Paradise Meets Peace
I knew I had arrived in paradise the moment my bare feet hit the dock. The air was thick with salt, sun, and some kind of quiet that doesn’t exist anywhere else on Earth. A boatman grinned, grabbed my bag, and said, “Ia Orana,” like he’d been waiting on me specifically. Maybe he had.Checking into Maitai Polynesia, I was greeted with a chilled glass of pineapple punch and a view that felt Photoshopped by God. My bungalow was perched just right above the water, swaying gently with the breeze like it was exhaling for me. I kicked off my shoes, threw on a sarong, and let the world disappear.
I grabbed my favorite book—Two Strangers With One Heartbeat—not to promote, but truth be told, it is one hell of a read. Between the pages and the peace, I let myself Zen the f out.* No phone. No guilt. Just me, the lagoon, and a sky that keeps secrets.
But not to give you too much of my story—this is about yours. So let’s get into what it’s like to go to Bora Bora like you mean it.
Where to Stay: From Chill to Champagne
Economical:
Village Temanuata Beach – Cozy bungalows right on Matira Beach. Simple, serene, and wallet-friendly.
Mid-Range:
Maitai Polynesia – My personal pick. Overwater bungalows, stunning views, and solid amenities without killing your budget.
Luxury:
The St. Regis Bora Bora – Five-star overwater villas, private butlers, plunge pools, and Mount Otemanu as your backyard.
Must-Do Experiences
-
Mount Otemanu Tour – Hike it or fly above it. Either way, it’s a showstopper.
-
Lagoonarium – Swim with rays and sharks in a natural aquarium.
-
Matira Beach – The most famous public beach with water so clear it feels like glass.
The Do’s and Taboos
Do:
-
Greet with “Ia Orana” and smile.
-
Take off your shoes when entering homes.
-
Dress modestly in villages.
Don’t:
-
Take photos of locals without asking.
-
Be overly affectionate in public.
-
Touch anyone’s head (seriously—it’s sacred).
Food to Try
-
Poisson Cru – Raw tuna marinated in coconut milk and lime. It’s Bora’s signature dish, and it slaps.
-
For sweets, try Snack Matira for pastries or hit Bora Bora Yacht Club for desserts with a view.
-
Craving soul food? Some chefs at resorts can make custom comfort food—just ask and give them a little notice.
Weather & When to Go
-
Best time: May to October (dry season = less rain, less bugs, more glam).
-
Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C) all year round.
Wildlife & Safety Tips
-
Mosquitos: Pack bug spray—some carry dengue.
-
Sea Creatures: Watch for sea urchins and the rare stonefish. Shuffle your feet in shallow water.
-
No snakes. No lions, tigers, or bears—just peace.
Driving & Getting Around
-
Yes, you can drive! Just like the U.S.—they drive on the right-hand side.
-
Scooters, bikes, and small cars are popular. Roads are chill—it’s one loop around the island.
-
Watch for chickens, dogs, and, yes, the occasional wandering tourist.
Did You Know?
Bora Bora was once a U.S. military base during WWII. That’s why the airport sits on a tiny motu and can only be reached by boat. Even paradise has a backstory.
Free Gift Just for You
As a warm mauruuru (thank you), I’ve got something special waiting for you—a stunning printable artwork by the talented Jose Sumi.
All you have to do is sign up on the blog, and the gift will be delivered straight to your inbox.
Follow the blog and leave a comment to unlock even more exclusive freebies coming soon!
Discover more from UnF🍸ckable
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
