Bora Bora is an island that’s part of the Leeward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. It is northwest of Tahiti. Bora Bora is a major tourist attraction famous for its luxury resorts, especially its stilted bungalows in the lagoon. Many of the bungalows have glass floors, so guests can watch the fish and other creatures swim by under them.
The trouble with Bora Bora, at least for someone in the US, is that getting there requires a 20-hour plane ride. The Viceroy Bocas del Toro Panama plans to fix that by building their own overwater bungalows. Bocas del Toro is an archipelago off the coast of Panama and near the border of Costa Rico. Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit the archipelago when he explored it in 1502. During the 17th century, pirates often visited it. Today, Bocas del Toro is known for its banana plantations and relaxed lifestyle.
The Viceroy Bocas del Toro Panama is slated to open in 2019. The resort will offer 186 guest rooms and 42 private overwater villas, and it will cover 457 acres. Like real Bora Bora resorts, the Viceroy will be very secluded; guests will only be able to reach it by boat, helicopter or seaplane. People will be able to visit their neighbors by using the walkways. Guests can enjoy spectacular views and use the private pools that come with each bungalow. The resort will also offer deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, hiking and cycling. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the resort, for it will be located in the San San Pond Sak wetlands.
According to its press release, the resort will be environmentally friendly. The landscaping will use only native plants, and only electric cars will be allowed on the premises. There is so far no word on how much reservations will cost, but the Four Seasons in Bora Bora offers similar accommodations for $1600 per night. On the other hand, overwater bungalows in Tahiti, Mexico and Malaysia cost about half that.