For many travelers, visiting Bora Bora would be a dream come true. However, it’s not exactly easy to reach, taking over 25 hours from London, more than 18.5 hours from New New York, and nearly 11 from Los Angeles. It can also be very pricey which is probably why even those who put this island nation on their bucket lists don’t actually make it there.
After all, it’s one of the most famous islands in the South Pacific, with a mesmerizing turquoise lagoon and incredible volcanic views. While it’s truly enchanting, fortunately for those who don’t have the money for the high cost of airfare and expensive accommodations, there are other destinations like it.
These beautiful places all provide an excellent alternative. Enjoy a Bora Bora-like fantasy for the ultimate trip at any one of these destinations.
Top 7 Places like Bora Bora
To find spots like Bora Bora, we need to look for islands with raw scenery and unspoiled sandy beaches. Of course, vibrant coral reefs and beautiful lagoons are also a must.
Bora Bora is also known for its friendly locals, fine dining restaurants, and luxurious villas, many of which are over-the-water bungalows. In fact, that’s one of its biggest draws. But those bungalows in Bora Bora can be quite expensive, so we’ll take a look at some of the other appealing alternatives. These are all amazing island destinations for your honeymoon or vacation that will give you that Bora Bora feel without actually being there.
Sandals in Jamaica
A resort chain, Sandals has seven resorts in Jamaica but the most premium suites are available at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
Sandals Royal Caribbean is an adults-only resort in Montego Bay. If you’re looking for a true island adventure, this is where you should be. It offers two over-the-water bungalow options. The most upscale is on a private island and comes with an infinity pool and a butler. The other is a honeymoon bungalow that’s also on a private island. Both have glass floors so it feels like you’re floating on water.
This resort is the closest you’ll get to Bora Bora without actually going there. You’ll be in a cozy nest right atop the water accessed by ferry or on foot by walking across the deck.
The best thing about Sandals resorts is that everything is included in the price you pay. So all you have to do is pay once and enjoy all the unlimited facilities.
In Bora Bora, you would have to book a room and then pay for the food and drinks separately. Not the case at Sandals. Leave the stress over your budget, and everything else, at home. Just book a room with all-inclusive rates and have fun throughout your stay without constantly getting out your wallet. Your food, drinks, water activities, and just about everything else is included in the price.
Sandals South Coast also offers over-the-water bungalows in Jamaica. Be sure to check out that property too. Both resorts offer similar honeymoon villas.
Reethi Beach Resort in Maldives
With clear cobalt waters, stunning beaches, adventurous activities, and idyllic weather, the Maldives is an amazing substitute for Bora Bora. It’s one of the most desirable destinations on the planet, with unique tropical charm, luxury, and elegance.
There are many breathtaking resorts in this island nation and Reethi is one of them. Reethi resort in the Maldives features 30 over-the-water villas. The property sits along a beautiful blue lagoon and offers breathtaking ocean views.
It’s among the few places like Bora Bora as one of the world’s top countries for honeymooning couples. Plus, Reethi Beach is an incredibly tranquil place for making memories of a lifetime.
Stay in a semi-detached villa and find true solace and intimacy with your loved one. The resort is part of a biosphere reserve home to beautiful manta rays too and thriving coral reefs that are part of the Maldives marine ecosystem.
In between all the fun and relaxation, there are 10 bars and eateries to quench your thirst and soothe those hunger pangs.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji
Fiji includes over 300 islands, strung like jewels in the South Pacific. It boasts spectacular coral reefs and rugged landscape. With beautiful shorelines and swaying palm trees, Fiji is the perfect choice for people looking for places like Bora Bora, and prices are lower too.
Fiji boasts crystalline lagoons in surreal shades of blue. Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a popular place to stay complete with over-the-water huts where you’ll be immersed in stunning scenery.
The resort has a raw natural look popular among travelers with traditional Fiji architecture designed to look like a Fijian village. With hand-woven thatched roofs made from natural materials and sprawling ceilings, you’ll experience ancient Fiji’s rich culture in one of the over-the-water bures, or Fijian cottages.
While this resort offers touches of the islands’ ancient heritage, there’s plenty of modern comforts too. Every bure at this resort comes with direct lagoon access. They sit right above the striking coral reef and include private balconies where you can relax and enjoy the views.
These luxurious, exclusive, and private bures will make you feel as if you’re in Bora Bora while being in beautiful Fiji. In addition to the private spaces, there’s a shared lounge area if you want to do some mingling.
El Dorado Resort in Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya in Mexico is popular for its irresistable coastline and alluring resorts. It also has a rich culture, holding the key to Mayan history. Whether you want to visit for the region’s intriguing heritage, mysterious cenotes, or just because you’re looking for places like Bora Bora, this region has a lot to offer.
El Dorado resort is adults-only and it also has over-the-water villas. If you want to wake up with gorgeous turquoise waters beneath you, this is a good property to consider. You can also look forward to a grand finale everyday, enjoying beautiful sunsets as you toast to some of the best days of your life. Unwind on your private deck and watch as the sun goes down filling the sky with brilliant colors. Outdoor showers are included here too, for a particularly romantic and intimate experience with your loved one.
Just like Sandals, El Dorado’s over-the-water villas have glass flooring so you can feel like you’re walking on water. It’s all about authentic Mexican luxury. And, as it’s an adults-only resort, it tends to be mostly frequented by honeymooners.
It might be a bit on the costly side for some travelers, but with the kind of luxuries enjoyed here, the Riviera Maya is beloved by travelers across the globe. So, if budget is not a constraint and you’re looking for places like Bora Bora, this can be a good alternative.
Soneva Jani in Maldives
As we noted earlier on, Maldives is a breathtaking destination that offers coral reefs, extensive lagoons, and incredible natural beauty. It has the quintessential calm, warm azure waters that make swimming especially enjoyable. If you’re looking for places like Bora Bora, Maldives should definitely be among your top choices.
You’ll find Soneva Jani here, offering a wide range of modern amenities. The sparkling blue lagoon is arguably the crown jewel at this resort. You’ll have access to an array of watersports and the variety of signature experiences its known for. There’s even an iconic iconic overwater cinema. It’s a silent cinema enjoyed through Bluetooth headphones.
When it comes to accommodation, there are several over-the-water residences with everything from one to four-bedroom layouts. The master bedrooms in these suites have sliding roofs so you can enjoy enjoy sleeping under the stars. The suites even have waterslides that will plop you straight down into the lagoon.
Azule Paradise Resort in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is in Panama and offers the true Caribbean experience with lush rainforests, untouched beauty, and unique water sports activities. The small-town vibe with life enjoyed slow and easy also adds to the appeal.
Since you’re looking for places like Bora Bora, it is worth mentioning Azule Paradise Resort. It has over-the-water cottages that will help you get into a relaxed mood while enjoying the sounds and sights of the waves with panoramic sea views.
While there are no all-inclusive deals here, the resort does offer a special package for three nights that includes your breakfast.
Bocas del Toro is rich in native flora and fauna and the resort can help you explore it. Wildlife tours are available that bring the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including the always popular sloth in its natural habitat.
The property also offers diving and snorkeling opportunities while fiery sunsets can be enjoyed right from your room, including the over-the-water suites. They have glass-paneled doors that lead to your private terrace. From here, you’ll have a sweeping vista of the crystal-clear blue water.
Six Senses in Vietnam
This Six Senses resort sits on unique rock formations that give it the illusion of being on a remote island. With sandy beaches and dramatic mountains in the backdrop, the raw natural beauty is sure to impress.
When it comes to accommodations, the over-the-water villas have garden terraces or sundecks. They’re nestled on a mountain slope and in between the rocks in the bay, offering famously panoramic sea views.
There are also one and multiple-bedroom villas right on top of the water. Either way, you’ll enjoy plenty of space along with seclusion and intimacy.
The Rock Pool villa is built directly on top of rocks in Ninh Van Bay while the Water Pool villa overlooks the bay’s coral formations.
These villas don’t have striking features like glass floors or sliding rooftops, but they’re built to harmonize with the natural setting for a unique experience that includes all the modern amenities.
There are hilltop and beachfront villas but if you’re looking for a place like Bora Bora, you’ll probably want an over-the-water experience.
How to Have a Luxurious but Affordable Vacation
If you’re looking for places like Bora Bora that can offer luxury while staying within your budget, you’ll be happy to learn that there are many options.
To get the most out of your vacation, try to find accommodation that offers all-inclusive packages. When your food, drinks, and fun activities are all covered in the plan, you don’t even have to think about money once you get there.
Sandals is a popular resort chain renowned for its all-inclusive deals. When you book a room at Sandals, everything you do at the resort will be covered. The brand has several resorts across the Caribbean region. And the best part is that all Sandals resorts have that feel as if you’re in Bora Bora.
Of course, if your heart is set on Bora Bora and you don’t want to go anywhere else, we have a guide to enjoying the best Bora Bora honeymoon.
