Luxury Travel

Review: St Regis Bora Bora

December 21, 2022

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

I lately loved an unbelievable vacation in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). Read my journey studies right here:

Today: Review 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 gorgeous 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 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 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 personal island, providing enjoyable remedies.

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 stayed at The St Regis Bora Bora? If so, what was your expertise? Leave a remark.

In this overview (extra information and photographs beneath 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 part of Tahiti’s Leeward Islands which make up the western aspect of French Polynesia, a French territory within the Pacific Ocean. In historical occasions, 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. Because 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 a number of other motus (islets) made up of damaged coral and sand. At 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.

Located by itself personal 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 primary dock are breathtaking: Bora Bora’s crystal-clear lagoon is coloured in one million 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, friends are welcomed by their personal 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 related by pedestrian bridges: the primary space (that includes the foyer, primary 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 friends which makes it simple to get round. Despite 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 model of the resort was designed by architect Pierre Lacombe and inside designer Meriem Hall, who each spent a complete yr on web site planning what was to develop into the St Regis Bora Bora. Lacombe select easy and pure supplies for constructing the resort, reminiscent of pandanus to line the ceilings, Asian hardwood for the flooring, and sturdy granite for some ending touches. Hall’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 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 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 most well-liked decide 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 loos characteristic outsized sunken tubs and rain showers. Outdoor 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 personal outside Jacuzzis and two two-bedroom villas include personal 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 personal 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 popularity as one of many world’s main Chefs. Signature dishes embrace purple 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.
- Next to Far Niente is Bamboo Restaurant, the place friends can pattern daring but delicate flavors of Asia, ready with quite a lot of Japanese and Chinese strategies.
- Located alongside the resort’s personal 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.
- Located between the primary seaside and primary pool, netx to Te Pahu, is the informal Aparima Restaurant & Bar, which gives mild meals, tasty snacks and refreshing cocktails in the course of the day.
- Located 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. Each 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 friends at St Regis resorts and resorts across the globe. Today, white gloves are a factor of the previous, however butlers are nonetheless recruited from high butler and hospitality colleges and put by a rigorous St Regis butler coaching program to good 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 occasions, E-butler service is now additionally accessible by electronic mail or cellphone. 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 likewise contains every day complimentary urgent of as much as two clothes per visitor.

Enjoying a putting, 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 outside and 5 indoor therapy rooms, a Balneotherapy room, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, a boutique and a soothing lounge with a hypnotic view. The spa gives quite a lot of pampering choices together with Polynesian-inspired remedies, Sothy’s signature facials, Balneotherapy, romantic {couples} remedies, manicures and pedicures. Signature remedies embrace the regionally impressed Polynesian Massage and Miri Oil Massage which mixes therapeutic massage, stretching and percussion-like actions utilizing aromatic, therapeutic Miri oil sourced from the medicinal Miri leaf recognized for its antibacterial and therapeutic properties. A wide range of complimentary wellness courses are supplied every week together with Kundalini Yoga, crossfit coaching, and meditation classes.

The St Regis Bora Bora gives loads of leisure and sport services, together with a state-of-the-art health club, a tennis courtroom and two swimming pools. Located on the slender landstrip between the overwater villas is an adults-only pool, which gives personal day-beds and a serene ambiance. The second, lagoon-style pool is far bigger and contains 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 personal seaside, a large stretch of white sands which overlooks Bora Bora’s ridiculously clear lagoon. At 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 obtainable without spending a dime on the adjoining seaside hut. Guests in search of nice snorkeling can head to the resort’s personal lagoonarium – a protected lagoon with dozens of tropical fish and coral species. The resort’s marine biologists host thrice-weekly feeding classes the place friends 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 Hotels & Resorts – which at the moment manages the Bora Bora property – is one in every of my favourite luxurious resort manufacturers on the earth. Combining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to delivering beautiful experiences at practically 50 luxurious resorts and resorts in one of the best addresses all over the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis resort in New York by John Jacob Astor IV on the daybreak of the 20 th century, the model has remained dedicated to an uncompromising stage of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its friends, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. Part of the Marriott Hotel Group, St Regis participates in Marriott Bonvoy, the worldwide loyalty program from Marriott. The program gives members a unprecedented 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 heart of Bora Bora and probably the most iconic surroundings in all of French Polynesia. As a consequence, the next areas of the resort take pleasure in an iconic view of the mountain: the arrival dock, a number of dozen overwater villas, 727 Bar and Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant. However, the opposite elements of the resort – together with the seaside and the swimming pools – are going through the alternative aspect in the direction of an inlet of the turquoise lagoon and don’t include a view of the mountain (except you wade into the ocean, after which the mountain pops on the horizon).

The decor of the villas contains a conventional Polynesian look with wooden furnishings and wall motifs. For some friends 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 exhibiting their age a bit, particularly within the loos, and will use a refurbishment within the coming years.

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

The glowing resort grounds are unfold out and a few of the overwater bungalows are fairly removed from the seaside and primary resort space, so strolling forwards and backwards can take a while and get annoying. However, complimentary bikes are offered 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 slightly restricted and a bit disappointing for an ultra-luxe resort of this class (particularly when in comparison with the lavish breakfast buffets supplied at a few of the world’s different unique seaside resorts).

The personal seaside of The St Regis Bora Bora consists of coral sand (which isn’t very tender) and has some rocky elements alongside the shoreline. This just isn’t totally different although from the opposite resort seashores on Bora Bora.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 7/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Value for cash: 9/10
Overall expertise: distinctive 9/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

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

Save cash: 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). Read right here my overview of Marriott Bonvoy.

Save cash: learn right here my ideas for getting one of the best deal at a luxurious resort like The St Regis Bora Bora (and/or obtain many free perks).

Room tip: Most 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 the direction of Mt Otemanu and Bora Bora’s primary island, whereas the bungalows on the opposite aspect look again on the motu in the 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).

Read my ideas 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). However, that is excessive season, so it is going to be busy and the resort charges are skyrocketing. The months on both aspect of this era (May & October) are generally known as the shoulder season and provide comfy climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Although French Polynesia may 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 occasions of the yr. However, they’re typically interspersed with durations of sunshine. This is a moist time of yr, although, which may 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 solely approach to get to Bora Bora is through Tahiti’s worldwide airport in Papeete (except you journey by cruise or personal 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. Once at Papeete worldwide airport, there are recurrently 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’ primary dock for a scenic 20 minute switch by boat.

PHOTOS

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