Honeymoon in Bora Bora, where outrigger canoes are the preferred mode of transportaion. -- Photos by Tahiti Tourist Board

Q: I've just booked my late October honeymoon -- seven nights in an over water bungalow at the Bora Bora Lagoon resort. I'm looking for travel advice and recommendations -- nobody has any first-hand information and I don't know what tours are available. The honeymoon location is a surprise to my fiance and she'll have no idea where were going until we get to Los Angeles. What advice can you give me? I understand that the bungalows aren't air conditioned. Will we need it? -- Please withhold my name. Thanks a million!

A: Paul Gauguin took his inspiration from it. Marlon Brando not only fell in love while filming Mutiny On The Bounty, he loved island life so much he bought himself an entire atoll. Countless others have literally left their hearts while on a trip here.

Known as the Romantic Island, Bora Bora is part of the 118-island-chain of Tahiti, which took explorers several years to chart and discover. This archipelago of five island groups is in the heart of the South Pacific below the equator.

You'll find Tahitians very friendly but rather shy. Once you flash a smile, they'll be sure to open right up. Try saying "ai ora na." That's hello and is sure to go a long way.

When you talk to islanders, you'll discover that the letter B doesn't exist in the Tahitian language. So Bora Bora really is Pora Pora, which means first born.

This is a year-round tropical destination where the average temperature is 79F.

Tahitians love the cool ocean breezes and their lofty ceiling fans, but many hotels are equipped with air conditioning, including your bungalow at the luxurious Bora Bora Lagoon Resort.

I'm told you'll find some of the best scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing in the world right there. Of course, if you're going to be in this tropical paradise with your new bride, you'll most likely want to take her for a romantic horseback ride into the sumptuous sunset, walk through the fragrant gardens and view the nightly performances where dancers don beautiful floral costumes. The Bora Bora lagoon is considered the most treasured feature -- take a paddle through one in an outrigger canoe,

The Tahiti Tourism Office has a fabulous free guide -- Honeymoon And Romance Guide -- which details everything a honeymooner needs to know. Call the Tahiti Tourism Office, 1-800-365-4949 or visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com.

Polynesian Mas.

Q: We're going to be in West Hollywood in early June and we're wondering, besides the usual movie star spotting, what other things are going on around this time?

-- J. Kang, Markham

A: Want to feast on art and design? Forget the local car culture and get ready to lace up the walking shoes. West Hollywood is planning to roll out the red carpet along Melrose, Robertson and Beverly Boulevards during its annual Avenues of Art & Design Walk on June 5.

More than 150 individual showrooms including antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, jewelry and specialty shops are expected to participate in the event which started seven years ago. For a full list of galleries, exhibits and participants visit www.avenuesartdesign.com. For other travel-related information call the West Hollywood Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-368-6020.