Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

Even French Polynesia is on sale! I'm very familiar with the properties in this promotion (see slideshows). If you needed any additional enticement to visit Bora Bora, Vince Vaughn is staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora filming "Couples Retreat" with Jon Favreau and Jason Bateman.

You must add Bora Bora to your list of places to see before you die. One terrific way of exploring French Polynesia is by ship, and there are lots of choices. Nomade Yachting Bora Bora This is my first choice for cruising in Paradise — superb cuisine, contemporary Polynesian décor and lots of special touches make this the ideal way to experience Tahiti. A maximum of 40 lucky guests are pampered in style by a crew of 43. (That’s me enjoying the sunset aboard the Ti'a Moana in the photo above.) Classic six-night itineraries are available from Bora Bora sailing Mondays year-round, which combine nicely with a few nights stay in an over-water bungalow. Instead of flying, why not cruise to paradise? Holland America has my favorite South Seas itinerary aboard the ms Ryndam. This unique 30-day cruise starts and ends in San Diego, sailing to Hawaii and French Polynesia on Jan. 4, 2009. It’s perfect for snowbirds looking for a more exotic experience than a condo in Florida! Visit Maui, K...

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...