I spent $20,000 to take my kids to a resort in Bora Bora. People thought I was wasting money, but I'd do it again.

I spent $20,000 to take my two young adult kids to a resort in Bora Bora for a family wedding.
My kids were old enough to appreciate the culture, beauty, and privilege of the experience.
I believe in investing in experiences while we're healthy and able to enjoy them together.
When I told people I was spending $20,000 to take my two kids to Bora Bora, the reactions ranged from wide-eyed surprise to outright judgment.
"You're taking them to a five-star resort?" someone asked. "Don't you have college to pay for in the Fall?" said another. The answer to both was, "Yes."
My kids, however, weren't "little kids." At 18 and 21, they're young adults, and this trip was about much more than a luxury vacation. It was for a wedding of dear family friends, a bucket-list trip, and a memory I wanted us to share.
Between flights, resort fees, and excursions, my husband and I spent a lot. Yes, it was expensive.
But I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Travel has been a constant in our family. From the time they were infants, I made it a priority to expose my kids to different places and cultures.
Now that they're adults, those values have only deepened. I didn't want Bora Bora to be something they only saw on social media or waited decades to experience after hearing our stories. I wanted them to feel what it's like to be somewhere stunning, unfamiliar, and culturally rich — and to do it together.
This was more than a once-in-a-lifetime trip for the kids. This was me scratching off an item on my own bucket list. There are things I want to do while I still can. Life happens when you're making plans, and we had the time, means, and opportunity to make this happen.
Our youngest is heading off to college in a few months, making my husband and me empty nesters. We can, of course, still travel together as a family, but our dynamics will change now that we aren't under the same roof. Plus, the kids might want to travel with their friends in the future.
Our son even commented that this would be our last "real family vacation" now that they are all grown up. I think he meant the last family vacation that Mom and Dad would fully fund.
The hope is that one day, the kids can pay for us!
Some friends were shocked that we would "waste" this kind of money on a week's vacation in general. Others wondered why we wouldn't just go as a couple, because the kids wouldn't appreciate it. I understood where they were coming from. But I also knew this would be amazing for my kids, who are thoughtful, responsible, and aware of how special this trip would be.
We swam in crystal-clear water, snorkeled beside blacktip reef sharks and manta rays, and ate meals with our toes in the sand. On the night of our snorkeling excursion, my 21-year-old turned to me and said, "I get why people say this is paradise. This is an adventure of a lifetime. Thank you for bringing us here."
That moment alone was worth it. These weren't kids on vacation; they were young adults engaging with and enjoying the world.
We learned cultural wedding customs and traditions, immersed ourselves in the Tahitian language as we conversed with the local staff, and learned about the rich history of French Polynesia and what allows the islands to maintain their natural beauty through the care of the local residents.
Sure, we got some great Instagram-worthy shots of beautiful sunsets to document our experience and memories. We also had late-night and early-morning conversations with each other while lounging by the pool or on our deck, which created more memories.
To me, these things are never a waste. The time away from daily life is a lifelong education, and the amazing cultural experience was priceless.
As parents, we save for college, for weddings, for our future. But we forget the value of right now. I'm in my 50s. My kids are on the cusp of full independence. We're healthy. We're close. I don't want to wait for the "perfect time" to make more memories.
This trip was a financial stretch, but it was also a gift for all of us. The older I get, the more I realize that the best investments aren't always in things. Sometimes they're in memories and experiences that change you forever.
Read the original article on Business Insider

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I spent $20,000 to take my kids to a resort in Bora Bora. People thought I was wasting money, but I'd do it again.

I spent $20,000 to take my two young adult kids to a resort in Bora Bora for a family wedding. My kids were old enough to appreciate the culture, beauty, and privilege of the experience. I believe in investing in experiences while we're healthy and able to enjoy them together. When I told people I was spending $20,000 to take my two kids to Bora Bora, the reactions ranged from wide-eyed surprise to outright judgment. "You're taking them to a five-star resort?" someone asked. "Don't you have college to pay for in the Fall?" said another. The answer to both was, "Yes." My kids, however, weren't "little kids." At 18 and 21, they're young adults, and this trip was about much more than a luxury vacation. It was for a wedding of dear family friends, a bucket-list trip, and a memory I wanted us to share. Between flights, resort fees, and excursions, my husband and I spent a lot. Yes, it was expensive. But I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Travel has been a constant in our family. From the time they were infants, I made it a priority to expose my kids to different places and cultures. Now that they're adults, those values have only deepened. I didn't want Bora Bora to be something they only saw on social media or waited decades to experience after hearing our stories. I wanted them to feel what it's like to be somewhere stunning, unfamiliar, and culturally rich — and to do it together. This was more than a once-in-a-lifetime trip for the kids. This was me scratching off an item on my own bucket list. There are things I want to do while I still can. Life happens when you're making plans, and we had the time, means, and opportunity to make this happen. Our youngest is heading off to college in a few months, making my husband and me empty nesters. We can, of course, still travel together as a family, but our dynamics will change now that we aren't under the same roof. Plus, the kids might want to travel with their friends in the future. Our son even commented that this would be our last "real family vacation" now that they are all grown up. I think he meant the last family vacation that Mom and Dad would fully fund. The hope is that one day, the kids can pay for us! Some friends were shocked that we would "waste" this kind of money on a week's vacation in general. Others wondered why we wouldn't just go as a couple, because the kids wouldn't appreciate it. I understood where they were coming from. But I also knew this would be amazing for my kids, who are thoughtful, responsible, and aware of how special this trip would be. We swam in crystal-clear water, snorkeled beside blacktip reef sharks and manta rays, and ate meals with our toes in the sand. On the night of our snorkeling excursion, my 21-year-old turned to me and said, "I get why people say this is paradise. This is an adventure of a lifetime. Thank you for bringing us here." That moment alone was worth it. These weren't kids on vacation; they were young adults engaging with and enjoying the world. We learned cultural wedding customs and traditions, immersed ourselves in the Tahitian language as we conversed with the local staff, and learned about the rich history of French Polynesia and what allows the islands to maintain their natural beauty through the care of the local residents. Sure, we got some great Instagram-worthy shots of beautiful sunsets to document our experience and memories. We also had late-night and early-morning conversations with each other while lounging by the pool or on our deck, which created more memories. To me, these things are never a waste. The time away from daily life is a lifelong education, and the amazing cultural experience was priceless. As parents, we save for college, for weddings, for our future. But we forget the value of right now. I'm in my 50s. My kids are on the cusp of full independence. We're healthy. We're close. I don't want to wait for the "perfect time" to make more memories. This trip was a financial stretch, but it was also a gift for all of us. The older I get, the more I realize that the best investments aren't always in things. Sometimes they're in memories and experiences that change you forever. Read the original article on Business Insider

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Teen ‘Lost It' After Parents Upgraded Her Younger Sister to Business Class on a Long Flight — and Not Her: It's 'Unfair'

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This Bora Bora Resort Has Overwater Bungalows With Plunge Pools, a Hilltop Spa, and a Private Island Available to Guests

The resort is located on a secluded island in the Bora Bora lagoon, and its guests have exclusive access to a picture-perfect palm-fringed private islet, Motu Tapu. The hilltop spa features open-air treatment rooms, offering stunning views of the resort and the South Pacific Ocean. Upa Upa, the lounge bar, has glass-panel floors, allowing guests to spot fish and various species of sharks while enjoying cocktails. Conrad Bora Bora Nui has the only two-story overwater villa in Bora Bora, boasting two bedrooms, three balconies, an infinity pool, and a hot tub. I Hunger-Gamed my way onto the small plane from Tahiti to Bora Bora and plopped down in a window seat: I was told to sit on the left side for the best views of the notoriously photogenic French Polynesian island. The advice was solid, as turquoise waters and sand bars appeared out of nowhere, giving me a glimpse of the beauty I was about to immerse myself in. 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"Our resort offers a unique position and shape that provides 100 percent privacy, making guests feel as though they are nearly the only ones here, far from the mass tourism experience." Bora Bora has a reputation as a honeymoon destination, but after a few days here, I realized that the island—and the resort—are worth visiting, whether or not you're celebrating a life milestone. "We create unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you're honeymooners seeking a romantic escape, families in search of luxury and adventure, or friends on a getaway, our resort has it all," Godin said. Here's what it's like to stay at Conrad Bora Bora Nui. The hotel offers 114 suites and villas divided into multiple categories, including lagoon view suites, garden villas, beach villas, overwater villas, and the presidential overwater villas. "Each type provides unique features such as direct lagoon access, private pools, and stunning views," Godin said, adding that lagoon view suites with their spacious living areas are a good option for families, while the garden villas and beach villas offer more privacy within a secluded, lush environment. I stayed in an overwater villa, which Godin described as the "quintessential Bora Bora experience." Inside the bungalow were all the modern conveniences I could want: air conditioning, a massive bathroom with a tub, a closet, and ample seating. Outside, I had a private deck with an infinity pool and stunning views of the lagoon. A ladder on the side of the deck allowed me to dip into the ocean and snorkel whenever I pleased, while the coral reef under my bungalow ensured an array of colorful fish were swimming at all times. One of the most special moments during my visit was an early morning when I watched sharks, rays, and a school of fish swim by as I sat on the deck. Another highlight is the two-story presidential overwater villa, which offers guests 3,229 square feet of space, lagoon views, an infinity pool, and a dedicated butler. Regardless of the room category, guests have access to an island host, the resort's take on a butler. "This ensures that every guest's stay is tailored to their needs, making each visit truly unforgettable," Godin explained. Interior of the Iriatai French Restaurant; A bowl of poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk). From left: Adam Bruzzone/Conrad Bora Bora Nui; Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure Conrad Bora Bora Nui has five restaurants and bars: Iriatai, a fine-dining French restaurant; Banyan, a modern seafood and Chinese restaurant; Tamure Beach Grill, an open-air kitchen serving Mediterranean and Polynesian fare; the Tarava Pool Bar, where guests can order drinks by the pool; and The Upa Upa Lounge Bar, which offers cocktails and light bites. Godin told T+L that the chefs at each restaurant use local ingredients to whip up dishes that showcase the flavors of Polynesia. "Guests can enjoy themed dining experiences, private beach dinners, and a variety of international cuisines," Godin added. One example is the weekly Ahi Ma'a, a Polynesian dinner and show that takes place every Friday. The evening features live entertainment, including local dancers and a fire show, along with a buffet of Polynesian dishes prepared in an underground oven. Guests can also jet off to the private islet of Motu Tapu for a picnic in the water. (And by picnic, we don't mean finger sandwiches—think lobster and champagne at sunset.) But one of the coolest dining experiences was having my breakfast (fresh fruit, bread, and poisson cru ) delivered by canoe and set up on my deck, and then enjoying my meal while taking in the view of the endless blue waters. The resort's main pool. Adam Bruzzone/Courtesy of Conrad Bora Bora Nui The resort has an infinity pool with in-water chaise lounges and cabanas, as well as the swim-up Tarava Pool Bar. There are also activities with local experts—you can learn how to open a coconut, dabble in weaving banana leaves into bags, learn how to tie a pareo in various ways, or take a ukulele class. And, of course, water adventures abound. Guests can check out kayaks, snorkel equipment, and paddleboards. Other activities, such as jet-skiing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, and outrigger canoe rides, can be coordinated upon request. (During my visit, the hotel arranged a snorkeling trip to a nearby site, along with swimming with sharks and rays.) Rays and fish spotted in the see-through blue waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure The hotel's hilltop spa boasts scenery so stunning that I was a few minutes late checking in for my treatment. The upward path is lined with fragrant tropical blooms of every color imaginable, while the panoramic views that unveil with every step are jaw-dropping. Entering Hina Spa—the name pays tribute to the Polynesian moon goddess—immediately sets the tone for sheer relaxation with earthy tones and views of the sea. Each serene treatment suite looks out to the lagoon, while the opulent double treatment villas also feature whirlpools. The resort has partnered with French skincare brand Biologique Recherche to offer a range of therapies, from a Polynesian body scrub to a Detoxifying Algae Wrap. (Godin shared that one of the signature treatments is the Face Sculpting Massage.) I booked the Tahitian massage, a medium-pressure Polynesian-style massage, that left me so relaxed I wished there were on-site nap pods. The hotel offers a dedicated kids club featuring activities such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, babysitting services, and a children's playground. Additionally, there are family-friendly accommodations, including the Lagoon View Suites and Beach Villas. The hotel has accessible facilities, including ramps and pathways, and guest rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and amenities placed at a lower height. As for sustainability, Conrad Bora Bora Nui's eco-friendly efforts include the installation of solar panels, recycling initiatives, sourcing sustainable ingredients and products for its restaurants, and implementing energy-efficient practices. The resort also works with marine biologists to protect and restore the local reef. "We actively participate in coral reef preservation and support local artisans by showcasing their crafts in our boutique," Godin said. Scenic views of Bora Bora's main island from the resort. Susmita Baral/Travel + Leisure Conrad Bora Bora Nui is situated on a secluded private island in the Bora Bora lagoon. To get here, you have to fly to Tahiti's Fa'a'ā International Airport (PPT) and then take a 45-minute interisland flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). Here, the resort's team will usher you onto a yacht that will deliver you to the resort's dock, where a welcome team greets you with a refreshing drink. Pro-tip: I recommend giving yourself a few days on Tahiti to explore its many local offerings. And if you're looking for a quality stay close to the airport, Hilton Hotel Tahiti is an excellent option with fantastic food, service, and the island's largest pool. Guests can save up to 40 percent by booking in advance and earn double Hilton Honors points for each night of stay. AARP members can save up to 10 percent. For the latest information on resort deals and discounts, visit the "Offers" page on the hotel's website. Nightly rates start at $1,000. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.