Bora Bora, French Polynesia

No name captures the imagination of paradise as well as the French Polynesian island nation of Bora Bora. Majestic mountains sculpted by ancient volcanoes, a shimmering lagoon and a barrier reef dotted with tiny motu or islets welcome visitors to perhaps the most stunning island in the South Pacific, and generations of travelers — including novelist James Michener — regarded Bora Bora as an earthly paradise. Approximately, a mere 4,600 people live a seemingly idyllic lifestyle in the main villages of Vaitape, Anau and Faanui.