Bora Bora

[superdog]

Anyone been? Any thoughts or advice on a trip there?

I just booked one and it is coming up fast.

Debating bringing two watches, but I am not comfortable with that. Likely bringing either my RG VC or my SkyD. I am leaning towards SkyD. Feel very lucky that this is even a thought in my mind. Both are insured. Not asking which watch to bring. Just making a point of it.

I want the best snorkeling I can find. I am also going solo. I figure this is very much a couples place, but I am just fine being alone. I will be bringing a few books with me. I also expect to be asleep early every day. I am not a party guy. That said, I do not mind meeting strangers so if there are any fun spots with opportunity to meet people, I am open to that too.

Planning on a lot of swimming first and foremost. Snorkeling, sleep and exercise are the main points of this trip. This is my first real vacation in over 5 years. It cannot come soon enough.

I am 4 days in Bora Bora and 3 days in La Taha'a. In both, I am staying in a hut over the water. I was going to go for longer, but I think that even this will likely be a lot for a brain that has trouble settling down.

Any thoughts or guidance will be appreciated. I do not particularly like travel. But ever since the India trip for work, I have become a bit more comfortable with it.

Thank you,

[piratfisk]

Never been, but as someone who loves beaches & oceans, you're in for some primo real estate. I, too, have trouble mentally relaxing. I hope you can find a good book or two or have some sort of meditation app. GJ acknowledging that you have the choice to bring two expensive watches to bring. Many locals won't see that much money in their lives.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

Never been, but as someone who loves beaches & oceans, you're in for some primo real estate. I, too, have trouble mentally relaxing. I hope you can find a good book or two or have some sort of meditation app. GJ acknowledging that you have the choice to bring two expensive watches to bring. Many locals won't see that much money in their lives.

thank you brother. appreciate the sentiment.

very exciting. I have heard it lives up to the hype.

[Mountain]

If you can go for longer, I would. I always find this sort of holiday takes a few days to ‘get into’. You’ll take a couple of days to wind down, then you can really relax and enjoy. I would also leave all watches at home; who needs time on a holiday like this? Not being aware of the time is blissfully relaxing…

[brandrea]

I truly hope you enjoy your vacation Seth. Sounds idyllic

[Watchdoyouwant?]

I've been to both. Bora Bora is honestly a bit overrated in my opinion, but still very nice. Depending on where you stay while at Bora Bora, there will be good snorkeling off of your bungalow. Otherwise, you'll need to book a tour, which your resort should be able to do. I'd bet though Taha'a will be 100% couples and and people keeping even more to themselves than on Bora Bora. I thought the snorkeling was better off of Taha'a.

I can't comment on the singles aspect of things as I went with my wife, but from memory, everyone seemed coupled up at least at the Bora Bora resort proper. I'd suspect fewer singles on the barrier island resorts (where we stayed) versus if you go look around on the island. There are bars and restaurants on the island, and while a few looked a bit rougher that you'd expect, I'm sure there is much fun that could be had. Have a good time!

[Watchdoyouwant?]

I assume you are flying into Papeete before transferring to Bora Bora. Often, there's a long transit layover. Papeete is bit of a tourist trap--not because it isn't interesting, but because everyone and their mother will be trying to get you to buy crappy pearls, or an overpriced pearl farm tour, or do an island circle tour by jeep. FYI, if you do the tour, make sure your guide is actually taking you to the waterfalls. Also, if you plan to buy pearls, do some research before so you don't get taken for a ride.

It's an interesting city to walk around in, but it's a real city, both good and bad.

[Blansky]

Looks horrible Seth...... do try and have a good time.

[Dr. Robert]

I’ve been to French Polynesia a few times, it is paradise. You’ll love it.
Just bring one watch.


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[GB-man]

Sounds amazing Seth. Never been, please report back when you return how it went.

[sleddog]

One of my favorite destinations, absolutely love it there!

Just take one watch Seth, no need for two, it’s island time there.
With that said, very safe, no one cares what you’re wearing, and you’ll likely see many others wearing all types of regular, to high end watches.

It is predominantly a couple destination, but don’t let that deter you. Easy enough to strike up a conversation with interesting people, around the pool, on a tour, or at breakfast. Aside from that, most are keeping to themselves….and given your holiday agenda, that would suite just fine.

Tours, there are plenty to chose from, and all can be booked from the hotel, although at a premium! I’d suggest using Expedia for ideas on what interests you the most, then book yourself either directly with the operator, or even through expedias booking process.

Outer reef diving is fantastic. Shark/stingray tours are popular. Underwater scooter tours, or even helmet dive tours are fun.
Not a whole lot on the island itself to do (Bora Bora), but interesting none the less.
Overall a quiet place to go, and unwind. There aren’t many other places as visually stunning as French Polynesia.

Also, if you haven’t already, I’d suggest adding at least a half board package to your hotel booking. This gives you breakfast included, as meals, and drinks, are expensive there. Given you are in the middle of nowhere out the in the Pacific.

Any specific questions, PM me..

Have a great time, I’m jealous!

PS: If you can fit it, take a blow up donut ring and 50 feet of twine, tie it the pier of the overwater bungalow, and just float off your deck with a book, magic!

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by Mountain

If you can go for longer, I would. I always find this sort of holiday takes a few days to ‘get into’. You’ll take a couple of days to wind down, then you can really relax and enjoy. I would also leave all watches at home; who needs time on a holiday like this? Not being aware of the time is blissfully relaxing…

This is very good advise, Seth. We recently got back from a trip to Philly (ran into the guy who runs the Urban Gentry YouTube channel) visiting family. It took a 36hrs just to mentally adjust & that's just the other side of the country. Flying for nearly a day to the middle of no where... I'd want to stay more than a few days. Leaving the watches behind is also a solid choice for someone who is anxious/may have an anxiety disorder. (not an MD, just reading between your lines). You'll have your phone if you need it, but I have found that sometimes looking at a watch to tell the time makes me think about my schedule too much. That can be detrimental on a relaxing vacation. If you feel the need for one, maybe find a $25 Timex in a gift shop that's colorful & brings you joy. It'll be a fun memory whenever you wear it back home.

[Tools]

Yes, I've been there. Pricey, but lots to do if you are adventurous.

P4250104x14.jpg

[crew]

Seth, I heard from your friend on the west coast. He said to tell you: “Take me with you!”

[sambb]

been there, a little overrated but isnt everywhere... beautiful place ... you will be able to relax ... boredom is best handled with a beer ... food is expensive but who cares...

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Mountain

If you can go for longer, I would. I always find this sort of holiday takes a few days to ‘get into’. You’ll take a couple of days to wind down, then you can really relax and enjoy. I would also leave all watches at home; who needs time on a holiday like this? Not being aware of the time is blissfully relaxing…

Great advice. I likely should stay longer. But I’ve historically always wanted to come home.

Who knows. Maybe I’ll call an audible.

Agree on the watch too. But I’ll bring one. I went a long time not wearing one. I’m enjoying it again, and I like that.

Thank you

[superdog]

Originally Posted by sleddog

One of my favorite destinations, absolutely love it there!

Just take one watch Seth, no need for two, it’s island time there.
With that said, very safe, no one cares what you’re wearing, and you’ll likely see many others wearing all types of regular, to high end watches.

It is predominantly a couple destination, but don’t let that deter you. Easy enough to strike up a conversation with interesting people, around the pool, on a tour, or at breakfast. Aside from that, most are keeping to themselves….and given your holiday agenda, that would suite just fine.

Tours, there are plenty to chose from, and all can be booked from the hotel, although at a premium! I’d suggest using Expedia for ideas on what interests you the most, then book yourself either directly with the operator, or even through expedias booking process.

Outer reef diving is fantastic. Shark/stingray tours are popular. Underwater scooter tours, or even helmet dive tours are fun.
Not a whole lot on the island itself to do (Bora Bora), but interesting none the less.
Overall a quiet place to go, and unwind. There aren’t many other places as visually stunning as French Polynesia.

Also, if you haven’t already, I’d suggest adding at least a half board package to your hotel booking. This gives you breakfast included, as meals, and drinks, are expensive there. Given you are in the middle of nowhere out the in the Pacific.

Any specific questions, PM me..

Have a great time, I’m jealous!

PS: If you can fit it, take a blow up donut ring and 50 feet of twine, tie it the pier of the overwater bungalow, and just float off your deck with a book, magic!

Thanks brother. This is all awesome.

I will definitely charter a boat. I don’t much like being stuck. I hate issues. But if I can help it, I don’t want to be on a tour. I’ll likely do a day solo. I want to see the best snorkeling I can. And if I’m going all that way, I’m going to do it.

Great call on the donut too. I’m going to try and do that.

Can’t wait to just relax.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, I've been there. Pricey, but lots to do if you are adventurous.

Attachment 1399815

You are not kidding. The trip is a small fortune. One of the reasons I’m not planning to stay longer.

Great picture.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by sambb

been there, a little overrated but isnt everywhere... beautiful place ... you will be able to relax ... boredom is best handled with a beer ... food is expensive but who cares...

I hear you on all of that.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by crew

Seth, I heard from your friend on the west coast. He said to tell you: “Take me with you!”

Lmao. I can hear it now.

[JasoninDenver]

We stayed near La Tahaa on Vahine Island last year. We had a nice view of Bora Bora about 15 miles away from our bungalow.

Tahaa island itself was worth a day trip and there is an area of the island where the really massive Manta Rays can be seen on a private snorkel tour. The island has a rum distillery and vanilla farm that can be a good diversion on a down day.

We did some fishing within the lagoon but nothing too exciting. We were not close to any areas that blue water charters departed from.

Papeete was nothing too impressive. We had several hours to kill and ended up hanging out at the Sheraton before our flight.

[bondtoys]

You are gonna do a trip to paradise.
I recommend booking a boat (selfdriving) at La Plage and enjoy the laguna for yourself.

Have a good trip!

[Speedbird-1]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, I've been there. Pricey, but lots to do if you are adventurous.

Attachment 1399815

Wow! Beautiful photograph Larry.

[1st amg]

Enjoy the pause my man, well needed for sure. Please let us know how it turned out, never been that way and genuinely curious.

[ecdc]

Yep, been there. Stayed in an overwater bungalow with the see-through floor. 4 days will be plenty. There's basically nothing to do but eat, drink, and watersports. That's by design, and it's a really nice place to do it all. But I got bored.

[DonAltabello]

I have stayed a week at the Conrad in an OWB. It is since then my happy place in this world and can't wait to go back.

It was perfect for relaxing and snorkeling and the remoteness of the place made me relax 100% for the first (and last) time in years. The bungalows at the Conrad were in a perfect location for snorkeling and they have reefs right there. It's almost like diving into an aquarium right from your patio. Very nice and relaxing to float around in a floater with a mojito as well.

Enjoy your trip. It's been 4 years since I was there and think I need to look into going again soon, but not sure if it's a place to bring toddlers unfortunately.

[kieselguhr]

Love Bora Bora! When it comes to relaxing, ocean getaways are our trip of choice. We do prefer the Maldives because the waters are much more tolerable temperature and visibility is crystal on most days. We stay 10+ days when we go but we’re not party types so boredom is never an issue.

You know, the most relaxed I have ever been is when I am underwater. Scuba is great but, free diving was the pinnacle. I wish I was yogi practitioner too, the breathing techniques will help you a lot. The only caveat, you need to go with a partner and preferably one who knows what to do in case of an emergency (i.e. you get too relaxed down there…) when I first started, I would just glide down and get up close to the reef and just admire every detail both visual and auditory. 30 seconds feels like an eternity.

For socializing, I’d wager you would do fine as a single traveler in bora. While I agree there are predominantly couples there, there were also plenty of solo travelers. Not to mention the foreigners and locals that work there who would be interesting to get to know.

We prefer the over water bungalows because of the quick access to the water. Depending on the Resort, that could mean a long walk to dinner. They did have golf carts on call last time we were there but we preferred the long walk

[superdog]

Im in Papeete now. Long day of travel yesterday.

Woke up to a beautiful place. I can see fish while standing on the dock. I depart for bora bora shortly.

While on the flight I wondered if it was worth it. So far, it’s very pretty. But I’m pretty confident I’ll be very happy to be going home.

It’s been a nice adventure thus far.

[BNA/LION]

Dude you are still on your way... You have so much opportunity for new experiences and adventure ahead of you. I can't believe you are even thinking about home. Live each day on the road like it's you last. Home will always be there and the point of traveling is to be away from your reality, see how others live, experience new things/cultures and grow as a person. IMHO Think Out of the box and do some cool shit! Pictures or it didn't happen!

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[Cru Jones]

Enjoy the trip, Seth!! I’m sure it will be amazing.