Bora Bora, The Diamond of the South Pacific - Guest Post by Mike Jacobs

For years, we had viewed the travel magazines and read the descriptions of French Polynesia. Having traveled extensively throughout the world, it was time to see first-hand what the travel writers and the early world explorers raved about. Our trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora turned out to be everything we expected and more. The flawless trip was arranged by Judy Schwartz after thoroughly investigating numerous travel agents geared toward a luxury travel experience.

If you are flying from the East Coast, I highly recommend a layover in LA coming and going for one night each direction to make the trip easier. That made a world of difference and was definitely worth the added expense. The Air Tahiti Nui flight from LAX to Papeete was flawless and took 8 ½ hours. We were greeted at the airport and taken to a private limousine to spend the first night at the Intercontinental Hotel minutes from the airport. Word of caution:  the airport in Papeete is not air conditioned and is very humid/hot. Mosquitoes are bountiful. I recommend that you use Deep Woods Off wipes before landing on your arms, neck and legs, or a 100% DEET spray. 

Following a wonderful (but short) evening at the Intercontinental, we grabbed an early breakfast and headed back to the airport for the short flight to Bora Bora on a 50-passenger prop plane. Take your camera and try to sit on the left hand side of the plane.  You won’t be disappointed in the stellar views since the plane flies very low for the entire trip. You will get some outstanding photos. 

Our resort, the Four Seasons, was located about 15 minutes from the Bora Bora airport.  The FS staff greeted us and took us to the resort for what was truly the most remarkable property I have encountered in the world. We were taken to our room by the staff (via golf cart) and the room was spotless. Everything was top-shelf and it was worth the extra money we paid for the plunge pool on our deck. We spent at least half the time on the deck and near the plunge pool.  The service at the hotel was impeccable.

Would we go again? Yes. If you are looking for night-life, this is not the place to go. If you  are looking to de-stress, relax, read and enjoy the most beautiful, unspoiled water in the world, race to book a trip to this fantastic island.  It is an experience that we will never forget.