After you’ve canoed, sailed, scuba dived, and visited the resort’s sanctuary for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, you’ll be ready to recline on your patio for a view of the extinct 2,300-foot Mount Otemanu volcano. —Brendan Brady
A ban on travel to the U.S. remains in place for several countries and destinations.
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Le Méridien Bora Bora
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Overwater Bungalows: Le Méridien Bora Bora, French Polynesia
After you’ve canoed, sailed, scuba dived, and visited the resort’s sanctuary for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, you’ll be ready to recline on your patio for a view of the extinct 2,300-foot Mount Otemanu volcano. —Brendan Brady
The Last Place To Celebrate The New Year
The most exciting place to watch New Year festivities is also one of the very last to celebrate: Le Meridien Bora Bora. Hop a plane (only 8 hours from LAX) and ring in the New Year at one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world for a New Year celebration like no other. The Le Méridien Bora Bora is set on a six mile-long “motu” islet off the main island, and has various accommodations all with an unsurpassed view of the Mount Otemanu in French Polynesia. (Think “Bali-Hai” from South Pacific). There is still time to don your pareu and bring your beau as Le Méridien Bora Bora will begin the countdown to the New year after most of the world has gone to bed. Start with music by a local Tahitian group from 6 to 10pm in the bar Miki Miki, then sup at a sumptuous New Year’s Eve buffet dinner beginning at 7pm as a DJ spins musical memories throughout dinner. At 1130 pm things start to heat up at the beach with fire- knife dancers on the sand. Just before midnight, fill your glass with Champagne and watch the fireworks illuminate the sky over the lagoon bringing in the new year in grand style.
