Bora-Bora, French Polynesia

The island of Bora Bora was originally called “Pora pora mai te pora,” meaning “created by the gods” in Tahitian. It was often abbreviated as “Pora Pora” meaning “firstborn.” In the 13-letter Tahitian alphabet, there is no “b.” But, to settlers and explorers visiting the islands for the first time, the name of the island was quickly heard and misinterpreted as “Bola Bola” or “Bora Bora,” and it’s why we refer to the island as Bora Bora today.

A honeymooner’s paradise, the island of Bora Bora is the ultimate setting for romance due largely to the iconic beauty of Mount Otemanu, which rises from the sea like an emerald jewel, encircled by gorgeous coral reefs and several white sand islets called motus. The legendary overwater bungalows of Bora Bora extend from each motu, offering unlimited views of Mount Otemanu from virtually everywhere on the island.

The culture of Bora Bora is easily adopted by Bora Bora tourists. As one of the 118 islands of Tahiti, its allure comes from both its unmatched beauty of the landscape and the richness of Tahitian culture. The people of Bora Bora embrace visitors with the aromatic tiare leis, as well as welcome them with warm smiles and traditional music and dance. Your visit will be greatly enhanced by learning about Tahitian and French Polynesian Culture during your visit. The essence of Bora Bora seduces all who visit and the memory of their time visited there remains like a beautiful dream.