Around the World in 21 Days-Part 17

Early Morning Light on our Final Day at the

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Sunrise in Bora Bora



Morning light on the bungalows



Around the World in 21 Days-Part 16

Decorative Stone lizard at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Snorkeling Day 2

I had so much fun yesterday that I decided to return today for more snorkeling. Again, we had a morning of great fun. 

Am I spotting the ray, or is the ray spotting me?

More of the fascinating rays




Almost a human face



Lunch

 

 The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Attention to detail: Hibiscus flowers line the path to the spa



My spa experience began with some relaxation, a steam and a hot tub!

Steam Room

After I was sufficiently mellowed by steam, I went to the relaxation room to await my therapist



Amazing decorative wood adds to the general ambiance




Janet Bass

As Moeana lead me back after my great treatment I noticed the path was lined with magnificent hibiscus flowers. What detail!!! Sent from my iPad

3:38 AM

Moeana provided a great treatment, which began with a foot cleaning and ended with a scrub and massage. 

Just look at the view I had while lying on the treatment table! Sleep or watch the activity below?

We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow as we head off to Australia. I'm sad to be leaving Bora Bora, but will return to this incredible place, which has been called the most beautiful island in the world.

Around the World in 21 Days-Part 15

What a day on the water!

Morning rainfall over Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia



We left on our snorkeling adventure at 9:30 a.m. local time in the rain, but the rain didn't last for long or spoil our moods. We were ready to get wet! There were 8 to 10 people in each boat, and three boats headed out.

Plays, sings and drives all at the same time

At our first stop we interacted with rays in water so shallow that we could stand as at least ten rays circled us. Often they would slide over our feet. One had very large barbs that the guide snapped off using his snorkel.  Interestingly, rays are very soft to the touch. The one the guide picked up is pregnant! Really cool.


Big Ray



Rand feeling the soft skin of the ray

Dangerous looking barb

Pregnant Ray



Barb removal

Our next stop was a coral reef where we encountered a huge Moray eel. The guides 'kissed' and patted it. Clearly these guys return to this same spot daily, and have developed a friendly relationship with the fish - but an eel! It was crazy. The most unusual species that we saw on the reef were colorful clams, which I had never seen before. Electric blue, green and more!



Large Moray eel

Stunningly-coloured Clam

At our final stop, sharks! Both lemon sharks (10 - 12 feet long), and the somewhat smaller black tipped sharks ( 3 - 5 feet in length), circled the boat and divers. I definitely stayed out of the way as they were being fed. Would you believe the guides held the large sharks' fins and swam with them? This extraordinary day can only be adequately described in photographs.

This one looks a little sinister



David, up-close and personal with a black-tipped shark.



David and shark-perhaps too close for comfort?



Lemon Shark

Black-tipped sharks (very orderly)

Sharks circling the diver.



Closer view of the black-tipped shark



Diver feeding the sharks -here they come

Following the excitement with the sharks, we returned  to the hotel for food and relaxation.

We could either enjoy lunch on the beach where locals welcomed us with gardenias and showed us local crafts, or could return to the Four Seasons Resort for lunch.

At dinner......some gorgeous colour on land as well as in the water...this in the form of a mango and raspberry sorbet

The Four Seasons Bora Bora has a lovely lagoon for snorkeling. A marine biologist showed us how to graft coral. We saw a small octopus and many more marine species; the lagoon was absolutely teeming with fish. After a final snorkel in the local bay, I was 'done in'. I had so much fun today that I want to do it all over again tomorrow.

 

Doc Hunter surrounded by fish

Around the World in 21 Days-Part 14

Waking up to a Fantastic View

Why get out of bed with a view like this?

 

Welcoming dinner last night

Aound the World in 21 Days-Part 13

 Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in French Polynesia

 

It was a long day of travel so we were all very happy to arrive at the Four Seasons Resort in French Polynesia, situated on the turquoise waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. (http://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/).

 

One of the really pleasant things about private jet touring is the ease of getting through customs as we arrive at the airport in each new destination. They were ready and waiting just for us here in French Polynesia. Similarly, we had friendly staff awaiting our arrival at the resort. 

 

Welcome to the Four Season Resort Bora Bora

Traffic Jam in French Polynesia
 

A Piece of Paradise

As soon as I had settled in to my picturesque bungalow, I jumped into the warm water of the lagoon from my private deck, to simply float and watch the sun set. I`m excited about tomorrow's adventures and the prospect of snorkeling in these magical waters.

 

My private water access.

Sunset in Paradise