#79910 - 04/05/09 05:51 AM
Re: Planning honeymoon...
[Re: Patti.]
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Old Wife
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/21/03
Posts: 2369
Loc: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
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I agree with Patti. I'd say either stay 2-3 nights in an OWB (I'd do it on Bora Bora if you're going there) or at least get a beach bungalow somewhere. We stayed at Pension Motu Iti on Moorea and our beach bungalow (only 12500 CPF) was right on the water (there was just a thin strip of land in front so you could walk by. There's something about sitting on your deck looking out at water that's good for the soul! And if you really can't afford an OWB, don't sweat it. By the way, we got a cut rate at Pension Motu Iti for staying 5 nights (on both accommodation, I think, and definitely on half-board--breakfast and dinner). We, too, prefer to stay somewhere for at least 5 nights so we can settle right in and explore our surroundings.
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#79936 - 04/07/09 04:22 PM
Re: Planning honeymoon...
[Re: stbWms]
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ryo-oh-ki
Member
Registered: 01/27/08
Posts: 109
Loc: Los Angeles, CA
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Yes, overwater bundalows are expensive. More so when it comes to Bora Bora. Worth it? My $.02's, you do get what you pay for. General speaking (overwaters on any island) you're in for an amazing view, the sound of crashing waves, and the gentle ocean breeze. But will the bungalow still have the same effect on you after seven nights?
Dividing your lodging between an overwater for 1-2 nights and a suite (or land based bungalow) for remainder is a good compromise.
The Tuamotos have plenty to offer in free activities. Swimming, biking, lounging, hiking, etc. Also the overwaters are cheaper, but again you're back to the "you get what you paid for" thing. Due to the few the locals and non-American tourist. There's not much of a dinning or social scene. Which might not be too bad if you can speak a little French.
A note on the surfing. It's pretty hardcore out there. All the good surf breaks are a mile offshore. I've heard the surf is not for beginners.
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#79975 - 04/10/09 11:58 AM
Re: Planning honeymoon...
[Re: ryo-oh-ki]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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The prices will knock your socks off no matter how you do it. EVERYTHING, except some local produce or pandus roofing is shipped in. Freighter diesel and the employees to run the boat aren't cheap. Als, damned US monetary/trade/treasury policies!! <shaking my fist> Messes up the dollar vs. the euro.
Don't go for less than 6 days. It's just too far and you'll be jet lagged for 3 of it anyway. If you don't like to move around pick two islands and stay at each longer. Don't do less than 3 days on any island if you decide to move around because travel will kill at least a 1/2 of day for each island transfer. Also, go in the "off season". It's warmer, might rain a bit more but there are lower prices and less tourists. Plus, it could rain at any time so that isn't worth worrying about and the fish are already wet. In the off season's, many of the resorts throw in free food so that will help. There really isn't that many places to eat out or involves a boat to get there, so you're not missing much. (The lagoon is their highway, so it's really not a simple proposition to "pop" into town if you're staying on a motu.)
Talk to Yves on this site. They have personal experience of the hotels, and deal with more of the islands than anyone else. Make it a personal experience. You could also combine a pension with a resort. If you're booking a resort, inter-island airfare and transfers most agents don't care if there is a gap in the hotel nights they're booking. The high/low experience will allow you to save some pennies but also experience places like Raimiti on Fakarava- which is reputed to be out of this world. Robinson Carusoe meet the middle of know where. The Kia Ora Sauvage is the same experience as Raimiti, but for a whole lot more $$$. (Anyone- Is the KOS closed while the KOV renovates? I would assume so.) Another combo option would be to rent Villas Bouganvilla on Huahine. Private house, with a boat and car. Also, I've not been but everyone here loves the owner. Huahine is a high island with a center mountain, and Fakarava is a atoll with out the high island. Depends on what you want to look at while you're there. I personally prefer the atolls. They've always been my mental image of the S. Pacific.
If you can't live without doing an OWB, do it on one of the lower priced islands. Generally the Tuamotu islands are cheaper, so it's not as expensive there especially if you combine it with a garden or beach bungalow. Save the lowest category for the highest priced island. None of these resorts are more than 100 rooms, and the physical properties simply aren't that big. Most would be dwarfed by the pool areas at most Mexican resorts, so you won't be missing anything by being farther away from the water.
If you have any loyalty points from an airline or hotel chain, that always helps. (Or a relative who travels a lot and is willing to donate.)
Edited by Justine2 (04/10/09 12:02 PM)
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