YOUR MAP TO BORA BORA
TIPS AND THOUGHTS TO FRENCH POLYNESIA AND BEYOND
Yes, this atoll in the South Pacific exists and its everything you thought it was and more! We are living proof that one can get to this mythical & exclusive place during a global pandemic. So, lets plan your trip, shall we?
REGULATIONS
The French government is tough on Covid-19 restrictions so, if you’ve chosen not to be vaccinated (or can’t be) you’ll need to declare a ‘compelling reason’ for your entry into French Polynesia / Tahiti (the main island you’ll need to enter through). However, vaccinated travelers will not be mandated to declare or quarantine. You will however, need to carry proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test prior to boarding your flight. There is a chance you may be tested upon arrival as well.
FLIGHTS
If you travel on the regular like we do, you’re a stickler for status and points which can come in handy when flying across the world. Either you’ll pay for your flight and gain A LOT of miles and potentially status (Seen under $1K per person round trip)… or you already have the miles / status and can fly free (or on discount). Air France travels from most major cities to Papeete (PPT), Tahiti and they are part of the Sky Team alliance. This means Delta travelers (one of our loyalty carriers) can use and earn points which got us to Tahiti only playing taxes and fees!
Your other option is using Air Tahiti Nui which is a non-alliance partner with American Airlines & Delta allowing even more flexibility. Their crew gets you in the Polynesian vibe right away with Tahitian fashion & complimentary gardenias upon boarding.
Tips:
Try to time your flight to Bora Bora around your landing at Tahiti.
Tahiti is amazing, but the exotic trip you paid for is really on the outer islands)
TO BORA BORA
Once you’ve cleared customs at Tahiti… you have one more small flight on Air Tahiti Nui to Bora Bora that’s less than 90 minutes. Get your camera-phone ready as you near landing for an epic bird’s eye view of this stunning atoll. Normally, you’d walk through baggage claim to your uber or ground transportation… not at Bora Bora Each chain around the main island is disconnected… you’ll be catching a boat ride directly from the terminal to your resort.
NOW WHAT?
Most resorts have enough activity and beauty to keep you occupied. We chose the St Regis Bora Bora which we hold with the highest regard (get this on points if you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member. Speed up the points with one of their American Express cards). The grounds are stunning, our overwater bungalow was incredible as were the water activities, but nothing beats the service. In all our years of luxury travel, nothing has equaled the St Regis staff. That may seem like a broad statement, but truthfully… I cried saying goodbye to every staff member who made us feel so at home. Keep in mind, in most French Polynesian resorts, many staff members outside the native islanders are French sharing space with you right on the property. We felt this really brought us closer to each and every staff member we encountered.
Tips:
- Remember how much it took for you to get on this island? Imagine what that must mean for alcoholic beverages. If you can get some bottles at the Duty Free shop, it could save you some money but even Tahiti’s duty free is expensive! You won’t find a Bud Lite anywhere for less than $10 a bottle on Bora Bora. If you like craft cocktails, double that!
- Face your fears and take a swim with sharks! This is something I’ve always wanted to do (can’t say the same for my wife, Yadia… but, kudos to her… she did it). As soon as the anchor is thrown, your heart will beat harder as the boat is swarmed by 20-30 blacktip reef sharks. However, I assure you these beautiful and majestic fish grant you respect and space. We took a private tour, although unnecessary… ‘twas amazing (private tour is about $500 US dollars… you can save in a group cutting that in half).
- Take a quick trip to the main island! It has cars, lol. In fact, its original infrastructure and main road was designed and built by the US Army & Navy (yup, since WW2). There are 7 hidden American cannons & emplacements on the island. If you’re up for a hike… you might find a few of them. Outside of that, stop at a few resorts… or drop by “Bloody Mary’s” for a drink. We apparently missed Jeff Bezos there by minutes!
ADD ON
Get married at the St Regis Bora Bora! Seriously, the pandemic forced us to bail on our 200-person wedding and what a relief! We eloped on this tropical paradise, had the time of OUR lives, got married by a Polynesian priest and saved money!
A French Polynesian wedding at St Regis Bora Bora
Cheers, ladies & gents!
By, Brian McAleer
CEO & Co-Founder
Gent Life