French Polynesia Islands – Bora Bora

By Pamela Fairbank

Part 3

What can I say? The color of the water was more beautiful than I even expected!  Combined with the mountains and the lush greenery-This was my favorite Island!  We took a beautiful boat ride over to the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort and Sofitel Resort Private Island.  The movie Hurricane was filmed at the Marara. 

Helpful Tips!

I recommend bringing your own converter kit- the voltage is 220v (some hotels may offer, but don’t rely on it).

A valid passport with six months validity is required.

Tipping is contrary to their customs, although I did tip here and there; it is not expected.  

 I used my credit card and US dollars with no problem. 

Wi-Fi was available in most rooms, lobby and bars, but very slow! Who needs it there anyway?

I flew Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles to Papeete- this is about an 8 ½ hour flight.  Service and meals were good.

French Polynesia Islands – Moorea

By Pamela Fairbank

Part 2

Here I swam in the ocean off of the deck of my over water bungalow at the intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa, watching a black tip shark sail by me and sting rays.  This property is large with quite a bit of walking necessary, but lots of bungalow options. They also had a very good Polynesian show-food was great with lots of variety. Throughout the islands the fresh fish is amazing!

Our next site inspection was at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa.  This is where the beautiful over water bungalows with glass floor bottoms.  Beach bungalows had claw-foot tubs. Some of the garden bungalows connected to other bungalows to make one large bungalow for families, and all had private dipping pools. They offer free snorkel equipment and kayaks.  My favorite part was the Toatea Crepe Bar and restaurant in the middle of the over water bungalows.  The crepes are cooked right in front of you, reasonable prices $20-$25 per person. This restaurant is very romantic and you could watch them feed sharks.  The other thing I loved about this hotel is the proximity from the bungalows to the lobby and restaurant.  It was so easy to get around this resort.

The next day we took a boat to the Pearl Moorea.  This property is very near the one and only town for shopping and restaurants.  It is a smaller European feel resort –over water bungalows with glass bottoms. The restaurant food was fabulous- I recommend the sashimi!  Then we did an exciting 4x4 Jeep Safari Tour of the island. Pierre, our fun and engaging driver, knew the Island inside and out. Pierre took us up to the top of “Magic Mountain” and the “Belvedere Lookout.” Hang on tight during the drive, but it is well worth the end result. 

We made our way back to Papeete airport for flight to Bora Bora. Check in was easy, you can take up to 43 kilos of luggage.