The St. Regis Bora Bora: Is This Luxury Resort Really Worth the Splurge?

Bora Bora. Just the name conjures images of turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and unparalleled luxury. My husband, Mark, and I recently returned from a week at the legendary The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and the question on everyone's lips (and in my inbox!) is: "Was it really worth the splurge?" Well, grab a Mai Tai (virtually, of course), and let me tell you all about our romantic getaway.
First Impressions: Paradise Found
From the moment we stepped off the plane in Bora Bora, we knew we were in for something special. The St. Regis' private boat whisked us away across the shimmering lagoon, the iconic Mount Otemanu looming majestically in the distance. As we approached the resort, the architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape. Thatched roofs peeked out from lush gardens, and the overwater bungalows seemed to float effortlessly on the crystal-clear water. It was breathtaking. The "wow" factor hit hard – a potent mix of exclusivity, natural beauty, and understated elegance. We were greeted with fragrant flower leis and refreshing tropical drinks. It was a welcome that signaled the start of a truly unforgettable experience.
Our Overwater Sanctuary: The Otemanu View Bungalow
We stayed in an overwater bungalow with a direct view of Mount Otemanu, and it was, without exaggeration, the most luxurious accommodation I've ever experienced. The spacious bungalow boasted a private plunge pool overlooking the lagoon, perfect for a morning dip or a sunset cocktail. Inside, the décor was elegant and modern, with Polynesian touches that added to the overall sense of place. Think dark wood, plush fabrics, and handcrafted art. The bathroom was a spa in itself, complete with a deep soaking tub, rain shower, and luxurious Remède bath amenities. A Bang & Olufsen sound system provided the perfect soundtrack to our stay, and the complimentary butler service ensured that every need was met, often before we even voiced it. Waking up each morning to the stunning view of Mount Otemanu was truly magical. You could literally step from the deck into the impossibly blue water for a swim.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of Paradise
The dining experiences at The St. Regis Bora Bora were exceptional. We particularly enjoyed:
Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges: Dining here was an event. The restaurant itself is perched over the water, offering breathtaking sunset views. The menu is a fusion of French and Asian cuisine, and every dish was a work of art. We started with the Crispy Salmon Sushi and followed it with the Roasted Duck Breast, which was cooked to perfection. The presentation was impeccable, and the service was attentive without being intrusive. This is perfect fine dining and creates the perfect setting for couples travel.
Aparima Bar: For a more casual experience, we loved Aparima Bar. Located right on the beach, it was the perfect spot for lunch or a sunset cocktail. We indulged in fresh seafood, delicious salads, and expertly crafted cocktails. One evening, we enjoyed a private beachside dinner. With our toes in the sand, under a canopy of stars, we dined on grilled lobster and sipped champagne. It was incredibly romantic and a highlight of our romantic getaway.
Adventures in Paradise: Activities and Excursions
While it would have been easy to spend our entire week lounging by the pool, we also wanted to experience the beauty of Bora Bora. We took advantage of a few of the activities offered by the resort:
Snorkeling in the Lagoonarium: The St. Regis has its own private lagoonarium, a protected area teeming with colorful fish and coral. It was the perfect place to snorkel and get up close to the underwater world. The staff provided all the necessary equipment and offered guidance for novice snorkelers.
Sunset Cruise: A must-do! We sailed around the island on a luxury catamaran, sipping champagne and watching the sun dip below the horizon. The colors were incredible, and the atmosphere was pure romance. The crew was knowledgeable and entertaining, sharing stories about the island and its culture. This truly enhances the already luxury travel experience.
Spa Treatment: Of course, no luxury vacation is complete without a visit to the spa. The Miri Miri Spa by Clarins at The St. Regis was a sanctuary of tranquility. I enjoyed a Polynesian massage, which left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Mark opted for a deep-tissue massage to relieve some stress. We both agreed it was one of the best spa experiences we've ever had.
Service That Goes Above and Beyond
It's easy to offer great service in a beautiful location. What truly sets The St. Regis Bora Bora apart is the personalized service. Our butler, Jean-Pierre, anticipated our every need. He made restaurant reservations, arranged excursions, and even surprised us with a bottle of champagne on our anniversary. One afternoon, I mentioned in passing that I was craving fresh coconut water. The next morning, Jean-Pierre delivered a chilled coconut to our bungalow, complete with a straw and a smile. That's the kind of attention to detail that makes all the difference. Another example: Mark misplaced his sunglasses at the Lagoon restaurant. Within minutes, the staff had located them and returned them to our bungalow. That level of attentiveness and care is what elevates The St. Regis Bora Bora to another level.
"Instagrammable Moments" Abound
Let's be honest, Bora Bora is a photographer's dream. Here are a few of my favorite spots for capturing those perfect "Instagrammable moments":
- The Overwater Bungalow Deck: Obviously! The view of Mount Otemanu is unparalleled.
- The Lagoon Restaurant: Especially at sunset. The lighting is magical.
- The Private Beach: Perfect for capturing those postcard-worthy shots of turquoise water and white sand.
- The Infinity Pool: Offers stunning views of the lagoon and surrounding islands.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is The St. Regis Bora Bora really worth the splurge? Absolutely. Without a doubt. While it's undoubtedly an expensive vacation, the experience is truly unparalleled. From the breathtaking scenery to the luxurious accommodations, the exceptional dining, and the personalized service, every detail is designed to create a memorable and unforgettable luxury resort experience. If you're looking for the ultimate romantic getaway or celebrating a special occasion, I can't recommend The St. Regis Bora Bora enough. It's an investment in memories that will last a lifetime. It's the ultimate in couples travel and well worth the expense.
Ready to plan your own dream vacation to Bora Bora? Visit vistalocation.com to learn more about The St. Regis Bora Bora and other luxury travel destinations. [Unfortunately, a direct link to the St. Regis Bora Bora on vistalocation.com is unavailable but please check the website for more information]. You won't regret it!