“Scarcely a spot on the universe affords a more luxurious prospect.” – Captain James Cook

In ancient times, the local Tahitians called the island “Pora pora mai te pora”, meaning “created by the gods.” Located on the Leeward side of the Society Islands of French Polynesia in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is made up of an eight-square-mile volcanic main island that’s entirely surrounded by sandy palm-covered motus (reef islets). These motus and barrier reef create and protect a perfectly turquoise, crystal-clear lagoon encircling the main island. This warm, calm, and shallow lagoon in the shadow of extinct volcanoes has provided the ideal setting for luxury resorts to thrive and in particular, the creation of overwater bungalows, which have become synonymous with the island.

I had read that once you see Bora Bora, you are forever enamored; The inevitable love affair beginning before your plane even touches down with travelers becoming captivated by the fantasy-like tropical paradise. Throughout my life, I’ve been lucky enough to see some absolutely amazing places in this world, but never have I returned from a trip where it felt so much like I dreamt the entire thing. I know it happened, but my days in Bora Bora genuinely don’t feel real…

With its crystalline waters made up of a million different shades of blue, abundant sea life akin to the best aquariums in the world, and towering dramatic volcanic peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora’s spotlight as one of the most beautiful islands in the world is absolutely warrented.

For me, Bora Bora has now ousted Palawan in the Phillippines as what I thought was “the most beautiful island in the world.” At least only slightly though…