La Orana e Maeva to the pearl of the Pacific. The number one question I keep getting since getting back from French Polynesia is – What resort was your favorite? If I had to pick, it would be the ST. REGIS RESORT BORA BORA! Not only is it my favorite resort but one of my favorite movies was filmed there – “Couples Retreat”! The resort is known as “Eden West” in the movie. It is a great movie to watch before coming to St. Regis for a little preview of your awaiting paradise.

St. Regis Resort Bora Bora hands down was my favorite resort that we stayed at in Bora Bora. Our experience was nothing but amazing from start to finish. Waiting at the St.Regis dock for their private boat to pick you up is an experience you won’t forget. They have their own waiting room area to keep you out of the sun and they even offer you refreshments. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort really is French Polynesia’s crown jewel. A breathtaking place where time seems to standstill. Boat transfer costs $140 round trip per person. There really isn’t a way around that price since the only way to access the resort is by boat.

Once you arrived at the dock of St. Regis, you are greeted with nothing but warm welcomes. Once you step off the boat you are greeted by your very own personal butler, and given a lei. You’re then escorted to the lobby and offered fresh mango juice to make the seamless check-in process that much better. While checking in your bags are being transported to your Villa to wait for your arrival. Once your check-in process is complete you will be transported to your villa or given a tour of the resort.

St. Regis Butler Service: If you’re unfamiliar with St. Regis Hotels. This is one of the services that really sets the brand apart from all others. Don’t want to unpack? You don’t have to, your butler will do it for you. Don’t want to iron your shirt? You don’t have to. Again, your butler will do it for you. Basically, anything, anytime that you could want. You just dial 9 and your dedicated butler makes it happen. Like packing up to leave again. Let your butler handle that. Need restaurant reservations? They got IT!

St.Regis is the largest resort in French Polynesia it’s about 44 acres and has 91 Villas! Each villa has assigned bicycles which makes getting around the resort that much easier. However, if you’re not up for a bicycle ride you can always dial 9 and request a golf cart pick up/drop off. A Villa at St. Regis can range from $1,200 to $3,000/night depending on your taste. I suggest getting a Villa that has a view of Mt. Otemanu – After all, that is what makes Bora Bora iconic.

For the first part of our trip, we stayed in an Overwater Superior Suite Villa – 1 King, Lagoon view, Lagoon access!

Luxuriously designed in exotic noble woods and Italian marble, the Overwater Superior Suite Villa features a separate lounge and bedroom with an adjoining lavish bathroom. Glass viewing panels throughout the suite Villa allow glimpses into the turquoise waters below. I made Alan swim under the coffee table so I could take pictures. I’m so thankful for a partner that enjoys what I do and also supports me by risking his life. I’m just kidding, it is not that bad of a swim in the lagoon but if you are a beginner, I would suggest wearing a life jacket that is provided in each villa (The life jackets are in the closet of the villas). The highlight of this Villa is the outdoor area. A spacious terrace with a dining gazebo overlooking Bora Bora’s stunning lagoon completes this picture of tropical elegance. This villa absolutely took my breath away. Pictures does it no justice.

The second half of our trip we spent it in a Reefside Garden Villa – 1 King, Ocean view, Garden level, Private pool.

Ideal for a romantic splurge and suitable for small families.

Set back amidst lush palm fronds, this Reefside Villa offers a direct view of an awe-inspiring open ocean side. Luxuriously designed in exotic noble woods and Italian marble, this suite villa features a larger separate lounge and bedroom with an adjoining bathroom that opens into a private walled-in garden equipped with an outdoor shower. A more spacious coral-pink-hued stone terrace with a dining gazebo and refreshing pool completes this picture of tropical elegance. The outdoor shower was my favorite!

Activities:

• Complimentary water sports at the main beach include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, outrigger canoeing, and even sailing.

• The Lagoonarium – the view here of Mt. Otemanu is breathtaking. We went at 9 am and there was not a soul there. It is located inside their Iridium spa. Snorkel in the large, saltwater lagoonarium that’s been set up for guests. It’s home to a wide variety of fish and can be entered by climbing down ladders from surrounding decks. You can buy fish food as well in the gift shop to feed the fish while snorkeling. If snorkeling isn’t your thing you can always treat yourself to the spa. The spa offers massages. body treatments, manicures & pedicures and so much more. Experience total revitalization at the Iridium Spa. There is also complimentary fish and shark feeding sessions 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:30 am).

• There are two pools at St. Regis, one near the main beach and the adults-only Oasis Pool with private cabanas! Perfect for social distancing and it is a first come first serve basis.
• There is also a great Fitness Center and Tennis Court available 24 hours.
• If you also need a break from the resort: Once a day complimentary shuttle from the resort main dock to Vaitape at 11 am and returning back to the resort at 2 pm. TIP: Stock up on snacks, drinks, and alcohol in Vaitape or the local markets. The prices at the resorts are instantly expensive.

Bars & Restaurants: There are 5 restaurants on the property – Plan to spend about $200-300 USD a day on food.

Te Pahu Restaurant – Breakfast and specialty dinner – like the Polynesian Evening with dancers. Breakfast here was to die for, we would sit there for hours. Not only is the breakfast delicious but the view is impeccable. It’s all you can eat but you have to order from the table due to Covid. We always took the pastries and saved them for an afternoon snack. We sat in silence most of the meal not only because we were to busy stuffing our faces but the view truly left us speechless. It was picture-postcard perfect.

Aparima Bar – All-day dining

Safety With Covid– We felt safe the whole time, more than going to our local grocery store in the US. Everyone at St. Regis and in Bora Bora, in general, wore masks when around others, lots of hand sanitizer stations around the resort. They even give you your own disinfectant spray in your Villas with a complimentary St. Regis Beach bag.

Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant – French & Asain Fusion (Open For Dinner Only) – Michelin Star Restaurant

BamBoo Restaurants – Asian – Sushi, Teppanyaki & Wok (Open For Dinner Only) – This was my favorite! Every meal was just spectacular.

Far Niente Ristorante – Italian

Private in-villa dining is also available 24 hours.

Their genuine care for your well being happiness and excitement is amazing. This year has been a most difficult one and if guidelines are followed, traveling safely during Covid is possible.

St. Regis you stole our hearts, as we have been spoiled with the best of the best! Mauruuru to ALL!