Bora Bora is probably the most famous jewel in Tahiti’s crown. It’s the perfect destination for a romantic escape, but is also great for activity loving friends and families. I had a sneak peek inside the beautiful Pearl Beach Resort and Spa…
When you land at Bora Bora’s little airport crammed with honeymooners, you’ll wait in the tiny terminal for your luggage to arrive by tractor and trailer, then amid the hubbub of excited holiday makers, you’ll find the little desk of your resort where staff are on hand to lei you and take your bags to be loaded onto their boat.
Then under the bright blue sky and past palm trees gently swaying a Tahitian welcome, you will be spirited to your little slice of paradise, the ocean so clear that you can see the sand through the water below.
I spent an afternoon at the beautiful Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa. Here are my photos (and a few of theirs because they were better!)
Pearl Resort’s overwater bungalows stretch into the lagoon
The pool winds around in front of a restaurant edged in loungers
The coral nursery under the bungalows
When I visited this was a coral nursery with 172 little reefs supporting 5,400 baby corals and today 75 different species of fish have set up home. A huge increase since 2004 when there were almost none.
Throwing bread in to feed the fish is not encouraged as it changes the natural algae and other goodies that are being quietly cultivated here.
I love this view of the overwater bungalows facing the main island of Bora Bora. The pool and restaurant are behind me.
If you don’t want a bungalow, take a garden villa with your own pool and indoor/outdoor bathroom
The local ladies still weave baskets from coconut leaves and they’re used for holding the fish when you’re out catching. I had a little lesson, which is something that is done as one of the daily activities.
Take a little class during the day and learn to weave a basket. I helped – honest!
The highlight for me was my half-hour spa treatment with Titaua, the French Tahitian spa manager who is trained in sports massage and managed to make my short treatment one of the best massages I’ve ever had. She uses her hands and forearms with beautifully scented oil and even made my upper back click – in a fantastic way.
This was the standout for me at the Pearl Resort and I suggest you book yourself in – maybe every day!
Pearl Resort spa