French Polynesia Islands – Bora Bora

By Pamela Fairbank

Part 3

What can I say? The color of the water was more beautiful than I even expected!  Combined with the mountains and the lush greenery-This was my favorite Island!  We took a beautiful boat ride over to the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort and Sofitel Resort Private Island.  The movie Hurricane was filmed at the Marara. 

Helpful Tips!

I recommend bringing your own converter kit- the voltage is 220v (some hotels may offer, but don’t rely on it).

A valid passport with six months validity is required.

Tipping is contrary to their customs, although I did tip here and there; it is not expected.  

 I used my credit card and US dollars with no problem. 

Wi-Fi was available in most rooms, lobby and bars, but very slow! Who needs it there anyway?

I flew Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles to Papeete- this is about an 8 ½ hour flight.  Service and meals were good.

French Polynesia Islands – Moorea

By Pamela Fairbank

Part 2

Here I swam in the ocean off of the deck of my over water bungalow at the intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa, watching a black tip shark sail by me and sting rays.  This property is large with quite a bit of walking necessary, but lots of bungalow options. They also had a very good Polynesian show-food was great with lots of variety. Throughout the islands the fresh fish is amazing!

Our next site inspection was at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa.  This is where the beautiful over water bungalows with glass floor bottoms.  Beach bungalows had claw-foot tubs. Some of the garden bungalows connected to other bungalows to make one large bungalow for families, and all had private dipping pools. They offer free snorkel equipment and kayaks.  My favorite part was the Toatea Crepe Bar and restaurant in the middle of the over water bungalows.  The crepes are cooked right in front of you, reasonable prices $20-$25 per person. This restaurant is very romantic and you could watch them feed sharks.  The other thing I loved about this hotel is the proximity from the bungalows to the lobby and restaurant.  It was so easy to get around this resort.

The next day we took a boat to the Pearl Moorea.  This property is very near the one and only town for shopping and restaurants.  It is a smaller European feel resort –over water bungalows with glass bottoms. The restaurant food was fabulous- I recommend the sashimi!  Then we did an exciting 4x4 Jeep Safari Tour of the island. Pierre, our fun and engaging driver, knew the Island inside and out. Pierre took us up to the top of “Magic Mountain” and the “Belvedere Lookout.” Hang on tight during the drive, but it is well worth the end result. 

We made our way back to Papeete airport for flight to Bora Bora. Check in was easy, you can take up to 43 kilos of luggage. 

French Polynesia Islands – Tahiti

By Pamela Fairbank

Part I

I have been a travel agent for thirty-six years and finally was able to take my dream trip to the French Polynesian Islands- TAHITI!

After sending several honeymooners to this fabulous romantic destination it was amazing to be able to see Tahiti firsthand.  This idyllic paradise is not only perfect for honeymooners, but is a romantic escape for two or a family vacation of a lifetime.

Upon arrival and at every hotel, I was greeted by customary singing Tahitians playing the Ukulele, and presented with a wonderful flower lei, cold beverage and cool towel. The Polynesian people are all so friendly and welcoming.

I stayed at Le Meridian Tahiti which is a great property for a one or two night stay, before exploring other islands or taking a Tahitian cruise.  I recommend the deluxe panoramic view room and check out the sand bottom pool. 

Next, I visited the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort and Spa. They have large nice rooms and over water bungalows. This property is minutes from airport and downtown Papeete. The Intercontinental has the best Tahitian dinner show on Wednesdays and Fridays!

Looking for a black sand beach?  I found it at the Tahiti Pearl.  What I love about this property were the ocean views, the sound of the waves, and how you could see Moorea off in the distance.  We took a tour of Papeete, including the marketplace before boarding our Catamaran to the Island of Moorea and to the Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa.

Looking for an alternative beach destination other than Cabo, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta?

By Nancy Grenager

September 2017

Club Med Ixtapa, Mexico is a great all-inclusive with a quieter feel.

We really enjoyed Club Med Ixtapa. This property is a wonderful all-inclusive resort for families, couples, groups, or anyone wanting an all-inclusive resort with a quieter feel. It is located on a very nice sandy beach.

We stayed in an ocean-view family room with a balcony. This room was very spacious and wonderful for families with a great floorplan. It has a separate sleeping area for kids. The resort itself is very nice, with a large swimming pool, garden area, iguanas pond area, and mega children play area with programs for all ages.

What stands out at this property is the genuine personalized service from the G.Os (Gentil Organisateur).  The G.Os role is to uphold the Club Med Spirit, create a bond with customers, and spread the joy through the resort. They come and sit with you at dinner, the bar, or get involved with you or your family, and socialize with every-one.  Some of the G.Os will party into the night with you if you want.

  The price for Club Med at this resort is very reasonable.  This property has a star rating of 3.5 - 4+ for the beach-front rooms with private check-in.  It includes all non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddle boards, sail catamarans). They also have basketball, soccer, and beach volleyball. This Club Med has a huge new tennis court, archery, trapeze, exercise classes and sailing- these are included with free lessons!

I would suggest the deluxe rooms ocean-view balcony over the club rooms which are garden view with no balcony.  The nicest is the ocean-front rooms and suites with concierge and private check-in!  This would be a lovely choice for people that want something new that is relaxing, but adventurous and quieter than other Mexican crowded resort areas.

Ixtapa and Zihuantanejo is a pristine location with lush green hills and mountains with beautiful beaches.  It is very nice alternative to the resort filled areas like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo.

 Please call or email anytime for more information.

Nancy Grenager

 406-541-8502

 Nancy@FlatheadTravel.com