Just Back From ...

Club Med Bora Bora

by Loren Cranney

La Orana!

I have just been on my first trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora. We flew Air Tahiti Nui direct from Sydney to Papeete and transferred to the Beachcomber Intercontinental for overnight accommodation.

We were greeted by the bell boys who had a quite an unusual uniform. It was a white Sarong above the knees a cut body and sandals. (Did I mention we were impressed?) We were upgraded to a Panoramic View room which was very nice and very spacious. The hotel had two freshwater swimming pools which resembled the beach and at night were extremely romantic with the dimmed lights in and around the water, palm trees and swim up bar. The hotel had a restaurant which was quite pricey, 170 fully renovated lagoon and garden view rooms, 60 panoramic view rooms with a Presidential Suite, and 32 over water bungalows located in 32 acres of gardens. The Polynesian style resort has its own private beach and lagoon and has impressive views over the Volcanic peaks of neighboring Island, Moorea, just 20 kilometers across the Water.

Early the next morning we transferred back to the airport for a 45 minute flight with Vaimato to Bora Bora. From the air it was quite spectacular to see all the green and blue coloured lagoons around the smaller Islands on the way. After arriving at Bora Bora Airport we boarded the ferry and were set on a 20 minute ride to the main Island where we were transferred to a bus and taken to Club Med which is set in the bay of Faaopore, on the south coast of the island. Finally we were there! The security was quite tight at the entrance as is at all Club Med resorts.

We were welcomed by the very excited G O’s (gracious organiser’s) and were taken into the theatre area for a quick greeting and cocktails.

There is a total of 150 Polynesian-styled rooms including Deluxe Ocean view and Superior Garden View rooms. We were lucky enough to stay in the Ocean view rooms which looked out over the lagoon, Resort and out to the smaller Islands off the mainland.

Our first Excursion was the full day Maraamu excursion around Bora Bora and to a small privately owned Island. On this tour we first stopped at a channel and went on a 45 minute snorkel to spot Manta Rays. After swimming amongst thousands of exotic fish, luckily we were able to spot a Manta Ray gliding gracefully past. We were then off to the small Island to swim with the sting rays and reef sharks. There were three sting rays which were extremely playful. We spent a few hours in the water playing with the stingrays and then went for a snorkel to try and attract the reef sharks. After attracting two it was time for a BBQ lunch. After a short walk around the Island we were back on our way to finish the rest of the tour around the Island. There was one more stop before we were back at club Med which again was swimming with about 40 stingrays in the middle of a lagoon. Again these sting rays were quite playful but we had to be a little cautious as they weren’t as tame as the previous three sting rays.

The next days we were up early or the 4X4 Safari Excursion. We went up 5 mountains to get a different view of the Island. We drove on dirt tracks through lush tropical vegetation and to see a couple of the 7 WWII defence guns. From the mountains once again the water views were spectacular. We also visited the “The Farm” Bora Pearl Company to take a look at the Tahitian Black pearls. We were taken on a short tour and learnt how the pearl is cultured and then had an opportunity to look at the finished products. These pearls were certainly not cheap.

Our last stop on this tour was to a small gallery where sarongs were made. They were all hand painted and we were able to watch the men at work.

Club Med offer a fully inclusive package, therefore 3 meals a day, non motorised water sports, activities, entertainment, snacks, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages are all included in the price with an exception of top shelf spirits and champagne. This works out to be great value for money.

The meals were buffets which were served in the huge covered restaurant area over looking the lagoon. They had a different theme every night with a wide variety of food available which meant you would never go hungry. The bar area was close to the restaurant and was also over looking the lagoon. An exceptional place to relax with a cocktail in your hand whatever time of the day you desired.

All the staff are very outgoing and were always there to entertain us. There were constant smiles on their faces and they were all exceptionally nice. Evening theatre shows were performed by the G O’s and at pre dinner drinks the staff would provide entertainment by singing French songs. During the day there were activities free of charge such as: Kayaking, Basketball, Beach volleyball, Pétanque, Table tennis, Volleyball and Snorkeling. They provide tuition for beginners which include: Windsurfing, Sailing (catamarans), Aqua gym and Club Med fitness.

There were more activities and excursions to do which include extra costs such as: Scuba diving,, shark feeding (1/2 day), Tour Bora Bora by helicopter, Explore the island by Jeep (1/2 day), Sailing on a Catamaran (1/2 day), Guided island tour by Polynesian pirogue (full day)

After our stay on Bora Bora we had to make our way back to Papeete. Once we were there we stayed at Sofitel Maeva Beach Tahiti. We stayed in a superior, Mountain view Room. The rooms had a private balcony, two single beds and an impressive bathroom. There was a private beach, open Japanese restaurant and bar and a huge lobby area with a lot of lounges. From the hotel we went to the Food Markets which was about 10 minutes away. There were over 15 stalls cooking Crepes, Pizza, seafood and Chinese influenced food. The average cost of the food was AUD30 which was cheap compared to the restaurants.

Before I left I didn’t have a great idea of what to expect however, I have to say Bora Bora lived up to it’s reputation as “the most beautiful and romantic Island in the world”. Taking this into consideration Bora Bora is renowned for its appeal to honeymooners and couples, certainly a wise choice to experience the beauty with a loved one for a memorable holiday or honeymoon. I had a great time on Bora Bora and hopefully during the near future I will be able to experience the small Island again.