Brief, tropical encounter

I knew I should have gone. But when I rejected the invitation to feed the sharks and meet the giant manta rays, I hadn't heard the story about the American tourist, her bosom and a rather amorous creature of the deep.

The tranquil French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, festooned with white beaches, honeymooners and shops selling black pearls, is the setting for this extraordinary tale. Our charming French chaperone imparted the ultimate fishing story over a seafood lunch and a glass of white wine.

An unsuspecting Californian tourist was in the water, sans bikini top, when a giant manta ray latched onto her breast. He was a determined little chap with powerful suction. Reinforcements were required in the form of (one can only imagine) reluctant male aides to pull the giant from the aforementioned bosom.

Giant bosom-sucking manta rays aside, Bora Bora has plenty of other attractions. Snorkelling in the island's pale blue lagoon you are treated to a buffet of tropical fish. You can turn yourself into a kind of human maypole by holding out pieces of bread underwater which attracts the colourful creatures.

While the rooms at Bora Bora's Club Med are basic, and some will bemoan the absence of swimming pool, the whole complex is located on a lagoon where you can swim, snorkel, windsurf or tan.

If you are looking for something more upmarket the Novotel could be the ticket. It has quality garden rooms and although they don't overlook the water, the hotel's restaurant, bar and pool hold pride of place on a white sand beach complete with palm trees and a small jetty.

A three-minute boat ride from the jetty, pure luxury awaits in the form of Sofitel Motu. The hotel's villas are built out over the lagoon and each one features beautiful wooden fittings and a glass port hole in the floor looking down into the water below. There are also luxury garden villas with ocean views available.

No wonder honeymooners flock here from around the world.

Both the Novotel and Sofitel have quality restaurants and wine lists.

And after a day of snorkelling with one eye on the lookout for wayward manta rays there is nothing quite like lying back on the deck of the Sofitel's restaurant with a glass of French champagne in hand.