Hotel Bora Bora on the French Polynesian island of Bora Bora originally opened in 1961 at pristine Point Raititi. It was acquired by Amanresorts in 1989 and features overwater bungalows, diving and cruising.

Hotel Bora Bora sits on the edge of a turquoise lagoon nestled beneath the lush green volcanic peaks of Mount Otemanu. There are three beaches and a barrier reef offering a variety of colorful marine life.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Bora Bora’s 54 Polynesian-style bungalows and farés (the Tahitian term for home) are linked to the resort’s public areas by walkways. These individual air-conditioned accommodations enjoy a variety of settings, from garden view and beachfront to overwater locations. Whether bungalows or farés, the rooms at Hotel Bora Bora take on the eclectic taste of an old trader’s house – rattan and bamboo, Tasmanian oak floors, red-cedar walls, ceilings of pandanus lashed to beams of Douglas fir, cast-iron tubs, overhead fans, CD players and personal safes. Interiors also include a collection of Polynesian craft, from canoe paddles to fish-hooks.

FOOD AND DINING
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the Matira Terrace Restaurant which overlooks the lagoon. At the breezy Matira Terrace Bar, tables are built from monkey-pod trees while the roof is of pandanus thatching. A light menu and tropical refreshments are available here as well as afternoon tea. Lunch and refreshments can also be taken at the Pofai Beach Bar.

EXPERIENCE
Hotel Bora Bora offers an extensive range of water-based experiences from snorkeling and diving in some of the Pacific’s clearest waters to sailing, fishing and leisurely sea canoeing to explore isolated islands armed with nothing more than a paddle and a picnic lunch.

SNORKELING AND DIVING
Some of the island’s best snorkeling is just a few steps into the encircling lagoon and the resort’s three beaches offer a continuous parade of tropical fish. Scuba diving, with full equipment and lessons, is available for both beginners and certified divers. A number of dive sites are easily accessible within the lagoon and beyond the barrier reef.

SAILING AND OUTRIGGERS
Hotel Bora Bora offers half-day or full-day sailing excursions to neighboring islands in the Leeward group aboard a 15-metre sport-fishing catamaran. Sea-going charters of up to three days are available, as are regular sunset cruises. Guests may also take the newly restored pirogues ŕ voile (Tahitian sailing canoes) out into the lagoon. These classic outriggers are made from hollowed-out tree trunks.

FISHING
Fishing is a popular pastime, both within the lagoon and out in deeper blue water. Close to home, guests could troll for blue and silver trevally using light tackle or try their hand at saltwater fly-fishing. Deep sea hauls can range from tuna and Wahoo to marlin and mahi-mahi.