Toopua

Locally spelled To’opua, this is one of the small islands that form the Bora Bora group, and it is situated between tiny sister islands Toopua Iti and Tapu in the southeast sector of the lagoon that surrounds the main island. Toopua is small, indeed, just 1.45 square Kilometres (0.6 square miles), and it sits on the remains of Mount Mauaohunoa, an ancient, dead volcano.

The island is home to about 70 locals, virtually all of whom work at the surprisingly large number of resorts on Toopua. One of these is the ultra-upscale Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui resort; it boasts world-class dining, a spa and a helipad for those flying in (otherwise you will need to take a boat from the main island).

Like all of Bora Bora, Toopua has a wonderful view of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Its favourite pastime is scuba diving in the coral gardens. An episode of television’s “Amazing Race” was filmed here.