One of the first international trips I went on was to Bora Bora and it’s still one of the most romantic places I’ve ever been. Bora Bora is the ultimate honeymoon destination for a multitude of reasons. Photos don’t seem to do this small island in French Polynesia justice. It’s quite incredible just how clear the water is and how secluded the overwater villas are.
Bora Bora is a cluster of sand bars all around the main island that boasts Mt Otemanu. It’s mostly known for the luxury resorts and the clear water that surrounds them. It what originally named “Pora pora mai te pora” which meant “created by the gods.” One trip here will certainly show you why. I spent a week at the St. Regis Bora Bora and came back wishing I could have stayed longer.
Bora Bora is the ultimate honeymoon destination for a few reasons:
It’s an ideal place to unwind.
If you’re ever looking to unplug, go no further. The island has a relaxing atmosphere and after the craziness of a wedding, it will be the perfect place to be.
There’s endless adventure to have.
Whether you’re looking to go snorkeling, paddle boarding, or even an adventurous helicopter ride over the island, there is still tons to do for those looking to escape.
The water has colors unlike anywhere else.
Because the interior is protected from the ocean waters, it almost has a bathtub effect. There’s no waves, just crystal-clear waters that have the most insane turquoise colors. Plus, it’s always warm.
It can be luxurious and worth every penny.
I always advise to save up for the overwater villas — it’s worth every dime. The villas (at St. Regis) are uber private and give you an opportunity to be secluded.
It’s not overpacked with tourists.
One thing that caught my attention was how empty it felt. I often felt like I had the lagoon to myself and with the limited hotels, you won’t have an overcrowded experience.
It’s easier to get to than you think.
With flights from LAX to the main island and then a hopper flight to Bora Bora can get you there by lunch time the next day. For West Coast honeymooners, Bora Bora is great option for those looking for an overwater villa experience like in the Maldives with half the travel time.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica