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Just got back from the French Polynesia...
Sigh...I am still on Tahiti time and still soooo relaxed!!
We stayed at the Sofitel in Moorea for six nights. We reserved a lagoon bungalow, which we were totally in love with. After our second night, we were upgraded for free to an OWB with a clear view of Tahiti - ohhhhhh my! While in Moorea, we also took a day excursion to Marlon Brando's island which was fabulous. It was so freaking hot - I can't wait until the resort there opens - I am so there! We rented a car one day to explore the island which was fun since the interior of the island is the best part.
We then spent three nights in Bora Bora at the Sofitel on the private island. I can't say enough good things about BB or the Sofitel private island. I want to go back ASAP. We did the Reef Discovery tour and the BB Photo Lagoon, both of which were great. The food on BB was magnificent...sigh...
Anyhoo, if you ever have any questions about the FP, please page me. We booked this trip over a year before we went - to say that we overplanned is an understatement!
Re: Just got back from the French Polynesia...
Sounds amazing!
So jealous! Glad you had a great time!
Our wedding on Wilson Island!
Sooooo jealous!! Sounds amazing. Would you mind sharing a ballpark budget for your trip? You can PM if you want, If you don't want to I understand completely.
Hope you have some pics to share!!
What is interesting is that only 10% of Americans that go to FP for the first time actually return for a second trip. Granted, the flights are super, super expensive right now, so that probably has a lot to do with it but I will never be able to go to Mexico again. Ever.
As far as chosing the Sofitels - I knew we had to stay at the Sofitel in Moorea because it is on the east side of the island and has the most gorgeous views of Tahiti - the only property with a Tahiti view. It is more of an European hotel - we may have been the only Americans there - but it was really, really nice - I loved our stay there. The Bungalow we originally booked was perfect - we had private lagoon access - there was coral everywhere so we have perfect snorkeling conditions. I would definitely book a Lagoon bungalow but ask for an OWB just in case, but I think anyone would be happy with the Lagoon Bungalow. The only thing is that it is quite far away from the restaurants and such, but there were a few restaurants that offered a free ride to/from the hotel at night. Taxis are super expensive at night.
We chose the Sofitel in BB because we got a better deal for our rooms if we stayed at Sofitels on both islands. We had the choice between the regular Sofitel (on the island of BB) or the private island and I am *so glad* we chose the private island. There were only 25 rooms on the private island and the service was absolutely amazing. They called us "Mr and Mrs Such and Such" the entire time we were there. The private island Sofitel made the Moorea Sofitel look like white trash and before we got to BB, I thought the Moorea Sofitel was one of the nicest places we had ever stayed.
There was a free boat shuttle between the private island and the main island so getting to and from resturants and such wasn't an issue. I would definitely stay in both places again but I am crossing my fingers we can stay a week or so in BB within the year. I can't wait to go back.
As far as pricing - this is important to note - we booked our trip last January. At the time, our flights to and from LA were $600 round trip. I believe they are now $1,200 - $1,500 round trip. We used Southwest miles to get from our house to LA and went to LA a day early to do some last minute shopping. Our actual trip - accomodations, free breakfast, flights to/from LA/Tahiti, and our interisland flights was $7k. All in, including meals and excursions, our night in LA, rental car while in LA, underwater camera, etc, we spent around $10k. The food in the FP is super expensive - not as bad as we were expecting, but most dinner meals out will cost you around $150 and lunch about half that. We tried to eat as much as possible for breakfast since it was free and shared something at lunch. We bought beer and wine from the groceries stores which helped us to save money as well. The FP forum on Trip Advisor was super helpful.
Our wedding on Wilson Island!
I don't think we booked during a sale. Right now they have tacked on a massive fuel surcharge - they added this one week after we booked last year. This is according to the Trip Advisor forum which may or may not be correct. Like I mentioned, we booked our trip over a year in advance - January 2011 for travel in March 2012.
And let me say - flying Air Tahiti Nui is absolutely fantastic. Talk about a wonderful flying experience! The best part is that you have the option of flying over night both ways so you never "lose" a day traveling.
Thanks, all this info is really great! I'm bookmarking those Sofitels...