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If the acquisition of Hotel
Bora Bora by Amanresorts in 1988 was a blessing to the
resort world, then they have been particularly generous
in creating this ultimate Polynesian destination –
a gift for which you will be eternally grateful. Hotel
Bora Bora is nestled on the shore of a turquoise lagoon
that cradles a magnificent barrier reef giving way to
three pristine beaches that laze under the lush, emerald-green
summit of Mount Otemanu.
When you step onto the wooden-planked dock of this
lagoon lair you’re greeted by friendly staff,
euro-cheek kisses, cool champagne, a Tiari lei and the
immediate recognition that you’ll be returning
to this haven sooner than later. As I was gently ushered
off the dock, I witnessed a mother and child grabbing
fresh bread rolls from baskets hanging on the dock rail.
They tossed the torn pieces into the cerulean water
and dozens of finned rainbows spiraled upward from beneath
the dock, gleefully swallowing the tiny pots of gold.
Had I been magically transported to paradise? I think
so.
At daybreak, barefoot gardeners quietly rake the resort’s
meandering walkways and tend the natural gardens while
housekeepers balance their linen wheelbarrows and everyone,
and I mean everyone, says "Hello." My accommodation
was a thatched faré (the Tahitian word for home,
pronounced ‘faray’), set amidst a tropical
garden, with a short pathway leading to the lagoon.
I entered my home by the sea and was later informed
that I lit up like a "dinoflagellate" –
a minuscule sea creature that emits flashes of light
whenever they are excited. I was excited for an obvious
reason – this simple abode was simply grand. The
fare boasted a living room, a bedroom with a kingsize,
four-poster bed, an en-suite sitting room, a bathroom
witha pedestal tub, and was enclosed by lava stonewalls,
a private swimming pool and an outdoor sundeck. Atop
the coffee table sat a massive complimentary gift basket
overflowing with island fruits and a bottle of champagne.
On the duvet-covered bed lay bright blue and yellow,
hand-dyed Tahitian pareos and an array of flower petals.
I’ve discovered that what separates good hotels
from the great, is that great hotels are all about details
and service. Clearly, Hotel Bora Bora understands this
distinction. |
