Jamie Mussolini of Beachfronts Travel visited French Polynesia recently and is back with these tips on her experiences, which she says touched her soul. Here's her report:
French Polynesia is a feeling, not a destination. It has unique aspects to it, with a sense of wellness that sets it apart from other places. Just being able to hop out of your villa in the morning, jump on your bike and go off to enjoy all the beauty the world has to offer is something to appreciate. This is a place to disconnect and embrace the peace of nature. Tip: Be sure to buy some Tahitian vanilla and Bora Bora sea salt to bring home to your own kitchen to enjoy.
Getting There
I flew Delta nonstop from JFK to LAX (5.5 hours) and then connected to Air Tahiti Nui to fly nonstop (8 hours) to Tahiti -PPT (Tahiti International Airport). When I landed in Tahiti, a representative from The Brando was waiting with a luxury vehicle to take me a few minutes away to the resort’s private air lounge where I would then fly Air Tetiaroa for a 20-minute flight over to Brando Island.
Departing The Brando, I was taken by the resort's luxury vehicle to Tahiti International Airport for a short, 40-minute flight to Bora Bora. Once I arrived at the waterfront airport I took a boat ride right to The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa (Note: You would do the same for The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort).
Good to know: Once you are on the islands, French Polynesia is a boat- and airplane-friendly-only destination. Bicycles or golf carts are the way to get around the resorts.
The author at The Brando Source: Jamie Mussolini
The Brando
Life at The Brando consists of pure wellness, luxury and relaxation and provides an escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Tip: Jack’s Cold Plunge is a thrill for hydrotherapy addicts.
Each villa at The Brando is provided with two bicycles and has its own backyard of luxury with your own outdoor shower, plunge pool, hammock, beach loungers and an outdoor table to enjoy any meal you desire. (Hint: Breakfast pastries are a top choice.)
Villas have plenty of closet space and we loved that the bathroom had double sink, a makeup vanity and a Dyson hair dryer. I suggest you try the Teppanyaki Grill experience at Nami for a great chef experience. The farm onsite provides most ingredients for the food served on property. Don’t miss Bob’s Bar for freshly pressed juices (or add them to your favorite cocktail). Be sure to stay over on a Friday night to see a fire and dance show.
Discover the secrets of Tahitian Pearls right in your room with a Pearl Butler Service Experience. For active experiences, consider a bird tour, basket weaving, big game fishing, a boat tour to take a swim in the “Queen's bath” or to Rimatu’u island to learn some history about Tetiaroa and Polynesian culture.
The Beachcomber is perfect for a romantic dinner on the beach, looking out at the sunset and the nighttime stars. Start with the fresh Tahitian-style poisson cru followed by a beef filet with turmeric, pepper crust and pommes Anna or a local fish encrusted with nuts and served with local spinach.
The Brando is an exclusive resort perfect for couples, honeymooners, solo travelers, or families looking to disconnect. Luxury travel advisors can directly contact Haddy Wong at +1 647.988.0927 or [email protected].
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
French Polynesia is a bastion for wellness lovers. Source: Jamie Mussolini
Here, you will find modern luxury with an overwater villa with plunge pool that has Bluetooth-enabled music speakers to provide music throughout your accommodations. Dine at Maere for a waterfront dining experience with fresh seafood from the Polynesian Sea. The spa offers holistic programs, sound bath experiences, facials, a cold plunge pool, a steam room, and relaxing massages. To be active, take paddleboard yoga, hop on a kayak or go to the onsite dive center. You can learn about the rescue of 750 turtles at the Turtle Center.
Have rooftop drinks at ‘O’A to watch the sunset over Mount Otemanu; and be sure to dine at Vara Vara for lunch or dinner on the beach to enjoy a wood-fired pizza.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
In French Polynesia, it's all about the sunsets. Source: Jamie Mussolini
A typical day at the St Regis includes hopping on your bike to enjoy an incredible breakfast, including a Blue Mountain coffee and fresh croissants. Here, you can choose an overwater villa looking at Mount Otemanu and view turtles and fish that swim right up to your deck. The St. Regis Butler Service creates a personalized feel for every guest. You can snorkel in the private Lagoonarium (a protected, private underwater sanctuary filled with coral gardens and diverse marine life) to see lots of exquisite fish. Directly from the beach you can take a jet ski out or go sailing or paddleboarding. For a quiet, secluded time, lounge at the adults-only pool or grab a cocktail at the swim-up bar at the main pool. For an overwater romantic dinner, try Lagoon, which has a Michelin-star quality and serves a seven-course dinner paired with wine.
This resort emulates what it means to feel “the mana,” a Polynesian term for divine, spiritual, or life-force energy that flows through all things, representing power, strength, and connection.
For the Westin and the St. Regis, luxury travel advisors can contact Heather Morgan directly at +1 657-340-0257 or [email protected].
Jamie Mussolini is the owner of Beachfronts Travel, a Greenwich, CT-based luxury travel agency launched in 2007. With 18 years in the industry, plus a background in finance, Jamie turned her obsession with luxury travel into a thriving business, catering to Westchester and Fairfield’s elite.