Explorer of the Seas Tips

Just a few tips for making the most of your cruise ~

Entertainment

Ice Show
Please make sure you don’t miss the ice show on the ship! You will be amazed that they can put on such a show at sea. Tickets are free but must be picked up in order to attend. You can pick up the tickets on your first day aboard the ship (there is usually a table set up in the Promenade where you can get your tickets) or tickets are available at set times throughout the cruise. There were 4 sessions but you need tickets in advance. Check the cruise compass for the times that the tickets are distributed. I suggest arriving at least a half hour prior to the showtime so you can have your choice of seats. As long as you are not sitting behind a pole, the view is pretty good from all seats.

Parades
There are 3 parades. Try to get a seat in front of the bars for the best views. They were a lot of fun.

Other things to do are bingo, Trivia contests, napkin folding, towel folding, cooking classes, arts & crafts and more. There were so many that we couldn’t do everything.

SPA and Fitness Center
Remember, make your spa appointments as soon as you board the ship! There is a really nice and large indoor Jacuzzi in the fitness center.

Pool deck
In addition to the main pool, there is a lovely adults-only solarium. It is near the spa and has really comfortable lounges. Although it is not covered, it was partially enclosed so was not as cold as the main pool area.

Promenade
This is a great people or gathering place. In addition to 2 bars and the café, there are the usual stores. During the week, there will be sales on watches, jewelry, pocket books and jewelry. This is also the location of the parades and the cooking demonstrations. For those who haven’t sailed on this class of ship before, the promenade is a great place to just hang out. One of the nice features was that the captain had his party in the promenade. The captain’s staff was introduced and they all stood on one of the bridges that over looked the promenade. It was a nice touch.

Entertainment Staff

Our cruise director, Allan, was great. The guy could have done stand-up comedy. He had us rolling at the newlywed game and the quest game. I didn’t see him around the ship much but on a ship this size, you rarely expect to see the cruise director.

His staff was good, mostly young, energetic people from all over the world. Bingo Spice, from London, handled Bingo and the napkin folding. She has an adorable British accent and had guests trying to mimic her throughout the napkin folding class. Trivia was handled by a number of the entertainment staff members. The entertainment staff had a lot of energy and it showed in everything they did.

Food

Café Promenade on deck 5. This is a great choice for fast bites and snacks. At the front of the Café, there is a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream stand (for an extra fee). They also offer Seattle’s Best Coffee. There was no fee for coffee and snacks unless you ordered specialty drinks. Please check before ordering.

The Café is open until the wee hours of the morning for those late owls. In the AM, there are pastries and such for breakfast. For lunch and later, there are small sandwiches (changes daily), pizza, cookies and pastries. The chocolate chip cookies are great. Coffee, tea and iced water are always available, as is fruit such as bananas, kiwi and oranges. The café is great for snacks when coming back from excursions.

Johnnie Rockets- on deck 12 is lots of FUN.
It is very small and there is a $3.95 cover charge to get in. This was implemented as part of crowd control so that the kids and teens don’t make this their hangout. Crown and Anchor members get 1 free admission per person with the coupon book that is in the cabin upon arrival.

Upon entering, you get a grand HELLO from the staff and fellow diners and are promptly given a plate of onion rings and a ranch dressing, and fries with a plate of ketchup designed in a smiley face. The menu consists of malts (extra fee for those but great), burgers and sandwiches as well as desserts. The staff would dance and sing at set intervals and it was a blast. It is a must do on the cruise!

Portofinos
This is well worth the $20 pp surcharge. The food was spectacular and so was the service.

General Comments

Although this ship was full, it didn’t really seems crowded. The sports deck was fully utilized for a staff vs. guest dodge ball contest and there were lots of people doing inline skating and watching the rock climbers. The promenade was bustling but there really wasn’t much in terms of crowded areas.

Being such a large ship, there were plenty of space for guests to find for themselves. Since part of the cruise was heading into cold weather, the indoor activities were very heavily attended. We found that we needed to arrive at each activity at least ½ hour before it started in order to get seats. Normally, guests would be spread out all over the ship but due to the cold weather, everyone was indoors and getting seats at the activities was difficult.

There are shows each night, whether a song/dance act, comedian, ventriloquist, etc.

The best of the entertainment was the newlywed game and Quest, a scavenger type game held in Studio B. Don’t miss either- since they are both hysterical.

You can keep track of your onboard bill on the interactive TV.

Trip to Tahiti

Tahiti, French Polynesia

I had the opportunity to visit Tahiti and many of the other islands of French Polynesia. I traveled with a group of travel agents and the trip was arranged by Tahiti Legends.  We visited 15 resorts on the islands of Tahiti, Tikehau, Moorea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. The islands are so authentically beautiful, not at all overbuilt and touristy, and the people of French Polynesia are so friendly.

French Polynesia comprises over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos.  Tahiti is the largest of the islands and is the island where you will arrive on your international flight.

 
Tahiti's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles airport. South of the equator, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii - (only three hours behind California April-October and two hours behind California November-March).

The island of Tahiti is located in the Society Islands, which includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora.

For U.S. citizens a valid passport and a roundtrip or return ticket are required for all visitors entering Tahiti. Visas are not required for North American citizens for stays of less than one month. 

Tahiti is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and is also a wonderful destination for any romantic escape. 

I will break down the resorts I visited by island, starting with Tahiti. 

TAHITI ~ We arrived on the island of Tahiti in the evening, having flown non stop from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui.  The service on this airline was extraordinary.  We were offered wine, beer, and champagne and had a hot meal for lunch and dinner.  Always available are soup, coffee, and water.   Our flight attendants brought us candy, pillows, blankets, eye covers, ear plugs, etc.  We had a variety of movies and games available on our individual tv screens.

We stayed overnight at the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort which is just a few minutes from the airport.   We had arrived late because of a storm delay so we missed our dinner and show which we were supposed to see.  However, the manager had put cold plates of fruit, cheese, and cold cuts in our rooms for us.  The hotel was fine for the night, a bit dated but clean, comfortable, and welcoming.

We also visited the Manava Suite Resort which I loved.  Only about a 10 minute ride from the airport, this is a modern resort with an Asian influence.  This is a  four-star resort made up of five separate buildings, with the first building being composed of the reception area, restaurant, meetings rooms and 12 guest rooms, and the additional four housing 109 guest rooms between two floors. All rooms are suites and are very roomy and all but the superior rooms have a kitchen and terrace. The furniture has beautiful inlaid pearl and abalone. 

The bar and restaurant are open until midnight.  There is another bar by the pool, which is the largest infinity pool on Tahiti island, and the pool faces Moorea Island.  I highly recommend this resort.

Tikehau

Tikehau

TIKEHAU ~ We took a 55 minute flight from Tahiti to the island of Tikehau with its pink sand beaches and we transferred by water taxi to the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort and Spa. Tikehau is part of the Tuamotu Islands. This resort is perfect for someone looking for something a bit rustic and remote. There is only one restaurant and bar on site. It is very quiet and secluded. Our overwater bungalow was very spacious. Only some of the rooms have air conditioning, others just have ceiling fans. Our room needed some work, especially since we were in one that did not have A/C and our ceiling fan was broken. We were given a standing floor fan which worked just fine. This resort has 8 Beach Bungalows, 6 Premium Beach Bungalows, 8 Overwater Bungalows, 8 Premium Overwater Bungalows and 8 Overwater Suites. Diving is the main attraction of the island. Of all the islands and resorts we visited, Tikehau had the most fish to be seen in the water.

 

Taha'a

Taha'a ~ The leeward island of Taha'a is known as Tahiti's Vanilla Island for its plantations. It now produces more vanilla than anywhere else in Polynesia -there is the scent of vanilla in the air! We flew from Moorea back to Tahiti, then took another flight to Raiatea. Once on Raiatea, we took a boat ride to the private Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa, which opened in 2002. It is 5 minutes by boat from main island of Taha'a and 35 min by boat from Raiatea Island . Private helicopter service is also available. The resort offers 48 overwater suites & 12 beach suites more than a hundred square meters in size. The 12 Beach Villas have a private swimming pool, tropical gardens, and are surrounded by rock walls, offering complete privacy. There is a king size bed (or twins), TV and living room with sofa and a large terrace opening onto private pool and fare pote (dining table & chairs with ceiling fan).

The public areas are built in the trees, making the resort that much more beautiful. The resort faces the island of Taha'a on the lagoon side and Bora Bora island on the ocean side. Activities include Jet skis, water ski, 1lighted tennis court, Bacci ball, volleyball court, beach, and Jacuzzi. There is a full range of excursions to discover the wonders of the island of Taha'a by sea or by land which includes a vanilla plantation and the black pearl farms. There are two different boutiques: one which offers every day conveniences as well as a large sample of local handicrafts, and the other one features the natural jewels of the Pacific lagoons, the world famous black pearls. Also available are helicopter tours from Taha’a and Bora Bora, daily shuttle service (am/pm) and islands discovery excursions. There is a new gym, new library/lounge area and a new dive center near the beach.

We stayed in an overwater bungalow with a sunset view. The water was beautiful and there was very little coral in the swim area by the bungalows. All garden bungalows have a plunge pool and are supplied with snorkel equipment. They sleep 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults and one child.

There are three restaurants, two bars, freshwater swimming pool, tennis court, spa and an on-site dive center on the property. La Plage restaurant is located by the pool and beachside; Vanille (main restaurant) & Ohiri (fine dining) restaurants are located in the heart of the resort among the trees.  After dinner, we saws a Polynesian show (see picture to right).

***Taha'a ~ This resort the picture of luxury and my favorite of all the resorts we visited.

Moorea

Moorea

MOOREA ~ Moorea is often thought to be the subject of James Michener's "Bali Hai". It is just a quick 7 minute flight from Tahiti. It can also be accessed by a 35 minute ferry.

We stayed two nights at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort. This resort has a beautiful view of the island of Tahiti. There are 49 Deluxe garden bungalows, 8 Superior beach bungalows, 15 Deluxe beach bungalows, 20 Overwater bungalows and 19 Deluxe overwater bungalows. Each bungalow is air-conditioned, has a plasma TV, safe, minibar, rain-shower bathroom, separate toilets and an extremely comfortable Sofitel ‘MyBed’. We stayed in overwater bungalow #111 which was a beautiful room.

Activities include tennis and volleyball, safari tours, swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest Park, deep sea fishing, ray and fish feeding excursions, island tours, an outdoor freshwater pool, sea kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, pedal boats, catamaran, Tahitian canoe picnic excursions, outriggers, petanque and 4 themed evenings per week followed by Polynesian shows. Le Spa is also on site so you can enjoy all that the spa has to offer.

The resort offers various meal plans and there is a specialty restaurant called "K" which is an open air, sand floor restaurant overlooking the lagoon. If you are on the meal plan this restaurant is not included, but it you only pay an extra surcharge to dine here.

I highly recommend this resort.

We also visited the Moorea Pearl Resort, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, and Legends Resort Moorea.

Moorea Pearl Resort ~ There are 28 overwater bungalows, 9 beach bungalows, 28 garden bungalows and 30 garden rooms & family rooms. All rooms except the overwater bungalows are air-conditioned. Overwater bungalows have ceiling fans and gentle sea breezes and have bathtubs rather than showers. The garden bungalows have plunge pools, some with a low and deep end. Activities include snorkeling and diving, jeep safaris, helicopter rides, motu picnics, island tours by canoe with shark and ray feeding, and more. All non-motorized water sports are free of charge.

There are two restaurants, one located poolside. Wednesday evenings there is a traditional Polynesian show and fire dances and on Saturdays there is also a Polynesian show. The resort is lovely. The spa was wonderful as well.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa ~ We had a wonderful cocktail party followed by dinner at the water's edge here at the Hilton Moorea. They couldn't have been more hospitable!

There is a 4 star Michelin rated restaurant on site, called Arii Vahine. The Rotui Bar and Grill is by the pool and beach and along the pontoon leading to the overwater bungalows there is Toata Bar which offers happy hour each afternoon. They also make fresh crepes for the guests. At the end of the pontoon are seats where guests can relax and enjoy the view. The Eimeo Bar serves cocktails, wines and champagnes nightly from 5:30 until 11:30.

The resort offers 24-hour room service and a boutique. The Mandara Spa provides spa treatments unique to Polynesia. You can schedule a sunset massage in your own bungalow, or a moonlight massage in the lagoon. Spa staff uses indigenous ingredients like monoï oil, grapefruit, vanilla, sea salt, coconut and plumeria to create a beautiful and healthful experience. There is a pretty Koi pond on site as well.

The Hilton has 57 overwater and 49 garden and beachfront air-conditioned bungalows. The location of the resort allows for both sunrise and sunset views. The garden bungalows have plunge pools with a privacy screen. There are some that have been connected which makes it nice for families traveling together. There are one bedroom garden suites available. Suites have butler service. Disabled access rooms are available in the Garden and Beachfront categories. Room service is offered, including canoe breakfasts for overwater bungalow guests.

The water was the cleanest of all that we saw because the resort is located between two lagoons. The beach is very clean and large, probably the nicest beach area in Moorea. Free activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boats, tennis & volleyball. A wide range of island activities can be organized through the activities desk.


***Hilton Moorea ~ Best beach in Moorea


Legends Resort Moorea ~ We had a nice lunch at Legends Resort, a member of Preferred Hotels, which opened in December 2008. After our lunch, we were offered to go for a swim in the infinity pool. What a welcome relief to the heat!

Although not located directly on the beach, this resort has the most beautiful view because it is set up in the mountainside. There are 46 private 2 or 3 bedroom villas featuring a spacious deck with spa tub, fully equipped kitchen, living room with satellite TV and DVD player, air conditioned bedrooms, fully-equipped laundry facilities, and WiFi internet access. The 2 bedroom villa sleeps 4 and the 3 bedroom villa, which has a washer/dryer, sleeps 6. Although only the bedrooms are air conditioned, the design of the villas is such that there is a perfect flow of air throughout the villa. If you call ahead, they will stock your kitchen with food that you request. Guests have the feeling of being right at home. The resort has an International deli food & wine market, catering services, a pool restaurant, a boutique,and in-villa spa services.

There is an infinity pool suspended above the lagoon. The resort provides a complimentary shuttle to the beach throughout the day. It is just a 6 minute private boat ride to the resort's private beach, located on a Motu (islet). Hiking is available with a private guide up the mountainside. Bring your trail shoes! This is not an easy climb. The on-site restaurant, La Villa Des Sens, serves a gourmet fusion with an extensive selection of wines in the wine cellar; room service is also available. Complimentary activities also include a tennis court and a fitness center. The Moorea Dolphin Center is nearby and the center offers a variety of dolphin interaction programs including special honeymoon packages and family programs.

This was a lovely resort and the manager, Jean Pierre, was most accommodating.

***Legends ~ Best view of any resort

Bora Bora

BORA BORA ~ Probably most famous for the musical South Pacific, Bora Bora was also home to more than 5,000 American G.I.s during World War II. Mount Otemanu rises out of the lagoon and is seen in the opening scene of the movie Couples' Retreat.

Bora Bora, Pearl of the Pacific: The island was once called Vavau. Some attribute its change in name (perhaps wrongly) to Captain James Cook, the first European visitor to the island in 1769. Because he often heard people use the word "apooraa" (assembly), he understood "borabora" and gave this name to Vavau. A more ancient legend gives a better account for the origin of the Tahitian word pora pora or popora: mai te po ra (emerge from the night, from the world of the gods).

This land was the first to rise from the oceans, before the creation of Raiatea. Thus, Bora Bora is the oldest of the islands. Bora Bora is located 167 miles northwest of Tahiti, 45 minutes by plane. With its volcano and lagoon circled by islets of white sand, it unites all the characteristics of a high Polynesian island.  Coral attached itself to the outer volcanic crown, creating an immense lagoon (48 sq. miles) enclosed by a very large barrier reef.

We took a boat from Taha'a to the airport for a flight to Bora Bora, then transferred by boat to the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa which is a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. This was a lovely resort with 50 deluxe overwater bungalows which featured a lagoon viewing glass coffee table, 10 luxury beach suites featuring an indoor/outdoor bathroom and private garden with Jacuzzi and sundeck, and 20 deluxe garden pool suite bungalows.

The spa manager is an American from Arizona (her husband manages the spa at the Bora Bora Nui). They offer outdoor massages as well as the traditional indoor treatments. The spa has a very "green", very natural atmosphere.

Complimentary activities include snorkeling equipment, outrigger canoes, fresh water swimming pool, tennis, windsurfing, bocce, badminton, pareo show, coconut show, Tahitian dance show, billiards, games, movies, transfer to the main island and village, mini golf. I liked this resort and would recommend it.

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa ~ Another boat ride and we arrived at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui. We spent one night at this resort which is very large and in need of some refurbishment. Our overwater bungalow was large. The shower was nice - you had the choice of rainfall or an adjustable showerhead. The shower door and door to the toilet are separate, but the toilet handle was broken. This was the largest bathroom we had with two sinks, all amenities, marble floor. The bedroom is separate from the living area. There is a sofabed and plasma tv in the living area as well as a tv in the bedroom. Cedar closets were a nice touch.

The deck from the bungalow where we were led down to deeper water than we had at any of the other resorts. There was quite a current which made it a bit harder to swim back, but we just went in closer to shore and walked most of the way back to our bungalow. The pool is nice and large. Breakfast and lunch are served at the beach restaurant while dinner was served upstairs. The food was good and the service was excellent.

This resort is a bit large for me. Depending on where you are located the walk to the beach, etc can be quite long. You are given a beach towel card and it must be returned upon check out or you will be charged for the towel. Same for a snorkel card. I can understand the card for snorkel equipment, but I think the card for towels is tacky. Along the bridge to the bungalows some of the boards were missing and some tiles were missing from the walkways. You can call for a ride to your bungalow if you wish. If you stay here, you would want to be in the rooms with the 200 numbers; these are closest to reception, the pool, restaurants, etc. We were in #307 which was a long walk for us. The Presidential and Royal bungalows were very nice and larger than my house!

On our way to our next resort, we made a visit to Bloody Mary's which is a restaurant and bar and pretty much the hot spot on Bora Bora.  The bar opens around 9:30 AM,

lunch is from 11.00AM- 3PM, and dinner is from 6:30PM- 9PM.  They also have great merchandise for sale to bring home as souvenirs. 

 

The next day we were on a boat to Vaitape, then transferred by bus to the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort.  There are 64 thatched-roof bungalows scattered in the tropical gardens, on the white sand beach and over the lagoon, each with air-conditioning, terrace, ceiling fan, direct-dial phone and mini-bar.  We had a short inspection of this resort then traveled across the water (by boat, of course!) to the  Sofitel Motu Bora Bora, which is on its own private motu, or islet.  The complimentary boat runs all day (10 am - 11 pm) between the resorts and guests can use the amenities at both properties.  This is an intimate property with only 20 overwater bungalows and 10 deluxe hillside bungalows.  The thatched-roof bungalows have air-conditioning, satellite television, video and mini-bar. A hilltop restaurant and lounge offers panoramic views of Bora Bora and its incredible lagoon.  I liked both resorts but if I had my choice, I would stay at the Motu Bora Bora over the Marara. 

 

Our next resort we visited was the Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana and we had a lovely lunch while there.  We ate in the outdoor restaurant on a sand floor.  Beware - those who have the type of skin which attracts bugs, you might want to use some bug spray first.  And ask for a citronella candle if available.  I was fortunate and the bugs did not bite me, but it was a problem for some. 

 

Forty-eight over water bungalows have glass topped coffee tables in room (for lagoon viewing!), and 12 air-conditioned beach bungalows are nestled on the most beautiful beach in Tahiti. Activities include shark/ray feeding excursions, motu (islet) picnics, outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, windsurfing, engine-powered Hobie cat, jet skiing, 4x4 safariing, horseback riding, and deep-sea fishing.  On Tuesday evenings, the resort has a barbecue on the beach for guests' enjoyment.

 

This is a lovely, intimate resort with beautiful accommodations and I very highly recommend it.

We were then on our way (by private boat that goes between the two Intercontinental resorts) to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa where we spent the night.  We had the afternoon to ourselves before meeting as a group for dinner.  The spa (absolutely wonderful!) had a two-for-one special so of course we took advantage of that.  If you have a spa treatment, you also have privileges to partake of the rest that the spa has to offer.  The spa has a Relaxing Pearl Rain Massage, Deep Sea Hydromassage Bath, Deep Chiller Walk, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Arctic Plunge, and more.  The greatest thing about the massage --- while you are lying face down with your head in the opening of the table, there is a glass floor where you can watch the fish swim by!  How relaxing is that?  I actually started to fall asleep and tried my hardest to stay awake so I could savor the experience.  After my massage, the therapist suggested going in to the Steam Room for no more than 15 minutes and follow this with a dip in the Arctic Plunge (ice water!!!).  Well, we did just that and when you jump into the Arctic Plunge you actually lose your breath!  But it feels so good afterward.  We then used the Deep Sea Hydromassage and turned on all the forceful showers and jets.  What fun!!  Following this we took a walk in the Deep Chiller Walk where the jets hit your leg muscles.  This helps get the circulation going in your legs and helps tone the leg muscles.  Lastly we spent time in the Jacuzzi until the spa closed.  We were there for 3-1/2 hours!

There is a beautiful little wedding chapel here with a great view of the mountain (pictured above)

The lounge area in the resort has more of a modern Asian decor. 

We had a large overwater bungalow which included a large living room with sliding doors to the deck.  There is also a door from the bedroom that opened on to the deck.  The bathroom was very large as well. 

Dinner was, once again, wonderful.  The only odd thing about the restaurant is that the chairs are very heavy.  They pulled out te chairs for us to sit, but forget trying to get up out of your chair.  They must weigh a couple hundred pounds each!  There was a small band that played from 5 pm until around 8 pm. 

Breakfast the next day was inside at the same restaurant and then we were on our way to the next resort.

This resort had the best spa by far!

We transferred by boat to the Le Meridien Bora Bora and arrived with plenty of time to view the turtle feeding at 10:15 am. 

Built on the southern point of "Motu Piti Aau", a 6-mile long islet on the coral reef, the hotel offers an unsurpassed view of the world renowned Mount Otemanu (have you seen the opening credits of "Couples Retreat"?). The hotel is 20 minutes by private launch from the airport and 5 minutes by boat from the main island of Bora Bora.

There are 17 air-conditioned, beachfront and 81 overwater bungalows (with glass lagoon-viewing floor area). A restaurant designed like a Tahitian village, beachside pool, spa, and a host of island activities, including the Turtle Care Sanctuary, make for a true Polynesian paradise.

When we went to our room, we were pleasantly surprised to see a bottle of champagne chilling on the table, along with snacks.  We brought the champagne to the beach that afternoon.  The beach was beautiful and the turtles were swimming with us in the water. 

We were in the very last premium overwater bungalow which had a large glass floor over which the room attendant placed a rug at night time.  This room had the best view of the fish below.  When you first turn on the tv in your room there is a message from the front desk welcoming you by name (although ours said "Welcome Mrs Jan and Mrs Mary Mauer Grath - but it gave us a laugh!).

The suites have a bedroom, living room large deck and graduated plunge pool.  Villas have 2 or more bedrooms.  For these, two beach bungalows were joined by a common living area.  The beachfront rooms were also very nice.  Also available are rooms for those who are physically handicapped.

Le Miki Miki bar is shaped like the prow of a ship pointing toward Mount Otemanu.


Free activities include snorkeling (masks, snorkels and fins), kayaks and Polynesian canoes. windsurfing, pedal boats, swim with the turtles in the interior lagoon and discover the turtle's sanctuary.  For a fee you can enjoy shark and ray feeding, scuba dive, Tupuna Mountain Safari by 4WD, Taxi Boat, Jet Ski,  Circle Island Tour, Boat Rentas,
Horseback riding, Deep Sea Fishing, Parasailing above the lagoon, Picnic, Lagoonarium: swim in the midst of turtles, sharks and tropical fish, Water-skiing (all levels), helicopter, Aquascope (glass bottom boat), Spa with massages and body treatments (for relaxation), Taxi (to/from Vaitape), Hobie cat 14' and 16'


Denis, the manager, was very nice and had a great sense of humor.  He really made us feel at home.  We had a wonderful dinner here and were treated to a Polynesian show afterward.


Best view of the fish from an overwater bungalow.  Loved this resort - highly recommend it!


We have now arrived at our last day in paradise.  We transferred by boat to the Four Seasons Bora Bora.  Although we were not staying overnight, we were all given rooms to use for the day.  We first had a tour of the resort followed by breakfast.  We were free to enjoy the resort before we had to leave for the airport at 4:30 pm. 


Some of the nice touches this resort has are sachets on hangers in the closet, a laundry basket and tote bag in the closet.  The bed was very comfortable.  They offer a canoe breakfast where the couple gets a short ride on the canoe while the wait staff sets the table for breakfast at their bungalow.  There are two small glass areas to see the fish. 


There is a marine biologist on site, Oliver, who can arrange for tours on and off the island.  There is a coral nursery and 100 types of fish in this area.  In the family villa there is a master bedroom with a king bed, large tub and a bidet, two closets, a rain shower, access to private beach, a kids room with two queen beds, indoor and outdoor showers, dining room, large pool and separate jacuzzi.  There are also four lounge chairs, as well as a table with four chairs.  There is a separate room service kitchen as well. 

The chapel has a beautiful view of the mountain and lagoon.  There are two changing rooms there as well.  The spa has 9 treatment rooms with a vitality pool and a relaxation area by the changing room.  Even if you are not having a massage you can still use the spa facility.  The fitness center is open 24 hours per day and has a Technogym (like Cybex), cardio machines, and all have TV.  In the kids area, the bathrooms are id sized.  It is open 8 am to 5:30 pm, and babysitting is available after hours. 


The resort provides transportation (for a fee) to town and to the airport, but the transfers are like having a tour of the island.  This resort opened in September of 2008.

There are 100 spacious overwater villas and 7 beachfront villas with private pools  spread over 70 acres of white sand beaches and private lagoons. Set at the edge of the lagoon, the spa offers five spa pavilions, an overwater treatment cabana, three secluded couple’s pavilions and a full service fitness centre with an overwater sunrise yoga platform. To accommodate both families and couples, the resort features the Kids for All Seasons club with a kids pool, and a separate teens’ island with a Young Adult Centre and separate beach area. The resort also includes an events pavilion, wedding chapel, black pearl boutique, tennis courts and of course, the highly personalized Four Seasons service standards.


Activities include:  Fitness center, Outdoor pools, Scuba diving, Spa, Steam Room, Tennis. 


Children ages 4-12 have complimentary access to the Kids For All Seasons program. Run by trained staff, activities include: radio-controlled boat races, swimming, kite-surfing, snorkeling with a Marine biologist, and treasure hunts, plus many more.


Older children aged from 13-18 have complimentary access to the Young Adult Center and private beach. They can do everything from beach volleyball to windsurfing competitions. There is also a unique program of beach and lagoon activities inspired by ancestral Polynesian sports and cultural traditions.


This is the best resort for kids' activities
 
We left by boat for the airport in Bora Bora and then flew to Pape'ete, Tahiti, for our return flight on Air Tahiti Nui.  We waited 70 minutes for the customs agent to come and stamp our purchases at the airport.  Keep in mind the airports are not air conditioned, so wear appropriate clothing!  I wore my shorts, etc, and when I landed in LA, I changed to the clothes I wanted to wear home. 
 
This was the most amazing place to visit.  The people, scenery, and the resorts are all so authentic.  I would definitely recommend French Polynesia to anyone who is going on their honeymoon, to those who want a romantic vacation, and to those who want to do something different, especially if you enjoy water sports.