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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Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji - My recent Visit

Fiji - Rydges Hideaway Resort - visit in April 2010

Outrigger on the Lagoon Slides from visit April 2010