Our 2020 trip to French Polynesia included a stay in Bora Bora. Bora Bora was our second island that we visited (see my post on Tahiti). Our stay on Bora Bora was more rainy than we expected, but was still a magical time.
Accommodations-Motu Ahuna
Motu Ahuna was on my bucket list for years, and it did not disappoint! It is on a private motu (little island) a 10 minute boat ride from the main island of Bora Bora. Peaceful and surrounded by beauty….the traditional bungalow house, beautiful lagoon, with the mountains of Bora Bora as a backdrop. The main cooking and sitting area is in an open air covered bungalow. Next to the living area there are two walled bungalows with a king bed and bathroom in each. The details in the bungalows and around the beach that add character and flavor.
Things to do at Motu Ahuna
Motu Ahuna is a perfect place to do nothing! Bring a book, or there is some reading material available at the villa. The open air living space has comfortable couches to curl up on and look out at the scenery. There are also a couple of docks to sit on, or a gazebo by the water, and some other sitting nooks on the beach.
The water in the lagoon as you step out of the bungalows on Motu Ahuna is beautiful and inviting! I brought a small tube (it was much too small), and it was peaceful to float on the water. We brought our own snorkel gear, although some was also provided, and saw fish and a few rays and beautiful coral.
Motu Ahuna: Introverted Approved!
The introvert in me LOVED the tranquility! Others that are looking to eat out and enjoy night life may not fall in love with Motu Ahuna as I did. Part of what made this so lovely for us could be uncomfortable for others. The island is very isolated and is reached only by a small boat. We did arrange with the caretaker for a trip over to the actual island of Bora Bora for one day.
Although a big splurge as far as what I typically book for accommodations, it was less expensive than the fancy overwater bungalow resorts of Bora Bora. (That being said, I splurged for a few nights in an overwater bungalow on Moorea. Although still expensive, Moorea’s overwater bungalows were less expensive that those in Bora Bora. For more information on where we stayed in Moorea, see my upcoming post).
Motu Ahuna is a definite must in my book and was the highlight of my time in Bora Bora! My only regret was that we only stayed three nights, and I would have liked to have stayed more. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Things to do in Bora Bora
While on the actual island of Bora Bora, I had a few activities I wanted to experience: Bike around the island; eat at Bloody Mary’s; visit Matira Beach; and dive for pearls at The Farm.
Biking around Bora Bora
First on my list was rent a bike (approximately $15 per person for a day), and bike around the island. The island is 32 kilometers (approximately 20 miles) around. We were assured it was fairly flat with only two hills, one of which we might need to push the bikes up (that was true). Overall it was an easy ride, however it rained almost the whole time. If the weather is rainy, skip the biking, otherwise it would be a great way to see the island.
Bloody Mary’s
The next think on my list was eat at the famous and iconic “Bloody Mary’s” restaurant. I was disappointed to find once we arrived that the restaurant was not open. When I googled it, it said it opened everyday from 10:00am-11:00pm. When I talked with a local, they said it only opened three days a week. The hours may have been limited due to fewer tourist due to COVID-19.
Matira Beach
After leaving our disappointing stop at Bloody Mary’s, we rode our bikes back to Matira Beach. We ate at a little roadside food truck that had amazing baguettes! Also, fortunately for us the rain stopped and the sun came out. It is true, that the turquoise water and white sand is amazing. We snorkeled out to where the water got deeper, and it was an amazing clear royal blue. The benefit of traveling right after French Polynesia opened after COVID, is that there was basically only one other family on the entire beach! Although I think the beach was beautiful, I think that there are other beaches where the sand is nearly as white, and the water just as turquoise. I personally preferred our smaller beach on Motu Ahuna.
Dive for Pearls at The Farm
The last thing on my list to do in Bora Bora was to visit “The Farm” where we could dive for pearls. Our VRBO host, prior to our boat ride over to Bora Bora, told us “The Farm” had closed. Bummer.
Overall Impressions
Personally, I would go back to Motu Ahuna in a heart beat! My overall opinion is that Bora Bora (or one of the surrounding motus) is a wonderful place for relaxing and taking in the scenery. To be honest, I think Bora Bora is a little over-rated. The beaches on Bora Bora’s surrounding motus rival Matira beach, especially those that have the mountains of Bora Bora as the backdrop. I think that water activities on Moorea surpass those on Bora Bora. Should you go? Check out my Bora Bora video and see for yourself!
Read about our next stop on Moorea!