Bora Bora Bound

March 28, 2022

Written By: Susan Bowlby-Benson

Time really does slow down in this idyllic location where the sky and the water blend together in an array of blues that I have never encountered in nature before. With the island being surrounded by a lagoon, it really is an ideal snorkel location for swimmers of all levels. Even if you are not a strong ocean swimmer the water off of Bora Bora is calm enough to snorkel without a strong current. The resort has a resident marine biologist who collaborates with the Manta Trust to study & protect manta rays in the area. I highly recommend scheduling a tour to go diving with them to swim among these majestic creatures. No need to weigh your bags down with sunscreen when visiting The Conrad Bora Bora Nui. The hotel provides guests with reef-safe sunscreen to use while staying on property. The staff at the Conrad were the most generous and happy resort employees I have ever encountered. Every single employee I encountered made me feel welcome and special.

Bora Bora Bound: Day 1

As I write this I have been awake for almost 36 hours straight, had to pass 2 COVID tests, took 3 flights and a boat to reach the property, but it was worth it. This place is heaven. And to think, I am working right now.

Bora Bora Bound: Day 2

Started out the day collecting seashells on the beach for my son (stay tuned for the adventures of Bluey...his stuffed sea turtle who accompanied Mom to French Polynesia). Then we set out for our snorkle extravaganza where we first got up close in personal with black tip sharks and eagle rays, then we visited a 5 meter wide manta ray named Lucy who took my breath away. And finally we swam through a coral garden. We were then escorted to our own private motu (Motu Tapu) for lunch. Later in the day we toured the property and even tested out the golf simulator on property. We rounded out the evening with dinner in Iriatai Restaurant with the Food and Beverage manager for an amazing feast (I tried the Lagoon Fish which was Parrotfish with a vanilla coconut risotto.) C'est magnifique. Just another amazing day in paradise!

Bora Bora Bound: Day 3

Up for today, more snorkling with a Marine Biologist from Manta Trust. Alice was amazing and we saw several huge mantas and then we saw a group of about 30+ eagle rays. It was just an amazing experience swimming with these beautiful creatures. Our boat captain, Ruma, was amazing again serenading us once again on our tour (note: every Tahitian that we have encountered has been so welcoming...they really are amazing). A late afternoon massage rounded out the day before dinner, and after dinner the resort set up a telescope on one of our decks, so our group could do a little star gazing. What a great last night on property.

Bora Bora Bound: Day 4

Even though it was my last morning at Conrad Bora Bora Nui it started out on a high note with a rainbow from mother nature. Our group headed into Vaitape to look around and happened to meet the owner of St James Bora Bora restaurant who took the time to show us around his restaurant as well as his wine shop and brasserie. Then we were off to catch our flight back to Papeete. It's sad that this trip is coming to an end tomorrow, but Tahiti is definitely on my return list...next time with my whole family.