Imagine your next romantic getaway: waking up in a picturesque, private overwater bungalow with crystal clear ocean under your front door and looking out to the pristine, white sand beaches in the distance, the luscious, green island waiting for your next adventure among the mountains. If you’re looking for the perfect romantic honeymoon, the French Polynesian islands have everything you could want.
The top contenders for honeymoons and romantic travel are Mo'orea and Bora Bora. Both islands have luxury bungalows on the water, access to car rentals for island excursions, and all of the water activities you can think of.
When we call to have your initial consultation, we ask lots of questions to help us best accommodate you, and they are especially important when deciding between these two island getaways. How long do you want to honeymoon? What does romantic relaxation look like for you both? What activities do you enjoy doing together? Think of these questions as we give you the benefits of honeymooning on each island.
Mo'orea: Adventure On and Off the Water
Mo'orea is faster to get to from Tahiti by ferry (about 30 minutes) or flight (about 10 minutes). Once you land, you’ll be able to drive or have a driver take you to your destination. You'll notice this heart-shaped island's exquisite eight peaks rising out of the turquoise lagoon. Despite the island's remote looks, there is more society here and you can still get a sense of the community and culture on the island.
If you love adventure and an active lifestyle, you will enjoy the plethora lot land activities here: ATV excursions around the volcano, hikes of the lush peaks of the island, and tours of local vanilla farms. Additionally, Mo'orea has a paved bike path around the island (37 miles total) - so you can rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride of the gorgeous island and surrounding blue waters.
While both Mo'orea and Bora Bora have a multitude of water activities and excursions, there are a couple of geographical things to consider for both islands. On Mo'orea, snorkeling from shore is pretty accessible. The island itself is surrounded by a shallow coral reef, offering plenty of wildlife to experience either from shore or right off of the water from your stay. Mo'orea is also known for its Humpback Whale Season from July- October. A guided tour is a must to observe these majestic creatures in clear waters.
Bora Bora: Iconic Views and Secluded Resorts
Bora Bora is a flight away from the main island of Tahiti. A driver is highly recommended from there, as the island of Bora Bora is more like a collection of islets. A driver can take you right to your destination or bring you to a boat that will take you to your private oasis.
Again, the geography of this island matters for the type of stay you will have. The islets, or motus, offer plenty of options for private and secluded stays. This makes it easiest to get around on water - by boat, kayak, or canoe. This is perfect because the shallow waters around the motus are crystal clear and hardly disturbed by wildlife until you get to deeper waters. With less land for society, Bora Bora really is a resort destination. So while you will find less cultural activities, there are a variety of choices in luxury resorts and hotels that are bungalow style - on the water or waterfront.
Motus make up most of Bora Bora the water becoming almost a part of the island itself - making the water activities and excursions accessible. Boat excursions to deeper waters are necessary for snorkeling, and there are some water activities you've probably never thought of - like a canoe breakfast privately “shipped” to the side of your bungalow for you to enjoy on the water. Renting a jetski is another great way to hop from one motu to another and a joyful way to explore the waters together.
Mo'orea vs. Bora Bora: Honeymoon of Your Preference
There is no wrong answer in this debate. If you're imagining perfect island views for the romantic getaway of your honeymoon dreams, French Polynesia is the right place. Mo'orea and Bora Bora are known for their romance travel, and each have their own benefits that may sway you one way or another. Ultimately, you know your preferences as a couple. Vacations by Jillian can guide you to what is your best fit based on those preferences, or help you plan a trip with the best of both islands' offerings!
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