All Entries Tagged With: "LUX Destination: Bora Bora"

Eat at the Best Restaurants in Bora Bora

When planning your dream vacation to Bora Bora, the beautiful beaches and dreamy resorts can sometimes make you forget about looking into the delicious restaurants on the island.

Here is a collection of what we thought were the best restaurants on the island of Bora Bora.

Bon Appétit!

Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis Hotel

The St. Regis name is one of the most respected in all the travel industry. When you stay at one of their hotels you expect the finest in everything, including dining. You will not be disappointed at St. Regis Bora Bora, thanks to their exclusive Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges, one of 17 restaurants operated by the world-famous chef. The Lagoon is aptly named due to the fact that it’s perched out over the water on a platform suspended over wooden stilts driven deep into the soil below. Outside its floor-to-ceiling windows is the incredibly lush and beautiful Mount Otemanu, as much a feast for the eyes as the Lagoon’s menu is for the palate.

That menu is highlighted by an attention to chef Vongerichten’s Thai-French style. Very few other chefs in the world attempt such a combination that includes things like a spiced chicken dish, accented with a unique caramel-coconut sauce; or perhaps shrimp wrapped in bacon and served with avocado. Former New York chef, Romuald Feger, heads up the staff at the Lagoon, but Vongerichten pays a visit every couple of months to check on things and introduce new menu items.

Bora Bora: Explore the Best Activities On and Off the Island

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.

Bora Bora: Visiting Paradise at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis brand is well known around the world for their exquisite service. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, a Starwood category 7 hotel, is no exception. Set in the tropical paradise that is French Polynesia, it all begins with your arrival.

Upon arriving at the small, open-air Bora Bora Airport you will be met by a courteous and attentive greeter from St. Regis who will welcome you with a smile and conduct you to your boat transfer. From there you’ll enjoy a mesmerizing boat ride across crystal blue waters to The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Along the way you will be awestruck by the scenery surrounding you; it’s the only place in the world that looks better in person than on a postcard.

Bora Bora: Traveling to the French Polynesian Islands on Air Tahiti Nui

If you plan to visit the French Polynesian Islands, and Bora Bora in particular, your options to travel from the United States are fairly limited. Within the continental United States the only flights available are on Air Tahiti Nui, and they depart from Los Angeles. The flights depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and arrive in Papeete, Tahiti, Faa’a’s International airport (PPT).

The opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world doesn’t necessarily come cheap. A round-trip ticket starts at $965 during low travels seasons and $1,161 during peak seasons.

The flight to Tahiti is just over 8 hours, and onboard you will find that Air Tahiti Nui is not your run-of-the-mill airline. Air Tahiti Nui is a real treat. The first thing you’ll notice when you board is the well maintained, clean interiors. Pillows and blankets are provided on your seat as your arrive. Also provided is a package of goods to ensure you have a comfortable flight, including an eye mask, socks, stickers to indicate if you do or don’t want to be distributed while you’re sleeping, if they are serving food, ear plugs, and more. When boarding the plane they even play traditional Tahitian music to set the mood.