Joe Tittermary

Hello!<BR><BR>My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon in late October of this year. We were about to finalize our trip to Bora Bora / Moorea (in all OW bungalows) when someone told my fiance that when his brother went there for his honeymoon, he and his wife were bored. Now she is worried that maybe we're making the wrong decision and should go somewhere else like Hawaii.<BR><BR>I'm already aware that there isn't much nightlife after dark and I'm not too worried about that. (But is there anything at all to do if we want to go get a few drinks and a snack after dark?)<BR><BR>Could anyone who has been to Bora Bora / Moorea give us a general rundown of what activities you did and what your average day was like? I'm not too worried and look forward to relaxing, but she's a little worried about getting bored there.<BR><BR>Any help would be much appreciated!<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Joe

Rebecca

It really depends what you are seeking... if the two of you require nightlife such as in Cancun, Hawaii, or parts of the Caribbean, then Hawaii is probably a better choice.<BR><BR>FP is a better choice for those who enjoy a more laid back vacation... you'll spend lots of time swimming, snorkeling, and just gazing at the beauty of the stars/lagoon/lush gardens. That being said, there are lots of daytrips to see the islands, hiking, scuba/snorkeling excursions, local shopping, fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, waverunners, etc.<BR><BR>It all really depends on the activity level you require... and the nightlife question. That's why so many honeymooners enjoy the South Pacific... it's beautiful, peaceful, and romantic. No Senor Frogs, big casinos, or loud discos.<BR><BR>Having spent time in a variety of tropical locales, I'm glad that we chose French Polynesia for our honeymoon in 2000. One of the things we both liked best was just that there were so few people on the islands (a definite plus for us after a very hectic wedding week).<BR><BR>Congrats & happy honeymoon planning!

greg

I am presuming you are coming from the US mainland.<BR><BR>The biggest adjustment we made, compared to laid back vacations in US mainland was the shift in time used during the day. On mainland, we would stay up till midnight, sleep in until 8am, breakfast at 9:30 at earliest and so on. So not having things to do late night was a liability.<BR><BR>In FP, we would wrap up the day after wonderful meals by 9pm, then wake up at sunrise. Do morning swim, out rigger canoeing in absolutely specutacular laggon with less wind than during the day, walking along the beach etc during cooler part of the day before the breakfast. The island seems to come to life much earlier in the morning in tropical islands.<BR><BR>We would do morning activities, have lunch, take it easy during the hottest part of the day until late afternoon and do shopping, sunset cruise or other things.<BR><BR>Obviously lots of activities have to do with water and local culture. <BR><BR>For those who have to do things as though they are in a big commercial city would be bored to death, you won't find those things there. But that is the very reason many people go there.

Ralph

I was so amazed that people taking a honeymoon in the South Pacific, or anywhere else, would be bored. This is a honeymoon afterall. Make love, snorkel, swim, play games, read, talk, make love. If you are afraid of being bored on your honeymoon on a South Pacific island perhaps you should reconsider marriage. Maybe you are not right for each other. (I think that this is the advice Dear Abby would give.)

Jeff

Tahiti is beatiful...my wife and I went there on our honeymoon. It was great for us because we went on a cruise. There is not much to do there at night, that is correct, the main Island is nice (Pappette), Moorea, Raitiea and Bora Bora are the best places....I would suggest the pearl farm, that was interesting and the Moto Beach tours are great. The 4x4 tours are great for info and for things you wouldn't see on your own. My oppinion is to cruise is the best idea.

SteveP

I was married twice (2nd still OK). My first honeymoon was 14 days in Hawaii. My second was 14 days in FP. There is a thread here that asks for people who went to both places. See my comments. FP is an absolute winner.

jewel

..and where will your third h-moon take place..?<BR><BR>

Joan

I was also concerned about the lack of things to do in FP. We are also going there for our honeymoon in October, and decided that we would split the honeymoon with one week on Maui and one week on Bora Bora. We are active people and the idea of sitting around in the sun for 2 weeks on Tahiti without doing much else did not sound that exciting. My friend recently returned from her honeymoon and did the same thing (Hawaii - Tahiti). She was glad she did, because she said after a week in Bora Bora, they were "done with it." They were glad they also went to Hawaii. (ps: the comments of the Dear Abby guy are ridiculous. Everyone's idea of a "perfect honeymoon" is different. Your idea sounds a little more like mine.) By the way, Hawaiian Airlines has an incredible deal between Oahu and Papeete. We got round trip tix from LA to Maui, to Oahu, to Papeete, back to LA for $810 a piece. That leaves a lot of extra money to splurge on hotels! Have fun, and congratulations!

Debbie

Hi Joan,That's a really great price from LAX to Hawaii to Tahiti and back to Los Angelos!! Is Hawaiian Airlines still running that special? I did not see anything on their website about it?!! Thanks,Debbie

kris

hmmmmm....bored in paradise. Maybe honeymooners would be, but married 12 years with two kids...I don't think so. I sure hope not!!

JMM

Debbie,<BR><BR>The fare we got on Hawaiian was available to us when we called the airline. I would just call them and ask. As I recall, it was a 14-day advance purchase. It did not sound like a "special." Good luck!

beachbum

Joe,<BR>The only places on Bora Bora where you might find a little night life are Bloody Mary's and Club Med. And getting to and from them might be a problem, especially if you're staying at one of the motu resorts like Le Meridien, the Sofitel, or the Pearl Beach. Moorea has even less; the bar at Club Bali Hai is about it now that the Club Med has closed there.<BR><BR>That said, I've never once been bored in the 7 times I've been to FP. But, as others have implied, you do have to be comfortable with yourself and the one you're with.

bluefan

Hi Joe.<BR><BR>Much of what Rebecca said above is very true. FP vs. Hawaii? Depends on what you want. My wife and I did both on our honeymoon back in 10/00, flying on Hawaiian Air. Hawaii is nice, with US comforts and conveniences, has more nightlife, but is also much more crowded. BB and Moorea are absolutely stunning, definitely more exotic with a truer Polynesian feel and far less touristy. I don't mean to belittle Hawaii since in fact we are going to Maui later this month, but FP is truly one of the those once in a lifetime experiences. If your idea of a honeymoon is a pure tropical bliss, FP would be closer to it than Hawaii. FP islands have gorgeous lagoons all around that you can snorkel in. You have to drive/boat to a crowded spot in Hawaii to snorkel. FP has straw-thatched bungalows, some overwater. Hawaii has tall-structured hotels with rooms, nothing overwater. Land activities are even between FP and Hawaii depending on which islands you visit (Moorea and Kauai are very nice). Hawaii does have more waterfalls. It could be a little disappointing/rustic outside of the resorts and lagoons in FP while getting around in Hawaii is much more convenient and enjoyable sans traffic.<BR><BR>Here's how I see it: You're choosing between Hawaii and FP because their both beautiful tropical destinations out in the Pacific. So go with the one that is more "tropical." Go with FP because it is more exotic, less touristy and especially because of those gorgeous lagoons. And if you're worried about getting bored, let me tell you...if you plan your day accordingly with fun-filled excursions, which there's plenty of in FP and many for little $, trust me, you'll be too tired to pursue an active nightlife. E-mail me if you would like some ideas (I went to both Bora Bora Pearl Resort and Moorea Ia Ora).<BR><BR>But if your idea of a honeymoon is to party it up, go to Waikiki, Maui, Cabo or Cancun. FP has spotty nightlife.<BR><BR>If you do decide on FP, spend a little extra dough and get the overwater bungalow a few nights. You get better service, the best views, terrific lounging area right off your deck with easy entry into the lagoon and NO mosquitoes.

Peg

I was most interested in everyones opinion regarding BB and surrounding islands. I am turning 50 right after Christmas and want to go on a trip that I would not normally take ie Caribbean, Europe etc. I do have a limited budget but am dying to stay in a over water bungalow.It just looks so wonderful! They all seem terrifically expensive per night, any suggestions? Should I look at Tailand? I need to budget where I can due to airfare from the east coast (Washington DC) WE are divers and snorklers and love to explore-love lots of wildlife and this trip I want rainforest too. Can't get a feel from many sights if cheaper places will do. Only want fans in rooms and good food and beaches.Am really open to combining cheap with a little more expensive. Help! Peg

Rebecca

Peg,<BR><BR>There are definitely ways to do FP on a budget... even Bora Bora. <BR><BR>Le Maitai is a locally run hotel with OW bungalows for far less than the Meridien or Pearl Beach. Granted, you will get a bit less in the service department than at the more expensive hotels, but you'll have the experience of the OW bungalow.<BR><BR>On Huahine (my fave island), the Relais Mahana is a nice resort where lots of Europeans stay. It doesn't have OW bungalows but a nice ambiance and plenty of garden/beach bungalows.<BR><BR>Probably the best course of action is to talk with one of the reputable agents who can come up with something to fit your budget... <BR><BR>I've worked with gotahiti.com and many people swear by tahiti-explorer.com. Call either and I'm sure they can help find something in your budget. <BR><BR>Hope you get to go--it's a wonderful place!

Cassie

...wow. Maybe you should just head for Bali and get both ~ have done the 3 more than once, love all 3 for different reasons, but love Bali best. It literally has everything from secluded gorgeous beaches, incredible culture in every respect, et al, to great restaurants, a terrific nightlife (if you still have the strength) ... you can't lose. Hawaii (where my husband and I kept our yacht) is simply too overrun to be much fun anymore, tho' it is still beautiful. Bora Bora/Morea gorgeous, but you have to love to read unless you're in the water 24/7 (easy for me on both counts - was in 7th heaven!), but I can see where it might not fit A-types longer than 48 hours.<BR><BR>BALI! Check it out...<BR><BR>Cas

Theresa

we did ten days - 5 each in BB and Moorea. We were never bored - and loved the islands not being crowded after a week long destination wedding and getting married over the holidays (NYE). I highly recommend it and I've been to many islands.<BR><BR>Theresa

Sam

My partner and I got back a few weeks ago from Tahiti and the islands. It was our second time there. Last year we did our first cruise (ever) there to many of the same islands that we saw this year. Our experience this year was totally different. We stayed in moderatly priced hotels which really offered a more local flavor. Yes, it was a very low keyed experience compared to last year and we didnt meet a lot of people. At times, I was searching for things to do quite frankly. I speak french pretty well and was able to talk with the local people and French tourists but I felt like we were really on our own. It wasnt a bad thing, necessarily. I hate to admit it, in a few instances, I was a little bored. Without a doubt, French Polynesia is a wondeful place. However, I dont think we will get back there for many years. There are just to many places in the world that I'd like to see. It took us 18hours from where we live to get there so thats part of the reason we arent going to rush back. If its your honeymoon and you live in California, definitely go then!