1 00:00:05,100 --> 00:00:07,100 With overwater bungalows, 2 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:09,880 to teeming wildlife and tropical jungle, 3 00:00:09,880 --> 00:00:17,600 Bora Bora’s reputation for idyllic getaways has been carried on the tides to all corners of the globe. 4 00:00:17,600 --> 00:00:20,320 Shimmering in the South Pacific Ocean, 5 00:00:20,320 --> 00:00:23,500 and sheltered by a pristine lagoon and barrier reef, 6 00:00:23,500 --> 00:00:28,400 the French Polynesian island group is just a one hour flight from Tahiti. 7 00:00:35,460 --> 00:00:41,140 Bora Bora has nurtured its inhabitants with a bountiful song since the 3rd century, 8 00:00:41,140 --> 00:00:45,720 when the earliest Polynesian mariners arrived on these shores. 9 00:00:47,540 --> 00:00:53,320 In ancient times, the islands were known as “Pora Pora mai te pora”, 10 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:56,180 or created by the god, 11 00:00:56,420 --> 00:01:03,880 today this paradise appears to have been created for just one thing, relaxation. 12 00:01:12,540 --> 00:01:17,320 Getting to the pearl of the pacific is an adventure in itself. 13 00:01:17,320 --> 00:01:19,440 Most travelers fly into Tahiti, 14 00:01:19,440 --> 00:01:23,640 before boarding a small plane for the short flight to Bora Bora. 15 00:01:26,020 --> 00:01:29,180 Take in the soaring peak of Mount Otemanu, 16 00:01:29,180 --> 00:01:33,740 whose eruptions lifted the ocean floor into the bright pacific sunlight, 17 00:01:33,740 --> 00:01:35,920 millions of years ago. 18 00:01:37,120 --> 00:01:38,960 From Bora Bora Airport, 19 00:01:38,960 --> 00:01:42,400 take the ferry across the lagoon to the main island 20 00:01:42,400 --> 00:01:46,630 and let your tensions slip away in the wake behind you. 21 00:01:52,360 --> 00:01:58,160 Step ashore and be welcomed by the happy harmonies of island songs in Vaitape, 22 00:01:58,160 --> 00:02:00,780 Bora Bora’s largest town. 23 00:02:02,940 --> 00:02:05,420 Browse the local markets for a snack, 24 00:02:05,420 --> 00:02:09,280 or start collecting treasures like Tahitian pearls or crafts, 25 00:02:09,280 --> 00:02:11,780 lovingly made by locals. 26 00:02:15,180 --> 00:02:17,860 When you’ve finished exploring Vaitape, 27 00:02:17,860 --> 00:02:20,760 set sail to your chosen resort. 28 00:02:24,540 --> 00:02:27,600 With breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu, 29 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:30,480 crystal clear waters brimming with life, 30 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:34,920 and of course, your very own over-water or beachfront bungalow, 31 00:02:34,920 --> 00:02:40,652 Le Meridian is a five-star favorite of honeymooners and romantics. 32 00:02:56,780 --> 00:03:02,640 Another of Bora Bora’s most iconic bungalow hideaways is St Regis Resort. 33 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:16,120 After a day exploring the lagoon’s vibrant marine life 34 00:03:16,120 --> 00:03:18,780 and savoring the island’s fresh flavors, 35 00:03:18,780 --> 00:03:23,400 unwind in your bungalow, and let the melody of lapping waters beneath, 36 00:03:23,400 --> 00:03:28,060 lull you into a state of total relaxation. 37 00:03:32,980 --> 00:03:36,300 Rise to the morning tides and set out on a boat tour 38 00:03:36,300 --> 00:03:40,480 to explore the aquatic abundance of Bora Bora’s lagoon. 39 00:03:40,480 --> 00:03:46,420 Slip into the sheltered waters to meet friendly rays and black-tipped reef sharks. 40 00:03:56,280 --> 00:03:59,840 Swap your boat for a bike at Matira Point, 41 00:03:59,840 --> 00:04:05,590 and explore the cafes, markets and vistas of Bora Bora’s southernmost tip. 42 00:04:08,460 --> 00:04:12,920 When it’s time to cool off again, park your bike at Matira Beach, 43 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:15,840 Bora Bora’s most popular public beach. 44 00:04:15,840 --> 00:04:18,400 Immerse yourself in the refreshing waters, 45 00:04:18,400 --> 00:04:23,310 or roll out your towel on the sunbaked sands and lounge the afternoon away. 46 00:04:29,980 --> 00:04:35,280 Nearby, surrender to the luxury of the Sofitel Marara. 47 00:04:35,280 --> 00:04:41,260 Or follow the scent of frangipani across the lagoon to the Sofitel Motu. 48 00:04:41,260 --> 00:04:48,300 This private resort island is the shimmering jewel of one of the world’s most lavish hotel groups. 49 00:04:52,960 --> 00:04:57,980 Don’t just come to experience luxury, take some home. 50 00:04:57,980 --> 00:05:02,620 At the Bora Pearl Company, dive for your very own Tahitian pearl, 51 00:05:02,620 --> 00:05:08,470 and discover how the island’s lagoon is filled with life, as well as treasures. 52 00:05:12,860 --> 00:05:20,420 Bora Bora has been serenading faraway dreamers with its sweet ocean songs since the dawn of travel. 53 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:25,220 Just as those first Polynesians sought new shores and discovered paradise, 54 00:05:25,220 --> 00:05:27,200 so will you. 55 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:29,840 Glistening in the heart of the South Pacific, 56 00:05:29,840 --> 00:05:34,440 Bora Bora is one of our planet’s rarest pearls.