The
ranking notes, “The very definition of a tropical
getaway, blissful Bora
Bora abounds with luxuriousresorts,
sunny skies, warm waters, and friendly locals.”
U.S.
News & World Report prefaces the rankings by asking, “What is
it about an island that immediately invokes a daydream? That feeling
of seclusion, for sure, but also those sprawling beaches, those
rolling waves, and those untouched pockets of wilderness. For an
island to be considered one of the "best," it must have
that je ne sais quoi—that magical spark. The islands listed here
boast a little extra something that keeps travelers enchanted.”
Bora
Bora, known as the “The Romantic Island,” is often called the
most beautiful island in the world. The tiny island – just 18 miles
in circumference – is encircled by a protective necklace of coral.
Lush mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the indescribable
turquoise, lapis andaquamarine of
the sheltered lagoon.
Arriving
by air is a unique experience, landing on the airstrip that was built
by U.S. troops during World War II. The runway is on a motu (small
islet), and visitors must travel by boat to reach the main island.
It’s no surprise that most of the island’s activities center in
and around Bora Bora’s spectacular lagoon.
The
popular shark-feeding excursion puts visitors in
the water and within safe view of reef sharks as
they’re being fed by guides. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the
Lagoonarium, a marine exhibit in the lagoon where the adventurous can
swim with sting rays, manta rays, huge sea turtles and reef
sharks. Bora Bora is home to
world-class resorts and quaint French-inspired restaurants,
and is known for its jet-setting celebrity visitors who relax
anonymously on its secluded beaches.
Easier
to travel than often imagined, Tahiti is eight hours by air from Los
Angeles with daily nonstop flights.
Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side
of the International Date
Line as
North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii. There are a total
of 118 islands and atolls that comprise this beautiful South Pacific
country. Tahiti’s varied landscape ranges
from just-above sea level coral
atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Tahiti is renowned for warm
waters, white-sand beaches and stunning turquoise lagoons.