Girlfriend Getaways

Bungalows at Sofitel Bora Bora Marara (Courtesy Sofitel/Philippe Bacchet)

stay
The ocean views from Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort's 64 bungalows are so dramatic, it's no wonder Mia Farrow filmed her 1979 flick Hurricane here (011-689/60-55-00, sofitel.com, from $438).

eat
The best lagoon views are at the beachfront Snack Matira, a 10-minute walk from the Sofitel—and its coconut-milk tuna ceviche is divine (011-689/67-77-32, $10).

drink
A half-hour stroll will take you to the barefoot island classic Bloody Mary's (011-689/67-72-86, Bloody Mary $7).

shop
Tahiti Pearl Market has fair prices on Tahitian black pearls, which also come in pink, blue, purple, brown, and aqua. Haggling isn't customary in Bora-Bora—except when buying pearls. Always ask for a discount (011-689/60-59-00, tahitipearlmarket.com, individual pearls from $15). Even cheaper (just $4!) is the Tahitian beauty secret, monoi, available at drugstores: The tiare-flower-scented coconut oil is a balm for sun-exposed hair and skin.

do
Wade in the water with sharks up to seven feet long—as they're being fed!—on a daylong tour from e-Tahiti Travel, which includes snorkeling and a picnic on a sandy motu, or islet (011-689/28-86-06, etahititravel.com, $104).