Tahiti & French Polynesia - TravelingOnline

French Polynesia
by Witta Priester and Richard Baughn

Hotel Bora Bora

Just before we left the U.S., we watched an Arts & Entertainment channel show that ranked the world's most romantic resorts. The program counted down from #10 one exotic venue after another, ending with the Hotel Bora Bora as #1. Dick and I had planned to forego this 5-star resort and save it for another trip. But fate, in the form of the MOTEL Bora Bora, changed our minds. Ah, the difference one letter can make.

Remember that great Air Tahiti package that we discussed in the previous note? Well they really don't have any superior-type accommodations on the pricey isle of Bora Bora at their bargain $72/night rate. Our choice was perhaps the best of those offered. But the room at the Motel Bora Bora was right on the busy (and only) road around the island. And right across from the food market and all its traffic. The room was hot, the fans squeaking and blowing air around noisily, but apparently not where we needed it -- over the bed. The bathroom was small, and we couldn't figure out how to make the hot water work. And then there were the little bugs all over the bathroom floor; we had to ask the owner to spray them when we arrived. One night was enough for us.

The next morning we got a garden bungalow at the Hotel Bora Bora, spending quite a bit more than we had planned but ready for some pampering.

Perhaps you're wondering, what is it that makes this hotel so special? The hotel brochure talks about the wonderful accommodations, the 55 bungalows and larger fares (fah-rays), especially the over-water bungalows with steps leading into the lagoon and those with private jacuzzis. The accommodations are large and delightfully bug-free (which requires regular fumigation in this tropical climate.) There are fresh flowers in the rooms, crisp white sheets on a king-size bed, a little sitting room and a large bathroom with 4 huge soft bath towels, two large beach towels and light-weight cotton robes with a native print design at the borders. The hotel's luxury contrasts with an island that is still somewhat undeveloped and is free of luxury hotels and high-rise condos. The dining room and bar overlooking the ocean are understated. The food is excellent and attractively prepared.

But what's really special about the Hotel Bora Bora is the property that it is built on. There's enough beach-front land that everything is well spaced and quiet. Really quiet. In November, the off season, you feel almost alone -- whether you're on your private sun deck or strolling the garden grounds, or walking along on the long expanse of white sandy beach. We were the only shade-bathers out there this morning, and this afternoon there was one other couple on the beach!

But what makes this spot so special is the water. It surrounds the hotel, extending 270-degrees around. The color is varying hues of azure and blues, extending almost as far as the eye can see, with white-capped surf breaking way out in the distance. The island is encompassed by a barrier reef that keeps the waters calm and the bay is relatively shallow for miles. At the beach, you can see some of colorful fish as you walk along the edge. The bay is full of tropical fish, and they are just feet away. No need to even swim, just take a look with your snorkel and mask. Last night after a mock Tahitian wedding wrapping, I caught an 8-inch round parrotfish unawares and stepped right on him. I jumped 2 feet into the air as he managed to quickly scoot back into the water sideways.

If you like it peaceful, warm and quiet, this is the place for you. Save up your money, and plan a trip.

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