WEBVTT 00:00:05.100 --> 00:00:07.100 With overwater bungalows, 00:00:07.100 --> 00:00:09.880 to teeming wildlife and tropical jungle, 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. 00:00:17.600 --> 00:00:20.320 Shimmering in the South Pacific Ocean, 00:00:20.320 --> 00:00:23.500 and sheltered by a pristine lagoon and barrier reef, 00:00:23.500 --> 00:00:28.400 the French Polynesian island group is just a one hour flight from Tahiti. 00:00:35.460 --> 00:00:41.140 Bora Bora has nurtured its inhabitants with a bountiful song since the 3rd century, 00:00:41.140 --> 00:00:45.720 when the earliest Polynesian mariners arrived on these shores. 00:00:47.540 --> 00:00:53.320 In ancient times, the islands were known as “Pora Pora mai te pora”, 00:00:53.320 --> 00:00:56.180 or created by the god, 00:00:56.420 --> 00:01:03.880 today this paradise appears to have been created for just one thing, relaxation. 00:01:12.540 --> 00:01:17.320 Getting to the pearl of the pacific is an adventure in itself. 00:01:17.320 --> 00:01:19.440 Most travelers fly into Tahiti, 00:01:19.440 --> 00:01:23.640 before boarding a small plane for the short flight to Bora Bora. 00:01:26.020 --> 00:01:29.180 Take in the soaring peak of Mount Otemanu, 00:01:29.180 --> 00:01:33.740 whose eruptions lifted the ocean floor into the bright pacific sunlight, 00:01:33.740 --> 00:01:35.920 millions of years ago. 00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:38.960 From Bora Bora Airport, 00:01:38.960 --> 00:01:42.400 take the ferry across the lagoon to the main island 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:46.630 and let your tensions slip away in the wake behind you. 00:01:52.360 --> 00:01:58.160 Step ashore and be welcomed by the happy harmonies of island songs in Vaitape, 00:01:58.160 --> 00:02:00.780 Bora Bora’s largest town. 00:02:02.940 --> 00:02:05.420 Browse the local markets for a snack, 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:09.280 or start collecting treasures like Tahitian pearls or crafts, 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:11.780 lovingly made by locals. 00:02:15.180 --> 00:02:17.860 When you’ve finished exploring Vaitape, 00:02:17.860 --> 00:02:20.760 set sail to your chosen resort. 00:02:24.540 --> 00:02:27.600 With breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu, 00:02:27.600 --> 00:02:30.480 crystal clear waters brimming with life, 00:02:30.480 --> 00:02:34.920 and of course, your very own over-water or beachfront bungalow, 00:02:34.920 --> 00:02:40.652 Le Meridian is a five-star favorite of honeymooners and romantics. 00:02:56.780 --> 00:03:02.640 Another of Bora Bora’s most iconic bungalow hideaways is St Regis Resort. 00:03:12.880 --> 00:03:16.120 After a day exploring the lagoon’s vibrant marine life 00:03:16.120 --> 00:03:18.780 and savoring the island’s fresh flavors, 00:03:18.780 --> 00:03:23.400 unwind in your bungalow, and let the melody of lapping waters beneath, 00:03:23.400 --> 00:03:28.060 lull you into a state of total relaxation. 00:03:32.980 --> 00:03:36.300 Rise to the morning tides and set out on a boat tour 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:40.480 to explore the aquatic abundance of Bora Bora’s lagoon. 00:03:40.480 --> 00:03:46.420 Slip into the sheltered waters to meet friendly rays and black-tipped reef sharks. 00:03:56.280 --> 00:03:59.840 Swap your boat for a bike at Matira Point, 00:03:59.840 --> 00:04:05.590 and explore the cafes, markets and vistas of Bora Bora’s southernmost tip. 00:04:08.460 --> 00:04:12.920 When it’s time to cool off again, park your bike at Matira Beach, 00:04:12.920 --> 00:04:15.840 Bora Bora’s most popular public beach. 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:18.400 Immerse yourself in the refreshing waters, 00:04:18.400 --> 00:04:23.310 or roll out your towel on the sunbaked sands and lounge the afternoon away. 00:04:29.980 --> 00:04:35.280 Nearby, surrender to the luxury of the Sofitel Marara. 00:04:35.280 --> 00:04:41.260 Or follow the scent of frangipani across the lagoon to the Sofitel Motu. 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. 00:04:52.960 --> 00:04:57.980 Don’t just come to experience luxury, take some home. 00:04:57.980 --> 00:05:02.620 At the Bora Pearl Company, dive for your very own Tahitian pearl, 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:08.470 and discover how the island’s lagoon is filled with life, as well as treasures. 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. 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:25.220 Just as those first Polynesians sought new shores and discovered paradise, 00:05:25.220 --> 00:05:27.200 so will you. 00:05:27.200 --> 00:05:29.840 Glistening in the heart of the South Pacific, 00:05:29.840 --> 00:05:34.440 Bora Bora is one of our planet’s rarest pearls.