CONRAD BORA BORA NUI, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Perhaps no other South Pacific isle holds the allure of Bora Bora. Thanks to its green Mount Otemanu towering over a lagoon encircled by motu, or islets, it’s the closest counterpart to the mythical Bali Hai of “South Pacific.” Now one of Bora Bora’s first overwater bungalow resorts has re-emerged after a 15-month transformation with a new luxury brand and new reasons to “come away, come away,” as the song goes. The setting: Your own “special island” — a private cove on Motu Toopua, with a white sandy beach and coral reefs below a forested hill. The appeal: Oversize French Polynesian fantasy with a touch of adventure. It would be easy to lounge away the days in one of the 86 contemporary, view-enhancing, overwater bungalows (1,240 square feet and up) or the 28 nearly as roomy beach and garden villas. Other on-site attractions include a large infinity pool, hilltop Hina Spa, and six restaurants and lounges (three times as many as the former Hilton). Yet the resort encourages exploration, via free water activities on the lagoon, chartered boat rides to secret swimming spots, guided inland hikes and other culture-based excursions. Insider’s tips: Book a picnic lunch or candlelit dinner for two on the Conrad’s private islet of Motu Tapu. On the main isle, the Musee de Marine offers an exquisite collection of model ships, from traditional outrigger canoes to the HMS Bounty and KonTiki. And though Bora Bora may seem like Honeymoon Central, families will appreciate the mini golf course, daily glass-boat rides and brand-new Kids Club. Good to know: Book the hotel’s private boat for the fastest route from Bora Bora’s airport motu, a 20-minute ride from the resort ($125 per person, round trip). Rates drop in the off-peak season November-April, when temperatures rise a few degrees and chances of a rainstorm increase; the best values are in the spacious garden villas, which have a lagoon view from their decks. Details: BP 502 Vaitape, Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (011) 689 40 603 300, www.boraboranui.conradhotels.com. From $1,252 peak, $962 off-peak; consult travel agent for air/hotel packages with lower rates.