Kim Kardashian may not know much about picking a suitable husband, but when it comes to choosing the ultimate vacation destination, the girl certainly knows her islands. With the entire K-clan recently jetting off to Bora Bora in French Polynesia to celebrate Kris and Bruce's 20th anniversary, the reality TV stars enjoyed to the max the luxury resorts, crystal waters and vast array of watersports on offer on the island, which forms part of the Society Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
The surrounding lagoon and barrier reef gives Bora Bora (or Pora Pora in native Tahitian, meaning ‘First Born') its sparkling surrounding waters, over which perch luxury water bungalows at the island's high-end resorts, and guests can revel in the gentle Polynesian breeze that sweeps inland off the ocean. In the centre of the island, and rising up beyond the coconut palms, an extinct volcano forms the two peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, which dominate the landscape - looming out of the ocean to wow the visitor arriving on an Air Tahiti flight from Papeete.
And absolutely jam-packed with world-class spas, fine dining options, super-luxe hotels and white sandy beaches, Bora Bora welcomes couples and families thanks to its plethora of activities that cater for both the ‘do nothing' brigade and adventurous types.
Explora, explora!
Whether you see Bora Bora from the air harnessed to a parasail, whilst being bounced around in the back of a 4x4 or up close and personal feeding the sharks and rays, the exploration opportunities are endless. Start off with a 4x4 tour that can take you off-road and across the rugged landscape to enjoy some of the spectacular natural beauty of the island. As well as plenty of panoramic views, you can check out the canons left over from the Second World War, visit ancient archeological sites and brush up on your knowledge about the traditional Polynesian way of life. Alternatively, strap yourself into a parachute and catch an aerial view of the island from high up in the air with a parasailing experience, which you can enjoy solo or with someone to hold your hand. Get closer to the action by heading out on a boat to watch the rays and sharks feed in the shallow waters just beyond the lagoon, with the opportunity to stand in the ocean whilst the rays circle you. And you can either enjoy the marine sights hanging over the edge of the bow or set sail in a glass-bottomed boat to enjoy the comfort of a thick sheet of plexiglass between you and the sea life.
Romantic Polynesia
With its blazing sunsets, couples' spa treatments, candlelit restaurants and laze-away-the-evening bars, Bora Bora is tailor-made for couples. And one of the most romantic spots in a region rammed with them is the private island of Motutapu, the perfect place to relax away from it all and accessible to guests of select resorts. And with individual hotels all offering honeymoon and romance packages, visitors can also expect the likes of ‘breakfast by canoe', whereby your morning meal is paddled out to your over-water bungalow in a canoe decked with flowers; or private picnics on pristine beaches, where you're guaranteed some alone time. Alternatively, you can splash the cash and hire a private catamaran for a sunset cruise - with a Polynesian band to soundtrack your romantic evening, against the backdrop of the majestic Pahia and Otemanu.
Dine where the stars go
When it comes to dining on the island, you're truly spoilt for choice, with each luxury resort boasting an array of venues, that serve up everything from French haute cuisine to traditional Polynesian barbecues, accompanied by dancers and tikiri and hula musicians. Start your night off at the famed Bloody Mary's, which features a slip-your-shoes-off sandy floor, and hosts raucous - and slightly cheesy! - evenings of music, dancing and succulent buffets packed with seafood. And you'll be in A-list company at the venue, which has welcomed the likes of Kurt'n'Goldie, Julio Iglesias, Ronnie Wood and Pierce Brosnan. Elsewhere, Latitude 16° at the Sofitel Bora Bora serves up international fare on their terrace overlooking the ocean, with theme nights to tempt you out of your coconut shell; and The Tevairoa at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa offers an intimate ambience - with weekly Polynesian shows, of course - that's best enjoyed after a visit to the resort's classy Taurearea Bar, where you're advised to sample the old portos or rum concoctions.
Trip notes
Polynesian performance
If you like your culture in party-sized doses, then be sure to check out the Tiki Village Theatre, which features nightly shows from dancers, musicians and fire dancers. Situated on Moorea Island, you'll also find a recreated traditional village, boasting arts and crafts to snap up and take home.
Hole-in-one
Golf enthusiasts will find two courses in Tahiti - on Tahiti itself and on Moorea. The 18-hole Olivier Bréaud International Golf Course is spectacularly located between the mountains and lagoons and surrounded by stunning tropical plants and palms; whilst the Niklaus-designed Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course boasts devilish bunkers, stretches of water and a driving range over the lake.
Board senseless
Surfers will be in their element in Tahiti, with the Billabong Pro Jr taking place each year in Taharu'u, Papara. With world-class surfers jetting in from around the world to compete, expect big wave-riding and plenty of great photo ops.
Stay here
Budget: Pension Lagoonarium
If you don't want to fritter away your fils on accommodation and would rather spend your cash on the frozen margaritas at Bloody Mary's, then you can choose to camp at the Pension Lagoonarium, which is located 20 minutes from the airport. With its own camping area (and dormitory for travellers on a small budget but without a tent), the family-run resort is right on the water and boasts beautiful landscaped surroundings.
boraboraisland.com/lagoonarium/pension
Mid-range: Village Temanuata
This family-owned boutique hotel is situated for maximum panoramic views on the beach at Pointe Matira. Boasting 15 bungalows with terraces, your stay can include a daily breakfast basket, or a short stroll brings you within walking distance of shops, restaurants and a supermarket where you can stock up on supplies. Choose between beach, garden, family or superior bungalows - with the latter including two free bikes to help you explore the island.
temanuata.com
Luxury: The St Regis Bora Bora Resort
With both beach and over-water bungalows - as well as the super-luxe Royal Estate - accommodation at the St Regis melds timeless Polynesian detail with state-of-the-art modern amenities. With four restaurants to choose from, including a sushi outlet and a Mediterranean grill, the resort also boasts the Miri Miri Spa, set on its own island within a lagoon, as well as tennis courts on which to work off the excesses of the day.
starwoodhotels.com/stregis
Filmed there
Couples Retreat, Cast Away, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Survivor
Fly there
Air France flies to Papeete via Paris and Los Angeles. Visit airfrance.ae for flight details.
