August 2004
(Map of region) After a brief stay on Rarotonga (Cook Islands) where we did a sport-fishing excursion, we spent a week on Bora Bora scuba diving every day and horseback riding. We then flew by helicopter to a motu of an adjacent island (Taha'a). There we spent a week reading and doing the odd activity like a vigorous hike through the tropical jungle (and rope climb) up to see a magnificent waterfall on Raiatea. (More trip details below.)
(Map of Tahiti) On Bora Bora we stayed in a deep overwater bungalow at Hotel Bora Bora. The location was lovely, and the OWB afforded spectacular snorkeling right at the base of the bungalow, as it was situated on the coral reef. Beautiful bright reef fish and sea turtles were right off the stairs of the bungalow. The scuba diving was exciting -- with shark feeding (lemon sharks and black-tipped sharks) at the bottom of the ocean. We also did a dive outside the lagoon where we saw barracuda and jack fish in a 100 ft high column lined up vertically, and more sharks. On a manta ray dive we saw about five of them 2-3 m long -- otherworldly creatures looming out of the depths.
We then transferred by helicopter to the nearby motu containing Le Taha'a Resort. Our OWB faced Bora Bora and was a really magnificent shelter. The lagoon there is quite shallow and a stunning color, but had far fewer reef fish.
We found the service to be more even and polished at Le Taha'a, and the facilities more comprehensive (an infinity pool and fantastic spa where we had several massages). However, the classic HBB feels more intimate and private, and has an unparalleled setting as it was the first resort on Bora Bora.
