St. Regis Bora Bora review


We were met at the Bora Bora airport by a gorgeous yacht (a smaller boat is sent for smaller group arrivals), which whisked us to the resort’s reception dock: marble walkway under thatched roof. Spread out on 44 acres and five motus in Bora Bora’s lagoon, within sight of the Four Seasons (opening soon) and Le Meridien, this luxury resort opened in 2007.

My Deluxe Overwater Villa was 1,550 square feet big. The entry hall led to the living room with sofa, glass coffee table for viewing fish below, dining table for two and floor-to-ceiling windows on two walls. Sliding wood doors enclosed the spacious bedroom with King bed and luscious linens. All villas here include butler service, twice-daily maid service and ultra-modern amenities including not one but two 42-inch plasma TVs, Bose CD/DVD player, wifi, an espresso maker, etc. They also have snorkel gear, a beach bag with beach towels, and outdoor showers.

The bathrooms are enormous, with sliding mirrors that separate to allow for lagoon views from the shower and vanity. There is a separate WC, a walk-in closet, his-and-hers sinks, and an open shower with rain showerhead. Tempting bath products, including two varieties of bath salts, make the huge soaking tub irresistible. A glass panel in the floor of the bathroom reminds you this superb granite bathroom exists in paradise.

Sliding French doors from both the bedroom and the living room lead onto the deck, where there are loungers, a shaded dining area and steps leading into the lagoon. The water was sublime. My villa had a fantastic view of Mt. Otemanu from the living room.

The Overwater Villas are fairly close together, although it’s possible to strategically open blinds to create a sense of complete privacy from inside. Royal Overwater Pool Villas have unobstructed views so they will feel more private, but the Pool Beach Villas and Private Oceanfront Pool Villas are the most secluded. For families, there are the Royal Oceanfront Pool Villas with two bedrooms and two bathrooms (the resort has a Kid’s Program too). The Royal Villa was amazing, with three bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private pool, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi and beach.

All the amenities you expect from a five-star resort are available, including a 13,000-square-foot Spa and Fitness Center, and a swim-up pool bar. There are three restaurants. Lagoon by Jean-Georges (Vongerichten) is the signature restaurant here, and the over-water setting with indoor and outdoor seating enhances the dining experience. Complimentary bicycles are available during the day, and a golf cart pickup is just a phone call away.

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