Many Brits love the thought of escaping the UK for warmer climes come the summer months.
But with absolutely sweltering heat gripping many of our favourite European holiday spots, some holidaymakers are turning their back on the most popular destinations for somewhere a bit less baking.
Bora Bora is one such location – a paradise location famous for its simply stunning white beaches and glistening blue seas.
Just last week Spanish authorities issued weather warnings for multiple areas as Europe continues to face scorching heat from an African 44C weatherfront. Bora Bora – an island group in the Leeward Islands in the South Pacific – however, is currently a much more bearable 27C.
Despite a tiny size of just 12 square miles, there is still plenty to do for visitors from 4×4 safaris to diving in a natural underwater park among fish and corals.
The Islands of Tahiti tourism website explains more about the dream destination.
It says: “A 50-minute flight from Tahiti takes you to the jewel of French Polynesia, Bora Bora, the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’.
“Beautiful, white sandy beaches and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon, ringed with a multitude of small palm covered motu, provide the setting for a truly unforgettable experience.
“You can enjoy all kinds of watersports, from kayaking to scuba diving, or you can simply relax in the warm sun and gentle breeze on the magnificent Matira beach, with the hibiscus-covered slopes of Mount Otemanu rising majestically in the background.”
And, it seems, that travel bloggers agree with the promotional hype.
Jyo Shankar, who runs jyoshankar.com, said: “Bora Bora was everything I had imagined and more! It completely exceeded my expectations in every way.
“This idyllic South Pacific gem is an epitome of a luxurious island escape and is well known for it gorgeous views of the mountains, crystal clear lagoon, overwater villas and incredible marine life.”
Keith Jenkins, who runs, velvetescape.com called it a “little piece of heaven.”
He said: “When I arrived in Bora Bora, an island located northwest of Tahiti, I guess the excitement of being here combined with the baffling beauty of this place made me a bit teary-eyed.”
He added: “Bora Bora is everything I thought it would be… and more. I’ve seen pictures of it in countless publications, documentaries and travel programmes but it’s not till you’re actually here that you begin to fathom just how magical this place is.
“I mean, I’ve been to many places around the world that have similar surroundings but Bora Bora just has, let’s call it, the ‘X-factor’.”
