Matira Beach, Bora Bora

 A lush little slipper of land, Bora Bora is only 18 miles long and sits in a protected lagoon with exquisite white sandy shoreline, the best of which may be found at Matira Point.

Overview

The South Pacific island of Bora Bora is one of the enchanted French Polynesian islands. This 18-mile-long tropical island slipper is nestled in a lagoon with pristine white sand beaches, the best of which may be found at Matira Point. Bora Bora has been dubbed "the Romantic Island" for many reasons, including its isolated beaches, cozy hotels, and peaceful ambiance. You can join other brave tourists on a shark-feeding expedition in the lagoon or a half-day Jeep tour through the island's rugged interior, so the tranquility of candlelight doesn't have to mean boring. 

Passionate customers may have to run all around town and then return to Tahiti proper in their search for the ideal black pearl. Bora Bora was used by the United States military as a supply depot during World War II, thus the island is rife with artifacts from that conflict that historians will find fascinating. From Matira Point, you can see a coastal defense gun installation, and a drive across the island will reveal historic military structures and hotspots. The most popular thing to do is to spend the day lounging on a quiet part of Matira Beach and watching the sun set over the azure sea.

Getting There

Flight time from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti (the closest major airport) is around 7.5 hours. They can then take a quick flight to Bora Bora's airport on Motu Mute. Passengers should not close their eyes as the jet approaches the slender island airstrip, as they will want to soak in the breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape and the dazzling blue waters below.

Ground Transportation

While the island does not have a public transportation system, most hotels do provide shuttle service. Vacationers who prefer to set their own schedules can do so by hiring a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Timing

The South Pacific is a desirable vacation spot throughout the year due to its consistently pleasant climate. The average temperature is around 79 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), while the water stays between 79 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit (26 and 29 degrees Celsius) year-round.

Lodging

Multiple resorts on the island cater to both those on a tight budget and those with a fat bank account. Many hotels provide both standard rooms and the increasingly popular bungalows; don't allow the word "bungalow" put you off, as even the most basic of these accommodations usually has all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and often more. You can snorkel and swim directly from the front porch of your overwater bungalow at the five-star Hotel Bora Bora (011-689-60-44-60), which is both romantic and convenient. With its convenient location on Matira Beach and affordable rates, the Sofitel Coralia Marara (1-800-763-4835) is a top pick. Hotel Matira (011-689-67-70-51) is a no-frills option for those who want to be close to Matira Point and the beach without spending a fortune.

Cuisine

The native flavors of sweet coconut, mild vanilla, and, of course, plentiful fish are incorporated into traditional dishes. Poisson cru is a Tahitian staple consisting of raw fish and diced vegetables marinated in a blend of lime juice and coconut milk. Though Polynesian cuisine is the specialty, hungry tourists can choose from a wide variety of eateries offering anything from fine French cuisine to pizza, Chinese food, and traditional American fare. Chez Ben's (011-689-67-74-54) on Matira Beach is the perfect excuse to get up from your chaise lounge, serving crispy pizza and local delights, while Bloody Mary's (011-689-67-72-86) is where the A-list and regulars go for American-style BBQ and a few cold ones.

Travel Tips

For those seeking a place to party under the stars, Bora Bora might not be the greatest option. Some vacationers find the island's tranquil nightlife, when everything shuts down, to be the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with their significant other. In contrast to raucous parties with trays of shooters, the nightlife at the adjoining Club Med consists primarily of live music and dinner theater.

While you are there

There are many possibilities for both novice and seasoned SCUBA divers to get up up and personal with marine life. Dive anywhere from nine to two hundred feet below, and you'll almost certainly come across eagle and huge manta rays, beautiful, colorful coral beds, and slow-moving turtles. When diving, there are times when humans can get within inches of sharks. Matira Beach, very near to the Bora Bora Hotel, is home to the Bora Diving Center (011-689-67-71-84 or 011-689-67-74-83).

To fake that you've been there

You can tell your pals about the Hollywood hottie or actress you ran into at Bloody Mary's, but you'll need to explain why you left the photo for the bar to display alongside the other stars' pictures.