How We Got To Paradise: Bora Bora with Points, Perks & Family Magic

Bora Bora has held a special place in our hearts ever since our honeymoon. So when the opportunity came to return with our kids and extended family, we knew we had to make it happen.

This trip was about more than luxury or views (though, yes, there were plenty); it was about sharing one of our favorite places in the world with the people we love most.

Here’s how we pulled off a dream trip with six adults, two toddlers, and a ton of travel perks and points.

Tampa to Orange County—>Free Flights, a Delay, and Making the Most of It

We started the journey by flying from Tampa to Orange County, CA on Southwest, using points and a Companion Pass. That meant free flights for me, my mom, and both of my kids. Flight value was $329/person but we used 23,409 Southwest points + $5.60/person. For my daughter's ticket I only had to pay the $5.60 tax as she is my companion (she flies free with me on every Southwest flight)

We hit a 3.5 hour delay, but the gate agent recommended I submit a Southwest complaint form. That snagged us $100 LUV vouchers each, and after following up again by email, we received another $100 per person. A reminder that a little persistence pays off in points travel.

After arriving, we Ubered to the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, where I paid cash for two nights, using a $150 statement credit from my Amex Platinum card and earning 2x qualifying Marriott Bonvoy nights. Value was $391.78, we paid $241.78

With my Bonvoy Brilliant card referral link here, we scored:

• Free breakfast

• Lounge access

• A room upgrade with a park view

Our plan was for my mom, the kids and I to fly in a day earlier than the rest of our crew to go to Disney. I get a free comp ticket with my license once a year.

To top it off, Disneyland was running a $50 kids’ ticket promo, and my son was free (under 3). I get a $20/month credit with my Amex Business Gold card to Office Depot so I bought a Disney gift card for 3 months and used that to cover my daughters ticket!We rented a stroller through BabyQuip (Get $20 off here) , which made navigating the parks with toddlers so much easier.

Next Stop: Tahiti

We met the rest of our group (my husband, dad, sister, and brother in law) at LAX for our Delta flight to Tahiti, booked through Air France using 30,000 points + $33 per person. The kids were even cheaper(25% off their fares). We arrived in Papeete in the evening and booked a 3-bedroom Airbnb for $275, which beat the cost of three hotel rooms and gave us space to settle in.

Welcome to Bora Bora: Lei Greetings, Lagoon Boats & Island Views

The next morning, we took the first 7am flight to Bora Bora (about $200 per person; my son flew free as a lap infant).

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt straight out of a travel fantasy. The Westin Bora Bora team greeted us at the airport with traditional flower leis, then whisked away our luggage and loaded us onto their private lagoon boat-an unforgettable ride straight to the resort. It was the best welcome after lugging around all of our bags with two kids.

We were welcomed at check-in with cold towels and fresh juice & an incredible view of Mount Otemanu.

After check-in we were whisked away on a golf cart tour of the property.

My Bonvoy Brilliant perks came through again but this time for everyone:

• Upgraded rooms with private plunge pools

• Free breakfast ($55/person/day value)

• Extended benefits for my parents (booked under my reservation)

• My sister, who also holds the card, received the same upgrades

The resort charges a $55/person per day resort fee, which includes airport boat transfers, a daily shuttle to the main island, and several on-property activities. (Kids weren’t charged the fee, which was a great bonus.)

Exploring the Main Island: History, Grocery Runs & Saving on Food

On our second day, we took the resort ferry to the main island. This is included in the resort fee and is definitely worth doing at least once. We took a guided tour around the island, stopping at:

• Stunning panoramic viewpoints

• World War II bunkers built by the U.S.

• A local grocery store (a must when traveling with picky eaters)

We stocked up on essentials and snacks because while the food at the resort is great, it can add up fast. Being able to prepare a few simple meals or keep some kid friendly items on hand saved us money and stress.

Making Memories (and New Friends)

One of the best treats was getting to meet up with my friend Jessica, a fellow points and miles enthusiast I’d met at a meetup. She happened to be in Bora Bora too, and our kids had the best time playing together. She’s also a professional photographer in Houston, and generously did a family photo shoot for us while we were there-such a special keepsake from the trip.

You can find her on Instagram here: Jessica's Instagram

We spent most of that day just lounging in our overwater villas, soaking in the views and letting the kids play.

A Lagoon Tour & A Little Adventure

The next day, we revisited a favorite from our honeymoon—Lagoon Services Bora Bora. This full-day tour includes snorkeling with sharks and stingrays, a coral garden stop, and a traditional Tahitian lunch on a private motu (small island). It was just as amazing as we remembered. The people of Tahiti are so hospitable and fun!

Unfortunately, our toddler was sick. By the time I got back, his fever was 104°F, and we couldn’t break it. The Westin concierge was amazing. They arranged a ferry and a taxi and directed us to a private doctor on the main island.

The experience was shockingly efficient. Though the doctor didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak French, Google Translate bridged the gap. The office was clean and simple, and the entire visit cost $120 USD. We picked up a prescription for antibiotics, anti-nausea drops, and saline spray from the local pharmacy. From start to finish, it took about an hour-faster than urgent care back home & a comparable price (even after insurance).

The Final Stretch: Hilton Tahiti & Flights Home

After a few more relaxed days of snorkeling and soaking up the views, the Westin arranged our boat ride back to the Bora Bora airport, and we flew to Tahiti in the late afternoon via Air Tahiti. (Tip: I recommend Air Tahiti over Air Moana—they tend to be more reliable.)

We spent our last two nights at the Hilton Tahiti, booked through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts. With the $200 credit factored in, our $820 stay only cost $620 and included daily breakfast + a $100 resort credit. We originally planned a day trip to Moorea, but after dealing with sickness, we opted to just rest and recharge before the long journey home.

On Sunday morning, we flew Tahiti to Seattle on Air Tahiti Nui, which retails for $1,482 per person. Instead, we used 40,000 American Airlines miles + $52.81 per ticket.

We used free night certificates to stay the night at the Seattle Airport Marriott, and the next morning, we flew home to Tampa—my parents on Delta miles, and the rest of us on Southwest points.

Final Thoughts

This trip was everything-relaxing, chaotic, magical, unpredictable, and totally worth it. It reminded me why I do what I do: helping other families make bucket list memories without bucket list prices.

We used:

• Southwest points + Companion Pass

• Delta, American Airlines, and Air France miles

• Hotel perks from Amex Platinum, Bonvoy Brilliant, and Fine Hotels & Resorts

• LUV vouchers from delays

Price breakdown for just our family of four: Flight Value: $11,563

Paid: $1682.44

Hotel Value: $14,661

Paid: $1503

Disney Value: $444

Paid: $78

And we brought home something even more valuable than upgrades: memories our kids will never forget.

Want help planning a trip like this using your own points and perks?

Let me help you turn your dream destination into a doable reality.

Follow along on Instagram at @caribburnhamtravels or message me to get started!