For example, they might be interested in the fact that April is the hottest month of the year, according to weather-and-climate.com.In fact, some travelers who have been there claimed that the weather . Taking Air Tahiti 'Big boat' from Bora Bora airport, we easily found the lovely lady operating the 'celest' mini bus service - which was our free transfer to the hotel. For people who are looking for a relaxing vacation, this is the perfect place. That should suffice. Even though Bora Bora is an exceptionally safe place for travelers to visit, there may be a small risk of petty crime, so youll want to protect and conceal your valuables. We finished our 14 day vacation with three days at the IC and, well, we were a little disappointed. The outside walls were chipped and broken and in need of attention. There are multiple pearl shops in Vaitape, so comparison shopping is a snap. It's a pity. Thank you Le Meridian Bora Bora for a week I will never forget! Please start making plans to come back to see us again thanks. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Full-Day Bora Bora Lagoon Cruise Including Bora Bora: Half Day Island 4WD Guided Tour. more. My wife and I just returned from nine days of heaven on earth. It is right here at the Four Seasons on Bora Bora. Air Tahiti operates a free passenger shuttle from there to Vaitape, and guests who have pension reservations on Bora Bora will generally be picked up at the shuttle dock in Vaitape. They need a better system to keep items at proper temperature. We got bread (the fish especially like english muffins) at the restaurant and could go snorkeling any time. Big, warm, comfortableit would be a fantastic option for families or two couples with its own private pool, jacuzzi and small beach. Bora Bora is a gem in the Pacific and anything I write here is more geared toward what separates a five star resort from a three star motel. Speaking of which, there are indeed many sharks in Bora Borathe island is surrounded by barrier reef, after all. A common (but unproven) saying in the Pacific Isles is that more people are killed by falling coconuts than by sharks. Rest assured, however, that shark attacks in Bora Bora are exceedingly rarethere have been just two recorded in the last century. August 2021. Bad Things About Bora Bora is what we will discuss in this article or guide They weigh You At The Airport. Your dollars are well spent for both physical and psychic comfort.I rarely leave a place and immediately say I want to go back soon because there are too many places in the world I haven't been and want to get to before returning some where I've already been. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Resort Activities - There are so many activities at the resort, the best of which for us were the lagoon snorkeling, swimming right off our deck, stand up paddleboarding and the pool. We also strive in making sure our guest have the best experience possible. I am currently 24 weeks pregnant and wanted to have a relaxing break with my partner before the baby arrives.The hotel was fantastic and we booked a package with breakfast and dinner included. Portions are almost always large enough to be comfortably shared. Tax and service is generally included in menu prices, and tipping isnt customarythere isnt even space for it on credit card slips. We had breakfast & dinner included in our package. In any event, we were beginning to regret having spent the large amount of money we did on this trip. Granted, we were arriving on a ferry, and 99% of their clientele probably arrive by air, but still. It felt cheap. The deck almost seemed like an afterthought. We did not eat dinner at the Intercontinental and the feedback we heard was that it was good but nothing spectacular including the Polynesian night. It was the best excursion we have ever done in any country we have previously traveled. All Rights Reserved. Dont worry they dont bite. The staff were great and were really kind. This is extremely rare but it does happen, and its worth being aware of, especially if youre scouting a shady spot for a nap on the beach. We must have seen 50,000 fish. We felt this was a great deal however at times we were just eating to clock up our quota. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Overpriced und underwhelming. The pool service was impressive, fast and very good. . We really enjoyed feeding the fish during meals. . Note that while resorts will include a line for gratuity on guest checks, tax and service is included. The Concierge was very helpful with making dinner reservations. Four Season's runs top of the line budiness hotels but if you know them you might be disappointed by this property. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Hats off to Crazy, No No, and Tu Tu as they made the excursions special. This place has all ameneties and decorations, good,cheap food and probably the cheapest, yet most expensive of the dubious shelters. In truth, we enjoyed our stay on Mo'orea and on Maupiti much more so than our stay at the Thalasso. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Also common on Bora Bora is the "snack" (a diminutive of the snack bar popularized by American GIs during WWII), an often cash-only food truck or roadside stand. We do have a bit different format than our competitor. Bora Bora Guide: Planning Your Trip - TripSavvy Mosquitos are rampant in Bora Bora too, so wearing repellent is vitaland make sure that youre properly vaccinated before traveling. Probably 40 or 50 of them. I was a little spoiled by our stay at the Sheraton Mo'orea, which felt more organic and Polynesian to me. The room was clean, comfortable (TV, kettle, fridge, hairdryer - free snorkel, kayak and beach towel use). We finished our 14 day vacation with three days at the IC and, well, we were a little disappointed. The food was the best of all of the places we stayed. Even now, 6 months later, she would ask when we can go back to Bora Bora and kids club is what she remembers from Bora Bora the most.We ate mostly in Arii Moana (fine dining) and Sunset Restaurant (casual) and the quality of food in both places was excellent. I needed/used just about everything on that list. . You can go there to purchase food, drinks, etc.In case some travelers are wondering, we stayed in Room 102. Thats plenty of time as the town is very small. We were just happy to lounge around the resort, eat great meals and drinks great drinks. The grounds and beach are immaculately kept. We had called ahead of time and provided our arrival information, were assured that someone would pick us up and drive us to the other IC (Moana) only to have to beg a ride from an extremely friendly and gracious bus driver for the Novotel Resort. The spa is expansive and the massage tables are over the water so you can look down at the fish! If you're just looking for a very basic 3 star this is fine, but if you want a tropical resort then look elsewhere.More. We flew into Bora Bora a day early and got a last minute deal at this place. The temperatures creep up a little higher and the humidity kicks in. Read our. Ask mevchartrand about Bora Bora Explorer. The most famous of these is Bloody Marys, where diners select fresh fish and imported meats to be grilled and served with generously portioned sides. The Four Seasons Bora Bora exceeded those expectations. We were greeted at the airport then took the ferry to the Intercontinental where we were given a tour of the resort on a gold cart and taken to our Villa for check in. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Tahiti Tourisme. Sign up for our free newsletter. Low Season: December to March The best time to avoid the crowds and save on resorts As Bora Bora's dry season comes to an end, the days start to get cloudier and there's an increased chance of rain. When we initially booked this trip, we were torn over whether to stay at Hotel Bora Bora (because everyone says it's so great and because it's on main island, as opposed to the moto where the Intercontinental is), but we were so happy that we chose to stay at the Intercontinental instead. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The staff are very friendly and helpful - a perfect place to relax. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. back to blue skies and Sun shine.Typical temperatures when we were there is around 30c (86f) humidity 50%+ winds light and mainly Southerly on this part of the Island, so idyllic really.Say hello to Zavier the friendly little lizard and his family too, they're cute ! Designed mostly for local traffic, its generally not used by visitors (the ferry service has no website; advance bookings can be done by telephone or e-mail). Bora Bora was so pretty. I also found it nice that since the resort was more intimate, you saw the same groups of people a few times a day for breakfasts, lunches & dinners. The U.S. State Department gives French Polynesia its safest travel advisory level (Level 1), advising travelers to exercise normal precautions and noting that the country has a low crime rate.. When I was researching what to bring to French Polynesia I had wished someone had made a good list to look at. In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. These villas are HUGE, modern and very comfortable. The food was the best of all of the places we stayed. Being with him during the tour, I didn't simply get impression that he was being polite simply because he was providing customer service, but rather I got the sense that he was genuine a very nice person who loves the island and has much pride in it. 5 Things They Don't Tell You About Bora Bora - The Travel Bite Read our, Vavau689, General Manager at Bora Bora Explorer, responded to this review. Bora Bora has a total land area of 30.55 km 2 (12 sq mi). Bora Bora is undeniably among the worlds most beautiful places. It is not inexpensive but ironically turns out to be a good value in our minds. I didn't get that luxury feel all the other resorts gave me. Other occasional natural disasters in Bora Bora can include cyclones and hurricanes. You can also get stir-fry; local fish grilled, fried, or served raw; and sweet or savory crpes. Tahiti Tourisme. Bora Bora was so pretty. Avoid hammocks strung between laden trees, or using a fertile palm as your backrest. The Ray and Shark safari was great. The food was beautiful and top quality.I am in love with Bora Bora and hope to go back one day! Each resort will also offer their own take on local favorites like poisson crua raw fish salad with lime, coconut milk, and crunchy vegetablesor the firi firi Tahitian-style coconut donut. As you know most of the tour is focalized on their black pearl shop from which you can spend anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hrs, instead of spending it on sight seeing and learning about the island. With that said we can't always make everyone happy as well. The good- The turtle sanctuary is a truly remarkable place. There is also a pizzeria within walking distance which is surprisingly affordable and very delicious! The area was teeming with friendly tropical fish of all sizes and the new coral is healthy and vividly coloured. The rooms were meticulously made up twice a day with extremely thoughtful service.The Black Pearl Lounge I am an inveterate bargain shopper but want to get quality along with a reasonable price. Finally, there are plenty of mosquitoes in Bora Bora, so protect yourself with an effective repellent. There are only a few things to keep in mind when it comes to Bora Bora safety. The Service Even for a company known for its service, the Four Seasons Bora Bora staff goes above and beyond. Im definitely coming here for my honeymoon. So there you have it what better recommendation than an 11 year old boy planning on coming back to the Four Seasons Bora Bora for his honeymoon. One of the 118 islands of French Polynesia, surrounded by thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean, its a favorite honeymoon spot and a popular retreat for celebrities with its teeming reefs, translucent waters, pristine beaches, warm hospitality, and rich culture, all in vivid color. The location is amazing. Le Meridian The on-site marine biologist Oliver is a gem to swim with and learn from. The ocean and the view were spectacular. In addition, if you get a treatment at the spa you can use the rest of their facilities which are very nice including hot tubs, plunge pools, rain showers, steam room, etc. This was the most expensive of the places we stayed and truly the most disappointing. The resort charges about $25 a drink so this saved a lot of money. The guides really made the trip. Don't get me wrong. I figured that there was no way the resort store would have anything in my more modest price range. We were warmly welcome,by reception with lai's and as our room was not quite ready, we were offered a free cooked breakfast (which was very welcome, after our overnight flight from the US). Manina Tema displays the epitome of service excellence. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. We had called ahead of time and provided our arrival information, were assured that someone would pick us up and drive us to the other IC (Moana) only to have to beg a ride from an extremely friendly and gracious bus driver for the Novotel Resort. All of the dcor throughout the resort is very modern and unique. The sanctuary lagoon on property is pure entertainment as it is full of colorful fish and growing coral. We had called ahead of time and provided our arrival information, were assured that someone would pick us up and drive us to the other IC (Moana) only to have to beg a ride from an extremely friendly and gracious bus driver for the Novotel Resort. For as memorable and romantic as a trip here can be, its worth keeping in mind that, even in a paradise like Bora Bora, there are still some dangers to be aware of before you go. If youre planning on going diving divingas in head-first into the waterbe absolutely certain that the water youre diving into is deep enough to accommodate your jump. Tour the island in an open-air Le Truck jitney, visiting scenic overlooks, ruins of ancient temples (called marae), and the remains of WWII-era defensive cannons. Access to the fitness center any time with your room card, hot tub in the spa open to all during spa hours, not just to those getting treatments, the check in process that consists solely of being escorted to your room after the boat ride from the airport. Bargaining isnt the done thing in French Polynesia, although its customary to ask (politely, and just once) for a discount when buying pearls. This was the most expensive of the places we stayed and truly the most disappointing. The work they do is so impressive. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. And of course, a ladder into the ocean if you want to swim. The seclusion of the villas is wonderful, and very quiet and romantic. The beach was really nice and provided a great place to soakLe Meridian This was our third stop on our trip across French Polynesia. The best way to tour the island is with a guide, as many points of interest are on private property and not clearly marked (any fee charged by the owner is included in the tour price). How incredibly sad to arrive at the IC in the back of a Novotel bus?Our first impression of our room underwhelmed us, as well. Santa came Christmas morning, arriving on a jet ski and posing for pictures and giving each kid a present. Days here are often spent swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply taking in the fantastical views from the lanai of one's overwater bungalow. DISAPPOINTING - Review of Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora - Tripadvisor Everyone should go here before they check out of life, I recommend 10 days, as 7 is perfect, but you want more. Everything went smoothly. This trip was booked thru the concierge office and was run by Le Meridian, not an outside company. We brought a bluetooth speaker and had music when we were floating. I highly recommend getting the food package deal. Tips is not a requirement at all, if you feel like you had a great experience and would like to give anyone in the tourism service industry a tip that is entirely your choice. It was a small annoyance. We appreciate your feedback, which we will certainly use as we continue to better the experience here. Bora Bora is a gem in the Pacific and anything I write here is more geared toward what separates a five star resort from a three star motel. There are top of the line snorkels in every room so you don't even have to go get them. The entire staff was absolutely amazing. Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises. The sun loungers are the cheap plastic kind with no chair service.The food at the Beach Bar was average, however the service wasn't friendly at all.My biggest issue was the bill at the end was not accurate at all and although they changed it after I pointed out the issues, I was still surprised at the number of inaccuracies on the bill.There is a little market a couple of minutes walk to the left as you walk out of the resort which is good and the Soffitel is a couple of minutes further that way. although I did walk past quite a dodgy house having a party going that way so I'd be careful in that area, and Matira beach is about 3 minutes to the right of the hotel. More active travelers can hike Mount Otemanu on the main island, embark on a snorkeling excursion, or explore the islands history and culture with a guide. Slather sunscreen on anytime youre planning to be outdoorssevere sunburn is no fun, especially while youre trying to enjoy an expensive vacation. The easy luxury of the surroundings, the ability to do what you want pretty much any time you want to do it is wonderful. You can see the drastic change in resorts when you visit the other Intercontinental. We highly recommend it for families as well as couples who would like to have a great relaxing vacation. Another suggestion is to google "what to pack" when preparing for your trip. Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora: DISAPPOINTING - See 1,586 traveller reviews, 2,018 candid photos, and great deals for Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora at Tripadvisor. The guides really made the trip. Here you get two bottles of water for the day and thats it. The lady,who built this hotel, used to own a hostel at the site with her Arab husband. We began our trip with 4 days in Moorea at the Intercontinental there and were very disappointed. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Please see our partners for more details. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The natural beauty is of course amazing, but the service I experienced by EVERY staff member was wonderful. It's awkward. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel: Disappointing - See 3,138 traveler reviews, 5,758 candid photos, and great deals for InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel at Tripadvisor. Keep in mind, too, that Bora Bora can get quite hot, so pack in a way that will let you regulate your body temperature; think loose, light-colored clothing. We did the Shark/Stingray excursion 2x. We even explored the ocean side, which is quite rugged but so beautiful. Go on a snorkeling excursion to a remote part of the motu, complete with a beach picnic (most resorts offer some version of this tour). The Intangibles There is something about the resort and Bora Bora that is so difficult to truly capture but can best be described as a feeling of relaxation that you just melt into. Boat Tours, Waterskiing & Jetskiing, Private Tours, Boat Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Scuba & Snorkeling, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours, Waterskiing & Jetskiing, Private Tours, Scuba & Snorkeling, Boat Tours, Scuba & Snorkeling, Boat Tours, Private Tours, Boat Rentals, Sightseeing Tours. 8 Tips For Your First Visit To Bora Bora | TravelAwaits Before you travel, make sure that you get properly vaccinated; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that most travelers be immunized against Hepatitis A and typhoid. They allow you to bring 2 bottles of liquor on the plane per person as long as it is in their duty free bags. To put this into perspective I would give Le Meridian a 8.5/10. Read our, GuestExperienceBora, Guest Relations Manager at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, responded to this review. We have made our roads a bit shorter so that our guest don't have to go trough some of the backbreaking trails that our competitors take them on. Highly recommended. Bora Bora - Wikipedia We have passed on your lovely feedback to our team and we hope to welcome you and your family back one day!