It’s a partial travel day, going from Moorea to Bora Bora. It’s about 150 miles, so a boat is out of the question. Air Tahiti has daily flights between the two islands and we’ve booked our puddle jump several weeks ahead of time to ensure that we could get the flight we wanted. The flight is only about 50 minutes and the planes are small, but not OMG small. Two seats on either side of the aisle and probably about 15-20 rows. For reasons unknown, we were actually able to check all of our extra suitcases (including wine) free of charge. We’ll take it!
The “island” of Bora Bora is actually four fairly substantial islands and several smaller islands and sand bars. The airport is on the northern most island, but all of the major hotels have dedicated boat/ferry service to their properties. We chose the Conrad Bora Bora Nui (part of the Hilton family of properties) for a couple of reasons: (1) it faces west toward the sunset (unlike the Sofitel in Moorea) and (2) it had the best deal for premium over-the-water bungalows. Really, you can’t go wrong in Bora Bora, you just need to go in with eyes wide open about the limitations and what you are in for.
First, let us say that Bora Bora (and the Conrad) are BEAUTIFUL. We thought we had the peak tropics experience in Moorea, but we were quickly proven wrong. Everything at the Conrad is first class: the view, the buildings, the bar – amazing restaurants, amenities and a variety of daily activity options. The downside is two fold: (1) there aren’t a ton of options; the hotels are fairly dispersed from each other (especially the Conrad) so you are basically glued to the property you choose for meals and activities and (2) because you are more-or-less stuck there, the prices are nose-bleed expensive (e.g. $35 for a cheeseburger, albeit a good one). But, if you know that going in, budget accordingly, and don’t spend too many day there, the experience is worth it.
Upon arrival from the airport (via a sleek motor boat, reminiscent of a luxury water taxi in Venice, Italy), you arrive at a larger over-the-water structure that serves as concierge area, bar and spill-over reception area. We checked in there and were told that our rooms would be ready in three hours. This gave us time to head to the beach-side restaurant for a nice lunch and a few drinks by the pool. One of our rooms was actually ready early, so we all piled in there for the extra hour and took in the amenities of our suite: very large room, king bed, sitting area, parallel duel vanities in the bathroom area, walk-in rain shower, huge soaking tub, large outdoor lounge deck, integrated deck hammocks, separate sun deck with ocean access. Just spectacular!
The Conrad property is massive. Almost all movement between the villas and the main area (restaurants, concierge, bars, pool, beach, etc.) needs to be done via golf cart. Fortunately, chauffeured carts are free and the staff is very attentive and timely. After a few hours of acclimating to our new rooms and a quick snorkel off the balcony (and a couple of BYO bottles of wine) we took a cart to the property’s French restaurant. Although portions were small, the food was rich and filling. Wines were not unreasonably expensive and the meal was a hit, from start to finish. We ended up skipping dessert and just heading back to the room with the intension of just crashing out. As we closed the blinds, you could see out the balcony to the night sky, sparkling with stars in the southern sky. Living in a big city (Los Angeles) with so much artificial light and haze, you forget that the sky can be so clear and the stars so bright. It was mesmerizing. Well worth taking a pause and just enjoying what nature has to offer.
A really great day and a great night! Love it here.