#61445 - 03/23/07 06:40 AM
Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
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jchip
Member
Registered: 12/20/06
Posts: 98
Loc: Michigan
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Hello all - as promised, here's a summary of my phone chat last evening with Patrick, Front Desk Manager at Le Taha'a. First let me say he was very understanding, gracious and not at all patronizing, nor did he simply try to minimize the issues I raised, or attempt to discredit any information I shared or the sources (specifics of which/whom I did not disclose) they came from. We spoke at length about the current state of the construction and renovations there, and he admitted they had taken much longer than planned, which is why they chose to keep the entire Sunset pontoon closed until the new Royal Beach Villas are complete (est. mid-June). All of the renovations to the Sunset OWB's themselves will be complete by mid-April, but they do not want guests staying in them to be looking out on a construction zone, so they chose to leave them closed (and lose money on them). Guests will still have access to that area of the motu, so those who want to wander down past #49 for the excellent sunset views can do so.
He assured me that the construction has NOT affected the lagoon water quality, as they are not builing anything new overwater, but admitted that the recent rains have from time to time made the water murky - a common occurance anywhere in FP - but that they also recover quickly. He agreed that the presence of sea cucumbers can give the appearance of "dark blotches" floating around, but again, this is present in many places and is only temporary. Most things found in the water after heavy rains are palm fronds, grasses and leaves (part of the charm, IMHO.. this is not your backyard pool, folks) He impressed on me that their lagoon remains some of the most pristine waters he has seen throughout FP.
I asked about the spa, which he said continues to undergo extensive renovation to add facilities and services, but will remain open throughout. The spa there is not contained within a single building, but in a number of smaller bungalows, so various areas will be affected at different times.. all are due to be done by end of April.
I specifically asked about the coral gardens and whether anything that is being done might affect it, and he assured me that no building activity is being done anywhere near it.. he made a point of saying how much they revere that area and are very careful not to disturb it.
Regarding the insect and rat issues, he expressed genuine remorse that these issues had not been brought to his staff's attention at the time they were a problem, as he would have done whatever he could to remedy them.. although we both agreed that, given this is a very "natural" resort (unlike some of the more sterile hotel environments), such things are not always preventable.. as I said, no different than having the odd critter or a swarm of bugs venture out of the woods behind my own house.
Overall, I came away feeling Patrick had been very candid and sincere in his comments (I've worked in HR for 25 years, and have a fair amount of experience with folks who are trying to snow me), and I am still excited about staying at LeT. My personal choice to split time on Bora had more to do with wanting to experience two gorgeous settings and recommendations from a few TA's, than any fears about LeT being unsuitable.
I hope this helps anyone who is trying to make decisions about visiting LeT. I promise to file a trip report with more info shortly upon my return on Apr. 22. In the meantime, feel free to provide me with your e-mail address if I can answer any questions. I am by no means an expert resource - folks should consult the experienced Advisor gurus here for that - but I promise to share what I have observed or learned in an unbiased manner.. just one opinion among many.. which is what makes this forum so valuable. Shout out to Yves!!
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#61446 - 03/23/07 07:15 AM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: jchip]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2302
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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Wow, jchip, thanks for the report (and you are an expert in that you've been in HR for 25 years & I am confident you can read people well)! Your post makes me wish I actually were going to Le Taha'a!
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#61454 - 03/23/07 10:19 AM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: Old Wife]
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jchip
Member
Registered: 12/20/06
Posts: 98
Loc: Michigan
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Thanks, OW.. just trying to be helpful, after all the great insights I've benefitted from on this forum. I hope you get to experience LeT yourself one day.. the more trip reports, the merrier!
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#61457 - 03/23/07 11:12 AM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: jchip]
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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Thanks so much jchip.. that is great feedback you received from Patrick. I have also emailed the resort a few times and have got great and prompt feedback from them.
Looking forward for your report back from LeTahaa!
PS.. are you planning on doing any tours while there. I just got some information from the activites desk on visiting the vanilla plantation and black pearl farms. I am really looking forward to doing that trip to get a feel for the island itself. (We initially thought we would just kick back and relax while there but now we want to go out and experience the island since it will be so much less developed than BB.)
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#61458 - 03/23/07 11:14 AM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: jchip]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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Jchip- Awesome that you chatted with the manager and for sharing. I'd love to get there someday myself!
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#61466 - 03/23/07 12:32 PM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: Justine2]
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jchip
Member
Registered: 12/20/06
Posts: 98
Loc: Michigan
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Travcarib - We originally had a few things booked (private motu picnic w/pearl farm tour, 4x4 jeep tour w/vanilla tour), but with our shorter stay, have cancelled them and decided to take it day-to-day. We heard the pearl farm is not much more than a few old shacks over the water, and we already know how they are farmed.. so instead we are using that $$ to buy pearls while in Papeete. We may rebook tours once there (it shouldn't be very crowded that week), or just hike a bit on our own to explore.
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#61474 - 03/23/07 03:20 PM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: jchip]
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NYCchic
Member
Registered: 01/28/06
Posts: 209
Loc: New York, NY, USA
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jchip....I am so happy to hear you spoke to someone and that Patrick was able to clear things up for you. I feel better myself after reading that...better knowing that I am not crazy and that I didn't make up the dirty water and other things. I met Patrick the day we checked in and he seemed really pleasant.
And I guess maybe we should have let them know while we were there the issues or concerns we were having but I still feel there is nothing they could have done. I mean they couldn't do anything about the dirty water caused by the rains...and like I've said the bugs and the rat - I realize it is just nature and we were at an outdoor restaurant. What could they possibly do? I'm just not one to complain...it's not in me. I feel sometimes people complain just to try and get something out of it and that is not what we were looking for so that's why we just stayed quiet and I want to say again we did enjoy our stay there. I think some people have misread me and think we had an awful time or something. We enjoyed every minute (ok except that minute the rat ran by...LOL!)...we just were expecting something different I guess. Had higher standards for the place - that is all. It is lovely and we had fun - it's just not for us. Doesn't mean that other people won't fall in love with it the way many people have!
Again I am really happy you got such positive feedback from Patrick. I am sure it makes you feel better about going there!
I promise I'm going to finally try to sit down and write a trip review and get some pictures up for all of you this weekend. Was very busy getting back to work this week after 2 weeks off...hope to have stuff for you guys on Monday!!!
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#62388 - 04/16/07 07:46 PM
Re: Live chat with LeTaha'a Manager
[Re: NYCchic]
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Gary & Cath
Expert Advisor
Registered: 04/01/06
Posts: 1243
Loc: Wollongong, Australia
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NYCchic, I admire you for writing it as it felt for you. Please don't stop writing reports (as you mentioned in the other post) as they are a VERY valuable source of info for many people here. My experience at Le Taha'a was what you were expecting of the place. Easily the nicest place I've ever stayed at. And Patrick is an absolute legend. I am looking forward to the Thalasso in November, so then I'll be able to compare. Thank you for your honest personal opinions.
_________________________
Is there anything better than a sipping a Tahitian Mai Tai on an Overwater Bungalow in FP?
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