beijing stadium during 2022 olympics

Everything you need to know about the Beijing Olympics

Guides & Tips

The Beijing Winter Olympics showcased China’s stadiums, slopes and skating rinks. But when the competitors hang up their skis and snow boots, what happens to the impressive collection of facilities left behind? We’ve plunged into Beijing’s sports scene to find out what you can expect to see on a holiday to the city. Beijing’s Olympic Stadium is just the beginning. From snow parks and slalom runs to science museums and sightseeing towers, there’s much to explore – and possibly skate on, long after the Olympics are over.

luxury restaurant beijing

Breakfast, lunch & dinner in Beijing

Food & Drink

To say Beijing restaurants push the ingredient boundaries is a massive understatement. Initially, the sight of goose feet, fish heads and loofah on the menu will be arresting, but will quickly pale into the norm as more and more exotic temptations take their place. In fact, menus in this city flout the food rules at every sitting. Expect to eat steaks for breakfast, cook your own lunches and queue for the simplest – but best, noodle dish you’ll ever experience. Beijing food adventures aside, pleasingly, there’s always somewhere you can grab a simple plate of avo toast.

china watermelon museum in beijing

8 facts about Beijing that’ll blow your mind 

Guides & Tips

You might think that a run-down of some Beijing facts and figures could include some Great Wall stats and possibly a tally up of the famous hutongs that are oh-so-explorable. But we’re not here to talk about those kind of numbers. We’re more interested in the real eye-openers this city can deliver, with a little pop-culture based fact checking along the way. Read on for the intel on ice bikes, excruciating foot massages and what you can really expect from a stay in a 7 star suite.

Aerial view of green water and bungalows, Bora Bora

Bora Bora

Destination

Holidays to Bora Bora are a voyage both to an island idyll, but also an alternative reality. Happily, it’s one where butlers drop by with your drink order, dinners are candlelit (and often served on white sand beaches) and days are spent choosing between snorkelling with sharks or snorkelling with manta rays. Yes, you can hike the peaks on the mainland, but that seems like a lot of effort to go to when you can just as easily get a selfie of Mount Otemanu from your over water bungalow. But venturing out from the neutral tones of your luxury pad on stilts is worth the effort. After all, you might find yourself whizzing around the island on an ATV. Riding a horse across the sands while feeling bewitched by the impossibly turquoise hue of the sea seems appealing enough to rouse you from your comfy king-sized, too. Or you may just find yourself lost in the pieces created by a local artist who’s found his muse in the island’s beauty.

Billing Bora Bora as an island for honeymooners feels about right. If the couples that land weren’t so smitten with each other, they may well find themselves dropping to one knee and proposing to Bora Bora instead.

Having a bath in Bora Bora tropical beach

Top 9 things to do in Bora Bora

See & Do

It won’t surprise you to learn that most Bora Bora excursions focus on the island’s mesmerising waters. Though, you’re here to do more than just peer at the ever-changing blue ocean colour palette. Dive down to spend time with sharks, manta rays and Bora Bora’s endemic species, stay on the surface for SUP tours and wakeboarding, or enjoy the serenity of a glass bottomed boat ride. Of course, there are things to do in Bora Bora that don’t involve the ocean. There are volcano hikes, ATV rides, contemporary are and Polynesian patisserie to discover too.

french restaurant bora bora

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Bora Bora

Food & Drink

Many Bora Bora restaurants conform to the French Polynesian stereotype. Grass huts, freshly caught catches and ocean views almost come as standard. Which, of course, all adds up to some rather memorable menu perusing moments. But there will come a point in your stay where you’ll be looking for something a little different among those Bora Bora restaurant options. We’ve hand-picked a little of everything for you to try. From budget and basic breakfast cafes to exclusive and intimate hideaways, plus the option to lunch like you never have before…

couple on their honeymoon diving together in bora bora

A honeymooner’s guide to Bora Bora

See & Do

Bora Bora honeymoons are the ultimate wedding gift to yourselves. Idyllic island resorts with overwater villas fanning out into an ocean that spans the jewel colour spectrum. And when your eyes tire of the emerald, sapphire, peridot and jade hues, the sun sets bring ruby red skies to swoon under. On an island practically made for honeymooning, Bora Bora romantic tours aren’t in short supply. Though, the couples’ massages, candlelit dinners and snorkel spots straight from your lagoon perched villa could tempt you to never leave your hotel.

luxury resort bora bora

The best hotels and resorts in Bora Bora

Guides & Tips

Bora Bora hotels have many things in common. Water bungalows, mouth-watering cuisine and romantic nooks to while away a honeymoon in. But there are exclusive and unusual features that set them apart. From the marine life experts at the Four Seasons Bora Bora to the tattoo parlour at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, prepare to be delighted and a little surprised at the ways Bora Bora resorts stand out from the overwater villa crowd.