Exotic stay on stilts

A true paradise, Bora Bora in French Polynesia continues to be celebrated for its beauty and idyllic landscapes, and many celebrities have succumbed to its charm. Socialite Paris Hilton, who grew up in Hilton hotels around the world, is one of the few who can boast of having stayed several times in the presidential overwater villa of the Hilton Bora Bora, the enchanting island surrounded by a magnificent turquoise lagoon, nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific.

 Louise Bourbonnais

Who hasn't dreamed of staying in a luxurious overwater villa on the highly sought-after island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia? This lush paradise, renowned for its verdant mountains, turquoise lagoons that blend seamlessly with the indigo blue of the Pacific, and pristine sandy beaches, offers an idyllic scene. It is for these reasons that Bora Bora is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Now an influencer and spokesperson for the Hilton chain since 2022, Paris Hilton has reconnected with the Hilton Worldwide group and enjoys sharing her stays at various Hilton hotels on social media, including her favorite, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. It was there that she stayed during her honeymoon with Carter Reum a little over two years ago, and she proudly mentions that she has returned many times.

"I feel right at home, I've grown up with these hotels all my life," says the influencer, who obviously travels by private jet.

With 26 million Instagram followers and several million more on Facebook and YouTube, in addition to being one of the great-granddaughters of Conrad Hilton, founder of the hotel chain, she was undoubtedly the best person to carry the torch. "I was an influencer before there was even a name for it," recalls the former reality TV star and businesswoman, now 43. She's called the heiress, but it's worth remembering that she and her family were largely disinherited by her grandfather, Barron Hilton, a major philanthropist, who instead chose to bequeath 97% of his $2,3 billion fortune to charities, explaining that he was embarrassed by the behavior of his granddaughter Paris, whose past escapades, according to him, had tarnished the reputation of the Hilton empire.

Paris Hilton remains the heir to a 3% share of the family fortune, but above all, she is the heir to a dynasty, a legend, and a prestigious name. It is primarily her business acumen, likely innate in Hilton's DNA, that has allowed her to amass a fortune estimated at US$300 million (over CA$400 million) according to Forbes.

While her childhood playground was the Hiltons around the world, she made headlines as an adult with her numerous trips to various destinations, including Maui, Ibiza, and most recently, St. Barts. But she claims that Bora Bora is her favorite destination. "It's my favorite place in the world, I've been coming here for years," exclaims Paris Hilton in a YouTube video.

The impressive presidential villa on stilts

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui hotel complex from the Hilton chain, with its twenty or so villas on stilts, is the ideal place for relaxation, water sports or simply enjoying the dazzling surroundings.

Restaurants, bars, activities, meals served in a dugout canoe at the villa, everything is taken care of.

As for the presidential villa, designed over two floors, it has several terraces, a private infinity pool, a hot tub and much more.

Motu Tapu

Guests of the Conrad Hilton can also enjoy a private island, Motu Tapu, a five-minute boat ride from the resort. This islet is reserved exclusively for guests of the prestigious hotel complex.

It is said to be the most photographed island in the South Pacific. There is also a helipad on stilts for excursions to the surrounding islands, where the landscapes are truly postcard-perfect.

Bora Bora the magnificent

Surrounded by one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Bora-Bora is in fact a unique place renowned for its enchanting beauty due to the mix of colors of the ocean where the shades of blue of the Pacific, which are not found anywhere else, dazzle tourists.

Many people come here for its seabed and to go diving. Alternatively, glass-bottom boat tours are another way to discover the many tropical fish and appreciate the coral reefs.

Its hotels, bungalows or villas designed on stilts are also dreamy, as are the coconut-lined beaches.

Matira, which stretches for two kilometers, is recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in French Polynesia.

The highest point in Bora Bora is Mount Otemanu, at 727 meters. As the climb is difficult, it is suggested that you admire it up close by helicopter.

For some shopping, we head to Vaitape, the island's largest town. Black pearls are the best buy. There are also many restaurants there that are more affordable than those in the hotels.

Paris Hilton in brief

– She was born in New York in 1981 and is the eldest of four children.

– Paris was a model in addition to trying her luck as a singer and actress.

– She distinguished herself by being the highest-paid female DJ in the world.

– Its perfume line, which includes more than 25 perfumes, has generated more than $2,5 billion in revenue.

– Its brand includes 19 product lines, including clothing, lingerie, jewelry, sunglasses, hair extensions, dog accessories and kitchen utensils.

– Having established numerous brand partnerships, her social media posts earn her at least US$50,000 (approximately CA$68,000) each.

– She has a production company under Warner Bros. for her wedding reality shows in addition to her cooking show on Netflix.

– Grandfather Hilton’s inheritance was reduced to 3%, or US$69 million (approximately CA$98 million), to be shared among 24 members of his family.

– She produces a series on Hilton-sponsored trips on her YouTube channel.

– She is recognized as having been the first influencer in history.

– She used a surrogate mother for both of her children. Echoing her own first name, her son, born in January 2023, is named Phoenix and her daughter, born in November 2023, is named London.