Ringed by coral reef and crowned by the jagged peak of Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora’s lagoon glows in shades of blue that seem almost unreal. This is the South Pacific at its most romantic, with overwater villas, private motus, and barefoot luxury.

Settle into an overwater villa at a resort such as the Four Seasons Bora Bora or the St. Regis Bora Bora, where a glass floor in your living room reveals tropical fish swimming below and your deck steps straight into the lagoon. Spend your days on a private catamaran cruise, snorkeling alongside blacktip reef sharks and stingrays, and picnicking on a secluded motu with a Polynesian chef grilling the fresh catch. A 4×4 safari climbs into the island’s interior, past WWII-era cannons and ancient marae temples, to viewpoints over the lagoon, while Matira Beach offers soft sand and calm shallows for lazy afternoons. Evenings bring spa treatments inspired by Polynesian traditions, followed by candlelit beach dinners and traditional music and dance under the stars.