15 Days at the St Regis Bora Bora - best island resort in the world!

July 30, 2019

Totally, Awesome Vacation!

15 Days at the St Regis Bora Bora (Best Island Resort in The World)

First Thanks to Scott & Ella of Butler by the Sea. They suggested this resort to us when we were seeking Beach Front Villas for our next Adventure. We have been through the Caribbean, Jamaica to Aruba and then we Started in Hawaii next FIJI (Many Great Resorts to Speak OF), What else would suit out style of Vacation. With my Wife Shirley having some Physical Disabilities Scott recommended that St Regis would provide what we looking for. He Was absolutely correct!

First as always I study the Location, Resort, Excursions, and People and actually read the Reviews. What a mixed bag of Opinions you can get from different points of view from around the World. With all that I started asking questions. Getting responses not only from Scott & Ella but the resort personnel themselves. Everything I needed to Know was answered and we Started this Adventure 1 Year ago.

So Knowing that My Wife’s needs would be taken care of, we asked if we could do an All-inclusive type package, Breakfast, Dinner and Beverage Package to Go with Air travel, Resort and Transfers. Scott & Ella working with The St Regis Staff made it all Happen. (We were told by the St Regis Staff they had not done this type all-inclusive before) It’s the Most relaxing way to Vacation Knowing everything has already been taken care of.

Air Fare on Long trips you have to Go First Class / Business Class and with my Wife’s conditions nothing else would be possible. For the Flight LAX to Tahiti we were booked on the New Tahiti Air Dreamliner 787-9, The Business class seats are actually Lay Flat Beds for the Night Flight slept most of the way there. Nice way to start you Vacation Waking up to Tahiti. All our transportation was booked back to Back, with no issues at all (There’s a Little Luck in there somewhere) It only took from My Home to MY Villa a Limo to a Plane in Detroit, fly to LAX, get bussed out to Another Plane, fly to Tahiti, transfer to Another Smaller Plane, fly to Bora Bora, get on a Yacht cross the Lagoon and finally a Golf Type cart to the Villa. Just under 19 hours. And of Course Several Cocktails later!

Now the Resort (WOW) we were met at the Bora Bora Airport by a St Regis Representative and within Minutes we were on the St Regis Yacht heading for the Resort. We stayed in the Premier Mt. Otemanu-View Villa with Whirlpool #108. That worked out perfectly for Shirley’s Condition and What a way to spend 15 Days looking at that View. We were told that this villa had been recently renovated – Everything exceeded our expectations. Personal NOTE: having renovations going on around you and barely being able to Notice them was surprising – You had to look for it, it never stood Out. For That Matter travelling around the Island most resorts were doing Upkeep on their properties – It’s a Tropical Island in the Middle of the Pacific Ocean. Funny how some people complain – I guess they are not Island Vacationers very often – In Tropical conditions keeping everything perfect is a challenge.

As for People and Property, Again (WOW)! Everyone there were more than happy to assist you in whatever you needed, From Our Early Morning Coffee, to Being First at Breakfast almost every day (lol). To a Private Candle Light Dinner on the Beach under the Stars. The Beach Boys, Bartenders, Restaurant Staffs, Butlers, Drivers, Managers etc. all called us by Name. Very Pleasant and personal touch while trying to Relax. Another Personal NOTE: If you can’t Relax here all hope is Lost!

My wife Shirley wanted to Recognize three of the Many new friends we Met. First was Karen who worked in the Beach Breakfast restaurant, seeing that my wife walked with a cane Karen met us every morning to help her out, she even prepared her breakfast plate from the Buffet most mornings, she was always there to Assist Shirley start her day off right. Then Rubin, One of the Beach Boys as my wife stated WOW What a personality, Very Pleasant Outgoing and always greeting you with a smile and there to help if you needed it. And one of My Favorites SHIA, she took care of our candle Light dinner on the Beach. We didn’t expect all the attention she gave us making the dinner the best there. In Shirley’s words this woman was Stunning always dressed, very Eloquent and that Smile.

As far as Relaxing (Miri Miri spa by CLARINS) The spa is located on its own Island inside the Resorts Privet Lagoon (Beautiful Facility surrounded by the St Regis Lagoon surrounded by Bora Bora Lagoon) We did a Couples Relaxing Massage to end our first week there – All loosened up ready for week two.

Now Property Beautifully Maintained with views in every direction. Part of Coming to an exotic resort like this is to actually stay at the resort and enjoy it. Just Walking around, Stopping and appreciating the View and Atmosphere you are in. When Needed a Cart was provided if Shirley needed assistance but for the most part we Walked. Bikes are provided, But not quite sure why you would want one. Take your time to enjoy the Scenery. Again another Note: Reviews complaining about how long they had to wait for cart service. LOL being in an Overwater Villa relaxing waiting to Go Relax somewhere else OH NO. Then there is the Lagoon or should I say Large Bath Tub with all kinds of Fish all around you, the water was always warm and perfectly clear. I actually got to swim with around 25 Shark, it took me around a half hour to touch them, learning to swim parallel to them letting them come closer and closer until I could touch their Tails. Good way to test your heart rate, Ha Ha. It was my first time with a GO PRO camera got some great Movies and photos from underwater in the Lagoon. Being able to Jump off your deck with a Floaty and Just Get Tanned while appreciating the View of the Mountain. Interesting Fact Very few people were out in the Lagoon Floating around – I thought it was great. (Location for Vacation – Perfect!).

Although the Breakfast was Nice every morning with a vast assortment of Foods to Eat, Dinner Again (WOW)! To do Dinner correctly you need 3 to 4 Hours. We will Start with the Lagoon Restaurant, now get there early to Sit out on the Deck to Watch the Sunset over the Mountain with Cocktails being served and the Bartender offering his daily Specialties, then proceed to you seating of coarse on a glass floor watching sharks swim below you with a view of the Mountain and Lagoon. And Hats off to the entire restaurant staff providing a mutable course dinner being very knowledgeable of the cuisines. We Stayed with Fish every time – All were prepared to perfection. Then after Desert stop at the Lagoon Restaurant Bar for another Specialty drink and conversations. Now you ready for some entertainment (LOL) Head over to the Pool Bar for a nightcap and listen to The Running Mates, Great pair of Voices singing well know favorites. There was also an Italian Restaurant Far Niente that provided the same attention to us. And for when you just wanted to chill for dinner the Main restaurants Te-Pahu & Aparima next to the pool and with a view of the Lagoon was always available. You Never needed to leave the Resort to enjoy a meal.

We also did the Excursions. Helicopter tour of the area – Note: St Regis actually has their own Helicopter pad on the property to pick you up and drop you off from you flight (Great Photos and Films of the area from the Air). And of course Snorkeling and Swimming with the Sharks. Boat Rides Galore. And we got a Fun Car for the Day from our friends at Butler by The Sea to Cruise around the Main Island. You Have to stop at Matira Beach, Then Head over to Bloody Mary’s for Lunch, head through town Vaitape Don’t Blink or you’ll miss it and then Stop at the Yacht Club for a cocktail or two. Lots of Place to take Photos.

For the Most Part Just Relaxing at the St Regis property is enough. I would recommend doing a long Stay to anyone who appreciates just being in a beautiful location, while having all your need taking care of.

Edward and Shirley