David Rees

Trip Report - Moorea Club Med <BR> <BR>In preparing for our trip to Tahiti we found it very useful to read trip reports and I pass on our experiences and suggestions for others. Included in this report: <BR> <BR>1. Travel Arrangements <BR>2. Tahiti/Moorea <BR>3. Club Med - General Impressions <BR>4. Club Med - Facilities <BR>5. Club Med - Food <BR>6. Activities <BR>7. Tips/Suggestions <BR> <BR> <BR>1. Travel Arrangements <BR> <BR>We booked our trip in June/98 for C$1800 (or US$1200) which included our airfare from Vancouver, transfers and stay at Club Med Moorea. We left Vancouver on October 6 via Canadian Airlines to LA arriving at 7:30 p.m. Having pre-cleared customs, we claimed our baggage in Terminal 4 and walked (5 minutes) to the Thomas Bradley terminal. We were booked on AOM - a charter company I had never heard of. The AOM ticket counter wasn't open however the agent said it would be at 9:00 p.m. We had a bite to eat and returned at 8:30 p.m. by which time there were approximately 50 people already in line. About 8:45 p.m. the Club Med representative arrived and exchanged our voucher for airline tickets. <BR> <BR>WARNING: The AOM flight was the most uncomfortable flight I have ever had. They utilize a DC-10 with TEN seats across and 41 rows (the first 10 rows are business class and use the front 1/3 of the plane). I am average height/weight and could barely fit into my seat and could not extend my legs. The flight left LA half an hour late (at 12:30 a.m.) and neither my wife or I could get any sleep. Everyone we met at Club Med who flew AOM had the same experience. By contrast, those who flew Air France or Air New Zealand all indicated that they had pleasant flights. <BR> <BR>2. Tahiti/Moorea <BR> <BR>Upon arrival at Papeete, we cleared customs easily and met the Club Med representative. They transferred us to the Air Moorea terminal and, after a short flight to Moorea, we received our room keys at the Moorea airport before boarding the Club Med bus for the 30 minute drive to the resort. When we arrived, around 8:00 a.m. we were greeted with a very lukewarm welcome and then shown to our rooms. Our room wasn't ready, so we went for breakfast. When we returned to our room at 9:00 a.m. we found that we had double beds rather than a king (which we had requested), so we had to go back to reception. They arranged to have the beds put together although acquaintances of ours who had the same problem got moved to another hut with a king size bed. <BR> <BR>Moorea is very clean and the vegetation is lush and green, a result of the amount of rain they receive. Go prepared for rain. It rained quite heavily during our stay and we only had a couple of nice sunny days. Although Moorea is very clean it is, however, just like other tropical islands we have visited (Fiji, Hawaii, Philippines, Australia's Gold Coast). What sets it apart is the mystique created by history (Mutiny on the Bounty, Gaugin). The Fijians, however, are much more friendly than the Tahitians and we have been to other islands that have nicer beaches and swimming (Boracay Island, for example). <BR> <BR>There are few souvenirs (and many of them are made in Indonesia) and everything is extremely expensive, due to the 80-120% duty that is imposed on all imported goods. Hence the package deal is the best way to see Tahiti. <BR> <BR>Several people we met at Club Med Moorea had been previously to the Club Med in Bora Bora. The Moorea facility holds up to 700 people whereas Bora Bora accommodates approximately 100. Everyone who had been to Bora Bora said they enjoyed it better. <BR> <BR>Having said all this we did enjoy our stay and would return (though not via AOM) since our objective was to have a rest and enjoy swimming/snorkling. <BR> <BR>3. Club Med - General Impressions <BR> <BR>This was our first stay at a Club Med so weren't entirely sure what it would be like. We were told that guests had to relinquish their watches (we weren't) and that guests were pressured into participating in activities (we weren't). In fact, while we found the staff polite, they were hardly pleasant or friendly. <BR> <BR>The guests were approximately 50% French, 25% Australian/New Zealanders, 20% American and 5% other (Canadian, Japanese, Dutch, Brazilian, etc). The Club definitely catered to the French and we did feel that the English speaking guests were not extended the same level of hospitality. For example, on our last evening we wanted to purchase a couple of items from the Boutique, which amounted to CFP 1200. I gave the clerk, YANNI, US $12.00 (the exchange rate is US $1 = CFP .95) so I knew that I would owe her an extra 50 cents (or so). But she wanted US $15.00. I told her 'no', tell me how much the conversion was and I would give her the correct amount. In spite of having a calculator at her disposal she then told me that they didn't accept US $$. So I offered my Visa card which she then said they wouldn't accept because the amount wasn't big enough. At this point we left the store. Similarly, when I checked out and paid the cashier he simply asked whether I wanted to charge the balance to my credit card. He did not take the opportunity to ask whether we enjoyed our stay or, at a minimum, to thank me for payment (he simply handed me my receipt without saying anything). Customer service is not a new concept and Club Med would be well advised to take some lessons from other organizations that believe in treating their customers right. The little things do count. <BR> <BR>I have a low tolerance for inefficient operations, especially when they inconvenience the customer, and found Club Med to have its own bureaucracy. Before departing we received a Club Med membership card, with a membership number. This was never used. Instead we had to obtain a "white" card at the reception desk, against which charges could be made. But, on our last day, when we asked for beach towels (at the snorkling hut) we were told that we had to go to the main reception desk to get a "blue" card (why we needed a separate card or why we couldn't obtain the 'blue' card at the snorkling hut is beyond me). Drinks had to be paid for with coloured beads, that were purchased at the reception desk as well (and charged to your white card). We only bought a small package of beads for US $10. For this we ended up getting a small glass of draught beer and one pina colada, so it seemed pretty expensive to me. Beer and wine is available (free) at lunch and dinner and, being social drinkers, this was adequate for us. <BR> <BR> <BR>4. Club Med - Facilities <BR> <BR>The main building comprises the reception desk, bank, tour desk, boutique and theatre, where the evening shows are held. There are also ping pong tables, volleyball and basketball courts adjacent. They also have tennis courts. The main activity is swimming and snorkling. Although Club Med provides masks and snorkles, more than once they ran out. I would suggest that you bring your own mask and snorkle but leave the flippers at home. Just bring water shoes since the coral can hurt the feet. <BR> <BR>The rooms were very clean and every night, at 6:00 p.m. they would spray for mosquitos. We didn't have any problems with mosquitos but mainly because it rained most days. Others we met told us that the previous week they were really bad in the evenings. We took mosquito coils, repellent and even a mosquito net (that I purchased for C$20 before leaving) for over our bed. The rooms were more than adequate, with two double beds (that can be put together to form a king), two closets, shower and toilet. After two days we ran out of soap and shampoo and had to ask the maid for extra - she didn't replentish our supply. Each 'hut' has two separate rooms and we did not have any problems with noise from our neighbours. We also had a small patio with two chairs (which we brought inside because of the rain). Bring a small pocket flashlight for nighttime. We had the very last 'hut' on the property which meant a 10 minute walk to the main building or dining area but we quickly learned that most people had complaints about noise (from the disco, street, tennis courts, ice machines, etc) so the farther away from the main building the better. Each hut has two safe deposit boxes for your wallet and airline tickets. They also provide a hair dryer which has both 220v and 110v outlets. Ice buckets are placed in each room and the ice machines are conveniently located near each 'pod' of huts. We brought small juice boxes and used the ice bucket to keep them cool as an afternoon drink. <BR> <BR>The room key fits into a slot, inside the door, that activates the power for the hut. When you leave your hut (and take the key) the power is deactivated. Ask the front desk for an extra key, for your spouse, which you can leave in the power slot thereby allowing you to leave the ceiling fan on during your absence. <BR> <BR> <BR>5. Club Med - Food <BR> <BR>The main dining area must hold 500+ people and is buffet style. We found the food to be excellent though after 4-5 days we got tired of seeing basically the same food for lunch and dinner. As you get your food and head for a table, a hostess seats you at a table of eight. They seem to separate the French speaking from everyone else, hence we often found ourselves sitting with others who didn't speak any English. We also got tired of the same conversation over and over, though we did meet many very nice people. Only one (American) couple came across as being full of themselves and another (American) couple refused to speak to us (we have no idea why). <BR> <BR>Breakfast is served from 7:30 am through 10:00 am and consists of a wide variety of crepes, french toast, pancakes, eggs, bacon, cereal, fruits, croissants, toast, etc. Their coffee is not very good but it may be due to the milk they use (boxed milk) rather than fresh. Lunch is served from 12:30 p.m to 1:45 p.m. and consists of a wide range of buffet items, grilled fish, hamburgers, pasta, salads, fruits. You can have lunch at the Tiki restaurant but arrive on time since there is limited seating. It is a sit down lunch and the entree is served but you do sit with other couples at tables of 4-8. Dinner at the buffet site is very similar to lunch although they have a specialty each night (Italian, Seafood, etc). Dinner is served from 7:30 pm to about 9:00 p.m. Since there is quite a gap between lunch and dinner we brought juice boxes and some snacks for late afternoon. We also brought empty water bottles and filled them, in our room, before heading to the beach. <BR> <BR>We ate dinner twice at the Tiki restaurant but you have to register in the morning. The reception desk starts taking reservations at 8:00 a.m. and we found that by 8:15 a.m. it would be full. We made a point of arriving around 7:50 a.m. to ensure a reservation although both nights we ate at the Tiki restaurant there were empty tables (?). One night we arrived at 7:50 p.m and asked if there were any extra tables or 'no shows' but were told that we couldn't get in without a reservation, even though they had empty tables that night. <BR> <BR>Eating at the Tiki restaurant is a most pleasant experience. You only have the choice of two entrees but couples can have a table to themselves and have a relaxing evening. It is particularly special if you are celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon (as many of the couples were). Although attire was casual, many couples (women in particular) did dress for dinner. <BR> <BR> <BR>6. Activities <BR> <BR>We went to Moorea to relax and enjoy the beach rather than to do much sightseeing. We did take a 4 hour Safari tour of the island but strongly recommend that you book this through Albert's, which is located across the street from Club Med. Not only is the tour less expensive (US $35 each) but is longer. Everyone we met who went on Albert's tour enjoyed it, as we did. Bring a hat, running shoes (for the hike to the waterfall), swim suit, towel and mosquito repellent. <BR> <BR>On Wednesdays, Club Med hosts a local craft show where you can buy souvenirs should you wish. Although Tahiti isn't know for many souvenirs, the ones at Club Med were reasonably priced compared to the ones we found in the local stores. On Fridays, Club Med holds a picnic on the motu (island) and about 30 people went. We really enjoyed it, mainly because it was hosted by local Tahitians and they made it fun. There was lots of time for snorkling but there is a strong current which made it difficult. <BR> <BR>We did not go on the Dolphin Quest which advertises "swim with the dolphins" but we did meet a couple who regretted spending US $100 each. They said that they were told to stand in a line and the dolphin swam past them. They were told when they could, and could not, touch the dolpin. This couple was bitterly disappointed. On the other hand, everyone we spoke to who went on the shark feeding/sting ray outing raved about it. They videotape the session and the tapes are available for purchase afterwards. People said it was the greatest experience to be in the water with the sharks (if you wished) and to have the sting rays swim against their bodies. <BR> <BR>The evening shows were very disappointing. Most of the skits lasted 7-8 minutes and should have only lasted 2-3 minutes each. Moreover they relied on juvenile humour, for example, on a mountain climbing expedition one fellow accidentally places the rope between his legs only to have the next fellow pull tightly on the rope. These sort of jokes might have been funny in the '60's (?) but Club Med needs to update its acts for the '90's. At the end of each show, the staff would run out to the crowd and try to coerce everyone into dancing. At the same time, half of the audience would run for the exits. For those who are shy, it was very intimidating and I thought Club Med could find much less threatening ways to get those who wish, to participate. <BR> <BR>The Polynesian show was very entertaining but the dancers were inexperienced and didn't know the steps to the dances. The staff put on a Cabaret night which was reasonably well done. The best skit was the magician act when they asked for two Japanese volunteers from the audience, one of whom was blindfolded, for a knife throwing act. The staff put on a fashion show that was very well done and injected some humour into the presentation of Club Med shirts and dresses. <BR> <BR>Mostly we enjoyed the beach, and snorkling, the best. While most people stayed on the beach immediately in front of the main building, there is a small beach area in front of the "A" huts that provides the most privacy (though it is windy there) and has excellent snorkling. I would estimate that only 10-20% of the women were topless, although a previous travel report indicated that 50-66% of the women went topless. I only saw two women (other than my wife) wearing a thong bikini and was surpised at the conservative attire on the beach. Almost all men wore boxer style swim suits, a few wore Speedo style suits and none wore thongs. <BR> <BR>7. Tips/Suggestions <BR> <BR>What to bring: <BR> <BR>- swim suits, shorts, t-shirts, hat <BR>- water shoes, mask and snorkle <BR>- your own beach towel <BR>- mosquito repellent and coils <BR>- extra film, camera batteries (prices are double in Tahiti) <BR>- windbreaker (with hood) for rain <BR>- running shoes for outings <BR>- snacks, juice boxes (nice for morning or late afternoon) <BR>- empty water bottle (for the beach) <BR>- power converter for any electric devices (shaver, etc) <BR>- a pocket flashlight <BR> <BR>For men: <BR> <BR>- cotton short-sleeved shirts for evenings, nice shorts or light slacks <BR> <BR>For women: <BR> <BR>- dresses/skirts for evenings <BR>- pareo (Tahitian wrap-around) <BR> <BR> <BR>Hope these comments help you plan your next trip. <BR> <BR>David Rees <BR>

Louis

This is truly an outstanding and very fair report on Moorea Club Med and Moorea. The writer also has a basis for comparison. Travelers should take serious note.

margriet van Laake

My compliments and thanks for your extensive report. Love to bring in practice what you preached, one day soon. <BR>I gladly help you in Alaska with suggestions. <BR>Peaceful Thanksgiven! <BR>Margriet

Alyssa

You are all crazy! I have never EVER heard someone complain so much and then end with...we enjoyed it? Masochistic.

David Rees

Dear Alyssa: I feel that I must respond to your rather rude post. Overall the trip was good. Okay? As with most vacations we had some unpleasant experiences and they are included in the report so others will know what to expect. <BR> <BR>We have just booked a two week vacation in Cancun and trip reports have been invaluable in planning our holiday. And yes, people's complaints have helped us avoid certain hotels and to be mindful of some dishonest practices that apparently go on in that area of the world. So I'm GLAD they posted their complaints. <BR> <BR>The whole point of posting is to help one another. Your response only discourages people from sharing their experiences. <BR> <BR>If you don't have anything constructive to say, just read it and move on. <BR> <BR>

sally

Dear David, <BR>Thankyou so much for your impressive report. Your sort of input is the main reason I like Fodors Forum so much. I always have a feeling that most of the people who post on this forum are not kids, as one sees on the Lonely Planet.Also, it always seems to me as I read the posts that most people have a reasonable travelling budget and seem to be people who want exactly the same standards in life as I do! Let's keep it up. It is so great to get reliable information. Thank you again for going to so much trouble. PS went 10 years ago to Club Med Malaysia, with kids. That was marvellous. Sally