Beaches on Bora Bora
 

I'm a major beach lover- am I going to be disappointed by the beaches on either Bora Bora or Moorea? (I'm planning on a November 99 trip) Is one island better than the other for beaches? I'm in the early planning stages so have flexibilty. Also any expereinces at Le Maitai? I noticed comments that it is small - are we talking about the rooms or the hotel itself?? Are the overwater bungalows good or bad?? <BR>Thanks for any info!!

It has been years and years since we have been to French Polynesia and it is starting to get over developed, but I will give you the following comments. Bora Bora and Moorea, each in a different way, are two of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific. On Moorea you need a car to appreciate the island. The Tahitian people and culture are interesting. I can easily name many places with more beautiful and spectacular beaches depending on your specific desires. There is no way one can tell if you would be disappointed with the beaches there without knowing what you seek and what you know in comparison. On the main part of Bora Bora, the beach around the Bora Bora hotel is the nicest to my view. The last time we were there they were building many new resorts around Matira point. Unless they have brought in some sand I would not rate the beaches being the best in that area. If you stay on one of the motus you have a lot more beach and sand. Since the general area is expensive due to the very high import duties on everything, don't expect the moon at places like Le Maitai since their prices seem modest. In my experience, an overwater bungalow is desirable to hear the water at night if you can afford it. I, however, would chose to stay in a garden room at a place like the Bora Bora Hotel rather than in a overwater room in a lesser property prices equal. As in real estate, location is everthing. If you are looking to go to the area just for beaches, you might want to look elsewhere. I just noted Rick Steves remarks in today's sunday paper. He recommends traveling for new experiences rather than a vacation and adds. "You wanna just hang out on the beach? Go to Mazatlan." I would agree, the price is right but I would pick the Maya coast around Akumal instead. One of the most lovely beaches in the world is on Harbor Island in the Bahamas. Another is on Culebra. Anguilla has tons of lovely beaches. For fine powder white sand, Cancun is no slouch. Some of the small islands in Fiji have lovely beaches. On the basis of just beaches, I would pick the beaches in the Tasawa island chain in Fiji over those in the Tahiti area. <BR> <BR>

Go to French Polynesia for the beautiful scenery and not the beaches. I've seen much nicer beaches in the Carribean and Hawaii. Overwater bungalows are worth it, if for nothing else than to avoid mosquitos! Feel free to ask more questions.

Kendall is crazy!!!!!!!! <BR>bORA BORA has the prettiest water in the <BR>world!!!! <BR>

Julie, <BR> If you are looking for a great beach, try the Na Balam Hotel (31 rooms, small pool that you probably won't even go in) on Isla Mujeres (island 8 miles off the coast of Cancun). Very reasonable price, quiet, gorgeous water, and only 20 minute ride ($4) to Cancun if you want action.