After you’ve canoed, sailed, scuba dived, and visited the resort’s sanctuary for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, you’ll be ready to recline on your patio for a view of the extinct 2,300-foot Mount Otemanu volcano. —Brendan Brady Le Méridien Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (800) 543-4300, starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien, from $605. Photo courtesy of lodging. This appeared in the September/October 2010 issue. See more overwater bungalows.
My 25th wedding anniversary was approaching and I wanted to take my wife somewhere romantic. It didn't take much research to discover that Bora Bora fit that description. I booked an overwater bungalow that allowed us to feed the fish from the floor of the living room, paddle a canoe to breakfast, or just laze on the deck above the cerulean waters. A week on this beautiful atoll brought back all of the romance that sparked our relationship 25 years ago.The high cost and the 12 hour flight from LAX were well worth it. There isn't a lot to do on the island, which is the point really. However, to enhance the romance, you will want to spoil her with a black pearl that was pulled from the sea on a nearby island and wine and dine her at La Villa Mahana, a lovely little restaurant that only has 6 tables and is one of the best meals you'll ever eat. Truly a once in a lifetime romantic trip!
On our second to last day in Bora Bora, we took a private outrigger around the lagoon, swimming with the sharks in one area, and admiring the beautiful coral reefs in another. We ended up at a private beach, where our gracious host procured an umbrella, table and chairs from his boat, and proceeded to feed us a delicious lunch of barbequed fish and local fruit, as the water lapped our feet. The outrigger guy's name is Keishi; check out keishi-tour.com for more info.
We spent 10 days honeymooning on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The St Regis is located on the reef that surrounds the central island, which is in the background of the picture. We stayed in an over-water bungalow, which actually had a glass floor so you could see the fish below, and jumping off of the deck into the warm waters of the lagoon was an incredible way to start or end the day.
The most exciting place to watch New Year festivities is also one of the very last to celebrate: Le Meridien Bora Bora. Hop a plane ( only 8 hours from LAX) and ring in the New Year at one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world for a New Year celebration like no other. The Le Méridien Bora Bora is set on a six mile-long “motu” islet off the main island, and has various accommodations all with an unsurpassed view of the Mount Otemanu in French Polynesia. ( Think Bali-Hai from South Pacific). There is still time to don your pareu and bring your beau as Le Méridien Bora Bora will begin the countdown to the New year after most of the world has gone to bed. Start with music by a local Tahitian group from 6 to 10pm in the bar Miki Miki, then sup at a sumptuous New Year’s Eve buffet dinner beginning at 7pm as a DJ spins musical memories throughout dinner. At 1130 pm things start to heat up at the beach with fire- knife dancers on the sand. Just before midnight, fill your glass with Champagne and watch the fireworks illuminate the sky over the lagoon bringing in 2013 in grand style. In case you are curious, I have done the homework for you for this party. Room rates start at $723.USD. The Party Package is $354.USD per person and includes the buffet dinner,wine, Champagne, the shows, fireworks and parties.
Just one of the many stunning views on our spectacular honeymoon that is forever etched into our minds. We swam with sharks in open water, snorkled off our OWB daily, had a private island BBQ and did a jeep tour of the main island. There was plenty to do and we were never without adventure. We felt very very far away and loved every second of this paradise!
Came upon this casual vendor of island bounty. I hope and pray that heaven is just like Bora Bora.
Up high above the sea on Bora Bora we had a beautiful view. It had rained just prior and the sun had suddenly cleared. I loved being up in the jungle, while being able to take in this gorgeous expanse of blue.
Visiting the InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort on assignment, I feel like the only single person from here to Guam. Every year, Bora is voted among the world’s top honeymoon destinations, and right away you realize everything is designed to propagate the human species. The grounds are thick with palm trees and fat ferns leading up to some of the most beautiful water on the planet resembling a translucent creamy liquid light. Every day at 2 pm, a school of stingrays shows up in knee deep water to be fed by guests. This is highly popular for the dozens of young honeymooners because their Facebook photos come out amazing in the clear water. The star attractions are the 80 overwater villas stretching into the lagoon along four curved wooden piers. Prepare to be blown away. The villas are over 1,000 sf with cathedral beam ceilings, handsome wood furnishings and a huge living room opening out to a large wooden deck. A ladder extends to a second deck perched a couple feet above the water, where you’ll spend a lot of time while other guests kayak by and wave hello. In the center of the villa, my bed faces a floor-to-ceiling window framing the volcano. These particular units were voted “World’s Best View from the Bedroom” on TripAdvisor a few years ago. The hotel can also set you up with a catered romantic dinner for two on the lower deck. Candles, pillows, frangipani flowers, French champagne and lobster soup—who’s not going to get pregnant after that?
Came upon this casual vendor of island bounty. I hope and pray that heaven is just like Bora Bora.
Half of the overwater villas at Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort are on the main island. The other half stretch out from a private island inside Bora Bora’s ephemeral lagoon. Because of the secluded nature of the latter and staggering vantage of the central volcano, Mt. Otemanu, honeymooners spend a lot of time in and around their room here. Originally built in 1977 by Italian director Dino De Laurentis, this was one of the first branded hotels in Bora so it had first dibs on location. Which is interesting since most American travelers prefer the “Honeymoon Row” hotels on the ring of atolls rimming the east side of the lagoon. Because the Sofitel consists of two resorts, you have more variety here. The beaches on both the main and private islands tend to be quiet and uncrowded. There's also a larger European crowd because of the Paris-based Sofitel brand. They like to show up every evening for a midnight swim in the infinity lagoon pool, which adds some good energy around here late at night when many of the other hotels are dark. I took the photo above on Sofitel’s private island after breakfast in the 2nd story dining room treehouse, which feels like a French Robinson Crusoe fantasy for the Robb Report crowd. This was my favorite breakfast ever because of the setting and incomparable view. Grab a table on the semi-private wooden verandah outside the main restaurant surrounded by tall palms trees and dewy ferns thriving with Tahiti’s native white tiare gardenia.
On a recent trip to research resorts, I had the opportunity to visit Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and the island of Taha'a. All were fabulous places to explore, but my favorite stay was at the Five Star Taha'a Island Resort and Spa on the island of Taha'a. Part of the allure of the resort is the remoteness of Taha'a. To get there I had to take a 35-minute boat taxi from the airport in Raiatea. What a spectacular boat ride it was, however. The lush setting on a sparkling lagoon is everything I imagined the resort would be. It was my first time ever to stay in an overwater bungalow, and a luxurious bungalow at that. I especially enjoyed the sunset over the lagoon, and an early morning swim right outside my door. The resort has a few restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness center, spa and gift shop, so you are not totally isolated. If you want to just relax in one of the prettiest spots in the world, you can do that too. If you visit this special place in French Polynesia, you may discover as I did, that it is hard to get any better than this!
The Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is secluded all by itself on Toopua Atoll, part of the rim of islands encircling Bora’s mythical Mt. Otemanu volcano. Arriving by boat, you feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth as the water turns deep cobalt blue on the other side of the reef. For what it's worth, Kim Kardashian honeymooned here. The 86 overwater villas stretch along the longest beach in French Polynesia while 36 land villas slope up the palm-swathed hillside. Those higher elevation villas are unique among the island's other resorts, all of which are situated at sea level. Perched at the crest of the hill, the small Hina Spa includes three spa cabins (above) and a thatch roof couples massage hut at the edge of the precipice. I sat with spa director Anthony Nayeli, who has a passionate concern for protecting the fragile environment. “I want us to be doing so much in terms of sustainability that the rest of the hotels are shamed by our example,” he says. “So a visit here is not just an incredibly luxurious escape, but it’s also not exploitive in any way.” Toward that goal, all of the signature treatments include a donation to local environmental agencies. For example, the “Be the Difference” treatment includes a sea salt and ylang ylang body scrub, a marine algae body wrap and a 50-minute massage. A portion of funds from that are given to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, which promotes anti-pollution initiatives throughout the islands.
While pensions in French Polynesia are often touted as overpriced accommodations with no amenities, Fare Pea Iti proves this is not always true. In fact, this family home pension is downright luxurious, with an in-ground pool, well-manicured grounds and a mix of beach and garden bungalows featuring sumptuous amenities and whimsical touches. The beach bungalow is particularly opulent. While in the bathroom you'll find Monoi oil body products and an over-sized walk-in tiled shower, the enclosed porch features beautiful views, self-catering kitchen with barbecue and mini-bar. In the room, the bed is adorned with tropical flowers and canopied with delicate baldaquin. Moreover, the garden bungalows offer comfortable beds, televisions, Monoi oil tiki soaps, a walk-in shower, mini bar and table and chairs in the garden for scenic relaxing. Don't miss the fantastic homecooked meals in their open-air restaurant and bar. In the morning there's an artisanal breakfast of hot beverages, fresh juices, fresh tropical fruit, homemade vanilla yogurt, fluffy bread and housemade jams with large chunks of fruit. Moreover, at night guests can enjoy a 3-course candlelit dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
Technically part of Tahaa in French Polynesia, Vahine Private Island Resort is an escape from reality. The hotel features three beach bungalows, three self-contained beach suites and three overwater bungalows, all with beach views and designed using only natural materials in such a way as to make you feel like you're in a traditional Polynesian home. Moreover, the resort is set on a 23-acre private island lush with coconut trees and white sand beach. Snorkel in their vibrant coral gardens, kayak to nearby motus or to natural sting-ray pools, take in a coconut show, learn how to tie a pareo or weave palm leaves, paddle a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe or take an excursion to the nearby mainland of Tahaa (the "Vanilla Island") or a private motu. Guests love their food and beverage program, with French dishes crafted using local cuisine and cocktails infused with local fruits and juices. Tip: Don't leave without having a traditional massage with scented Monoi oil on your deck, where you'll hear nothing but the billowing palms and gentle crashing of waves.
Tahaa is where more than 80% of French Polynesia's famous vanilla comes from, so visiting a plantation is a worthwhile experience. Vallee de la Vanille is an organic vanilla plantation (one of the few) on Tahaa that offers free tours so visitors can learn about the cultivation, drying and production of the vanilla -- as well as sample of the fresh fruits from the grounds (Tahaa is extremely lush and great for growing tropical fruits). Don't leave without purchasing something from their shop, which has an array of vanilla-infused products like coffee beans, shampoo, lotion, volcano rocks, sea salt, cooking oil, rum and more.
From Raiatea -- I launched my kayak from the edge of Raiatea Lodge Hotel, who rents the boats free to guests -- you can have the unique experience of kayaking to a motu. Motus are small islands made up of coral and its derivatives. From Raiatea one of these islands you can paddle to is Motu Miri Miri, which allows you to float over vibrant gardens of coral and see tropical fish while getting a workout. Exploring the motu is also nice, as it allows you complete peace of a deserted island as well as take in views of Raiatea from afar. The kayaking journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
The Raiatea Lodge Hotel located on the island of Raiatea is one of French Polynesia's only 3-star hotels (most are budget pensions or luxury resorts). Guests can enjoy comfortable and stylish accommodations in an intimate boutique hotel that features 15 rooms. Room amenities include balcony views overlooking the garden and pool, rain showers, air conditioning, sumptuous bedding, a television and free WiFi. Make sure to wake up early to see the sunrise over the lagoon from your balcony and hear the birds singing early in the morning. Moreover, they offer a range of free activities, like snorkeling in the lagoon, kayaking to the nearby Motu Miri Miri and cycling around the island, as well as guided tours for a fee. Don't leave without having an artisanal breakfast or piece of fresh fish from the lagoon in their restaurant, or a cocktail enhanced with fresh local fruits and flowers from their bar.
From Vahine Private Island Resort you have an excellent view of Bora Bora, which is exceptionally beautiful at sunset. Enjoy it with a cocktail from the bar made with local juices and fruits.
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