mattnliz

We're committed to finding a way to travel to Bora Bora for our honeymoon but want to find the best deals! We're willing to pay for such an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip but we don't want to start out our marriage in debt! Any advice on the nicest, most reasonable places to stay? Does anyone know of any websites or packages that could point us in the right direction? Planning for April 2010, departing from Austin, TX.

Any help appreciated!

Matt & Liz

JessicaRDH

I traveled to Bora Bora about 3 years ago and WOW! is it expensive. Luckily I stayed at tge Club Med and it is all-inclusive. I HIGHLY recommend doing this. Their rooms are not on top of the water (as many resort rooms are in Bora Bora) but you can't go wrong with the price. Their rooms are beach front and you really get the feeling that you are in a tropical paradise.

The food is wonderful and you can't beat the free wine. Make friends with the bartenders and you've for free top-shelf cocktails as well!

There are so many activities included in the Club Med Bora Bora. I really enjoyed starting my mornings out with a free boat ride off to a neighboring island to go snorkeling. And there is a motu (another island) close by that you can access all day long via another free boat from the hotel. It's fabulous. Free windsurfing, bocci ball, a luau, daily list of activities...it will definitely be a romantic vacation with plenty activities to choice from if you decide.

Please feel free to hit me up for any specific questions about Club Med Bora Bora if you are interested. (I stayed for two weeks there...hard to come home, even though I live in Hawaii!)

RalphR

Sorry, can't help with your question other to say that "cheap" is not a word I associate with Bora Bora. My wife and I went there for a week in the '80's and, boy, was it expensive, even then. But what an incredible island! The epitome of a tropical paradise, one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

wlzmatilida

Hi MattnLiz!

I can understand the "lure" of Bora Bora and it IS a beautiful island as Ralph said; however, you have alluded to the fact that you don't want to start your marriage in debt, which shows that you have a common sense approach to this idea as well.

The bottom line is that there are no "deals" when it comes to this part of the world..yes, there are specials offering a free night, or some amentity, but the bottom line is, this is not a cheap place in the world to visit. My favorite line is from a client of mine who took two teenage sons with her (with teenage boys' appetites) and she called it "the land of the $18 hamburger", which I think sums it up!

Jessica - I hate to tell you this, but Club Med no longer has that property anymore - it's been closed for awhile now and will not re-open.

It may not even be as romantic and secluded as you think - there's a tremendous amount of building going on there. Ages ago, I think those over the water bungalows were indeed, special. But now, when you have mega-resorts opening up with 50 of them - not so special. Or even secluded for that matter. The last time I was there, and staying in an upscale resort - I could hear (and see) my "neighbors" very clearly.

I don't know where you're flying from, but considering the extra costs involved (going that extra flight time from LAX) and the other costs involved, I'd advise you to think about Hawaii or Fiji. I mean, really, you want a nice romantic resort beach and beautiful water to snorkel in, right? Your dollar would go so much further at either of those destinations.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie

ALF

I agree with Melodie that Bora Bora is not as idyllic as it once was. All development is confined to a narrow ring of flat land around the coastline, concentrating hotels/shops/restaurants. To be sure, the lagoon is spectacular, as is the rugged interior highlands. You can do Bora Bora for a lot less than you might think, if you look at mid-level pensions and fares, as opposed to big hotels. You can easily do it for less than $200/night. Check out:

http://www.thetahititraveler.com/isl...s_id=3&catid=1

http://www.boraboraisland.com/tostay.html

http://www.tahiti.pacific-resorts.com/pensions.html


I know that Bora Bora has the reputation as the 'honeymoon' location, but you should consider some of the other Society Islands, such as Moorea, Raiatea, or Tahaa. Moorea is much easier to get to, a quick taxi and ferry from Tahiti's airport. It has plenty of reasonably-priced (for French Polynesia!) accommodations and lots of activities. Raiatea and Tahaa are much more remote and quiet, which might be desireable for you.

If I were going on a honeymoon, I would bypass French Polynesia and go to the Cook Islands. Admittedly, the airfare is even more, but you will make it back in lower costs for everything once you get there. Check out the island of Aitutaki, which looks like a smaller version of Bora Bora. The lagoon is just as nice, and you will find a bunch of reasonably-priced accommodations and restaurants. In my opinion, much more romantic too!

nrosebrock

I agree that you definitely want an all-inclusive plan. I have been seeing some amazing deals in the emails I get from Shermans Travel and Travel Zoo. Look there!

If you can swing it, you have to go! My husband and I went to BB on our honeymoon, stayed in an overwater bungalow and it was pure heaven! Good luck!