Evaluation: St Regis Bora Bora

Wednesday newsletters at all times characteristic a lodge or flight overview.

I not too long ago loved an unbelievable vacation in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). Learn my journey studies right here:

Immediately: Evaluation of The Regis Bora Bora (French Polynesia)

Reaching out throughout 44 acres of lush landscaping edged by white sands and a crystalline lagoon, The St Regis Bora Bora Resort represents the epitome of carefree class. The resort’s 100 lodging comprise the biggest over-water villas in French Polynesia in addition to some beautiful seaside villas, each adorned with unique woods, handwoven materials and regional artwork. Rising within the distance, the towering majesty of Mount Otemanu is an ever-present image of the lofty luxurious and customized service which are the hallmarks of the resort. Suspended over water is the Lagoon Restaurant, with views of Mount Otemanu, the place Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s menu gives the best eating expertise. The St Regis butler service gives espresso and tea supply with wake-up calls, Champagne sabering, and extra. A spotlight is the Iridium Spa, set by itself non-public island, providing enjoyable remedies.

The St Regis Bora Bora options in my prime 10 lists of the greatest luxurious motels & resorts in French Polynesia and the greatest St Regis motels & resorts on this planet.

Have you ever ever stayed at The St Regis Bora Bora? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this overview (extra information and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The St Regis Bora Bora is one in every of Bora Bora‘s most coveted addresses. The legendary island of Bora Bora is a part of Tahiti’s Leeward Islands which make up the western aspect of French Polynesia, a French territory within the Pacific Ocean. In historical instances, Bora Bora was named “Pora pora mai te pora”, which suggests “created by the gods” within the native Tahitian dialect, and over time, the identify was shortened to Pora Pora. As a result of Tahitian doesn’t distinguish between the sounds of the letters ‘b’ and ‘p,’ the identify of the island was typically mispronounced as Bola Bola or Bora Bora till explorer Jakob Roggeveen arrived in 1722 to call the island Bora Bora. The island is surrounded by an impressive lagoon, barrier reef, and several other motus (islets) made up of damaged coral and sand. On the heart of the primary island are the stays of an extinct volcano with two dramatic peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. At 2,835 toes excessive (727 meters), Mount Otemanu is Bora Bora’s highest level and a significant distinguishing landmark.

• Positioned by itself non-public coral island (motu) on a barrier reef alongside the jap aspect of Bora Bora, The St Regis Bora Bora can solely be reached by boat. The views in the course of the 20 min boat journey from Bora Bora’s tiny airport to resort’s most important dock are breathtaking: Bora Bora’s crystal-clear lagoon is coloured in 1,000,000 shades of blue and surrounds the long-lasting Mount Otemanu, believed to be the birthplace of the Polynesian islands in native mythology. Upon arrival on the dock, friends are welcomed by their non-public butler, escorted through a staircase to the thatched roof foyer pavilion for the check-in process, and whisked away by golf cart for an orientation tour of the huge resort grounds. The St Regis Bora Bora is split into three separate areas, that are linked by pedestrian bridges: the primary space (that includes the foyer, most important pool, seaside, and all eating places), an Y-shaped jetty (that includes the overwater villas and adults-only pool), and a motu (housing the seaside villas, lagonarium, spa, and sport services).

• The 44-acre resort is a big property, however fortunately, free bike leases and an environment friendly 24/7 buggy service can be found to friends which makes it simple to get round. Regardless of its large measurement, The St Regis Bora Bora feels modest in scale due to its intimate structure and design. The overwhelming majority of the resort’s public areas and lodging encompass small pavilions with thatched roofs, open partitions and a easy but elegant décor. The conventional Polynesian type of the resort was designed by architect Pierre Lacombe and inside designer Meriem Corridor, who each spent a complete yr on website planning what was to change into the St Regis Bora Bora. Lacombe select easy and pure supplies for constructing the resort, akin to pandanus to line the ceilings, Asian hardwood for the flooring, and sturdy granite for some ending touches. Corridor’s work started the place Lacombe’s left off, and she or he infused the décor with a contact of female, including rugs, draperies and fabric to melt Lacombe’s clear strains. The general result’s a serene and convivial resort, which feels extra like a Polynesian village than a lodge.

• The St Regis Bora Bora gives 90 elegantly appointed villas, comprised of 13 seaside villas and 77 overwater villas. Perched over the lagoon with views of the both the primary island or Mount Otemanu, the one- and two-bedroom overwater villas are the preferred choose amongst vacationers and are famend as the biggest overwater lodging within the South Pacific. Villas have separate bed room and lounge areas, with window panels imbedded within the ground, which permit to look into the turquoise-blue lagoon and marine life swimming beneath. Elegant Italian marble bogs characteristic outsized sunken tubs and rain showers. Outside residing areas provide direct entry into the lagoon for a spontaneous swim. Some overwater villas additionally provide plunge swimming pools or whirlpools. Nestled on the reef aspect, the seaside villas even have non-public outside Jacuzzis and two two-bedroom villas include non-public swimming swimming pools. Set on a secluded cove on the seaside’s pristine white sand, is the resort’s largest villa – the Royal Suite – that includes three bedrooms, a non-public swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

• With 4 eating places and two bars to select from in addition to the non-public eating, particular themed nights and bespoke choices for particular events, The St Regis Bora Bora Resort gives a wide selection of culinary choices for discerning vacationers:
  • Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant is the resort’s signature restaurant since its opening in 2006. Suspended over the water and providing putting views of Mount Otemanu, the venue delights the senses with a memorable superb eating expertise that has earned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten his famend fame as one of many world’s main Cooks. Signature dishes embody pink tuna coconut, beef truffle and lamb thyme.
  • Nestled within the resort’s backyard, Far Niente Restaurant pays homage to the time-honored traditions of Italian delicacies and boasts an assortment of genuine dishes and drinks.
  • Subsequent to Far Niente is Bamboo Restaurant, the place friends can pattern daring but delicate flavors of Asia, ready with a wide range of Japanese and Chinese language strategies.
  • Positioned alongside the resort’s non-public seaside, Te Pahu Restaurant is open for breakfast, which includes a small buffet complemented by à la carte dishes. On chosen night time, Te Pahu additionally hosts particular themed dinners and Tamure dance exhibits to the traditional beat of Toere drums. 
  • Positioned between the primary seaside and most important pool, netx to Te Pahu, is the informal Aparima Restaurant & Bar, which gives gentle meals, tasty snacks and refreshing cocktails in the course of the day.
  • Positioned subsequent to Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant and having fun with a spectacular view, 727 Bar is one the resort’s highlights. The bar’s overwater terrace is the proper spot for a pre-dinner cocktails whereas admiring the spectacular sundown view behind Mount Otemanu. Every night time, the bar additionally hosts a Champagne sabering ritual – a St Regis signature service originating from the times of Napoleon when he used a saber to uncork Champagne in each victory and defeat in battle.

• Over 100 years in the past St Regis’ founder, John Jacob Astor IV, launched the model’s legendary butler service. It rapidly grew to become a much-loved signature providing loved by friends at St Regis motels and resorts across the globe. Immediately, white gloves are a factor of the previous, however butlers are nonetheless recruited from prime butler and hospitality colleges and put by a rigorous St Regis butler coaching program to excellent the artwork of extremely customized, anticipatory service which incorporates curating memories-of-a-lifetime experiences, perfecting meticulous consideration to element and studying to anticipate unstated visitor preferences and wishes. In maintaining with the instances, E-butler service is now additionally accessible by e-mail or telephone. Butler service at The St Regis Bora Bora Resort might start with the unpacking and arranging of your wardrobe to your desire in your villa and likewise contains day by day complimentary urgent of as much as two clothes per visitor.

• Having fun with a putting, movie-set view of Mount Otemanu, The St Regis Bora Bora’s world-class spa is situated on a small island in a man-made lagoon. The Iridium Spa is comprised of 1 outside and 5 indoor therapy rooms, a Balneotherapy room, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, a boutique and a calming lounge with a hypnotic view. The spa gives a wide range of pampering choices together with Polynesian-inspired remedies, Sothy’s signature facials, Balneotherapy, romantic {couples} remedies, manicures and pedicures. Signature remedies embody the domestically impressed Polynesian Therapeutic massage and Miri Oil Therapeutic massage which mixes therapeutic massage, stretching and percussion-like actions utilizing aromatic, therapeutic Miri oil sourced from the medicinal Miri leaf identified for its antibacterial and therapeutic properties. A wide range of complimentary wellness lessons are provided every week together with Kundalini Yoga, crossfit coaching, and meditation periods.

• The St Regis Bora Bora gives loads of leisure and sport services, together with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a tennis courtroom and two swimming pools. Positioned on the slim landstrip between the overwater villas is an adults-only pool, which gives non-public day-beds and a serene ambiance. The second, lagoon-style pool is far bigger and includes a swim-up bar in addition to some lounge chairs within the water. A number of steps from the primary pool is the resort’s non-public seaside, a large stretch of white sands which overlooks Bora Bora’s ridiculously clear lagoon. On the seaside, friends have entry to free non-motorized water sports activities tools, like Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. Towels, sunscreen, and snorkel gear are additionally accessible without cost on the adjoining seaside hut. Visitors searching for nice snorkeling can head to the resort’s non-public lagoonarium – a protected lagoon with dozens of tropical fish and coral species. The resort’s marine biologists host thrice-weekly feeding periods the place friends can be taught extra in regards to the native aquatic life, and stand up shut and private with the fishes.

• Combining basic sophistication with a contemporary sensibility, St. Regis Inns & Resorts – which at the moment manages the Bora Bora property – is one in every of my favourite luxurious lodge manufacturers on this planet. Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Inns & Resorts is dedicated to delivering beautiful experiences at almost 50 luxurious motels and resorts in the perfect addresses world wide. Starting with the debut of The St. Regis lodge in New York by John Jacob Astor IV on the daybreak of the 20th century, the model has remained dedicated to an uncompromising degree of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its friends, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. A part of the Marriott Resort Group, St Regis participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the worldwide loyalty program from Marriott. This system gives members a rare portfolio of worldwide manufacturers, unique experiences, and nice advantages together with free nights and Elite standing recognition.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

• The St Regis Bora Bora instantly faces Mount Otemanu, the 727 m (2,385 foot) mountain on the heart of Bora Bora and probably the most iconic surroundings in all of French Polynesia. Consequently, the next areas of the resort get pleasure from an iconic view of the mountain: the arrival dock, just a few dozen overwater villas, 727 Bar and Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant. Nevertheless, the opposite elements of the resort – together with the seaside and the swimming pools – are going through the other aspect in direction of an inlet of the turquoise lagoon and don’t include a view of the mountain (until you wade into the ocean, after which the mountain pops on the horizon).

• The decor of the villas includes a conventional Polynesian look with wooden furnishings and wall motifs. For some friends this would possibly really feel genuine, however for others (together with myself) the design would possibly really feel a tad darkish and dated. Athough the villas are the biggest lodging within the South Pacific and effectively maintained, they’re displaying their age a bit, particularly within the bogs, and will use a refurbishment within the coming years.

• A few of the overwater villas lack a little bit of privateness. For instance, the resort’s most important boat dock is simply past the overwater villas going through the mountain, so there’s common boat visitors a brief distance away on this aspect of the resort. Sometimes, jet ski guests additionally zoom previous the villas on the resort’s different aspect (near the spot the place the water sport heart is situated).

• The glowing resort grounds are unfold out and among the overwater bungalows are fairly removed from the seaside and most important resort space, so strolling forwards and backwards can take a while and get annoying. Nevertheless, complimentary bikes are offered in addition to golf cart service (24/7). The huge resort grounds even have the benefit that the property by no means feels too crowded, even throughout max occupancy (which was the case throughout my keep).

• Breakfast on the resort is comprised of a buffet, complemented with à la carte dishes. IMHO, the buffet is somewhat restricted and a bit disappointing for an ultra-luxe lodge of this class (particularly when in comparison with the lavish breakfast buffets provided at among the world’s different unique seaside resorts).

• The non-public seaside of The St Regis Bora Bora consists of coral sand (which isn’t very smooth) and has some rocky elements alongside the shoreline. This isn’t completely different although from the opposite resort seashores on Bora Bora.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 8/10
• Pool: 9/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Meals: 9/10
• Breakfast: 7/10
• Spa: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Worth for cash: 9/10
• General expertise: distinctive 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Lower your expenses: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving through Virtuoso (e.g. improve, day by day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, complimentary round-trip boat transfers, and 20% low cost on spa companies , excluding spa packages, yoga lessons and wonder merchandise).

• Lower your expenses: Marriott Bonvoy elite members are effectively handled right here, with – amongst different advantages – free WiFi, a room improve (when accessible), early check-in or late check-out (when accessible), and complementary breakfast (for prime tier members). Learn right here my overview of Marriott Bonvoy.

• Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the perfect deal at a luxurious lodge like The St Regis Bora Bora (and/or obtain many free perks).

• Room tip: Many of the overwater villas are positioned alongside one lengthy pontoon within the lagoon. The bungalows on one aspect of this pontoon have spectacular views throughout the lagoon in direction of Mt Otemanu and Bora Bora’s most important island, whereas the bungalows on the opposite aspect look again on the motu in direction of land owned by neighbors of the resort and are near the water sports activities heart, the place noisey jetskis are sometimes current. I extremely suggest to pay extra and go for an overwater villa with Mt Otemanu view (which additionally provide terrific sundown views).

• Learn my suggestions for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

French Polynesia is greatest visited between June and September when the local weather is at its driest and the climate is balmy (however windy). Nevertheless, that is excessive season, so it is going to be busy and the lodge charges are skyrocketing. The months on both aspect of this era (Could & October) are generally known as the shoulder season and provide comfy climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Though French Polynesia will be visited year-round, the months of November to April convey extra humidity and cloudy days, with tropical showers passing at better frequency than different instances of the yr. Nevertheless, they’re typically interspersed with durations of sunshine. This can be a humid time of yr, although, which will be uncomfortable and I like to recommend selecting a lodge with A/C if visiting throughout these months. The islands hardly ever undergo from tropical storms besides throughout years when El Niño impacts ocean currents.

HOW TO GET THERE

The one solution to get to Bora Bora is through Tahiti’s worldwide airport in Papeete (until you journey by cruise or non-public jet). Papeete is an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, a 22-hour flight from Paris, and a 5-hour flight from Auckland or Honolulu. As soon as at Papeete worldwide airport, there are often scheduled 50-minute flights to Bora Bora’s small Motu Mute Airport. For the ultimate leg of the journey, the resort arranges a switch from Motu Mute airport to The St Regis’ most important dock for a scenic 20 minute switch by boat.

PHOTOS

Beneath is a number of my pictures of The St Regis Bora Bora Resort. To view extra pictures (together with breakfast and dinner), click on right here.

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