|
Sunbathing
permitted or popular in Tahiti, sunbathing is allowed on your private deck,
and many women frequently sunbathe, snorkel and swim topless, complete
nudity for adults is not generally acceptable.
|
|
Tahiti and the High Islands
of the Society, Marquesas and Austral Groups offer innumerable possibilities
for hiking and excursions - all the way to the tops of the volcanic peaks
with 360 degree views over valleys, bays and lagoons and far off to the
vastness of the Pacific Ocean
The range of attractions
in Tahiti is almost too broad to itemise – they include - from Museums,
Parks, Historical buildings, Markets, Churches as well as the natural beauty
of the sea and volcanic peaks of the 'High Islands'... there really is
something for everyone!
The culture of Tahiti
can be seen through dance, tattooing and and music. Tahitians celebrate
their unique way of life in July every year at the Heiva Festival which
brings all the elements of the above in a month of cultural celebrations
and competitions for everyone - residents and visitors. The quality of
the dancing is also seen on an International stage with participation in
world dance competitions.
Of all the overseas islands
of French Polynesia, the majority of the public only knows Tahiti ( Society
Archipelago, Windward Islands) and Bora Bora ( Leeward Islands). Even so,
these islands remain mythical. Now, each archipelago offers particular
sceneries depending on its location (from 5° to 10° south latitude
for the Marquesas to the Tropic of Capricorn for the Gambier), if it is
made up of high islands of volcanic origin (Society, Marquesas, Australs,
35 islands in all), or if it is a coralline atoll (Tuamotu and Gambier,
83 atolls in all). A high island with Papeete as its capitol, Tahiti is
the largest (more than 1000 square kilometres - 386 square miles) and the
most populated island with 127,000 inhabitants.
ACTIVITIES
Tahiti by air offers
one of the most spectacular ways to see the beautiful islands. Along with
scheduled daily flights to over 50 of the islands, you can also charter
flights and helicopters for ease of moving from one island to the other.
Also available is parasailing and kite surfing for the more adventurous. |
Hotels
St Regis Bora Bora -
Newest and grandest hotel in Bora Bora. The best when money is no object.
Now a Hollywood favorite.
-The Great: Service,
Bungalows (huge), Food, Beach, Spa, Activities
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling
(none), Not located in the clearest part of the lagoon, Shore access, Lack
of Polynesian "feel".
-Our Opinion: One of
the best hotel in the South Pacific. Top quality throughout. But large,
very large.
InterContinental Resort
and Thalasso-Spa Bora Bora - Second newest and grandest. Contemporary decor
and gorgeous bungalows. A very "cool" resort. Shares the same area of the
Lagoon as Meridien and St Regis.
-The Great: Bungalows,
Decor, View, Restaurants, Spa
-The Nice: Food, Service,
Shore access to Bora Bora at Pointe Matira
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling
(none), Beach, Not in the clearest part of the lagoon, Lack of Polynesian
"feel".
-Our Opinion: Beautiful
hotel, great view. Not as polished (or expensive) as St Regis, but a superb
resort. We recommend you book the "Sapphire" or "Diamond" Bungalows to
take advantage of the view.
Hotel Bora Bora - The
Grand Dame of hotels in French Polynesia. Charming, intimate, understated
luxury on the main island.
-The Great: Service,
Food, Beaches (3), Snorkeling, Location, Intimacy and Privacy.
-The Nice: Traditional
Polynesian decor, Lush gardens, Views.
-The Not So Good: Bungalow
decor a little dated.
-Our Opinion: Still one
of our favorites for the location on the main island, the personalized
service and the romantic ambiance. But, if you are looking for a plasma
TV, a pool and a fancy spa, it isn't there..
Bora Bora Nui Resort and
Spa - On it's own island, facing the ocean (NOT the lagoon or Bora Bora)
-The Good: Bungalow
size and decor, Restaurant, Amenities
-The OK: Food, Service,
Access to Bora Bora
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling
(poor), No view of Bora Bora Lagoon or Mountain.
-Our Opinion: The lack
of views of Bora Bora is disapointing. We feel the new Intercontinental
Thalasso is a better property and value.
Le Meridien - It used
to be one of our favorites when it had the exclusive spot in that area
of the lagoon. However it is now squeezed between the St Regis and The
Intercontinental Thalasso which turned this area of the lagoon into "Resort
Alley".
-The Good: View, Restaurant,
Beach, Service, Beach Bungalows, Private Lagoonarium
-The OK: Bungalows decor
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling
(poor), Bungalow size, Access to Bora Bora
-Our Opinion: Still a
nice resort with great views and good amenities. But the bungalows are
a little small compared to the newer hotels. The glass floor is impressive,
though...
Sofitel Motu Resort -
Still the best boutique resort in Bora Bora, secluded and intimate. Only
30 bungalows
-The Great: Snorkeling
, View, Location, Lagoon - the best in BB. Also, privacy, easy access to
shore.
-The Nice: Traditional
Polynesian decor, Service, Food
-The OK: Bungalow decor
a little dated but spacious
-Our Opinion: One of
our favorites with its superb location, view and snorkeling. The personalized
service is good, and the use of the amenities of the new Sofitel Beach
Resort is a plus.
Pearl Beach Resort - Very
good upper mid-range resort on a motu with all the amenities and an excellent
choice of well priced bungalows. Not too large.
-The Good: View, Bungalows,
Restaurant, Pool and Beach
-The OK: Food, Service,
Shore access to Bora Bora
-The Not So Good: Snorkeling.
-Our Opinion: Rarely
disappointing, very good all around, an excellent value.
Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
- A nice resort in a good location across the lagoon.
-The Good: View, Restaurant,
landscating, Pool and Beach, Snorkeling, Shore access to Bora Bora
-The OK: Food, Service,
Bungalows
-The Not So Good: Maybe
a little dated, Bungalow decks are on the small side.
-Our Opinion: A quality
resort with 5 stars amenities and a superb view of the lagoon and Bora
Bora
Sofitel Bora Bora Resort
(ex Marara) - On the main island - A very good mid-range resort that is
basically brand new.
-The Good: Beach, Restaurant,
Pool, Bungalows
-The OK: Food, Service,
snorkeling, view
-The Not So Good: Nothing
so far..
-Our Opinion: A very
good mid-priced resort with a nice beach and spiffy new bungalows.
Intercontinental Le Moana
Resort - On the main island, a mid-size resort with an intimate Polynesian
feel.
-The Good: Food, Service,
View (depending on bungalow location), Snorkeling, Convenient to main tourist
area of Bora Bora
-The OK: Bungalows
-The Not So Good: Small
beach in crowded area of Bora Bora, Maybe a little overpriced.
-Our Opinion: A good
resort, but too little privacy or sense of seclusion. Too many homes and
hotels nearby.
Le Maitai Polynesia -
On the same beach between the Intercon and the Sofitel
-The Good: Price
-The OK: Food, Service,
Snorkeling, View, Bungalows
-The Not So Good: Narrow
beach, A road runs between between the main part of the hotel and the beach.
Traffic can be heard in beach bungalows and some overwater. Spotty service.
-Our Opinion: A fair
budget hotel - offers the least expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
|
