Bora Bora

Island
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GUIDES

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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Brunch to romance: Bora Bora on Celebrity Xcel.

You’re balancing a Bloody Mary crowned with a deviled egg and a mini grilled cheese while a roving musician plays something upbeat just feet from your table. The sun’s on your shoulders, the ocean stretches out below, and the person across from you is already planning what to order next. This is brunch at Bora, Celebrity Cruises’ first-ever dedicated brunch venue, and it’s only the beginning of what the line is calling “Date Night, All Day Long” aboard the new Celebrity Xcel. Celebrity Xcel launches with 32 globally-inspired dining and beverage options and over 75 resident performers — the

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Cornwall joins slow travel’s top spots.

Imagine a world where travel is less about ticking off a checklist and more about savoring each moment, soaking in the local culture, and truly connecting with a place. This isn’t a dream; it’s the future of tourism, and Cornwall, nestled on the southwestern tip of the UK, is leading the charge as the top slow travel destination for 2025. This shift reflects a growing desire for more conscious and restorative journeys, moving away from frantic sightseeing toward meaningful experiences. What is Slow Travel? Forget the whirlwind tours and hurried dashes between landmarks. Slow travel is about intentionality. It’s

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Bora Bora Honeymoon: Easy Planning Guide

If you’re dreaming of an overwater bungalow and impossibly blue waters for your honeymoon, Bora Bora might be calling your name. It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s straight out of a travel magazine, isn’t it? Michael and I often talk about destinations that offer that pure, unadulterated escape, and Bora Bora always tops the list of truly special places. While it certainly has a reputation for being a luxurious splurge, I’ve discovered over time that experiencing its magic doesn’t always require breaking the bank. It’s all about finding those little secrets and planning smart! Bora Bora’s

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