Polynesia, a glimpse of paradise (part 2)
Bora Bora, the pearl of Polynesia
A veil of clouds dissipates over the ocean. At last, from the vibrating cabin of the twin-engine propeller aircraft, we discover the gem of the South Seas, this dreamy island, floating in its lush green setting, unfolding its long series of motus, like a string of rare pearls. A quintessence of beauty and gentleness like the dawn of Creation.
As happiness does not come alone, the boat that makes it possible for us to reach Bora Bora Nui, comes to pick us up, because the airport is on an island. Check up on board and the first encounter with this stunningly beautiful atoll. Crystal clear water, with shades of turquoise, aquamarine, no words can really express the extraordinary beauty of this site.
Bora Bora Nui, a charming hotel that combines authenticity and luxury
The hotel (whose owner is Louis Wan) nestled on Motu Topua, in the Southeastern part of the island is unique in its kind and belongs to the Luxury Collection. Spread over 16 hectares, its immaculate beach of 800-metre long is an invitation to laziness as much as it is a call to contemplation. The only hotel on an island, with a pool lagoon, that merges with the sea and where as soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed at the reception, directly on the water. Already a taste of paradise.
Each of its 36 rooms and 84 bungalows on stilts is exquisite. Here stilts are the epitome of the Tahitian dream, the Polynesian legend. With a minimum surface of 85m², you can enjoy the luxury of a living room area separated, by Japanese panels, from the bedroom that comes with a romantic canopy bed. The addition of a pandanuse-covered terrace, equipped with a ladder, gives you the irresistible temptation that never leaves you, to take a dip into the water.
The decoration draws on natural materials, precious Tapa fabrics and exotic woods without being ostentatious.
There is a human dimension about everything; the atmosphere is friendly and never pretentious. We feel at ease, without an overdose of sophistication. Definitely a charming hotel, a happy mixture of luxury and authenticity with simplicity. Even the gastronomy is in perfect symbiosis. The Tamure Grill, where you can sit with your feet in the sand, to savour grilled meats and salad and the Iriatai and watch the panoramic view. As for Mandara, a spa right on the hillside, its select range of services makes for happy guests, especially as it stretches over three spa bungalows, with a view of the lagoon from above.
In a nutshell, a pure delight!
St Régis, the luxury of a floating palace
In the early morning, you will discover spectacular lights, that transport you to the dawn of Creation, by slipping into its clear waters with silvery reflections before taking the boat to swim among black tip sharks, rays and to discover lemon sharks in deeper water. A real adventure. A motu will invite you to have lunch under the shade of coconut trees while enjoying a delicious barbecue, with your feet in the water. Living the life of a Robinson Crusoe in modern times!
Bora Bora has several hotels, each one more prestigious than the other, but the St. Régis, another Starword hotel, is definitely one not to be missed.
Decoration, the alliance between tradition and sophistication
A five-star luxury hotel, opened in 2006, with a more contemporary style, stretches over 18 hectares and presents 100 villas of top luxury « floating » on crystal clear water.
In the villas (144 m² at a minimum), the decoration has hit a perfect compromise between primitiveness and sophistication, with the living room and the bedroom separated in the form of an « L », opening onto the terrace. The bathroom is extravagantly chic, with bathtub and whirlpool, a generous supply of towels, only the dressing is very small.
This subtle design is cast in eclectic modernism and more ostentatious.
The only traces of bygone days are the villa furnishings: flat TV screens, satellite dishes, wi-fi, DVD players and air conditioning.
Those passionate about top luxury will want to choose the royal suite (1207 m²) with a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and always a more precious decor. Here you can cultivate the art of blissful idleness.
Dining experience, not to be missed
In the evening, a dining experience is a must, especially with the ‘cream of the crop’ of Bora Bora restaurants, opened by the famous star-awarded Chef, Jean- Georges Vongerichten. This very contemporary dining room is on stilts and you will be charmed by the beauty of the turquoise waters and Mont Otemanu.
For sushi fans, « Sushi Take » is the perfect choice, offering the best of Japanese cuisine. And for more casual dining, try the Te Pahu, tucked under columns and open on all sides. Here you will enjoy some delicious Mediterranean food.
After these culinary experiences, time is ripe to book at the Miri Miri Spa, where in its private motu, you can get massages inspired by the Polynesian tradition, drawing on the best of local products.
Here life is paced by languidness, the murmuring of the sea in enchanting ink blue or aquamarine.
