What started as a friendship in the sandbox slowly made its way to love on the islands of Bora Bora for these two fortunate souls who’ve recently returned from their tropical island getaway. See how Celebration Wishes and Farnesi Travel were able to help make this pair's Bora Bora honeymoon vacation come true.
“For honeymooners, I try to present destinations that are special and that you may never be able to return to as they may require more time and with a honeymoon, you usually are able to plan for a longer trip.
The French Polynesian islands are paradise, and while families of course are welcome, Tahiti and her islands are very romantic as they provide the perfect exotic setting that becomes a most memorable honeymoon.”
Carol Farnesi, Farnesi Travel
Photo Credit: Bridget
Could you please tell us how you and Nicky met?
Bridget: We actually met in kindergarten. We stayed friends in grade school and high school but then went to the same college, and that’s when we started dating.
Wow! That is so sweet and very rare to hear. Congratulations to you two.
Bridget: So we’ve been together for about 10 years, and got married on April 29th, 2022.
“…you hear Bora Bora and think it’s going to really break your bank. And she said it’s really not that much more than Hawaii, but couples usually don’t know that.”
Is there any reason behind why you picked Bora Bora as your honeymoon destination? And where did you stay while you were there?
Bridget: Nicky and I had discussed the idea of going to Australia. We wanted to go somewhere we felt like would be a bucket list trip. So [our travel agent] suggested that if we were willing to go that far and spend the money, what about Bora Bora? I had never thought that would be a possibility because you hear Bora Bora and think it’s going to break your bank. And she said it’s really not that much more than Hawaii, but couples usually don’t know that. So I said, “send me any itinerary you have.” [Carol] sent over a few and we went with the Hilton Resorts, we stayed at the Hilton Moorea and the Conrad in Bora Bora.
And you mentioned that you worked with a travel agent, from Farnesi Travel. So what was the experience planning your honeymoon with the help of a travel agent?
Bridget: It was great because she sent me an itinerary that was kind of pre-planned and we added in things we wanted to do as well. She sent recommendations, gave a website to choose excursions, and the free range to pick what we wanted. She would ask what our budget was and we could pick and play around with things like that. But her being able to pick and give me those two hotels that they had a partnership with got us a really great deal.
Awesome. Considering that you had originally thought Australia for your honeymoon but ended up going to Bora Bora, what are some of your takeaways from going there, with their recommendation, instead?
Bridget: I was very happy with that. I do want to go to Australia in the future. But when she explained things to me it made sense, we both wanted relaxation plus adventure, Bora Bora was the perfect place to do that. I have no regrets and I think Australia’s Covid restrictions were a little bit stricter than Bora Bora, so I don’t even know how that would’ve panned out.
So how long was your stay there? Tell us more about your experience.
Bridget: We left May 1st and we returned May 12th. So we had 11 days, two of them were travel days, but we stayed nine nights. Four nights in Moorea and five nights in Bora Bora.
And you also mentioned the balance of being able to relax but also to do some activities. What were some of your favorite activities?
Bridget: Some of my favorites were the Jeep Tour in Moorea, that was really great. It was a 4 x 4 Jeep Tour, we got to visit a pineapple plantation, which was really interesting. I would definitely recommend that people go [to Moorea], even though Bora Bora is the main attraction.
And golfing! I don’t golf but Nicky does and that was beautiful, I just rode along in the cart with him and we had so much fun. There were beautiful views of the mountains and everything was just amazing. Those were two things I didn’t expect to like but were really nice.
In Bora Bora, shark and stingray snorkeling was the best. I didn’t think I was going to get in, but it was great. Bora Bora is surrounded by a coral reef so there aren’t any waves. We went all the way to the reef and could see the drop off and snorkeled around that reef, it was amazing. The colors, the fish…
Definitely sounds like a unique experience.
Bridget: Yeah and I’ve snorkeled in other places, like the Caribbean islands. But nothing was like this.
“Our honeymoon was $15,000 and we got close to $12,000 from the honeymoon fund. I couldn’t believe it. It was beyond what we thought. It was great, I’m so glad we did it.”
And to touch on the registry. Did it improve your gifting experience for the wedding and how did it make things better?
Bridget: It was great. This isn’t really traditional, but where I’m from we don’t get wedding gifts in a registry. People give money. This registry was used for my bridal shower and usually for a bridal shower people will give household items. But Nicky and I have lived together for two years, so we don’t need anything. I didn’t want to make a registry for things I don’t need. I know a few people who have used a honeymoon registry in the past. And it was amazing the amount of money that we got.
Our honeymoon was $15,000 and we got close to $12,000 from the honeymoon fund. I couldn’t believe it. It was beyond what we thought. I’m so glad we did it.
Photo Credit: Bridget
We’re really happy that it worked out for you, because this is what the registry is for. To help people make these trips with support from loved ones. Is there any advice you would like to share with couples visiting the same destination?
Bridget: If you’re going to French Polynesia, definitely go to two islands. We traveled 14 hours, so it’s definitely best to do two islands because they were two totally different experiences.
Is there one word you could give to describe Bora Bora?
Bridget: It’s funny. When we first got there, we got off of a little plane, and then took a boat to the hotel. We didn’t even get to the hotel and I walked up to the boat, I was like "this looks like something you Google." So, maybe “screensaver.” Or “what you Google when you want to look up paradise,” because that’s what it was.
I love that. It’s like you just hopped into someone’s Instagram picture.
Bridget: Oh for sure. It was amazing.
Sounds like a dream come true. Is there any advice you would give newly engaged couples as they are planning their honeymoon?
Bridget: Yeah, I would say if you have the means to go on a nice honeymoon, do it. And don’t worry about the travel time, we were relaxing watching movies and TV the whole time. Don’t let travel time deter you from where you want to go.
That’s fair, and worth it in the end.
Does this sound like a place you'd like to explore? When you book with Celebration Wishes Travel you can rest easy knowing that every single detail of your trip will be handled with care. Fill out our interest form to get started on planning your dream vacation today!
