I am planning my honeymoon and am trying to decide between bora bora and the maldives. I have heard great things about both, and this is probably the only time to go to either one. We really like snorkeling, scuba, beaches, and spas. I will be traveling in November of 2005. Thanks a lot!!

The Maldives were pretty well destroyed a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure they will have recovered to a great extent by the time of your visit and they will be very welcoming.

However, Bora Bora is a lot closer to the US and actually has beautiful beaches which are not in abundance in the Maldives.

You might also consider The Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

I've never been to Bora Bora, so can't comment on it, although it looks gorgeous.

Some of the 1,200 islands of the Maldives were destroyed by the recent tsumanis, but not all. Only 88 of these islands are developed as tourist resorts. My husband is leaving next week for Bandos, which was not affected by the tsunamis at all.

You'll need to research which islands you might be interested in, and then contact them directly to determine the extent of damage and when they might be up and running again.

I've visited four islands in the Maldives and I saw plenty of nice beaches, just keep in mind that these islands are small. Scuba diving and snorkeling are abundant, but some islands offer extensive scuba diving opportunites, while others offer more limited diving depending on their location, etc.

Suprisingly, according to their website (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/i...tyhocn=MLEHITW), the Maldives Hilton (the only overwater bungalows that I've heard of in the Maldives) is just fine and sustained no damage from the tidal wave.

Ken

wow - that is a really tough choice but a nice one to make, congratulations.

having been to both, i will say this:

if you are starting from asia or even australia, then select the maldives, but if you live in the united states, i would say bora bora.

the maldives is just too long a way to go to just sit on a beach without visiting india, which will be so close by...it just doesn't make planning sense when you can reach bora bora in half the time.

you'll save yourself 2 whole vacation days by sticking to a closer paradise, without losing anything in the way of scenic beauty or relaxation.

i'd also add (if you have not gathered this by viewing photos on line), that visually bora bora will offer more variety than the maldives.

From what I can gather about the disaster in the Maldives the restoration of the place won't be finished until more like late 2006

I certainly don't wish to sound mercenary about this, but it seems to me that all of the areas hit are likely to much emptier (and have much lower prices) than normal following this disaster. Typically there is a lag between when such an area is rebuilt and when the tourists start flocking back. This can be an opportunity for those willing to take a chance that perhaps not quite everything will be back to normal (while most things will) when they go. There will be less crowds, service will be better and prices will be much lower. Something to consider.

There is opportunity here and those that do travel to the areas hit by the tsunami will be spending their money to help rebuild the economies of the areas affected. Obviously you do not want to go there if the place is still destroyed, but many areas (I'm not specifically referring to the Maldives here) claim that they will be up and back in business in a matter of a few months. Also keep in mind that in many areas there are even now lots of resorts that were unaffected (as I mention, that seems to be the case with the Maldives Hilton) and that as a result of all the press about the disaster, even these places are likely to be offering discounts in order to draw tourists again.

So keep your eyes open and listen carefully to what is being said. You may be able to hit the "sweet spot" where things are mostly back to normal but prices are still way low.

Ken

The resort that we use as a surfcamp in the Maldives received about 40% damage. They expect to be fully operational within a month or two. A competitors operation was completely wiped out.

It was totally hit or miss. It is entirely possible that you will be able to go and enjoy the Maldives in November.

Hi

I would chose the Maldives , I have been 4 times now my last visit being last week. We went to Huvafen Fushi and it was beautiful.
There are so many standards of hotel in the maldives you really will be spoilt for choice. All of the 4 /5star hotels have over water bungalows and great spas so you can be truly pampered.
Most of the top hotels out there have been left unscathed by the Tsunami so there will be no problems going in November. The people are so kind and gracious and are so worried that the tourists will stop visiting - there really is no need , go there and rest assured you will have a fabulous time.

Having been to the Maldives 6 times and Bora Bora once, I can only give you my experiences. I've stayed at the Hilton, Kanuhura, Lilly Beach, Ari Beach, Laguna and Baros. Without doubt IMHO the Hilton water villas are exceptional and the best I've stayed in. Bora Bora is a much larger island than any of the Maldivian islands. I found while there were many affluent and up market areas/resorts/hotels there are areas which do not match the expereince you will find on an exlcusive 5 star maldives island.

The Hilton is made up of two islands, once of which is just being refurbished. The smaller island is where the water villas are. The superior water villas have plunge pools, plasma TV's, Bose Hi-fi's and are equiped to a very high standard. The restuarant is fantastic and it is totally relaxed. Some people might find not enough to interest them, but if you enjoy diving, Manta point is approx 20 mins in a dive boat. I have been to the site several times and have seen 15+ manta rays. They run snorkelling trips and although I didn't go one, other guests said that they we able to snorkell with a whale shark. I have seen schools of dolphins and there is a resident 2m baracuda that swims between the islands.

If I have to make a choice, definatley the Maldives. FYI, I also believe the Hilton misssed the effect of the Tsunami.

My husband and I were in the Maldives a month ago. We stayed at Huvafen Fushi (Lagoon Bungalow) - which was spectacular - highly recommended for honeymooners. I've also heard good things about the Hilton Rangali. If you're going on a honeymoon you will NOT be dissapointed by the lagoon bungalow at Huvafen Fushi in the maldives

Quote from the second poster
"However, Bora Bora is a lot closer to the US and actually has beautiful beaches which are not in abundance in the Maldives."

How can this be? I thought the best thing about Maldives is they have some of the best beaches in the WORLD!