After our very warm welcome to Bora Bora, we were given a coconut drink for refreshments, and our bags were whisked away. We were given ample time to take in the unbelievable surroundings. Then the staff briefed us about the main features of the private island, the bungalows overwater, and how to request for the shuttle boat to the main island, where breakfast is, etc.
It wasn’t very long before our room was ready. I really have to commend the agent in Tahiti who booked our reservations, and the rooms reservation staff of Sofitel Bora Bora. Months before the trip, I requested for a very specific room
This is the room layout of the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island. I wanted to get the 2 Overwater Bungalow Rooms on either ends (the tip most) to get the best of both views (mountain and sea) and also so it feels more secluded.
Though I was told that it can’t be guaranteed because those rooms are high on demand, lo and behold, we did get that room! (the specific one because I told them my preference was the left side)
We were ushered into the room and I immediately knew I was going to enjoy our home for the next 4 days.
There’s air conditioning, but again like the rooms at the Intercontinental Moorea, we never turned them on. This is the point of staying in a room where you get the cleanest, freshest ocean breeze. We slept like a baby all those nights. Nil bug bites with the windows open!
his and hers sink is a real treat. Roomy dressing area too.
And to my delight, I was given a handmade wrap (a Pareo) as a gift. Zombie got a men’s Sofitel shirt.
I was shown the various ways you can use and wear it. Though I wasn’t able to use it in Bora Bora, I am taking it on my next island hopping trip , which is in 2 days time 🙂
And here you go, the balcony. An ideal venue to have breakfast in room (they deliver breakfast via a canoe). We always went to the buffet to have breakfast though.
And the best part: getting the best of views
The mountains to the left, and the sea to the right
The room also had a glass cut out on the floor beneath the coffee table.
There is a separate light for that and at night it’s just lovely to see garfish gathering underneath.
Well to us, it kind of looked like a giant peephole, so in true Holy Smithereens style, we were inspired to make this video as a unique way of showing the room:
Conclusion:
The Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island definitely lived up to our expectations. Exceeded it, in fact. As I’d done a lot of research before heading to Bora Bora, I knew what to expect of the property.
The expectation: That the Sofitel Bora Bora private island isn’t the highest 5-star property in Bora Bora. If you want top-notch sleek service, and rooms with ultra modern facilities with sprawling land, there’s the Four Seasons, the St. Regis, and even the Intercontinental Thalasso. Having said that, we also expected that the private island of Sofitel Bora Bora would have the best snorkelling grounds in Bora Bora. And the snorkelling didn’t disappoint at all. In fact, other hotels take a day trip to this island for snorkelling. When we just jumped in and out as we pleased. (A more detailed blog post on the snorkelling will come later)
What we didn’t expect: The exceptional service we got. Again proof that all reviews have to be taken with a grain of salt.
What we totally didn’t expect: a wonderful friendship to come between ourselves and a number of the staff, which resulted to one of the best experience we ever had travelling (definitely a huge blog post coming up on that!)
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In case you missed the other posts on my Tahiti series:
Touchdown in Tahiti (where we ended up in the local Tahitian newspaper)!
Discovering the Fun a Beachfront Bungalow brings (Intercontinental Moorea)
Upgrading to an Overwater Bungalow (Intercontinental Moorea)
The Beauty of Moorea Underwater (swimming with sharks and sting-rays!)
Welcome to Bora Bora! (our first few minutes landing into magical Bora Bora)
That place looks awesome. I have always wanted to stay at one of those over water rooms.
Hi Jeff! it’s amazing staying at those overwater bungalows. My favourite part is jumping right into the water! 🙂
Do you by chance know the room numbers on the OWBs? The resort map is nice but room numbers would be nicer. Thanks.
Hi Don I dont have a list of the room numbers but I believe ours was either 127 or 129 , hope that helps!
Thanks. We’re planning on staying at the Sofitel Motu on Bora Bora sometime in 2015. We had planned for next year but work got in the way. I guess when we finally do go we’ll try to get an end bungalow.
I really like your write-ups and Tahiti series. One thing you didn’t dwell on was where you ate. Did you eat at the resort the whole time or did you go out and about? Either way, how was the food?
Thanks Don im glad to hear you like what you read ! 🙂 thats awesome to hear you are planning your getaway to Tahiti it really is a must-visit. I am not done writing the Tahiti series yet there’s still a lot of installments to come. Apologies for the delay , travelling got in the way (nice rap line!) I will be posting them soon as I get back. Or subscribe to the blog posts so you dont keep checking back to see if its been posted yet . Thanks Don 🙂
Thanks and I’m looking forward to your future Tahiti installments. Not to miss anything I went ahead and subscribed to your blog. Safe traveling.
I meant to ask you what brand of mask and snorkel do you use? All we have around here is cheap stuff which I do not want. Thanks.
Hi Don, for this particular trip we just used what the resort had for hire. Which was pretty crappy as I had to change masks a number of times and it kept on leaking when we went diving. For my most recent Philippine trip we brought our own. Mine is a brand called “Wave Zone” which is not really that good if youre a serious diver/snorkeller. But its still much better than rented ones. I haven’t had time to look around good long term snorkel gear yet. I used this wave zone brand for the entire trip and it was pretty good however towards the end I can see beginnings of the seal getting that “bacon-like” fraying. So I will definitely get a new one on my next beach/dive trip.
Thanks. I’m going to visit a couple dive shops and see what they have. We had very good masks a few years ago but we gave them up because we quit snorkeling. In hind site, I wish I had kept them.
Don
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on bora bora. Regards