How to Plan a Romantic Honeymoon in Bora Bora
With stunning views, luminescent water, and vibrant green forests, Bora Bora is the dream honeymoon location. The island combines terrestrial adventures with sea escapades, all set against a backdrop of luxury resorts, making it an idyllic getaway for lovers.
“One of the most visually stunning islands in the world, Bora Bora,” is how travel specialist with a focus on tropical excursions Emma Clarke describes it. “The epic mountain peaks, vivid lagoon and warm Polynesian culture make it a one-of-a-kind place to celebrate love.”
If you’re picturing this romantic holiday, we’ve got a full guide to planning your Bora Bora honeymoon —including activities, accommodations and budgeting advice.
Planning Your Bora Bora Honeymoon
Bora Bora — a part of French Polynesia — is also only an eight-hour direct flight from the west coast of the U.S. and in the same time zone as Hawaii. Accommodations are mostly on tiny islets (motus) around the lagoon. Travelers usually fly into Tahiti’s international airport before catching a short flight to Bora Bora, followed by a boat transfer to their resort.
The temperature in the island remains high with an average of 80°F throughout the year, which makes it an all year round destination. Choose a way to avoid crowds and skip the busiest times for families to travel, such as big holidays and the summer. Long enough for couples to relax and take in both adventure and down time; the ideal visit would be 5 to 7 days.
Language: French, Tahitian
Currency: Franc
Best Time to Visit: Year-round is fine, with fewer families outside holiday and summer seasons
Ideal Stay Duration: Five to seven days
Getting There: Fly directly from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, or Hawaii to Tahiti, then take a short flight and boat transfer to get here
Local Transport: Resort shuttles, bikes, scooters, or car rentals
What to Pack: Light weight clothes, sandals, swimsuits, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard
Where to Stay in Bora Bora
Bora Bora has a choice of romantic resorts, with several properties boasting the iconic overwater bungalow. Each property has its own kind of charm, from the private pools and spa treatments to the snorkel spots and curated dining experiences. Couples can take their pick, based on whether they prefer isolation, action or pampering.
What to Do on Your Bora Bora Honeymoon
Be it experiencing nature or lounging in paradise, Bora Bora has something for every couple:
Take a Helicopter Tour
Get a birds-eye view of Bora Bora with a scenic helicopter flight over Mount Otemanu. Some of the tours are accompanied by champagne toasts, heightening the air of romance.
Enjoy a Lagoon Cruise
Swim among the tropical fish, rays and nonthreatening sharks as you snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Private picnics on an isolated motu are the normal way of ending many boat tours.
Explore by Bike
Borrow bikes from the resort, or rent from the main island, to leisurely explore the place at your own speed. It’s a delightful way to experience the beauty of the island.
Go Hiking with a Local Guide
Guided hikes teach couples about local lore and take them on hidden trails with views all around — and some cultural perspective.
Stargaze Together
Bora Bora sees very little light pollution which makes for amazing star gazing. Lounge under the sky at the beach while on the balcony.
Eating on Your Bora Bora Honeymoon
The region’s cuisine features fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and the flavors of Polynesia. Sample a must-try: Poisson cru — fresh fish marinated in coconut milk and lime. Very good food from both hungarian and international cuisine can be tasted in many local eateries and resorts.
When it comes to a special night out, intimate beachfront restaurants and fine dining establishments provide romantic settings and seasonal menus.
Planning the Budget for Your Bora Bora Honeymoon
Prices fluctuate greatly between accommodations, flights, and activities. Couples should budget on average between $4,000 and $8,000 a person for a five- to eight-night stay. All-inclusive options can also be a way to keep expenses in check, with flights, meals and outings all available in a bundle.
If you want the additional luxury — business-class flights or to upgrade to an overwater villa — you’ll have to budget for higher costs.
Final Thoughts
With its indescribable beauty and however you look at it, romance in Bora Bora awaits and you will never forget the memories. With some careful planning and with the right mix of rest and activity, it can be the start of a lifetime of shared memories.
