my mom is planning a trip to FP for her big 50 b-day next July... however she isn't interested in staying in an OTW (neither of my parents can swim and my mom has visions of jaws - no, seriously)... any suggestions of good non-OTW hotel rooms?
They are planning for 3 days Bora Bora, 3 days Moorea and a travel day in Tahiti...
alos any suggestions for things they can see? they aren't swimmers or hikers, but they are drinkers and "relaxers" who like good food!
Thanks

We stayed in a beach bungalow at Hotel Bora Bora and thought we were in heaven. Would definintely stay again in the beach bungalows.

Even if they can't swim they still may want to wade (I'm a non-swimmer and I love to wade) and look at the fish, so they wmay want to stay at a resort with plenty of "walkable" water (ie waist=cest deep). In truth, all the resorts have some amount of "walkable" water, but some have more than others. The Pearl Beach Resort (garden or beach bungalow) may well suit them, as would the Beachcomber or Le Meridien. All have lots of shallow water. Been too long since I was there to really comment on the food (chefs come and go).

French Polynesia is the perfect place for non-swimmers.

Ken

I'm guessing, but does OTW stand for "on the water"? Does it mean actually ON the water, or just on the beach overlooking the water? I would have thought a hotel ON the water was far to rare a thing to merit its own abbreviation!

It means "over the water" bungalows... try looking at the photos here: http://www.sheratonmoorea.com/
They are very beautiful!

Twoflower -

As kkraczek mentions, OTW is indeed short for "Over The Water". Though these units are rare, the do exist, and are actually fairly common in French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Moorea, Tahiti, etc) - hence the abbreviation. The are also found in Samoa (at the Coconuts Beach Club resort), Aitutaki in the Cook Islands (partially overwater units), the Maldives (the Hilton), and Panama (at the Punta Caracol resort). There's also a place in the Philippines (I can't recall the name). As you can imagine, these places tend to be very expensive (espcially in French Polynesia and the Maldives). Still, a pretty cool experience if you can afford it.

Ken

The OWB/OTWs are great for the ambience. In my opinion, the 'OVERs' are OVER-rated, as there is a small @ 15"X25" plexiglass pane through which you can see some fish. Snorkeling by the coral reefs gives you a better fish experience. Spending an early morning or evening, or just hanging out in these bungalows soothes the soul, and brings out the romantic in you. If you DON'T like the idea, there are beach-front bungalows that are quite nice. There are also garden-facing bungalows for those who don't like sand in their footwear. Take the bus tour around the island or rent a car and do it yourself. There are nice bars ,like Bloody Mary's in Bora Bora, or the Sheraton and BeachComber in BB or Mo'orea. Do a little each morning (about 3 hours' worth), then relax in your lovely digs. Your heart rate will certainly come down. There is a great liqueur place in Mo'orea, which would also make a nice mid-morning trip. Get a good book on the islands - there's one for every style of vacationeer or traveler. Your 3 days in each place will be up before you know it. I think the most talented cooks are employed by the big hotels, and that's where you'll get the best food. Others may have an opinion on this as well, I'm sure.