Bora Bora, Day 9 and 10

We managed to see 7 resorts in Bora Bora, which was all the Virtuoso properties: St. Regis, Bora Bora Nui (Starwood Luxury Collection), Bora Bora Pearl (Leading Hotels of the World), InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Hotel Bora Bora (AmanResort), and Bora Bora Lagoon (Orient Express). As rushed as it was, they tried to give us the grand tour, including a meal. I took good notes and lots of photos! It may really be the most beautiful island in the world- crystal clear water with so many shades of blue in the lagoon, and the main island's mountains are so dramatic and green.

The big news is that the Hotel Bora Bora is closing October 1 for two years. They will level the entire property and start from scratch, opening in time for their 50th anniversary with fewer rooms. They wouldn't show us the plans, but all the new units will have private pools and (gasp!) televisions. The resort will also have a pool, spa and gym. The style will be Aman meets Polynesia. It's a fabulous location, and the resort has a very loyal clientele who will resist change, but it's overdue. Most of their staff will be picked up by the Four Seasons, but they'll be offered their old positions when she re-opens...

My last night in Tahiti is at the InterContinental Resort Tahiti in Papeete. They had a great Polynesian show, by far the best we've seen. Lovely ladies in grass skirts, bare-chested men in pareos playing with fire, and great drums. I had a great view of the spectacular sunset and the island of Moorea from my room.

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