The couple’s hammock that we were lying on was sensually perched just above the surface of the water in the midst of a crystalline lagoon. Dipping my feet into the refreshingly cool water, I ran my fingers down the garland of Tiare Tahiti flowers around my neck that I had been welcomed with at the St.Regis Bora Bora Resort and inhaled its subtle fragrance. The hammock rocked gently as I absorbed the vista before me. Rarely has an island so embodied an earthly paradise; Mount Otemanu, a dormant volcano rose majestic from the vivid turquoise lagoon while lime green palms fringed the sugar white beaches in the horizon.

Bora Bora certainly is far-flung, belonging to the Society Islands of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Located 230 kilometers northwest of Tahiti, the island is skirted by an outer barrier reef which gives rise to a calm lagoon inviting all sorts of water play.  St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is spread over three islets or motu and spans 44 acres of lush vegetation and landscaping. Its 91 Villas are elegantly designed to encourage blissful island living, whether in the comfort of an overwater villa stilted over the South Seas, or the tranquil seclusion of a beach retreat. 

Our 1,550 square feet villa is the largest standard overwater accommodation in the South Pacific. It features a separate bedroom and lounge adorned with exotic woods and handcrafted Polynesian art. Glass viewing panels pepper the villa floor offering captivating glimpses into the marine scape below. The spacious bathroom appointed in Italian marble showcase both a sunken bathtub and a refreshing rain-shower. A generous terrace with a dining gazebo overlooking Bora Bora's spectacular lagoon completes this tropical symphony. From our terrace, we could step right to the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the ocean and it’s pleasures. We whiled our time over a multitude of aqua-centric activities; kayaking, sailing, paddle boating and paddle boarding on the incredibly flat water. We cycled to the beaches and retreated to the private cabanas at the oasis pool while the staff plied us with sunblock, beach towels and fresh coconuts.

Snorkeling in the naturally filtered lagoonarium located at the Miri Miri spa was especially memorable as it housed a colourful array of tropical fish. The spa itself is located on its own private island and offers a range of therapeutic plant-based Clarins treatments as well as traditional Polynesian massages using Monoi oil. The magnificence and sheer beauty of Bora Bora’s landscape and the its cheerful way of life is what made the 'Pearl of the Pacific' so intertwined with unbridled romanticism. We had the privilege of witnessing a traditional Polynesian wedding on the main beach at sunset, albeit from afar. 

For the discerning couples, St Regis Bora Bora resort’s signature Romance Concierge Service at The Bridal Boutique craft bespoke experiences for all desiring to seal their love. In the last year alone, the team had artfully designed 137 destination weddings on its premises.While the resort offers a variety of dining options,  our culinary highlight was at the exclusive signature restaurant, Lagoon, by  Jean Georges. The French and Asian-infused menu hand crafted by the celebrated Jean-Georges Vongerichten won the 2014 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Under the perfect silhouette of mystic mount Otemanu, we enjoyed our caramelised Foie Gras with pineapple-lemon jam on french brioche followed by rack of lamb with sweet pea as we watched the sharks and puffer fish glide past under our feet beneath the glass floor panels.  Before long we had adopted the Polynesian way of life, we were going to live for the moment and enjoy it.

For reservations, see here.