Bespoke Bora Bora Luxury Holidays: Overwater Villas & Private Lagoon Sanctuaries

Island life on Bora Bora fills with images of indigo waters along the lagoon and white frangipani fringed with streaks of purple. The basalt peak of Mount Otemanu shimmers with silver and black soaring above the emerald rainforest canopy. As your flight descends onto the runway at Bora Bora International Airport, you can see the thatched roofs of the overwater bungalows rising above the lagoon. The luxury suites have become an iconic image of relaxation and opulence in French Polynesia since their introduction to resort lodging in the 1960s.

Wake to the casual sounds of water lapping against the wooden post of your bungalow, creating a soothing soundtrack to the returning morning light. The gentle strum of a ukulele accompanies the rhythmic ebb and flow of the water. A traditional outrigger canoe floats over the lagoon and glows with an abundance of frangipani and hibiscus. The canoe docks beneath your bungalow and the staff carry a marvellous breakfast on your deck. As they create a special, welcoming ambiance in the seclusion of your overwater bungalow, you take the ladder down to the canoe for a short morning cruise.

The beauty of Bora Bora continues to captivate you in the morning. At breakfast, you find the colourful pink of dragon fruits accentuated by the petals of a hibiscus decorating the tables. The aroma of a decadent cappuccino overtakes the subtle scent of coconut. After the meal, you meet your guide on the shores of the lagoon, eager to learn the quiet art of paddle boarding. Your board rests on the sand near the rippling wake of the lagoon. You practice holding the paddle with one firm hand gripped on over the top. You take the paddle into the water, learning to balance on the calm, crystal clear water. You float as a couple near the thatched roofs of the overwater bungalows in view of the basalt peak of Mount Pahia.

In the morning, you take the time to indulge in the luxuries of your overwater bungalow, noticing the schools of damselfish swimming in view of your glass floor panel. After breakfast, you make your way to the shores for a bicycle tour circling the marvellous coastline of the island. A single road traverses the 11 square miles of shores. The sea breeze rustles the coconut palms soaring over the sand. The quiet waves brush against the mixture of ivory sands and rocky promontories.

In the morning, you can’t help but return to the photos you took while traversing the island on a helicopter. The aerial views provide a unique perspective of the mountain summits, forest canopy, crystal clear waters, and overwater bungalows. At breakfast, you bask in the enticing tropical aroma of banana pancakes before returning to the shores of the island to trek through the Valley of the Kings. The trail meanders through the marvellous rainforest taking you alongside blossoming frangipanis and hidden orchids.

The colourful fruits at breakfast make a photo-perfect moment, shimmering with the bright pink of dragon fruit and the gorgeous black and white interior of the fruit once opened. The theme of discovery and photography continue throughout the day, leading you to a private boat on at the resort dock. Your guide takes you on a lagoon exploration, capturing the milky indigo hues of the water. You capture the beauty and charm of Bora Bora in unforgettable professional photos. Leap from the boat into the lagoon, feeling the rush of the breeze and serene splash in the warm water. Float along the water’s surface in view of angelfish and sergeant majors, with a photograph that captures your amazement of the surrounding beauty with crystal clarity.

In the tranquil ambiance of the returning morning light, you shuffle through the marvellous photos taken the previous day. Your overwater bungalow fills with the sounds of lapping water and the aromas of coconut and pineapple. The gentle glow of the water returns in the glass floor panel. Take your time to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and relaxed pace of Bora Bora in the luxuries of the spa. The private suite offers a secluded view of the peak of Mount Otemanu. The coconut palms frame the mountaintop and cast shade over the edges of the lagoon. You find the scent of hibiscus blending with gentle hints of coconut.

Hibiscuses blossom around the lobby of your resort, glistening with pink, yellow, and red petals. The scent of jasmine accompanies the spiced aroma of ginger drifting through your suite in the morning. At breakfast, you notice the sweet fragrance of banana pancakes. During your honeymoon vacation in Bora Bora, you have discovered the enchantment of an overwater bungalow and the reason it has become the symbol of a French Polynesian getaway for 50 years. You have woken up each morning to the idyllic view of the fish swimming in crystal clear water.