#57268 - 12/21/06 09:20 AM
First-timers seeking advice!
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jchip
Member
Registered: 12/20/06
Posts: 98
Loc: Michigan
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We (just me and my honey) are taking our first-ever trip to FP in April 2007, staying all 8 days in a sunset OWB at Le Taha'a. As a self-confessed "anal retentive" trip planner and traveler, I am making myself (along with both my SO and TA) more than a little crazy trying to anticipate what we need/don't need to pack, pay attention to, avoid, etc. We have our passports, flights (MI to LAX to Papeete to Taha'a), transfers, and accommodations all set already, and have poured over the Fodor's tourbook, but could use some practical guidance from the many "FP veterans" on this site.. sort of a "Top 10 Things To Remember" and "Top 10 Things To Avoid".. beyond the "relax, don't sweat the weather, and enjoy paradise" type of advice. We are looking forward to a very relaxing, slow-paced time there (we have 5 kids ages 6 to 16 between us at home for excitement), with maybe just a few side trips, guided tours or snorkelling mixed in. Thanks.. we really appreciate any help we can get!
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#57269 - 12/21/06 12:11 PM
Re: First-timers seeking advice!
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carrieg
Member
Registered: 04/10/06
Posts: 147
Loc: Los Angeles
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We stayed at Le Taha'a for our honeymoon last year for 6 nights in a Bora Bora view overwater bungalow, and it was paradise. We loved this place so much that my husband had a picture we took off our deck of Bora Bora in the distance matted and framed for me as our one year anniversary gift. I have it hanging in my office and am looking at it now.
We went to Moorea for a week before going to Le Taha'a and did a lot of activities while on Moorea so when we got to Le Taha'a we just relaxed. We booked spa appointments, snorkeled, read, and just did nothing most days. There is not really any fish under the bungalows themselves, the water is very shallow with little or no coral. There is great snorkeling though at the coral gardens, which you can walk or swim to from the Bora Bora view overwater bungalows.
The front desk staff is great, and I know they can book excursions like the motu picnic and ray feeding tours. I also hear there is a 4x4 tour you can do on the island of Taha'a.
We ate all of our meals at the resort, although I have read that you can go to Chez Louise on Taha'a. We went to the upscale restaurant at the resort one night, and I would definitely recommend that.
As for things to bring, the number one thing would be sunscreen, and plenty of it. If you run out, it will cost you about $20 to $30 a bottle, same with film for your camera/video camera (if you still use film, which we did last time we went).
I would pack your suitcase with the clothes you think you need, and then remove half. We spent most days in our bathing suits, with shorts thrown on when we went to the restaurant near the pool for lunch. For dinner, shorts and casual shirts are definitely acceptable, although you may want to get a little more dressed up for the gourmet restaurant at the resort. I'd bring one pair of tennis shoes, some reef shoes, and a pair of flip-flops, and that's it for foot wear.
let me know if I can tell you anymore about this place. We are starting to plan our return for May of '08 for our anniversary. I can't wait!
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#57270 - 12/21/06 01:13 PM
Re: First-timers seeking advice!
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jchip
Member
Registered: 12/20/06
Posts: 98
Loc: Michigan
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Thanks so much, Carrie! With 5 kids, there's no telling when we'll get to return to FP, so we just want to experience the beauty and calm for a week, without a lot of running between islands or going on crowded group excursions, but a few quiet local outings would be nice. How shallow is the water beneath the OWB's.. can you stand on the bottom, or must you tread water there? What about at the reef you mentioned? Thanks again!
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#57271 - 12/21/06 01:30 PM
Re: First-timers seeking advice!
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carrieg
Member
Registered: 04/10/06
Posts: 147
Loc: Los Angeles
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The water near the bungalows (at least near the Bora Bora view ones) is very shallow, maybe up to your waist. You can walk (in the water) to the coral gardens because the water stays very shallow to there. The water in the coral gardens is also pretty shallow.
You will love this place. Its so easy to just hang out and do nothing. The overwater bungalows have a separate covered seating area with a table so you can get room service every day if you want and just eat while looking out at the water.
Have a great time!
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