The Hotel Bora Bora
December 4, 1999
Just before we left the U.S.,
we watched an Arts & Entertainment program that ranked the world’s
most romantic resorts. The program counted down from 10 to 1, one exotic venue
after another, ending with the
Hotel Bora Bora as No.1. Dick and I had planned to save this
5-star resort for another trip. But fate, in the form of the Motel
Bora Bora, changed our minds. Ah, the difference just one letter can make.
Remember that great 
Air Tahiti package that we discussed in the
previous note? Well, for their bargain $72/night
rate, they really don’t have any superior-type accommodations on
the pricey isle of Bora Bora. Our choice
was perhaps the best of those offered, but our room at the Motel Bora Bora was
right on the busy (and only) road around the island. And it was just
opposite the food market, with all its traffic. The room was hot.
The
squeaky fans seemed to blow the air around, but apparently not where we needed
it -- over the bed. The bathroom was small, and we couldn’t manage to figure out
how to make the hot water work! And then there were the tiny bugs all
over the bathroom floor. Of course we had the hotel staff spray them away
when we discovered them, but would they return? All in all, one night at
the Motel Bora Bora was enough for me.
The next morning we
walked a mile 
down
the road, and an hour later moved into a garden bungalow at the Hotel Bora
Bora. It cost
quite a bit more than we had planned to spend, but I was ready to be
pampered.
Perhaps you’re
wondering what
makes the Hotel Bora Bora so
special? The hotel brochure talks about the wonderful accommodations, the 55
thatched roof bungalows and larger fares (fah-rays), especially the over-water bungalows
with steps leading into the lagoon and those with private jacuzzis. The
accommodations are large, and delightfully
bug-free (which requires regular
fumigation in this tropical climate.) There are fresh flowers in the rooms,
crisp white sheets on the luxurious king-size bed, a little sitting room and a large
bathroom with 4 huge, soft bath towels, two large beach towels and light-weight
cotton robes with a native print design at the borders. The spacious
open-air dining room and beachside bar that overlook the
ocean are understated and wonderfully romantic. The food and wine are excellent and
the tasty dishes are of course attractively prepared.
But what’s really special about the Hotel Bora Bora is the property
on which it's built: a spit of land with 270-degrees of ocean views. The hotel has so much beach-front land that
the bungalows are all well-separated. In November, the off season, you
feel almost alone -- whether you’re relaxing on
your private sun deck, or strolling through the peaceful, garden grounds, or walking
on the white sandy beach. We were the only "shade-bathers" out there this
morning, and 
this afternoon there was
only one other couple on the beach!
The water is deliciously warm and
exceptionally clear. The varying hues of azure and blue extend almost as far as the eye can see, with white-capped surf breaking in
the distance. The island is encompassed by a barrier reef that keeps the
waters calm, and the shallow bay is full of
tropical fish, just feet away. No need to swim, just wander out a ways and take a gander with your
complimentary snorkeling equipment. Or walk along the beach: you can
see beautiful, colorful fish at the water's edge. Last night after a dance show
and our mock Tahitian
wedding wrapping, we strolled down the beach, the water lapping around our
toes. I apparently caught an
8-inch disk-shaped, parrotfish unawares and stepped right on him. I jumped
two feet
into the air, as he managed to quickly scoot back into the water
sideways! A risk of having fish so close.
If you like luxurious, warm, peaceful, and
romantic holidays, the Hotel Bora Bora is the place for you. Plan a trip for
your honeymoon or that special anniversary. But start saving
your money now; prices start at about $800/day including food and drink.
Home
Air Tahiti package that we discussed in the
previous note? Well, for their bargain $72/night
rate, they really don’t have any superior-type accommodations on
the pricey isle of Bora Bora. Our choice
was perhaps the best of those offered, but our room at the Motel Bora Bora was
right on the busy (and only) road around the island. And it was just
opposite the food market, with all its traffic. The room was hot.
The
squeaky fans seemed to blow the air around, but apparently not where we needed
it -- over the bed. The bathroom was small, and we couldn’t manage to figure out
how to make the hot water work! And then there were the tiny bugs all
over the bathroom floor. Of course we had the hotel staff spray them away
when we discovered them, but would they return? All in all, one night at
the Motel Bora Bora was enough for me. 
