Legendary Bora Bora In The Islands of Tahiti Featured In Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016

News provided by

Feb 15, 2016, 04:26 ET

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The famed island of Bora Bora, one of the 118 islands and atolls located in The Islands of Tahiti, is featured in this year's highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 scheduled to hit newsstands, the web and mobile platforms today.

Tucked away in the South Pacific and known for its stunning blue lagoon, white-sand beaches and overwater bungalows, the island of Bora Bora played host to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models and celebrated photographer Yu Tsai for the shoot. This is the fifth time this highly anticipated yearly issue was shot in The Islands of Tahiti. The destination and Tahitian model Turia Mau were featured on the cover in 1968, Elle Macpherson in the islands graced the cover in 1986, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search was featured in 2005 and the island of Huahine provided the stunning backdrop in the 2006 issue.

This year's issue was shot on location at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, recognized as one of the most romantic hotels in the world and a hideaway for celebrities. Models donned Tahitian pearls from Tahia Pearls and Tahiti Pearl Market and flower leis of native flowers including bougainvillea, tiare and frangipani from Bora Flora. The models were photographed in what author James Michener coined as "the most beautiful lagoon in the world."

The project was made possible with the support of partners including Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort and Tahiti Tourisme.

Bora Bora is one of the main islands in the Society Islands. Other islands included in the archipelago include Tahiti, Moorea, Tetiaroa, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Maupiti.

Not to be lost in the legendary shadows of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora are The "Hidden Paradise" Islands of Tahiti – Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, the Tuamotu atolls, and the Austral, Gambier and Marquesas Islands are considered some of the best kept secrets. Relatively unchanged by the modern world, these islands and atolls lure travelers looking for an authentic Polynesian experience enhanced by world-class resorts, with international cuisine and pristine uncrowded beaches.

In addition to the destination's jaw dropping iconic scenery, there are many sides to The Islands of Tahiti and they are all connected by Mana. Mana is the life force and spirit that connects all living things. Mana is experienced through the welcoming and culturally rich Tahitian people coupled with the natural and private beauty that surrounds visitors.

Officially known as French Polynesia, The Islands of Tahiti are much closer than many people think. Only an eight hour flight from Los Angeles, they are located in the same time zone as Hawaii, and the same distance below the equator as Hawaii is above the equator. The islands and atolls cover a vast area of the South Pacific - about the same size as Western Europe.

As one of the top rated island destinations in the world, Bora Bora has long been a location for filming and the playground for many celebrities. To learn more about The Islands of Tahiti, visit http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/si2016

The iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and spans more than 20 product extensions along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964 Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film including those of Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, and Chrissy Teigen.

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2016 photos and video shot in The Islands of Tahiti are available now at: http://www.si.com/swimsuit/2016/tahiti

Connect with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SISwimsuit
Twitter: @SI_Swimsuit
https://twitter.com/SI_Swimsuit
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/si_swimsuit
Snapchat:
siswim
Tumblr:
http://si-swimsuit.tumblr.com/
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/siswimsuit/

Connect with The Islands of Tahiti/Tahiti Tourisme North America:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SISwimsuit https://www.facebook.com/TahitiTourismeNorthAmerica
Twitter: @TahitiTourism
https://twitter.com/SI_Swimsuit https://twitter.com/TahitiTourism
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/si_swimsuit https://www.instagram.com/tahititourismenorthamerica/
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/siswimsuit/https://www.pinterest.com/tahititourism/

About The Islands of Tahiti:
Located in the South Pacific, The Islands of Tahiti are just eight hours by air from Los Angeles. Surrounded by pristine, crystal clear blue waters, the 118 islands and atolls offer natural beauty, authentic island culture, and unique French Polynesian style. The Islands of Tahiti are world-renowned for their white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise lagoons and varied landscapes ranging from coral atolls to volcanic mountain peaks. Each island offers a variety of accommodation experiences from luxurious resorts with overwater villas, to family pensions to sailing via private charter or scheduled cruise. Privacy comes naturally in The Islands of Tahiti and offers visitors the space to relax and reconnect and to be embraced by mana. Mana is the life force and spirit that connects all things in The Islands of Tahiti. Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America and in the same time zone as Hawaii. For further information, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com or call (310) 414-8484.