Share 

latest news | fashion | beauty | living | volante | print and tablet | tv
home | community | shopping | license | contact

Earthy luxury in French Polynesia

 

Bora Bora’s hidden treasures

Bora Bora, long associated with weddings and honeymoons, has so much more to offer, especially with people just getting their feet wet in adventure travel. Few other places can blend world-class, full-amenity resort comfort, and memorable Franco–island cuisine with the numerous adventure activities that abound in the verdant, rough-hewn surroundings outside the property.

Through these jaunts, you realize that while simple life may not be so simple, it can be a feast for the senses. Bora Bora is a haven for World War II history buffs, and on your behalf, Andy of Safari Tapuna, for example, will brave the steepest, most forbidding roads by jeep to safely get you to a series of fascinating remnants from the US presence on the islands.

That said, you cannot escape what makes Bora Bora so appealing: its buffet of luxury properties dotting its shores. Le Méridien Bora Bora epitomizes the notion, from its plush over-water bungalows to its expansive master suites. The bar offers an impressive selection of top-shelf whiskies and sipping rums, as well as sweet but sophisticated cocktails made with locally distilled Avotea rum to wash down a day of snorkelling, diving and outrigger rides around the property. There are different food themes every night. A hearty Italian meal devised by Roma-native executive chef Alessio Biondi, for example, gets transformed by the Tahitian ingredients into something that transcends “fusion” cooking. The breakfast buffet’s Tahitian offerings are also too good to pass up, especially pain perdu (French toast) saturated with coconut goodness, eggs cocotte with coconut and spinach, and passionfruit pancakes.

Le Méridien Bora Bora also holds the distinction of having an internationally renowned Turtle Centre on its grounds. The contributions it has made to local ocean life and the nearby community—and especially to endangered green sea turtles—has helped it transcend from resort amenity to a scientific institution that welcomes local families, elementary school groups, and anybody visiting Bora Bora with sights, sounds and other little miracles.

The centre features daily turtle feedings, an aquatic petting zoo, exhibits and the opportunity to view rescued baby and injured turtles being prepared for eventual release into the wild. The endeavour, supported by the Bora Bora’s Ministry and the Delegation of the Environment and numerous American scientists, is accessible through the purchase of a day pass onto the property.

Sofitel Private Island’s resort, in contrast, is a classically French experience down to the cheeses, foie gras and the flaky croissants and pastries on their breakfast bar. The couples-focused property is challenging to navigate with an architectural style that echoes and preserves the integrity of the natural geography of the atoll. Sleek, modern over-water or mountainside bungalows feature décor that offsets the vivid scenes viewed from the windows.

The dive excursion off Sofitel is manned by Ramon, a singing guide who is equal parts James Dean, Elvis Presley and Tahitian gentleman. His showmanship alone makes his boat worth boarding, even if you are an avowed landlubber. However, it features one of the very best motu picnics, with a lunch of excellent marinated steak, fish and chicken, along with one of the most balanced poissons crus, equal parts citrus and sweet running through impeccably cubed tuna and vegetables.

The fitting coda for this island journey is the meal on the return flight in Air Tahiti Nui’s cool and comfortable economy cabin. The baked fish we sampled was surprisingly excellent, and the coconut pancakes that came with breakfast literally ended a week in paradise on a sweet note.

Like the hibiscus bloom described by tour guide Poe, a journey to the islands of Tahiti should not be experienced through an elaborate itinerary, but one of surrender. The flower is the perfect metaphor for both the best way to appreciate the region’s colour, geography, culture and lifestyle. What blossoms bright at the start of the trip turns purple as it concludes, to be replaced with the bright yellow of wonderful memories in the days to come. •

continued below

Above, from top The US military was here. Bora Bora turtle. Our catamaran. Our singing guide, Ramon.

 

Travel notes

Tahiti
Intercontinental Resort & Spa
www.intercontinental.com/Papeete

Marché de Pape’ete (Municipal Market)
www.viator.com/Papeete-attractions/Marche-de-Papeete-Municipal-Market/d5181-a2673

Les Roulottes de Pape’ete
Place Vaiete, Centreville (Downtown) Papeete

Carrefour Tahiti, Centre Moana Nui
www.carrefour-tahiti.com

Bora Bora
Le Mériden Bora Bora
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bobmd-le-meridien-bora-bora/

Sofitel Marara Beach Resort Bora Bora and Sofitel Private Island
www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0564-sofitel-bora-bora-marara-beach-resort/index

Huahine
Relais Mahana & Catamaran Packages
www.relaismahana.com

Vanilla de Huahine, la Maison de la Vanille
Tel: 689 75-53-62

Rangiroa
Kia Ora Resort and Spa
www.hotelkiaora.com

General Information
www.TahitiTourism.com

Air Tahiti Nui
www.airtahitinui-usa.com