Bora Bora, an island region of French Polynesia, remains one of the most envied luxury vacation destinations in the entire world. Traveled by thousands of celebrities, millionaires, billionaires and splurging honeymooners every year, Bora Bora boasts epic mountain views, stunning sunrises and sunsets, sunny daytime skies, and, of course, aquamarine lagoon water that is clearer than the kiddie pool. Despite the frequently asked question of whether or not Bora Bora is worth it (“it” being the cost and/or the trip), not many people question if there are places or islands better than Bora Bora.
However, I do know of a place better than Bora Bora, and I would like to let you in on this little-known, secret destination.
The Incredible Power Of Bora Bora
Upon arrival to the airport, paradise welcomes you with warm Polynesian smiles, lei greetings and the pure blue water just steps away from the small, manned-powered baggage claim. As you step into the boat shuttle that takes you to what is essentially the cover of every other Conde Naste Traveler, you feel an all-time high in your chest.
You can’t help but grin in awe of the panoramic view. Tears well in the corners of your eyes from an overwhelming sense of unbelief. You’re made surprisingly aware of the way your heart is trilling. You’re hands tremble as you think to yourself, “I made it.”
After the best twenty-minute hotel shuttle of your life, you’re greeted at the secluded resort dock by traditional Polynesian musicians and fresh mango welcome drinks. Oh, don’t worry about your suitcases. The man with the bicycle will bring them straight to your bungalow for you with no tip expected.
You haven’t even dipped your toes into the tastefully warm ocean water yet — or napped on your private bungalow deck, or witnessed a stingray gracefully glide under the boardwalk, or blissfully fallen asleep on the white sand beach for a little longer than your skin would have preferred.
Yet, Bora Bora has already shifted your identity from paycheck-to-paycheck defeatist to, “I’ve finally made it.”
Bora Bora’s Biggest Flaw
The problem with Bora Bora, despite this seemingly flawless account, is that its perceived perfection robs you of your contentment.
If you’re not careful, you begin spiraling into thoughts of, “How can I level up financially?” “How can I one day afford to stay in the even more luxurious resort next door?” “How can I build enough wealth to stay in the five bedroom bungalow with its own butler, private infinity pool and water slide?”
All the sudden, you’re experiencing exactly what you never thought possible. You’re experiencing what pastors and ministers everywhere warn: that you could be the richest person in the entire world, but the Earthly riches will never be enough.
If Bora Bora Isn’t Enough, What Could Be Better?
This warning seems so intangible for the majority of us (as in, us not-quite-as-financially-gifted folk). You never think you’ll encounter a moment of this abstract discontentment because such wealth seems so out of reach.
But, there you are, neighbors with the world’s richest entrepreneurs and A-list celebrities, getting a quick taste of “the good life,” and it still does not feel like enough.
What, then, could be enough?
Were the pastors right?
The only place in which perfection leads toward contentment, as opposed to discontentment, is when the place is the source of perfection Himself: God.
Nothing on Earth is wholeheartedly without flaw. This means that not even your bucket-list bungalow vacation will totally renew your soul. Perhaps, it will renew your soul a little, but never totally, because the problem is not the luxury nor the money, but humankind’s blackhole tendency of discontentment.
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Book A Trip To Bora Bora:
So, is Bora Bora worth it? Yes or no?
Yes, it’s definitely still worth it. Bora Bora is absolutely worth the cost and trip — so long as the trip does not cost you your contentment.
In fact, your dream vacation actually has the capacity to revitalize your relationship with God, yourself and others if you know to be weary of the greedy human default. Here are five quick reasons why you should still book your dream trip:
1. To Recharge.
Burnout is suffocating. Taking a week off to do absolutely nothing will recharge your body, mind and spirit. We often get so caught up in our work-oriented culture that we don’t notice the self-reliance and exhaustion that build up over time.
“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:2, New International Version).
2. To Honor God.
Recharging will give yourself the space and energy to work diligently when you come home. God has a fantastic plan for your work (at your job, at home, etc.), but you need energy to fulfill the plan.
“…Be ready to do what whatever is good” (Titus 3:1, New International Version).
3. To Feel An Immense Sense Of Gratitude.
Reread the first couple of sections on this post. I don’t need to explain why you’ll experience gratitude on this trip!
4. To Humble Your Contentment.
Would you consider yourself a fairly content person? I can assure you that booking a trip to Bora Bora will be a humble awakening for you (in the best way possible).
5. To Experience God through His creation.
Not only will you experience God through the personal growth you will obtain on your trip, but you will also experience God through the immense beauty that is His Bora Bora.
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:7-10, New International Version).
More On Bora Bora
How To Do Bora Bora On A Budget
How To Score Cheap Overwater Bungalows In Bora Bora
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Interesting post, enjoyed your comments.
Thank you so much!