SIX18 TRAVEL

The small island of Bora Bora (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises at its center and fans out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James A. Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The views of Bora Bora's vibrant blues and greens seen from above as you fly into Bora Bora's outer island airport make it worth visiting alone. The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it the "Pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and a laid-back way of life.

And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (islands) is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel with manta rays, scuba dive along coral reefs, explore the boutiques and markets in Vaitape (Bora Bora's main port), hike Mount Pahia and watch the sunset from the deck of your overwater bungalow. But there's a catch: Bora Bora is expensive – very expensive. In short, visit Bora Bora for natural beauty, visit for utter relaxation and visit if you have the money.