Bora Bora vs. Maldives – Which Paradise Should You Choose?

After traveling to many corners of the world, there are still two places that stand out above the rest: Bora Bora and the Maldives. Both are true dream destinations, with beaches so beautiful they almost look unreal, water so clear you’ll think you’ve stepped into a postcard, and luxury resorts that make you never want to leave.

Bora Bora in the South Pacific Ocean and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

They may not be the easiest to reach, but trust me, the reward far outweighs the journey. Both are blessed with year-round sunshine, little rainfall, and water that stays around a dreamy 80 degrees. Paradise? Absolutely. But which one should you choose for your bucket-list trip? Let me take you through my personal experiences to help you decide.

For either trip, I’d recommend a minimum of 5 nights, since you’ll lose 1–2 days each way just getting there. I’m usually a fan of quick 3-night weekend trips, but in this instance, plan and tack on a little more time to truly experience these gems without feeling rushed. 

Getting to Bora Bora – The Jewel of the South Pacific

Getting to Bora Bora takes a little patience (and about 20 hours of travel if everything goes smoothly). For our trip, we flew American Airlines with a connection through LAX, then continued to Tahiti (PPT). That leg of the journey was with Air Tahiti Nui, one of the most colorful airlines I’ve ever seen. Their planes are decked out with bright seats, colorful pillows, little gift packs, and stewardesses with flowers in their hair. 🌺

Since our onward flight wasn’t until the next day, we stayed overnight at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, which had one of the most stunning infinity pools I’ve ever seen. The next morning, we boarded a short Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora, where our resort had already arranged a boat transfer.

I’ll never forget that moment stepping off the plane in Bora Bora, the water was impossibly bright and crystal blue, the palm trees were swaying, and the air felt like pure magic. We were greeted with fresh leis, and in that instant, it truly felt like stepping into another world.

💡Quick Tip: Resorts are spread out, so it’s not easy to hop between them. Choose wisely in advance.

A Flight I’ll Never Forget

On our journey to Bora Bora, we experienced something I’ll carry with me forever. We were flying from Dallas, Ft Worth to Los Angeles, seated in row two, when the cabin was dark and quiet, nearly everyone had drifted off to sleep. Suddenly, frantic cries pierced the silence. A woman in the row ahead of us was shaking her mother, who had stopped breathing mid-flight.

The cabin lights snapped on, flight attendants rushed forward, and an announcement went out urgently asking if there was a doctor on board. A woman from the back of the plane raised her hand and came running to help. Right there, in the narrow aisle of our small plane, she began CPR while the flight crew pulled out medical equipment.

The atmosphere was tense, passengers holding their breath, whispering prayers, watching as the doctor performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. When there was still no response, the crew grabbed the defibrillator. They cut open the woman’s shirt and shocked her once, twice, until finally, she gasped for air and began breathing again. Relief rippled through the plane like a wave. She even became alert enough to open her eyes and squeeze her daughter’s hand.

By the time we landed in LAX, paramedics were waiting at the runway. They wheeled her out on a gurney, still conscious, but the delay caused us to miss our rare connecting flight to Tahiti. That set us back nearly 24 hours, and as if that weren’t enough, our luggage was lost, leaving us to spend the first few days in paradise with only the clothes on our backs.

It was a reminder of just how unpredictable travel can be, but also how miraculous life is. The woman survived, and though our trip began with chaos, it made every sunrise and every moment in Bora Bora that much more precious. Also, a reminder, it’s always a good idea to carry your absolute essentials, maybe a bathing suit and a change of clothes on these long trips, so you aren’t left empty-handed arriving in paradise. On travels like this, there aren’t endless stores to shop at, so I resorted to wearing a sarong I picked up in Bora Bora to the first few evenings’ dinners. So much for all of the cute outfits I had picked out with my stylist at the time. 😉

✈️ Travel Tip: Always pack essentials (swimsuit, light clothes, toiletries) in your carry-on.

First Impressions of Paradise

Despite the hiccups, arriving in Bora Bora is one of the most magical travel moments of my life. Walking from the plane straight to the boat transfer, greeted with fresh leis and turquoise horizons, was unforgettable. We stayed at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa in an overwater bungalow with a private pool, and every morning I sipped coffee on the deck, staring at rainbows over the lagoon in disbelief.

Highlights of Bora Bora

• Overwater bungalows with private pools and endless views of turquoise lagoons.
  
• Marine life galore – unforgettable scuba diving (right up there with Hawaii!) and incredible snorkeling.
  
• Manta ray feedings where we swam and splashed with the gentle giants at the resort’s 11:30 am meet and greet on the beach.
  
• Traditional shows & beach classes – from grass headpiece making to luau-style performances.
  
• Epic moped adventure around the main island, where locals live simply, reminding you of the contrast between luxury resorts and everyday island life.

🌴 Most Magical Moment: Walking along the piers at sunset, snacking on fresh coconut, and dropping pieces to smiling boaters below. Pure island magic.

The cost of food and drinks here is notoriously high since everything has to be shipped in. Back in 2019, I paid $17 for toast and $25 for bacon. Drinks? Also $25 and up. 😅 Still, between kayaking, paddleboarding, hammocks on the beach, romantic dinners under the stars, and wandering piers with fresh coconuts in hand, it was pure magic.

While enjoying a quiet morning coffee on our patio, I spotted something that stopped me in my tracks: a favorite client of mine had just posted on Instagram from their honeymoon at the St. Regis Bora Bora, located just a short boat ride from our own resort. That evening, we arranged a $70-per-person transfer across the lagoon to meet them for an elegant dinner and cocktails at their luxurious property. Afterward, the evening turned into one of those unforgettable travel moments: we gathered at their overwater bungalow, slipping into the moonlit lagoon straight from their open-air windows. It was surreal and one of those experiences that perfectly encapsulates the unexpected beauty of Bora Bora.

Exploring the Main Island of Bora Bora

One day, we decided to venture beyond our resort and booked a boat ride to the main island of Bora Bora. Once we arrived, we hopped on the mopeds we had arranged online ahead of time. After a quick crash course (and me showing off my skills to prove I could handle it 😉), we got the green light and were off! Cruising around the island turned into one of the most epic rides I’ve ever taken.

Pro tip: Skip trying to take the mopeds up the massive mountain in the middle. Trust me, it’s way too steep and muddy, plus there are a few territorial dogs waiting to greet you. Take it from me… just stick to the scenic routes and enjoy the ride!

The center of Bora Bora is a world away from the polished luxury of the resorts. You’ll see a simpler side of life: small shacks, families walking together, and locals enjoying their beach time. It’s not lined with mansions, but it has its own charm, laid-back, colorful, and authentic. Riding through, wind in my hair, it gave me such a different appreciation for the island: the contrast between its raw simplicity and the over-the-water bungalows just offshore.

It was humbling and grounding to see the real Polynesia beyond the glossy travel photos.

The Flavors of Bora Bora

Dining in Bora Bora is every bit as magical as its views. Some evenings, we enjoyed stunning outdoor beach dinners under the stars, with our toes in the sand and waves crashing just steps away. Open-air bars offered the perfect setting for cocktails and a game of pool, making it easy to slip into island time. Beyond the casual tropical vibes, Bora Bora also surprised me with refined French-inspired cuisine, dishes that were as beautiful as they were flavorful. From savory flavors to artful presentations that felt like works of art, the food here was just as unforgettable as the scenery.

The Maldives – A Mix of Culture, Luxury & Endless Activities

While Bora Bora gives you that quiet, secluded South Pacific magic, the Maldives in the Indian Ocean offers a more cultural and lively experience. This iconic country is made up of over 1,100 islands, but only around 200 are inhabited, which makes it feel like a true paradise scattered across turquoise waters.

The Journey There

This time, I flew Qatar Airways, and let me tell you, it’s the nicest airline I’ve ever experienced. Fully lay-flat beds (so comfortable you can even snuggle with your partner if you want), lobster and filet mignon dinners, and access to the incredible Doha airport lounge, complete with a rainforest and luxury shopping. The travel time is a bit longer than Bora Bora, but worth every mile. We stayed 6 nights, which felt just right after a long journey with stops in Doha, Qatar.

💡 Quick Tip: The Maldives has a strong cultural presence. You’ll see visitors from all over the world, including Middle Eastern women fully covered, even in the water. Keep in mind modesty customs when traveling here. I opted for covered shoulders and longer dresses when off resort.

From Malé, the bustling capital island of the Maldives, we hopped on a quick 15-minute speedboat ride arranged seamlessly through our resort, Hard Rock Maldives. The airport itself is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, perched right on the water’s edge, where rows of sleek boat taxis replace the usual buses. Instead of honking traffic, the harbor is alive with the hum of motors and the constant movement of boats zipping in and out. Compared to the quiet, laid-back arrival in Bora Bora, Malé felt like stepping into a vibrant water city, full of energy and motion from the very start.

Resort Life at Hard Rock Maldives

We chose an overwater bungalow with a private pool again (Diamond Overwater Private Pool Villa), but this time the atmosphere was different. The Hard Rock is lively, social, and full of entertainment. Plus, it’s all-inclusive (unlike Bora Bora). With our upgraded premium package, we enjoyed unlimited dining and cocktails, floating fruit trays, champagne bubble baths, and high tea service.

At the Hard Rock Maldives, we not only enjoyed the resort itself but also had access to the Crossroads of Maldives & SAii Lagoon Maldives, connected sister resort(s) on the same island. This opened up a whole new world of dining and entertainment options.

We got to try authentic Maldivian food (and it turned out to be absolutely delicious!) alongside Indian, Asian, Thai, Cantonese, sushi, Sri Lankan crab, and even a steakhouse. Most of our time was spent at the vibrant Beach Club, where there were tennis courts, ping pong tables, cushioned poolside beds, and music playing all day. Add in cocktails, pool games, and the lively mix of international guests, and the Maldives felt like a never-ending beach party wrapped in luxury.

The Maldives feels much more global than Bora Bora. Guests came from all over the world; Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and you’ll see women in full coverings swimming right alongside bikinis. It was a beautiful reminder of how travel connects different cultures in one place.

Dining at Hard Rock Maldives

One of the best parts about Hard Rock Maldives was the sheer variety of dining and experiences right at our fingertips, each spot offering its own unique setting and vibe. Our first night was at Miss Olive Oyl, a dreamy restaurant with candlelit outdoor seating, coconut drinks, peach cocktails, and freshly-made gnocchi, all while overlooking the sparkling water and even catching glimpses of Malé in the distance. Scattered throughout the resort were lush gardens where fresh herbs and vegetables were grown, a detail that made every dish feel vibrant and fresh. Mornings could start with free yoga near the check-in area, followed by a dip in the huge pool lined with bar seats and playful swings in the water. For lunch and dinner, The Elephant and the Butterfly quickly became a favorite, sitting right on the water with delicious plates like fresh açaí bowls. Sessions, the all-day buffet, was another highlight. Imagine scraping raw honeycomb for your toast while watching the waves roll in. Of course, the iconic Hard Rock Café stood out with its welcoming staff (many from India and Sri Lanka), a lively atmosphere, and a patio that opened right onto the ocean. Every night featured live music, and throughout the week, we saw couples enjoying private beachfront dining setups or even exchanging vows in barefoot weddings on the sand. Between the food, the atmosphere, and the entertainment, the resort felt like a little world of its own.

Highlights of the Maldives

• Overwater villas with private pools (though a little smaller than Bora Bora’s).
• All-inclusive package – unlimited food, premium drinks, and extras like champagne bubble baths, high tea, and floating fruit trays.
• Endless activities – kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, biking along the piers, live music, aerial yoga, and more. *Jet skis & paddleboarding were an additional cost.
• World-class spa – we went four times! The most heavenly treatment was a bubble bath on the beach, followed by tea, a body scrub, and a massage as the waves crashed nearby.
• Dining variety – multiple restaurants with options for all tastes. We even splurged at the Ministry of Crab, famous for Sri Lankan crab dishes.
• Nightlife – live music and even a small dance club (though mostly enjoyed by resort staff).

The marine life wasn’t as abundant here as in Bora Bora, but there were still plenty of sharks to spot at night near the water villas.

🎶 Most Memorable Moment: Biking down long wooden piers, hopping between restaurants, and catching sunset with live music by the pool.

Bora Bora vs. Maldives – The Key Differences

Both Bora Bora and the Maldives are bucket-list worthy and left me beyond grateful to have experienced them. But they do offer different vibes:

• Cost: The Maldives is generally less expensive, especially since many resorts are all-inclusive. Bora Bora is pricier, with à la carte dining that adds up quickly.
• Beaches: Bora Bora wins with softer, more powdery sand and clearer turquoise waters. Maldives beaches are gorgeous too, but tend to be a little rockier.
• Culture: The Maldives offers a more diverse, global crowd with visible cultural traditions. Bora Bora feels more remote and purely “vacation mode.”
• Activities: Maldives = more entertainment (yoga, live music, biking, water sports). Bora Bora = more quiet, nature-focused experiences (scuba diving, snorkeling, hammocks on the beach).
• Marine Life: Bora Bora takes the prize for snorkeling and scuba diving. The Maldives has sharks and some snorkeling, but less colorful sea life.
• Accommodations: Both are stunning, but Bora Bora’s overwater villas are more luxurious. The Maldives offers great perks like bubble baths, fruit trays, and all-inclusive packages. *This also depends on your choice of resort.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to these faraway islands takes time, patience, and planning. But once you’re sipping coconut water, toes in the sand, staring at the clearest ocean water you’ve ever seen, you’ll know every hour in the air was worth it.

If the opportunity presents itself, say yes to paradise. Life’s too short not to.

I’m beyond thankful that I’ve had the chance to experience both in my lifetime, and if the opportunity presents itself again… you can bet I’ll be there.

With love and peace,
Tiffany 🌺