The Bora Bora ‘airport’ is as you would expect, this small building with a single landing strip. Once you are through the building, you are greeted with a view that makes your jaw drop. Welcome to Bora Bora, population 7,200:

Bora Bora is in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 metres (2,390 ft). The original name of the island in the Tahitian language might be better rendered as Pora Pora, meaning "First Born"; an early transcription found in 18th- and 19th century accounts, is Bolabolla (or "Bollabolla"). The products of the island are mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for copra.

As we traveled to the hotel, this is what we saw:

The island included a little statue of welcome – what is it? No idea. I tried to find out … but no one knew.

   Yes, I am very happy to be off the plane. Very happy.

The main island towered over by Mount Otemanu.

Our first sighting of the hotel.

In the distance, the waves breaking on the coral reef.

We arrive at our Bora Bora Nui, who would have thought … collecting Starwood points in Bora Bora.

The view from reception.

Reception is out on the water and they have baskets to feed the fish, which are everywhere. A few pictures of the fish that are floating below reception (you can see them through the glass floor or over a railing in the center of the building).

Finally. We had arrived.