Planning your trip to Bora-Bora

1/23

A guest reads a book on the beach at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, commonly called the Thalasso, in Bora-Bora. Mt. Otemanu looms in the background.

(An Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

2/23

The beach and over-water bungalows of the Thalasso. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

3/23

The wedding chapel of the Thalasso. Coral has been planted in this area to attract more fish. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

4/23

Butterfly fish approach for some food (dispensed to guests by the pool boys at no charge) in the snorkeling area by the wedding chapel of the Thalasso. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

5/23

The living room of over-water bungalow 126 at the Thalasso. The over-water bungalows, 1,010 square feet each, have identical layouts: a separate living room, bedroom, walk-in closet and large bathroom with tub and shower. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

6/23

The bedroom of over-water bungalow 126 at the Thalasso. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

7/23

The bathroom of over-water bungalow 126 at the Thalasso. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

8/23

Polynesian dancers perform after dinner at the Reef Restaurant at the Thalasso. (An Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

9/23

Bubbles Bar at the Thalasso. (An Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

10/23

Mt. Otemanu by moonlight, as seen from the pontoon of bungalow 126 at the Thalasso. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

11/23

Kids play at the beach next to the dock of the InterContinental Le Moana. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

12/23

A jet skier rides past the over-water bungalows of the InterContinental Le Moana. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

13/23

Shinjiro Yamaguchi and his wife parasail over the waters of Bora Bora. (An Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

14/23

The lagoon at Bora-Bora, seen while parasailing.

(Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

15/23

An aerial view of Mt. Pahia, left, and Mt. Otemanu, seen while parasailing. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

16/23

Kayaking in Bora-Bora.

(Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

17/23

The author feeds fish during an underwater excursion with tour company Pure Snorkeling. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

18/23

Manta rays make a rare appearance during a snorkeling trip. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

19/23

“Sweetie” the stingray, seen during a snorkeling trip. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

20/23

The living room and kitchen of Studio 2 at the Sunset Hill Lodge in Vaitape, Bora-Bora’s largest city.

(Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

21/23

The patio area of Studio 2 at the Sunset Hill Lodge. (Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

22/23

Aboard the Air Tahiti Navette shuttle boat that cruises between the airport and Bora-Bora’s main island.

(Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

23/23

The Celebrity Solstice cruise ship passes through the western lagoon of Bora-Bora.

(Jeff Amlotte / Los Angeles Times)

May 26, 2013 12 AM PT

THE BEST WAY TO BORA-BORA

From LAX, Air Tahiti Nui and Air France offer nonstop service to Papeete, Tahiti, with Air Tahiti offering connecting service to Bora-Bora. Restricted round-trip airfare begins at $1,780, including taxes and fees.

Consider using a certified Tahiti specialist to book your trip, especially if you plan to visit more than one island. French Polynesia is expensive, and a travel agent who can create a package that includes airfare, accommodations and transfers will save you money and time. For info, go to https://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/planner/travelspecialists.asp.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (international dialing code), 689 (the country code) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Sunset Hill Lodge, BP 58 Vaitape, 98730 Bora-Bora; 792-648, https://www.sunset-hill-borabora.biz. Five bungalows with kitchenettes from $63 a night, with air conditioning from $102. The two studios, they are well laid out and have a large outdoor patio.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, Motu Piti Aau, 98730 Bora-Bora, 607-600, https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/bora-bora/bobhb/hoteldetail. Over-water villas start at about $877 a night in low season.

WHERE TO EAT

Snack Matira, a beach shack with great views and picnic-style bench seating near Point Matira.

Mai Kai, 603-800, https://www.maikaimarina.com. Try the mashed potatoes and fresh fruit sorbet.

WHAT TO DO

Pure Snorkeling, 764-343, reefdiscovery@gmail.com. Avoid the full-day tours that include pareo-tying demonstrations, shark feeding and a mediocre lunch, and opt for this half-day tour with an emphasis on observing wildlife. $110 per person, a maximum of eight people per group.

Bora Bora Parasail, 705-662, parasail@mail.pf. Flights for one or two people start at $290 for 15 minutes (about 110 yards of rope), $388 for 25 minutes (about 330 yards of rope).

TO LEARN MORE

https://www.tahiti-tourisme.com

Planning your trip to Bora-Bora

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