Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Fall for Europe. There are some fantastic values for fall cruises in Europe and space is still available. Book before July 31 to receive special rates and amenities. Head to the beach: Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti and the Caribbean all have fantastic offers for summer and fall travel. Discounted rates and free night promotions make flying your family to the beach an alternative to driving. Many 5-star resorts have special offers making a romantic long weekend irresistible. All Inclusive resorts have prices so low you can’t afford to stay home.

A flight attendant offers sound advice for travelers flying this summer.

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...

Located on a private motu across from Vaitape, the main town of Bora Bora (7 minutes by complimentary resort ferry), this property feels isolated but is very convenient to shops/restaurants. The traditional Tahitian décor is enhanced with lots of art and sculpture. The 160-foot infinity pool is stunning. Maru Spa is beach front with two tree house treatment rooms. Premium Motu Bungalows and Motu Suites are steps to beach with private plunge pool. Two-bedroom Villa has two bathrooms (both with outdoor shower) and private infinity pool, making it perfect for families or two couples. This Orient Express property has great specials for travel through December 21, 2008: Stay 4 nights (or more) in Overwater Bungalow, and the meal plan is free! Stay 6 nights (or more) in Overwater Bungalow and you get the Meal Plan plus a free night at the Radisson Plaza in Tahiti. The American Plan includes continental breakfast, a la carte lunch (main course plus dessert), three-course dinner. Contact me fo...

This was a very sexy resort with contemporary Polynesian décor located on a small islet in Bora Bora's lagoon . They have a huge infinity pool with great Mt Otemanu view. Their over-water Chapel (also with great Mt Otemanu view) can be used for private functions, as well as weddings where couples seem to walk on water to the alter (not legal service for Americans). Lagoon location allows groom to arrive by canoe in Traditional dress for a romantic Tahitian ceremony. This property is the first hotel in the world to use deep sea water for all of it's air conditioning, which is a great idea in eco-hotel engineering. They credit Marlon Brando with the concept in the resort brochure (he owned an island in French Polynesia). The thermal heat transfer is extremely efficient, and the pure sea water is also used in the spa. The Deep Ocean Spa, operated by Algotherm, was amazing (gorgeous setting with a variety of appealing treatments performed by French beauticians). Marine treatments,...

This is a very special place. For those dreaming of a tropical escape in Tahiti, their fantasies will be fulfilled here. On a private motu off the island of Taha’a (the “vanilla island” which is a beautiful, unspoiled island without an airport). You fly to Raitea and are transferred to the resort by boat (or take the helicopter transfer from the Bora Bora Pearl for a spectacular arrival). This Relais & Chateaux property offers luxurious accommodations and facilities without sacrificing the authentic Polynesian spirit. Quiet and peaceful, with gorgeous grounds, we may have discovered paradise. From my over-water bungalow, I could feed the fish from bed or the canoe-shaped tub by opening the glass tables! The separate shower was slate with coral accents. Room amenities included a cd-player, expresso machine, and bamboo vase with incense sticks stuck into sand. The Beach Villas have private plunge pool and indoor/outdoor shower. For two couples traveling together, the Two-bedroom Roya...

I made it back safe and sound. I made myself get up this morning so I can get back on East Coast time asap, and I feel OK. Not great, but OK. If only I could book a spa day at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa; I could really use a 90-minute “Deep Blue Massage” and Thalasso Bath.