When contemplating what to wear for your Bora Bora holidays, your first consideration will probably be the kind of vacation you're craving: perhaps one of five-star relaxation at hotels like the The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, or a more party-style atmosphere complete with dancing and cocktails. Even if you plan to incorporate a mix of both, though, a little forward planning will ultimately help to inform your Bora Bora holiday style.
A small South Pacific island in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is characterised by its sand-fringed islets, stunning coral reef and turquoise lagoon, above which bungalows are perched on stilts. In other words, it’s a destination that caters for maximum relaxation, fine dining and active hikes to the dormant Mt. Otemanu volcano alike.
For inspiration, it is useful to turn to frequent visitors of Bora Bora, like Miranda Kerr or Jess Hart for example. So here we round up some of the best ways to spend your Bora Bora holiday and what to wear in the process.
Max relax
One of the world's most romantic destinations, Bora Bora isn't only for those who travel in pairs. The Four Seasons Bora Bora is a favourite amongst supermodels like Miranda Kerr, who favours a rotation of denim cut-offs, crisp white dresses and the bikinis to match during her Bora Bora holiday. To dress things up a little, consider adding an elegant touch to such laid-back outfits with embellished sandals like those by Dolce & Gabbana.
Alternatively, kick back around the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. A stunning resort set on 44 acres, the St. Regis isn't exclusive to Hollywood actors and international sport sensations (Tony Parker is one such past guest) although this sets an appropriately luxe mood. Overwater villas are situated on the property's turquoise lagoon and there are plenty of five star dining options, private pools and a Clarins spa on offer. Amid such lavish surrounds, a cotton T-shirt and pair of board shorts are all you’ll really need for a day of relaxing by the lagoon. Swap those same swim shorts out for activewear and sneakers and you’ll even be set to take on Mt. Otemanu.
Dine in style at Matira Beach
This South Pacific island boasts a fairly laid-back atmosphere, so the best holiday outfit for Bora Bora will also exude the relaxed style to match. For a romantic meal at Villa Mahana then, consider muted floral creations like those presented for Dolce and Gabbana SS17. Or streamline things even further with a pared-back colour palette of creams and neutrals inspired by J.W. Anderson's Loewe SS17 collection. With the latter, accessories can really shine — consider a colourful bag for her or a statement watch for him.
If a more sophisticated evening at Restaurant Matira Beach is on the cards, then Givenchy offers plenty of inspiration, softening the silhouette of classic black suiting for SS17 menswear. The key here was in Riccardo Tisci’s slightly louche approach — a little slack given through the legs and crisp cotton T-shirts rather than button-downs, for instance. When considering what to wear for your Bora Bora holidays then, try to consult the itinerary first and then work backwards from there.
Shop like a local
The shopping in Bora Bora doesn't revel in all things luxury designer-focused, but does offer a wealth of local specialties — like expertly woven baskets and beautiful strings of pearls for instance. So consider packing versatile outfits for your Bora Bora holiday, then adding to each look with newfound accessories. This is not necessarily a shell necklace and braided hair sort of situation, but an elegant way to incorporate local craftsmanship into your holiday style.
Emulate Jane Birkin, for example, by packing a couple of effortless mini dresses and picking up a basket style handbag once you arrive. Stella McCartney dresses offer both a comfortable and feminine option for when temperatures soar on your shopping expeditions.
Cocktails at Maikai
Bora Bora is where Liam Hemsworth planned to spend his honeymoon to Miley Cyrus, but despite the cancellation rumours, the actor’s style still provides plenty of inspiration when planning cocktail-bar outfits for your Bora Bora holiday. Take a cue from Liam by choosing muted checked patterns, perfectly fitting for martinis with the local French expats at Maikai Bora Bora. For SS17, J.W. Anderson offered a sophisticated take on this particular style, anchoring plaid prints with tapered black trousers that would fit right in at Maikai.
Women might consider looking to Jess Har’s style instead, borrowing from her breezy, bright white approach during cocktail hour. Fresh and summery, white pieces in relaxed silhouettes are elegantly underdone, while creating an opportune moment for standout accessories— perhaps brightly-coloured sandals or geometric Marni necklaces. Turn to Simone Rocha SS17 for inspiration here, where white lace and intriguing silhouettes made a dramatic, but simultaneously effortless entrance. Whatever the style of holiday you’ve got planned though, looking to your itinerary, as well as certain stylish visitors will always offer a good foundation for what to wear for your Bora Bora holidays.