Bora Bora – Moorea – A High-Style Tahitian Get Away
Three names that carry tropical weight: Bora Bora’s overwater hush, Moorea’s emerald peaks, and lagoon days that blur into memory. They can be savoured as single escapes, or looped into one French Polynesian arc. Below, a refined take on where to base yourself, what to quietly reserve, and how to let each place breathe.
Why these three?
Bora Bora is shorthand for barefoot glamour — overwater bungalows, jade lagoons, and horizons stitched with reef. Moorea is the insider’s pick, just a short hop from Tahiti but with ridgelines and bays that feel cinematic. And a lagoon day? Non-negotiable: a skiff, a skipper, and a day of swims, snorkels, and sandbars.
Bora Bora – overwater hush, endless horizons
Where to stay. The icon here is the overwater villa: think Conrad, St. Regis, Four Seasons or Westin. Each sits on its own motu (islet), so stays feel private and polished.
What to reserve. A half-day lagoon cruise with snorkel stops and a private motu lunch. Evenings are for resort dining — or ask for a boat across to Bora Bora Yacht Club.
Arrivals. Fly into Tahiti (Papeete), then connect by Air Tahiti (45 min) or ferry. Resort transfers are boat-only; build it into your planning.
Moorea – peaks, bays, and slower days
Best bases. Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort, and smaller hideaways like Hotel Manava Beach. Moorea is compact, so all stays give quick access to Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.
Slow experiences. A circle-island drive, hikes into the Belvedere lookout, and long afternoons at Temae Beach. Resorts book out fast — Hotels.com and Expedia carry reliable Moorea coverage.
Transfers. A 30-minute ferry from Tahiti makes Moorea seamless. Car rentals (or a driver) are best to explore beyond the resort.
Lagoon Day – the essential Tahitian pause
Why it matters. French Polynesia isn’t just resorts — it’s water. A lagoon day folds in stingray swims, reef snorkels, and sandbar picnics.
How to book. Many resorts offer in-house excursions, but sites like Expedia Experiences often carry lagoon tours.
A chic 7–8 day route
- Days 1–3: Bora Bora – settle into an overwater villa; lagoon cruise, sunset dining. You can’t go wrong with Four Seasons, but there are plenty of beautiful options like St Regis, Westin or if you want something more private you could book out a private residence like Villa Reva.
- Days 4–5: Moorea – ferry across, base in the Sofitel or Hilton; and make sure you go on a hike to the Belvedere lookout! –
Days 6–7: Lagoon Day + unwind – choose Moorea or Bora Bora; private motu lunch and make sure you keep the final night for cocktails.
(Short on time? Pair Moorea with a Lagoon Day, save Bora Bora for another arc.)
Practicalities
When to go: May–October for dry, clear skies; November–April is lush but wetter.
Luggage: Pack soft bags; boat transfers have limits.
Movement: Ferries knit Tahiti–Moorea; domestic flights connect Bora Bora. Resorts handle final transfers.
FAQs
Bora Bora or Moorea first? Moorea is closer and simpler; Bora Bora feels like a finale.
Can I do a day trip to Bora Bora? Not practical — overnights are essential.
Best way to book lagoon tours? Resort concierge or Expedia Experiences for flexibility.
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