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.



www.carlhenderson.ca

Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji - My recent Visit

Fiji - Rydges Hideaway Resort - visit in April 2010

Outrigger on the Lagoon Slides from visit April 2010

Nomade Yachting Bora Bora - Ready for the Solar Eclipse

Nomade Yachting Bora Bora will position their ship the Ti'a Moana in the Tuamotu Archipelago to meet the total Solar Eclipse on July 11th, 2010.

The 6 nights / 7 days cruise will depart from Fakarava on July 08th and visit Tahanea, Motutunga (on July 11th, the Eclipse day), Kauehi, Toau before cruising back to Fakarava on July 14th.

Nomade Yachting offers one of the best cruise expereinces in French Polynesia. With no details overlooked the cruise is sure to satisfy even the most discerning traveller.

Hilton Moorea gets a Makeover

In an effort to modernize the hotel and emphasize the Polynesian flair, The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa has been undergoing renovations over the past year.

All overwater Bungalows are completed and now features new bathrooms, new furniture and new curtains.In addition to renovating the 54 overwater units, the plans also call for the renovation of the remaining units such as the garden bungalows.

Set to re-open early 2010, all garden Bungalows will be remodeled and will feature new bathrooms and new terraces with small private pools.Please note that in order to avoid any inconvenience, all garden units will be closed from September 21, 2009 until the end of the year.

During that period, only the overwater bungalows will be available to guests. The existing bookings for the garden and beach units will be automatically upgraded to overwater bungalows. The renovations will not cause any disturbances to guests who will be staying in overwater bungalows during that time.

Hilton Bora Bora Nui - New Presidential Overwater Villas

Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa Introduces New Presidential Overwater Villas
Opening in September 2009, the two unique presidential overwater villas will be 3,229 square feet.


These spacious villas will feature two bedrooms, three bathrooms, two dressing rooms, a spacious living room, a private swimming pool, a well-being room, a sun-deck, Jacuzzi and a covered gazebo among other amenities.

How's that for some luxury living in Bora Bora?!?

Paul Gauguin Sold

Further to my last post, it is true the Paul Gauguin has been sold to Pacific Beachcomber a company who operates many destination resorts in French Polynesia. The extremely successful luxury cruise will continue to sale as scheduled for 2009 and 2010.

The Paul Gauguin is a great cruise experience for people looking to explore French Polynesia and the other South Pacific nations. Just remember to book well in advance. For 3 years the ship sailed at full capacity and now in 2009, during these more challenging economic times, it is still sailing at a 95% occupancy rate.

Read Reviews from Cruisers of the Paul Gauguin - Click Here

Paul Gauguin Cruise Ship up for sale?

After leaving ways with Regent Cruise Lines, the cruise ship the Paul Gauguin decided that they would strike out on their own for operating this luxury vessel that sales around Tahiti, Bora Bora and the stunning islands of French Polynesia.

Rumour now has it that the Paul Gauguin is close to being sold to Dick Bailey who owns 4 Intercontinental Hotels in French Polynesia.

The future ownership is yet to be determined of this incredible luxury cruise as it continues to ply the stunning clear waters of French Polynesia - one of the most beautiful places on earth! However, she remains to be one of the premiere cruise experiences in the world.

Other great cruise experiences to consider in French Polynesia:

Nomade Yachting - Tu Moana and Tia Moana -- Luxury boutique yacht experience with a French Polynesian feel

Roa Yachting - private yacht charters for a complete customized and private adventure

Star Flyer - a modern day tall ship sailing experience

Haumana Cruise - luxury catamaran exploring one of the world's largest lagoons in Rangiroa

The Aruani - travel by freighter amongst the South Pacific to explore some of the more remote regions of the Marquesas Islands and more

From private yachts, to luxury cruises or sailing on a freighter - there is something for every cruise fan in the French Polynesia. Add it to your must do list as it is a destination like no other!

Tahiti Whale Watching Season

Just a reminder that July to October is the season for viewing Humpback whales. Tours can be organized from Tahiti or Moorea to experience these wonderful giants either by boat or in the water!

Upcoming Events in Oz

24 July - 09 August
Melbourne International Film Festival

The Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is an iconic Melbourne event with a devoted audience. MIFF hosts a feast of cinematic delicacies from over 50 countries.

For more information, click here.

01 - 08 August
Australian Safari
The Australian Safari is an epic adventure from the lovers of cars, motor bikes and quads. The nine-day safari crosses around 5,500km of spectacular Western Australian outback, taking you through grueling terrain from the tropics to the outback and on to the sea.

For more information, click here.

13 - 30 August
Darwin Festival
The Darwin Festival provides a feast of local, national and international performances to excite, inspire and entertain. The festival includes everything from free outdoor events to theatre, dance, music, cabaret, films, workshop and comedy, not to mention the sensational cuisine.

For more information, click here.

22 - 29 August
Race Week Hamilton
Race Week is a world class yachting regatta that attracts competitors from across Australia and the world. A premier event now in its 26th year.

For more information, click here.

Queenstown New Zealand - At a Glance

Queenstown New Zealand is often referred to as the adrenalin capital of the world. You can choose to do as much as you want, or just relax and take in the incredible views and scenery that surrounds you.

If you are looking for that adrenalin pump you can choose from bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, zorbing, skiing, snowboarding, go carting, paragliding, cycling, hiking, river surfing....just to name a few!

Have a look at this video for an overview of Queensland at a glance...

Air New Zealand staff have nothing to hide

Air New Zealand launches a creative ad campaign featuring 7 employees naked wearing nothing but body paint to promote their "Nothing to Hide" airline fees.

Even CEO Rob Fyfe takes part saying, “Consumers today demand radical transparency from companies, and rightly so,” said Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe. “Along with Air New Zealand employees, I took off all my clothes to demonstrate in a remarkable way that Air New Zealand staff have nothing to hide and in fact have good reason to feel pride. I'd love other CEOs to follow suit if it would help consumers to feel more confident in organizations!”

Air New Zealand offers North Americans flight optoins to New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and more.

Tahiti Video Contest - How To Enter

Here is the video version of how to enter to win your trip to Tahiti!