Port Review of Bora Bora

If you are thinking about visiting Bora Bora by cruise or even if you are just planning on spending some time there at a resort, this review gives you a great overview of the island of Bora Bora, some of the things to see and do and of course some photos that make me want to go back and sure will do the same to you.

Click here to read this review on Bora Bora

Le Meridien Bora Bora

The Meridien Bora Bora will be closed from Oct 01, 2010 to Jan 22, 2011 to complete the final phase of the resort wide renovations.  In this stage the interiors of the Beach and Overwater Bungalows as well as the public spaces will all be redone.  They will also be adding an Ecological Centre for Turtle Sanctuary.

In previous renovations the resort has already added an Overwater Wedding Chapel, infinity pool and the addition of 4 beach pool villas.

There has never been a better time to visit French Polynesia - resorts are all being renovated and specials abound due to the slower economy.

Sydney Airport Opens Revamped International Terminal

Sydney Australia's International Airport has just reopened their renovated departures level in the International Terminal.  The new section of the airport has been redesigned with more food and beverage outlets, retails shops and waiting areas to accommodate the high volumes of passengers that pass through this airport.  Passengers will now find the terminal more comfortable and with more to do as they wait for the International flights around the world.


Sydney International Airport is one of the busiest A380 Airports so they have also redone the luggage carousel to help expedite baggage claim for passengers arriving on these massive new planes.

Click here for the Airport Website

St Regis Bora Bora reopens June 14 - Renovated & New Management

The St Regis Bora Bora that was hit by Cyclone Oli last February is set to reopen on June 14 renovated and operating with new management.  For anyone who saw the movie "Couples Retreat" you will know this resort, although the movie may not have been the best, the scenery certainly was and this is the resort where it was filmed.

While the St Regis was closed, the resort has had the following upgrades completed:

• pools have been retiled
• the pool at the Royal Estate (13,000 sq feet) has been fitted with white glass tiles that reflect the colour of the sky
• serveral other pools has had turquoise glass tiles added to reflect natural light
• new landscaping & a wood deck around the main pool area facing the beach, coral blocks and Polynesian art
• beaches were re-sanded and re-shaped to enhance their appearance
• and the Private Lagoonarium and other public ponds have received new coral and fish species

For the discerning guest, this resort that originally opened in June 2006 has always been a favourite for clients.  It's 44 acres with butler service, 24-hour concierge and personalied touches has attracted famous guests such as Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Tim Allen and many others.  It is definitely one of Bora Bora's finest properties and soon open once again in top form!

For help planning your South Pacific Vacation visit www.carlhenderson.ca

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort Announces new Garden Suites

The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa recently opened two new 1712 square foot garden suites each complete with their own private pool and 861 square foot deck!  Now those are huge suites! 

The resort also offers a variety of other Garden Bungalows and Overwater Bungalows as well.

Having stayed at this hotel several years ago back when it was under the Sheraton banner, I can say that it is a great location on the island and after the renovations it has undergone, it is definitely one of my favourite properties on the island of Moorea.

Helicopter ride over Mamanuca Islands in Fiji

Paul Gauguin looking to Expand

Richard Bailey, Chairman of Paul Gaugin Cruises is looking to add a second ship to the fleet. Paul Gauguin Cruises currently have one ship, the 332 passenger Paul Gauguin. The ship has recently been upgraded and had an additional 26 balcony cabins added along with an upgraded spa and more outdoor dining. The ship is defintitely an incredibly luxurious Polynesian experience and fantastic value for travellers.

Paul Gauguin cruises as reported earlier here was sold to Pacific Beachcomber who also own and operate the InterContinental Resorts in French Polynesia.

Now Richard Bailey is looking to purchase a small ship to add to the fleet and put together combination 4 night cruises with 4 night hotel stays, which I think is a brilliant idea and a great way to see Tahiti and her islands.

The question is, what ship is he eyeing for this new expansion?
I don't have any insight, but suspect since Nomade Yachting has gone to private charters only, their is a good chance they may look at selling one of their stunning yachts - the Tu Moana or the Ti'a Moana.

Time will tell - but I think it would be a great move and make for some fantastic Tahiti vacation packages! Having sailed on the Tu Moana when it first came out, it still ranks as one of the most memorable vacation experiences of my life and I would definitely recommend it to my clients.



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