Overview: St Regis Bora Bora

December 21, 2022

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Wednesday newsletters all the time characteristic a resort or flight assessment.

I lately loved an unimaginable vacation in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). Learn my journey stories right here:

At present: Overview 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 magnificence. The resort’s 100 lodging comprise the biggest over-water villas in French Polynesia in addition to some gorgeous seaside villas, every one 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 personalised service which might be the hallmarks of the resort. Suspended over water is the Lagoon Restaurant, with views of Mount Otemanu, the place Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s menu presents the best eating expertise. The St Regis butler service presents 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 therapies.

The St Regis Bora Bora options in my high 10 lists of the finest luxurious resorts & resorts in French Polynesia and the finest St Regis resorts & resorts on the earth.

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

On this assessment (extra data and images under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The St Regis Bora Bora is certainly one 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 facet of French Polynesia, a French territory within the Pacific Ocean. In historic 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 usually 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 a number of other motus (islets) made up of damaged coral and sand. On the middle 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 serious distinguishing landmark.

Positioned by itself non-public coral island (motu) on a barrier reef alongside the japanese facet 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 important dock are breathtaking: Bora Bora’s crystal-clear lagoon is coloured in 1,000,000 shades of blue and surrounds the enduring Mount Otemanu, believed to be the birthplace of the Polynesian islands in native mythology. Upon arrival on the dock, company 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 large 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, 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 large property, however fortunately, free bike leases and an environment friendly 24/7 buggy service can be found to company which makes it simple to get round. Regardless of its huge 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 include small pavilions with thatched roofs, open partitions and a easy but elegant décor. The conventional Polynesian model of the resort was designed by architect Pierre Lacombe and inside designer Meriem Corridor, who each spent a whole yr on website planning what was to develop into the St Regis Bora Bora. Lacombe select easy and pure supplies for constructing the resort, equivalent 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 he or she infused the décor with a contact of female, including rugs, draperies and fabric to melt Lacombe’s clear traces. The general result’s a serene and convivial resort, which feels extra like a Polynesian village than a resort.

The St Regis Bora Bora presents 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 decide amongst vacationers and are famend as the biggest overwater lodging within the South Pacific. Villas have separate bed room and front room 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 facet, the seaside villas even have non-public out of doors 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 personal 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 presents 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 hanging views of Mount Otemanu, the venue delights the senses with a memorable tremendous eating expertise that has earned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten his famend fame as one of many world’s main Cooks. Signature dishes embrace 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 company 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 evening, Te Pahu additionally hosts particular themed dinners and Tamure dance exhibits to the traditional beat of Toere drums.
- Positioned between the primary seaside and important pool, netx to Te Pahu, is the informal Aparima Restaurant & Bar, which presents mild 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 right spot for a pre-dinner cocktails whereas admiring the spectacular sundown view behind Mount Otemanu. Every evening, 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 company at St Regis resorts and resorts across the globe. At present, white gloves are a factor of the previous, however butlers are nonetheless recruited from high butler and hospitality faculties and put by a rigorous St Regis butler coaching program to excellent the artwork of extremely personalised, 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 could start with the unpacking and arranging of your wardrobe to your choice in your villa and in addition consists of each day complimentary urgent of as much as two clothes per visitor.

Having fun with a hanging, movie-set view of Mount Otemanu, The St Regis Bora Bora’s world-class spa is positioned on a small island in a man-made lagoon. The Iridium Spa is comprised of 1 out of doors and 5 indoor remedy rooms, a Balneotherapy room, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, a boutique and a calming lounge with a hypnotic view. The spa presents a wide range of pampering choices together with Polynesian-inspired therapies, Sothy’s signature facials, Balneotherapy, romantic {couples} therapies, manicures and pedicures. Signature therapies embrace 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 courses are provided every week together with Kundalini Yoga, crossfit coaching, and meditation periods.

The St Regis Bora Bora presents loads of leisure and sport services, together with a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tennis court docket and two swimming pools. Positioned on the slender landstrip between the overwater villas is an adults-only pool, which presents non-public day-beds and a serene ambiance. The second, lagoon-style pool is far bigger and incorporates a swim-up bar in addition to some lounge chairs within the water. A couple 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, company 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 obtainable without spending a dime on the adjoining seaside hut. Company 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 company can be taught extra in regards to the native aquatic life, and rise up shut and private with the fishes.

Combining basic sophistication with a contemporary sensibility, St. Regis Motels & Resorts – which presently manages the Bora Bora property – is certainly one of my favourite luxurious resort manufacturers on the earth. Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Motels & Resorts is dedicated to delivering beautiful experiences at almost 50 luxurious resorts and resorts in the very best addresses world wide. Starting with the debut of The St. Regis resort in New York by John Jacob Astor IV on the daybreak of the 20th century, the model has remained dedicated to an uncompromising stage of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its company, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. A part of the Marriott Lodge Group, St Regis participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the worldwide loyalty program from Marriott. This system presents members a rare portfolio of world 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 middle of Bora Bora and essentially the most iconic surroundings in all of French Polynesia. Consequently, the next areas of the resort take pleasure in 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 components of the resort – together with the seaside and the swimming pools – are going through the alternative facet in the 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 incorporates a conventional Polynesian look with wooden furnishings and wall motifs. For some company this may really feel genuine, however for others (together with myself) the design may really feel a tad darkish and dated. Athough the villas are the biggest lodging within the South Pacific and nicely maintained, they’re displaying their age a bit, particularly within the bogs, and will use a refurbishment within the coming years.

A number of the overwater villas lack a little bit of privateness. For instance, the resort’s important boat dock is simply past the overwater villas going through the mountain, so there may be common boat visitors a brief distance away on this facet of the resort. Often, jet ski guests additionally zoom previous the villas on the resort’s different facet (near the spot the place the water sport middle is positioned).

The glowing resort grounds are unfold out and among the overwater bungalows are fairly removed from the seaside and important resort space, so strolling forwards and backwards can take a while and get annoying. Nevertheless, complimentary bikes are supplied in addition to golf cart service (24/7). The large 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 relatively restricted and a bit disappointing for an ultra-luxe resort 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 gentle) and has some rocky components 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
Total expertise: distinctive 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving through Virtuoso (e.g. improve, each day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, complimentary round-trip boat transfers, and 20% low cost on spa companies , excluding spa packages, yoga courses and wonder merchandise).

Get monetary savings: Marriott Bonvoy elite members are nicely handled right here, with – amongst different advantages – free WiFi, a room improve (when obtainable), early check-in or late check-out (when obtainable), and complementary breakfast (for high tier members). Learn right here my assessment of Marriott Bonvoy.

Get monetary savings: learn right here my suggestions for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like The St Regis Bora Bora (and/or obtain many free perks).

Room tip: A lot of the overwater villas are positioned alongside one lengthy pontoon within the lagoon. The bungalows on one facet of this pontoon have spectacular views throughout the lagoon in the direction of Mt Otemanu and Bora Bora’s important island, whereas the bungalows on the opposite facet look again on the motu in the direction of land owned by neighbors of the resort and are near the water sports activities middle, 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 finest 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 will probably be busy and the resort charges are skyrocketing. The months on both facet of this era (Might & October) are generally known as the shoulder season and provide snug climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Though French Polynesia might be visited year-round, the months of November to April carry extra humidity and cloudy days, with tropical showers passing at higher frequency than different instances of the yr. Nevertheless, they’re usually interspersed with intervals of sunshine. It is a humid time of yr, although, which might be uncomfortable and I like to recommend selecting a resort with A/C if visiting throughout these months. The islands hardly ever endure from tropical storms besides throughout years when El Niño impacts ocean currents.

HOW TO GET THERE

The one strategy 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 frequently 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’ important dock for a scenic 20 minute switch by boat.