Rachel & Friends: Five Ladies, One Travel Passion
Rachel is an avid traveler, passionate about islands and out of the way places. She contacted us to plan a bucket list trip for herself and four special women – her mother, her best friend and mother and aunt. They did a quick trip – one night on Tahiti and four nights on Bora Bora at the St. Regis – but it made an indelible impression on them all. And they had an absolute blast.
Rachel says: I live in the Caribbean, on the beautiful island of Trinidad, so I know and appreciate island life. Yet still I desire to travel to distant shores when planning a great vacation. I know we all have bucket lists, and the #1 destination on my bucket list was Bora Bora. From the very first time I heard about it and saw pictures I knew one day I would be there. And so I planned it and I made it happen!
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When I planned my trip, I just knew I wanted to stay in an over water bungalow, but had no idea my reality would be even better than my dreams. I watched a program about Bora Bora on TV before I traveled and one of the things that was said was that the place is so beautiful they named it twice….Bora Bora. LOL….so true indeed. It was THE trip of my lifetime. It was so unbelievably perfect, and was everything I ever imagined and more!
Our stay in Tahiti was very brief, we arrived late one night and left early the following morning to catch our flight over to Bora Bora, so all I can say is Tahiti was short and sweet.
As for Bora Bora, from the time we landed and were greeted in the airport by St. Regis staff, the flow was seamless. The boat ride from the airport to the resort also doubled as our ‘check in’ process, so we wasted no time on arrival. Now, for those of you who believe that the pictures on TV and in magazines are all Photoshopped, let me tell you - it is even better in real life! Yes, the water really is that color and yes the lagoon really is that calm and yes the villas really are that picturesque. St. Regis has the largest overwater villas on Bora Bora. Our rooms were really well positioned. Outside of the Two Bedroom Royal Overwater Pool villas, which of course are the largest with the best views and in villa pools, I believe the villas that we stayed in were the best! We had a great view of Mt. Otemanu. The hotel grounds are well manicured. We spent most of our days on the beach, although the pool is steps away. You can get a nice pool at any island resort, but the absolutely pristine aquamarine lagoon of Bora Bora, you’re only going to find here. In fact, it felt like being in an enormous natural pool. And the beach boys… ah the St. Regis beach boys! They cater to your every need whether you are sunbathing at the pool or beach.
We ate at three of the restaurants on the resort, including the acclaimed Lagoon restaurant, one of the top restaurants in Bora Bora, found right at the St. Regis. The buffet breakfast every morning was delish. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and St. Regis Bora Bora’s spread -- their variety of breads, meats, eggs, fruits etc. -- was a delight. Again, you barely lifted a finger for breakfast as the staff were very attentive to bring anything to the table you wanted.
What made me feel truly special as a guest at the resort is the butler service at St. Regis. When you come half way around the world and spend that kind of money, you want to be pampered to the max and our butler was excellent! Sebastien was his name, I hope he still works there and that you may be lucky enough to have him, we absolutely loved Sebastien. He would randomly walk up to us on the beach just to make sure everything was going well, made all our reservations for us and even helped me fix my camera which fell into the water. Traveler tip – make sure you have a GoPro.
I am an avid traveler, I love to travel the world and I’m passionate especially about places not frequented by the masses. The farther the better is my personal motto, because when you start to travel you realize the world is not so big after all, yet at the same time there is so much to see. It is one of, if not the, greatest way to enrich your life and your experiences. Your travels become part of you, and are worth more than any material possession ever can. Every time you share your stories with people, it’s like you’re living your vacations all over again. I’ll be returning to Bora Bora one day, this I know for sure. I talk about Bora Bora and the St. Regis all the time, whenever I tell anyone about the best trip of my life.
I cannot thank Jennifer, Claudia, and the entire team at Pacific for Less enough for helping my dreams turn into a reality. From the moment I reached out to Pacific for Less, until even today almost 2 years later, their customer service is nothing less than exemplary. I wish they could plan all my vacations, seriously! They did everything possible to make my vacation amazing. I am so glad I stumbled upon their name while reading TripAdvisor reviews. My trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora could not have happened without them. It wasn’t even a honeymoon, but it sure felt that special.
highlights
I requested Villas #201 and 202 with Pacific for Less months in advance, and they told me they would request it with the hotel but could not promise. But they actually delivered on the exact rooms I requested! It’s the littlest things which mean the most. I was so happy about that.
Rachel's tips
- Scrimp, save, and splurge for the best! When I started my research on where to stay in Bora Bora, I didn’t think I could afford the top notch hotels like St. Regis or Four Seasons. I had my sights set a bit lower, but NEVER DOUBT what is possible. Pacific for Less organized a steal of a deal for me at St. Regis Bora Bora and it was truly Heaven on Earth. I absolutely fell in love with the resort and the hotel chain, having never stayed in St. Regis hotels before. Definitely definitely upgrade and get a room with a view of the mountain, it is so majestic, day or night.
- Dining at the St. Regis was a culinary treat, but I recommend dining out at least one night in Vaitape (on the island). We ate at the St. James and really enjoyed it.
P.A.R.A.D.I.S.E.
Angela, Rachel's mom, sent us a beautiful momento she composed about their trip. We have it hanging in our office to this day, and it continues to inspire us in our work!
"WELCOME TO PARADISE"
The words that greeted our group of five as we stepped onto the jetty at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. What a WELCOME! Cool towels to freshen up, a refreshing drink and then unto PARADISE.
- Plants of varying heights majestically adorned the pathway as we journeyed along in the golf cart, passing precious carved figurines strategically positioned on the manicured plantation.
- Arrival at the over-the-water bungalow jolted us in awe at the accommodation. A sight to behold, with the selected art pieces complementing the décor. Champagne in bucket, pastries on table, what’s not to appreciate? Is there an alternative?
- Returning to the golf-cart with Sebastian, our butler, for a familiarizing ride of the resort, we recollected our thoughts to face the reality. This is real. We arise each morning to reminisce as we relax on the patio recliners at the bungalow, still in wonder.
- Activities were in abundance as we angled along the St. Regis avenues. The atmosphere, the attire of the beach boys, and the amazing scenery leaves you absolutely speechless. Cycling, walking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, or simply lying and absorbing the ambiance; the choice is yours.
- Delicious meals are served in the various restaurants of the resort. The chefs display their delicate craft with their artistic presentation, worthy of being digitally recorded before eaten. Cocktail drinks of an alcoholic and non alcoholic nature are served to complement the dinner.
- ‘Ia Orana’ the welcome greeting that sings out all day as you interact with, or run into, anyone on the compound. The irresistible crystal clear turquoise lagoon water, no longer imagined, creates an idyllic background through the trees as you journey from one place to another.
- Sand, Sea and Stars all year round, but fortunately we also had the Sunshine. Service is the ultimate at St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. A staff that is second to none, smiling as they cater to your every desire, making you feel extraordinarily special.
- Embrace the experience, as you prepare your departure, with a visit to the spa to seal the amazing journey encountered at this heavenly location. I recommend a body massage of eighty minutes or more, as anything less is just a tease. Everything within reason that you wish can be arranged for you at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, why go anywhere else?
Thank you Pacific for Less for the impeccable planning and organizing, complemented by Sebastian, the most considerate and appreciative butler, who assisted in guaranteeing us a holiday of a lifetime and brought PARADISE to life.
