Even the most prepared visitors get stunned by Bora Bora’s beauty. Its sugar-white beaches, lapped by turquoise lagoons and overwater bungalows at the backdrop of lush hills, are as unique as local culture and traditions.
The jewel of the islands of Tahiti is always in high demand. Fortunately, mother nature wasn’t gracious only once. These four places can replace Bora Bora on your bucket list.
Seychelles
The archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean is a dream of many. Beaches are awesome (duh)! But if you can drag yourself away, a whole different world of tropical jungles and granite boulders awaits.
Hiking options are more than what Bora Bora’s twin peaks can afford. Seychelles is home to diverse wildlife and coral gardens. Diving is super-fun here, with Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue as well-known spots in the inner group. They also boast the world-famous beaches of Beau Vallon, Anse Lazio, and Anse Source d’Argent.
Mauritius
Mauritius is another Indian Ocean fantasy. It’s a good alternative to Bora Bora for honeymooners. You can soak up the sun at private beach resorts. Constance Le Prince Maurice is the only one with overwater villas.
The West Coast shares spectacular views of the lagoon rim – teeming with exotic dolphins, whales, lobsters, and tortoises with adventurous activities by the sea. A rich cultural depth accents many historical sites, botanical gardens, and natural wonders beyond the gates of luxury villas. Creole cuisine is at its best in Mauritius.
Fiji
Made up of over 300 islands and atolls, fabulous Fiji has something for everyone – whether you’re eyeing a no-expenses-spared luxury vacation or a backpacker’s no-frill-island-hopping. A flight to this heaven takes just ten hours from LA or San Francisco.
Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and the island groups of Yasawa and Mamancua are popular stops. The island reflects the original South Pacific lifestyle with Kava ceremonies and Bula greetings. Feed your IG followers with photos of only-in-Fiji encounters. River rafting, waterfall hunting, and swimming with manta rays are a few things to do here.
Maldives
The Maldives is among a handful of seafront serenity havens to excel in above-the-water accommodations. You can dive with sharks here much like Bora Bora. Famed for R&R vacations, a single resort on each island offers secluded stays to its guests. Restaurants of these hotels are the UN of global delicacies and home to Michelin-starred chefs.
After the world’s first underwater restaurant, the country now also hosts an underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi. So what excites you – sleeping with waves under your bed or being pampered with colorful fish shoals?
Where are you goin’? Flip a coin!
Bora Bora is hard to replace. But believe it or not, I actually enjoyed Fiji far more. Fiji has been the highlight of my travel escapades. Sometimes, other places can be more accessible, affordable, and equally adorable. It’s not a good idea to put off making travel plans. Pursue your beach spirit.