There are are a variety of activities to experience in Bora Bora, here are our top recommendations.

Parasailing

The island of Bora Bora is stunning, but the most beautiful vantage point may be from 300 meters in the air (that’s over 984 feet for us Westerners). Parasailing is the perfect activity for all ages and abilities; even those who are disabled or have injuries are able to easily parasail. A great fear of heights is really the only thing that should stop you from experiencing this breathtaking activity.

Parasailing is a dry sport. You take off from the back of a boat by simply floating up into the air, with the support of a colorful parachute. No matter how breezy the day, there’s a calm stillness to the journey. The views from above are so enchanting that it almost feels as if you’re soaring over a projection on a green screen; the scenery is postcard perfect.

On our parasailing excursion, we flew across many of the islands lagoons. It gives you a real view of how the depth of the water changes so rapidly throughout the reef. In the shallower parts, we saw hundreds of manta ray and stingrays, happily feeding and basking under the sun in the waters below. Flight durations are 15 or 25 minutes, and the time passes slower than you would expect. In 25 minutes you can see the entire island and its surroundings. You can parasail solo or with a companion, and we always think it’s more fun to fly with a friend. Don’t forget your camera on this one! Just be sure not to drop it. Your postcard home may just end up being of your feet dangling over the bluest water in the world.

The best way to book parasailing is arranging it through the resort your staying at or visiting the Bora Bora Activity Center.

Eco-Snorkeling Tour: Music Underwater, While Exploring Sea Life

Snorkeling in Bora Bora may sound like a common activity, and if you saw a snorkeling ‘tour’ that you had to pay for on a list of activities, you’d probably pass it up without a 2nd glance. We challenge you to take a 2nd look because this particular snorkeling tour is not only fun, but also educational, and unique to any snorkeling you can compare it to. The most unique part of this excursion is that your snorkel equipment comes complete with an underwater musical score.

The guide that led our tour is the only one in all of Bora Bora who has specially-equipped snorkels that reverberate underwater as you bite down on their mouthpieces, allowing musical sound to reach your ears under the depths of the water. He was an extremely knowledgeable guide too, giving us a 30-minute lesson on several species and coral that we could expect to encounter during our swim. In addition, he was able to answer many questions about Tahiti, Bora Bora, the plants and fruits of the island, and the people that live there; he even spoke more than 4 languages.

Before we embarked on the main eco-snorkeling tour, we were lead out to deeper waters to observe a manta ray circling below. It was attending its regular ‘cleaning station,’ where fish essentially feed off the bottom side of the ray and act as little scrub brushes. From there we traveled to much shallower waters, where we ate fruits that were brought for our tour from the local island. Wet suits, flippers, facemasks, and of course the snorkels, were provided, and we jumped in for the eco tour.

Underwater, as we swam to calming music, we saw the fish, sea life, and different types of coral we had learned about onboard. Our guide pointed things out to us as we swam along, and a tutorial would queue up in our snorkel ‘headphones’ with additional information of what we were looking at. It was a magnificent experience.

This eco-snorkeling tour is a perfect excursion for swimmers of all levels. The guide was great with those new to snorkeling, and made every participant feel confident and safe. We highly recommend this experience.

To learn more or make reservations visit Divesay Eco-Snorkeling website.

 Shark & Stingray Excursion

If you love adventure and excitement, then this excursion will leave you fulfilled. It starts off with snorkeling in an area above a populated coral reef, where fishes swarm at the sight of feed. The guides of our tour were 2 young men, born and raised on the island of Bora Bora. They embodied the island spirit and came equipped with an underwater video camera, ukulele, and drum for onboard, and underwater, entertainment.

With every stop along our adventure, the guides would throw feed into the waters below to bring the creatures out from their hiding places and into viewable sight. After a calm snorkeling jaunt, we jetted off at full speed to a shallower area where the Blacktip Shark and stingrays expect your arrival. In chest-deep water, and adrenalin rushing, the guides threw out fish for the rays and sharks to feed off of, while we stood in the midst of them. The rays, which seem almost as wide as your wingspan, glide past you, brushing up against your arms or legs. The sharks are much more interested in the fish than anything else, but the whole experience is a thrill.

The guides on this excursion will grab a stingray out of the water to show it to everyone up close. He’ll even give it a slimy, wet kiss! You’ll learn a lot about these amazing inhabitants of Bora Bora’s waters and get to touch them with your hands

The next stop on the journey is right outside the main Bora Bora reef, where the ocean waves are larger and water is much deeper. Lemon sharks swim on the ocean floor in this area, and those who are brave can swim down close enough to see them. Blacktip sharks are prominent in this area too, but are most commonly pretty timid.

The final stop is on a private island, about the size of a small plot of land. It’s time to relax, enjoy some island fruit and sweetbread, and take a look at some of the video footage captured along the way. The guides sell their videos of your unforgettable day, fully edited, which makes for a neat souvenir to take back home with you.

This is one activity we surely won’t forget. To book this excursion arrange it with your resort concierge.  The type of excursions may be different from resort to resort.

Jet Ski Lagoon Circle

If you have a need for speed and control, jet skiing may be a great activity for you. Following a guide, you’ll be able to maneuver around the island’s lagoons at high speeds. The guide will give you insight on Bora Bora and its history at multiple stopping points along the way. At some locations, you may even be lucky enough to ski alongside a stingray or group of sharks.

The tour also provides a relaxing stop in shallow water to ask questions and enjoy fruits from the local island. It’s a very fun activity that gives you an opportunity to view a lot of the outer island. Tour’s vary by resort, check with your resort concerige.

 4 X 4 Jeep Excursion

This activity is a great, unexpected adventure! Hop into a 4 X 4, open-air Jeep, with a few other people, and you’re off for a 2.5-hour excursion. It’s an exciting way to discover Bora Bora’s main island, and the guide on our tour answered every question we had.

The 4 X 4 will take you up steep, rocky paths, to the top of lookout points set among the tropical landscape. The ride up is thrillingly bumpy, so be prepared to hold on! You will travel around the entire island, see every hotel and resort, and learn all about the average life of the people who live in Bora Bora. The tour also includes a stop at a WII landmark that the Americans built during their friendly takeover of the island in 1942.

The rich, cultural perspective that you’ll gain from the native guides is priceless. We encourage you to book your tour with a company that is Tahitian-operated. It’s the greatest way to catch a glimpse of the magical wonder that is Bora Bora.

To make a reservation visit the Vavau 4×4 Adventures website.

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The Four Seasons Resort Vail is a luxurious mountain retreat in the Colorado Rockies. Located in Vail Village, the resort is only steps away from restaurants, shopping, and the slopes; this ski resort offers 5-star service and amenities. The Four Seasons Resort Vail recently opened in late 2010 and is already gaining a reputation for its grand alpine features and first-class service.

The most intriguing part of the resort’s main floor is the vast display of stunning art on display. Modern paintings hang on the walls, and vase sculptures crafted of bold colors are displayed throughout. The natural wood and limestone interior design, 75-foot lighted pool and 2 whirlpools, and a grand outdoor fireplace make this 10-story, 121-room hotel feel like a lavish mountain lodge.

Skiers and snowboarders will be pleased to know that the resort has its own Ski Concierge at the base of the Vista Bahn chairlift, which makes getting your equipment to and from the mountain effortless. Ski Concierge will store and clean your equipment nightly.

Hidden on the bottom floor of The Four Seasons Resort Vail is one of the most luxurious spas in the country. It features 13 treatment rooms and over 14,000 square feet of relaxation space. A visit to this spa is a must! Be sure to try their signature treatment, the ‘Spirit of the Rockies.’

A favorite place to relax with the family or enjoy a cocktail après ski is in the Fireside Lounge. With views of the mountain through the tall glass windows, and oversized sofas to sink into, the lounge is equipped with reading material, games, and all-day dining. For breakfast or a heavier dinner visit Flame (http://www.fourseasons.com/vail/dining/flame/), a fine-dining restaurant serving up hearty mountain fare, highlighted by beef, game, seafood, and more.

A unique part of The Four Season Resort Vail is the Private Residence Rentals. If you’re looking for a temporary living space, with the service and luxury of the Four Seasons brand, a 2, 3, or 4-bedroom residence, complete with a kitchen, dining room, laundry room, and maybe even a den, is your perfect place. After a week in a Private Residence Rental, you may wish you could stay forever; well, you’re in luck. The Four Seasons Resort Vail also offers Private Residence ownership. Starting at $2.7 million, residences for purchase range in size from 1,573 square feet to 5,743 square feet.

Vail is an enjoyable place to visit year round, and The Four Seasons Resort Vail offers superb mountainside luxury.

Rates start at just over $600 per night.

LUX Tip: After a great day of skiing enjoy a dip into one of the several outdoor hot tubs, followed by a complimentary freshly made brownie.

Four Seasons Resort Vail
www.fourseasons.com/vail/
One Vail Road, Vail, Colorado, 81657
(970) 477-8600

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Our last hotel spotlight is on The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows. The Mauna Lani is situated on the Kohala Coast on acres of gorgeous Hawaiian land. The hotel can best be described as classic luxury. It has maintained its clean look and feel over time; not over done or understated, The Mani Lani boasts its tropical elegance through its open-air hotel architecture, lush gardens, and sandy beaches on the property’s oceanfront.

The experience at The Mani Lani extends from the cushioned lounge chairs poolside to the turndown service guests receive each night. Every guest room has a lanai, and the hotel is constructed so that each room captures as much ocean view available. The interior of the hotel is highlighted by plants and ponds, which are inhabited by baby sea turtles and fish.

If you’re one that prefers more seclusion from other hotel guests, the bungalows are only a short walk away. Each bungalow has its own private beachfront and driveway access, providing a truly exclusive experience. With 4,000 square feet of living space in each bungalow, more than a few people can stay comfortably in them.

A lot of the activities at The Mauna Lani are free of charge and the kids program focuses on exploration of the natural grounds. With so many sea creatures and ancient petroglyphs close by, the family will never run out of things to see and do. For those that want to relax, there is a spa that features a Vichy shower and natural lava sauna and also a fitness center.

If you’re a golfer, The Mauna Lani is the place for you. There are 2 18-hole golf courses on the property with sweeping views of the ocean’s expanse. They were carved out of lava formations and are rated within the Top 10 Eco-Friendly Courses. Words cannot begin to describe the breathtaking views one gets to experience when playing on a Mauna Lani course.

The Mauna Lani has 3 restaurants to choose from, and dinner at the CanoeHouse is a real treat. Fresh island-sourced ingredients, a chef that combines wonderful flavors, and an expert sommelier make dining at the hotel an experience not to be underestimated. Breakfast at the Bay Terrace is delicious as well, featuring tropical twists on American standards like French toast and waffles.

Complimentary activities, while staying at the Mauna Lani:

• Floral Lei & Tropical Fruit Juice upon arrival
• Complimentary Internet access
• Fitness Club Lap pool
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Morning Coffee & Tea
• In-room Kona Coffee & Tea
• Local Newspaper
• Hawaiian Entertainment
• Valet & Self-Park
• Bicycles to explore the resort
• Joggers Amenities
• Beach Amenities
• Guest Laundry Room
• Resort Shuttle Service
• Fish & Turtle Feeding Tours
• Ukulele & Hawaiian Weaving Lessons

Rates at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel start at over $200.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows
www.maunalani.com
68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive
Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii 96743

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Our next LUX Destination spotlight is Kona Village. Kona Village is located in, well…Kona, on The Big Island. This 82-acre resort encompasses everything the beautiful Kohala Coast has to offer – palm trees swaying, glistening lagoons, piled lava rocks, black sand beaches, and the ocean. Focused on traditional Polynesian culture, the resort is made up of 82 oceanfront hales, or bungalows, that come free of phones, TVs, radios, or internet, forcing the overworked traveler to really relax into the aloha spirit.

Upon arrival at Kona Village, expect to be greeted with a traditional Hawaiian lei of orchid flowers. After check-in, one is swept away by a golf cart to one’s hale. Each hale is cooled by the breeze of the tradewinds blowing through its slatted doors from the sea; only ceiling fans are used for extra circulation, and there’s not even a lock on the door. As unconventional as it may sound, there’s something very quaint in having to write messages to your resort staff on a clipboard outside your door or placing a coconut on your front porch as a sign of do not disturb.

Appropriately named, Kona Village was once a fishing village. To preserve and respect the land that was once frequented by the King and other royalty, the resort is set up to resemble a Polynesian village. The hales are elevated by stilts to protect from high tide and the roofs are thatched; some hales even come with a private hot tub on the deck – not authentic, but a luxurious necessity.

Kona Village is Hawaii’s only ‘inclusive’ resort and offers many resort dining options. Much of the Hawaiian cuisine served is sourced from local farms on the island. You can taste the difference in freshness from the fruit alone – it’s colorful and sweet, as if it were just plucked off the tree. In fact, more than 70% of all the produce consumed at Kona Village is from The Big Island. As authentic as its culinary presentation, Kona Village also puts on an island-renowned luau.

Along with the dining, many water sport activities are included in the daily ‘inclusive’ rate. You can snorkel, canoe, kayak, or use a paddleboard to explore the ocean. Since the property has such an expansive beachfront, there is plenty of space for guests and turtles to bask in the sun. On a stroll along the beach, one is sure to spot a Hawaiian Sea Turtle lounging on the sand or feeding near one of the many natural tide pools.

The most spectacular thing about the resort is really the authentic Hawaiian experience it has maintained for its guests. From the accommodations, to the food, to the entertainment, and the natural setting, there is an ancient story told through the hospitality at Kona Village.

Rates start just under $300.

Kona Village Resort
www.konavillage.com
Kona Village Resort
Kohala Coast
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96745

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First up in our LUX Destination spotlight is The Fairmont Orchid. It is located on the Kohala Coast, north of Kona, in the resort area of Mauna Lani. Sitting on 32 acres of beach and black lava, this Hawaiian hotel is complete with a swimmable lagoon and breath-taking views. The feeling one gets upon arrival at The Fairmont Orchid is one of anticipation, when seeing its grand elegance for the first time. Expect to be escorted from your car with a lei greeting of Kukui Nuts, which symbolize enlightenment, protection, and peace. These 3 values are exemplified through the elevated level of service one receives at The Fairmont Orchid.

The Fairmont Gold Floor is something unique to The Orchid, as only a limited number of Fairmont properties throughout the world offer this level of service. The Gold Floor takes the already exceptional service of The Fairmont to an elevated level. At The Orchid, Gold Floor guests check in at a private reception on the 6th floor where 45 rooms and suites are reserved only for Fairmont Gold guests. Many of the guestrooms have sweeping views of either the ocean or beautiful Fairmont grounds.

The most appealing thing about the Gold Floor at The Orchid is the dedicated Gold Floor staff that can assist you with any need and the complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon happy hour that’s offered daily. Being able to relax in an oversized chair in the Gold Lounge or outside on the private Gold Lounge lanai (patio), while enjoying a cocktail or working on one’s laptop, is a luxury any traveler can enjoy. Fairmont Gold guests also have access to free wi-fi.

The Fairmont Orchid went through a multi-million dollar renovation in 2006 and maintains its timeless Hawaiian luxury when one steps foot in it today. Each of the 540 guestrooms has its own lanai with a view of the ocean, gardens, golf course, or mountains. With 10 tennis courts and many beach activities, there’s something for everyone. Another guarantee is the visit from a native Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle or 2 on the shores of The Fairmont’s expansive beachfront.

The Orchid also features 3 restaurants, a deli, and a cocktail lounge. Cuisine ranges from Island-inspired dishes at Brown’s Beach House to sushi at Norio’s. On Saturday nights is “The Gathering of the Kings,” a luau that tells the story of 4 ancient histories from Somoa, New Zealand, Tahiti, and Hawaii. It’s a contemporary production with a plentiful feast to match.

Spa Without Walls is another highlight that’s not to be missed at The Fairmont Orchid. Take advantage of a spa treatment like a lomilomi massage or Kona Coffee exfoliation in 1 of 8 private outdoor waterfall hales (huts) or in 1 of 6 oceanfront cabanas. The breeze of the gentle tradewinds paired with the tranquility of waves crashing or the trickle of a waterfall is an experience only to be had here.

The Fairmont Orchid property is beautiful, delivers tremendous service, has a high standard of quality, and is well priced.

Accommodations start at over $200.

The Fairmont Orchid
www.fairmont.com/orchid/
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast, Hawaii, Hawaii
96743

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