International Ports of Call BY LORI EASTES
Bora Bora Imagine a magical place with rugged mountain peaks looming in the backdrop, coral reefs teeming with vibrant fish species, turquoise-blue lagoons lined with white sand beaches, and palm trees gently swaying in the salty air. This South Sea island adventure is calling your name! Bora Bora, one of 118 islands in Tahiti, is a yacht lover’s paradise. Exotic days and romantic nights can fill your soul and tingle your senses while cruising these waters. Bora Bora is a 12-square-mile island group in the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Other islands of the Society Islands include Moorea, Taha’a, Maupiti, and many more. Each island is surrounded by bright blue lagoons and interiors filled with lush green vegetation. The quintessential tropical getaway for your yachting excursion, Bora Bora and surrounding islands offer beauty on the water and onshore. The main island of Bora Bora is a marvelous, fertile world of sundrenched landscapes surrounded by bright blue lagoons and a lively barrier reef. The center of the island is home to the remnants of an extinct volcano that now forms the two peaks of Mount Pahia and 68
Mount Otemanu, which reaches 2,385 feet. The island is celebrated for its lush tropical slopes and valleys of Mount Otomanu. Guests to the island can hike up to the overlooks on Mount Otemanu or visit the villages of Anau or Vaitape to shop for local artisan products. Palm-covered motu, the Polynesian word for small reef islets, line Bora Bora’s lagoon like a fine necklace. In ancient times, Bora Bora was called “Pora pora mai te pora”, meaning created by the gods in the local Tahitian dialect. The smell of the Tahitian flower tiare lingers in the air, relaxing your soul and the hibiscus paint brilliant color on the verdant scenery. In Bora Bora, delicate white sand beaches give way to cerulean waters filled with radiant fish, coral gardens, and giant manta rays. Small, thatched-roof villas, that are part of luxury resorts, stretch out from coastal shores. The overwater bungalows and opulent spa resorts add to the already calming ambiance. If relaxation is more your pace, immerse yourself in the some of the legendary spas and gourmet restaurants the island has to offer. Discover the island’s unique shopping experience, including local and international art,
