posted 08-26-2002 03:53 PM         

Yes, there is shopping on BB, but probably not what you're accustomed to or expecting. Much of it is near Vaitape, the main town, with a few other shops and galleries scattered between Vaitape and the Matira Point area. You can find pareos just about anywhere; black pearls too. But there's not a whole lot else to shop for. If it's just snacks, drinks, and that sort of stuff, there's a market within a short walk. I recommend going there; you'll soon learn that everything in CM's bar is expensive.

CM has both car and bicycle rental on site, maybe even a scooter. But stay away from the "fun cars"; they're accidents waiting to happen. I suggest renting scooters if you're comfortable on them, or bicycles if you're relatively fit. It's less than 20 miles around the whole island so you can do all your shopping and sightseeing in a matter of a couple hours.

As CM is all-inclusive, not sure why you're looking for other places to eat. As was recently written on another thread, frequent visitors to FP don't go there for the dining experience. I agree; dining is not what you'll remember about FP. That said though, you should go to Bloody Mary's, FP's Hard Rock Cafe equivalent, complete with t-shirts, hats, and other promotional products. Food's not bad, and it's a happening place.

posted 08-29-2002 07:34 AM         

Thanks so much for your information. Now another question anyone - I just read a trip report where the couple stayed across the motu on a hotel and they could hear the Club Med disco into the wee hours of the night. I like peace and quiet, has anyone experienced this?

Aslo, missgriff, when will you be at Club Med?

I'm so excited, less then 3 weeks to go.

posted 08-29-2002 01:18 PM           

You are so helpful!! Thanks a bunch. I recieved our travel conformations yesterday and found out that our travel agent got us a ocean view room. So I was really happy about that. I was curious to know what the drinking age is there, 21 or 18??

Vacationgal,

posted 08-29-2002 01:21 PM           

You are so helpful!! Thanks a bunch. I recieved our travel conformations yesterday and found out that our travel agent got us a ocean view room. So I was really happy about that. I was curious to know what the drinking age is there, 21 or 18??

Vacationgal,

posted 08-30-2002 10:13 AM         

vacationgal,
CM Bora Bora is very quiet (by CM standards). It may have changed a little since they closed CM Moorea, but expect to find mostly couples, many of whom are honeymooners, who generally want the same experience you're seeking; this is not a real party crowd. CM does put on "shows" several evenings each week, and they operate a "disco" (only on weekends I think), but my wife and I were never bothered (or even noticed) any noise. You'll be fine!

posted 09-09-2002 12:26 PM           

Bora Bora was actually quite nice. No overwater bungalows nor a swimming pool, but the overall place was very nice and comfortable. The food was OK but plentiful. Always make friends with the bartender(s) - it will be a real help - trust me!

As a solo traveller, I could not help but notice that the overwhelming bulk of people were travelling on honeymoon. Needless to say, it was a little odd at first getting used to, but after I met my circle of friends there (only one other single man there besides me) it all went very well.

I actually enjoyed Moorea much more due to the people there. The rooms were more hut-like than Bora Bora and there was no A/C in Moorea rooms. Somehow though, I really didn't care - the place was really great! I met a LOT of very nice people there and the bar was actually nicer than Bora Bora.

The evening entertainment at Bora Bora was more limiting as many of the couples were tired (exhausted, more like it! )but I never failed to have a good time there. You really don't need to dress up for meals, or anything. VERY laid back without being boring....

posted 09-18-2002 10:32 AM         

Thanks for all the wonderful help and advice. I'm leaving in just a few hours - can hardly wait.

Look for my trip report when I return.

posted 10-07-2002 11:21 AM         

Fax your room request 10 days out. If you explain the location, you should get what you want. We had room 10 - on the right side of the resort when facing the water and saw the sunrise every day - if was fabulous and quite private. We made coffee every morning and sat out on the deck and we were always alone.

posted 02-16-2003 04:34 PM         

Just got back & loved every minute we spent at CB.

Almost everything has already been discussed so I will keep it short.

We had room # 80, it’s the first set of beachfront rooms on the left side facing the water, spend the extra money & upgrade to the beach, our room was 20 feet from the water.

Booked a package of scuba dives with Top Dive but only dove once since the twice daily snorkeling trips that are included at CM were just as good.

We really took advantage of wind surfing & especially the sailing, if you don’t know how to sail, reserve a lesson & they will gladly teach you.

The food was fine with a wide selection, we had dinner at Hotel Bora Bora one night & I swear I couldn’t tell a difference in the seafood. I highly recommend dinner at Bloody Marry’s, the front desk will make reservations for you & the free Bloody Marry’s taxi will provide transportation.

The 4x4 safari ride was a blast & a great way to experience the whole island.

The drink books system is a pain, I think they are switching to all inclusive bar very soon.

Take lots of sun tan lotion & mosquito spray.

Can’t wait to go back.

posted 02-17-2003 03:37 PM         

All you can drink beer & wine is available with lunch & dinner, we would sneak out a couple of bottles of wine & bread & cheese etc... to have watching the sunset, I also bought beer & a bottle of vodka ($30) at the local market for mixed drinks, friends we made also bought a bottle of rum, our patio/room became quite the hangout . I would recommend buying your favorite alcohol at the airport in Papeete ( duty free )

posted 02-18-2003 05:00 AM         

Did they offer snacks at non-meal hours?

Thanks

posted 02-24-2003 12:36 PM         

I had requested a beach front room with the over water deck, but once we realized how far they were from the center of the village we were glad with room # 80, any room past the sailing hut is pretty far (especially if its raining).

Spend the extra money & get a beach front room, the 2 story buildings were tucked away from the beach & many didn't even have a good view, the left side of the village is more active, volleyball, tennis & the sailing hut are all located on the left. People who had rooms on the right close to the bar, can hear noise & in my opinion the beach is not as nice.

posted 04-23-2003 12:18 PM         

Slightly boggled to hear that CM is considered a 'budget' way of visiting BB, but maybe that's my intro to the economic realities of BB. Was going to have my husband check out the BB Nui, but when I started reading about $25 Caesar salads, CM is looking good.

We're traveling with two teen boys, both competitive swimmers. They eat. Many times a day. We went to the CM Ziahuatenuao(sp?) many years ago and, while it was by no means as nicely appointed as our usual destination of the Maui Westin, we had a lot of fun, and everything was very clean and cheerful. The virtual tour of the CM BB looks very similar to the one we visited in Mexico. Can anyone here vouch for that?

I'd mostly just like to know if y'all think it's a good idea for a vacation for the four of us. Our boys(16 and 13) are just looking forward to any day that doesn't include a 1,000 yard set of butterfly at 6 a.m. in cold water. Their swimming skills, we figure, will put them in good stead to enjoy whatever activities the island offers. They get along well together and are basically 'self-entertaining', so they don't require a lot of organized activity; in fact they refused to participate in what was offered for them at the Mexico CM, so I'm not overly concerned about no childrens' activities being available at this one. (Although that trapeze was great fun!)

My husband is happy if the kids and I are happy. I'm happy if it's warm and sunny and mai tais are served. I saw some complaints about the CM food, but if it's like Mexico, it's certainly passable, and plentiful. To me, if I don't have to shop for it, prepare it and clean up for it, I automatically like it.

Our other option was the Kona Village in Hawaii. It's quite pricey, however, and I've always wanted to see Bora Bora. We usually travel with our two other grown daughters and my mother-in-law, all of whom begged off of this year's trip (oh darn!) so it seemed that the lighter load opened the window for the trip to BB.

Are we making the right decision? Deposit is going in tomorrow...

posted 04-23-2003 01:22 PM           

It's worth the phone call to Club Med.

Either way, have a great trip and enjoy Paradise.

posted 04-25-2003 08:35 AM         

Brandon -- we're arranging the trip through our travel agent and I have to assume she has checked on this...but I'll double-check with my husband. I think some CM's don't allow kids under 5, but I think after that kids can come, there just aren't any special programs for them at certain CM locations.

Also -- is SARS an issue? I asked my husband about getting trip insurance. Maybe I should post this as its own topic...

posted 04-27-2003 10:38 AM         

First of all yes kids are okay at the Bora Bora CM, but there are no kids facilities. Though your boys are old enough to do adult stuff anyway.

Secondly, what is your concern about SARS. I just don't understand that. I live just north of Toronto and am not worried about SARS. I surely wouldn't be worried about it in Bora Bora.

posted 04-27-2003 04:48 PM         

Thanks for the reassurance about teens at CMBB.

As for SARS, well, it seems prominent in the news -- so many things being canceled. A local community college annual trip to Asia was canceled at the last minute, as well as my sons' school Spring Break trip to Vietnam -- both due to SARS. It's so hard to tell with the sensationalist bent of the media whether something is a real concern or if they're just hyping it to fill space in the newspaper and tv. Toronto is certainly getting its share of SARS attention!