Luxtripper Travel Editor
Find out whether you should visit Bora Bora or the Maldives.
If flight time is important, then this is something to consider when deciding if the Maldives or Bora Bora is for you. Situated in the Indian Ocean, it takes approximately 10 hours by direct flight to get to the Maldives from the UK, with layovers in Dubai offering you the chance to combine your trip.
On the other hand, Bora Bora takes over a day of travel from the UK; located almost in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean between Australia and South America, Bora Bora is not a destination for those who aren't keen on spending long periods in the air. Although you can break up your flight with stopovers in Los Angeles or San Francisco, for those who are looking for a shorter flight time, the Maldives is a better choice.
Resort Recommendations
Bora Bora: Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The Maldives: Soneva Jani
Bora Bora and the Maldives are renowned for their luxury resorts, boasting bespoke service, beautiful accommodation, and state-of-the-art facilities. The resorts in both of these destinations are designed to take care of everything you could possibly need during your stay, the idea being that you should never need to set foot outside of your resort.
If you are someone, however, who likes to explore beyond the resort, then the Maldives probably isn't the right destination for you. Whilst some resorts in the Maldives offer visits to local islands, for the most part your holiday will be spent on the resort's island. Bora Bora, on the other hand, offers a chance to see more than the resort; you can hike Mount Otemanu, visit the shops of Vaitape, and dine at the famous restaurant Bloody Mary's. What's more, you can combine your holiday with other islands in French Polynesia (such as Tahiti, Moorea, and Tahaa), to get more of a cultural experience. If you're looking for an all inclusive experience, however, then the Maldives is a better option, as most resorts in Bora Bora offer bed and breakfast only.
It is no surprise that the beaches in both Bora Bora and the Maldives are spectacular. The white sands and crystal-clear lagoons are exquisite in each location, though bear in mind that some resorts in the Maldives are built on artificial islands so they may not have as much lush foliage as ones that are more established. Scuba diving and other watersports are widely available in both destinations, so it really comes down to whether you want to visit the Indian Ocean or the South Pacific. Although Bora Bora has a variety of beautiful beaches to visit, including the iconic Matira Beach, you'll be surprised to discover that some of the resorts in the Maldives also have several beaches on their islands; One&Only Reethi Rah has 12!
Choosing between the Maldives and Bora Bora for scenery is definitely a tough decision. While the water is incredible in both, the atolls in the Maldives really do have to be seen to be believed; photos just don’t do it justice. However, Bora Bora has a stunning backdrop of Mount Otemanu which gradually give way to the glorious beaches, so once again its very much personal choice as to which you prefer. If you're looking for a lush, tropical island landscape, then definitely choose Bora Bora; for sandbanks and secluded luxury, then the Maldives is ideal.
If you'd love to visit the Maldives or Bora Bora then get in touch with one of our luxury travel specialists who can start planning your tailor-made holiday.