenge You envision the crystal-clear turquoise waters, the dramatic volcanic peaks draped in emerald green, and those iconic overwater bungalows. French Polynesia truly embodies the dream vacation. With over 100 islands and atolls, it’s no wonder it captivates so many people. But even in such a stunning setting, unwelcome visitors can appear, and for 2025, the dengue mosquito is one

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Hawaii added to Ritz-Carlton luxury cruises.

The 2026-2027 winter itineraries from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are here, and they promise an extraordinary escape. This season, the collection is chartinga course for the enchanting South Pacific, with incredible destinations like Hawaii and Bora Bora. Plus, there’s an expanded exploration through the vibrant Asia-Pacific region, touching upon gems like Komodo Island and the spiritual heart of Bali. It feels like the perfect time to elevate our cruising experiences. New Polynesian Voyages For the very first time, guests will have the chance to experience the magic of French Polynesia from the deck of The Evrima. This elegant yacht

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Bora Bora trip with kids: $20,000

In 2024, families accounted for 61 percent of bookings at Four Seasons Bora Bora — a resort once almost exclusively associated with honeymooners. That shift is happening across the island, and it changes how you plan a trip there with kids in tow. This article walks through what a $20,000 family trip to Bora Bora actually looks like: where the money goes, which days to prioritise, and where you can cut without ruining the experience. Families accounted for 61 percent of bookings at Four Seasons Bora Bora over the past two years — a sign that the island’s romantic-only

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Beautiful, relaxing, luxurious.

Bora Bora had always shimmered in my mind as a dream destination. I remember those initial jitters, the common traveler’s worry that a place so hyped might not live up to expectations. But from the moment my plane descended, the reality of Bora Bora began to unfold, exceeding every fantasy. There was no chaotic airport scramble; instead, I was met with warm smiles and immediate, effortless care. My bags were handled with a quiet efficiency, and a stylish, reusable water bottle was placed in my hand. Then, a private boat ride commenced, whisking me away towards my hotel. It

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Bora Bora trip: awful. Left after three days.

Our dream of a tropical escape in Bora Bora turned into a surprising lesson about what makes a truly perfect vacation for our family. We imagined relaxing in a beautiful overwater bungalow in French Polynesia. But after just a few days, the tranquility felt more like isolation, and the endless blue water seemed to enclose us. We started to miss the simple things: a choice of restaurants, the buzz of people, and the easy option to just go explore somewhere new. As a family of four, with two teenagers, we soon realized this idyllic setting wasn’t quite what we

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Tiny island, huge tourist wave.

The morning sun paints Mount Otemanu’s volcanic peaks as I arrive at Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport. I’m immediately struck by this island paradox: 10,000 residents are set to welcome an astonishing 300,000 tourists in 2025. That’s a 30:1 visitor-to-local ratio, one of the highest globally. Standing on this historic WWII airstrip, I can already feel how this French Polynesian gem is balancing a tourism surge with its commitment to sustainable luxury. My daughter Lily, who is seven, reminds me often that the most beautiful creations require the most careful protection. And that’s precisely what Bora Bora is trying

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Bora Bora: Luxury tourism booms, 2025.

Bora Bora welcomed over 93,000 visitors in just the third quarter of 2025 — a 14.9% increase from the year before, according to recent tourism data. Luxury hotel bookings on the island rose 10.7% in the same period, a clear sign that high-end travelers are driving the surge. For anyone planning a trip in 2025 or 2026, the island’s boom means more flight options and fuller resorts — but also a need to book smart and early. This article walks through the numbers, the best places to stay, how to get there, and what to expect on the ground,

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