Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

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

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

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The lagoon at Bora-Bora, seen while parasailing.

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

Kayaking in Bora-Bora.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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