Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

AUTHENTIC & LUXURIOUS BORA BORA NUI RESORT & SPA
OFFERS UNIQUE COMBINATION OF POLYNESIAN TRADITION & SUMPTUOUS COMFORT

     BORA BORA, TAHITI – When the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa opened in October 2002 as a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, it single-handedly raised the bar on luxury resort accommodations in French Polynesia. The resort not only doubled the size and luxury quotient of the signature thatched roof bungalows this South Pacific paradise is known for, but it also created a setting that honors Polynesian tradition. Located on a private island, the Bora Bora Nui features 120 suite-sized villa bungalows – overwater, beachfront and hillside -- a 30,000 square-foot hilltop Mandara Spa and a white sand beach nearly a half mile long.

     This private island resort is southwest of the main island of Bora Bora with its majestic Mount Otemanu, on one of the smaller islands that create an 18-mile ring around a body of turquoise blue waters that author James Michener called “the most beautiful lagoon in the world.” A favorite of experienced world travelers, the Bora Bora Nui has received a number of industry accolades since its opening from publications including: Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, The Robb Report, Elite Traveler and Cigar Aficionado. Most recently Modern Bride Magazine named the overwater villa bungalows at the resort, the #1 “Ultimate honeymoon suite” in the world.

     Polynesian building traditions were followed throughout, including the use of dried leaves from the "pandanus" plant (called "fara" in Tahitian) for the hand-woven thatched roofing of the villas, as well as hand printed tapa cloth made from the breadfruit tree (called “uru” in Tahitian) to trim the borders of villa interiors. Hand carved, curly kahia wood also fills the public spaces, conveying a truly native feel to the luxurious resort.

     They say that location is everything and the Nui proves the point. Not only is it on Bora Bora’s only motu (islet) with a hill, giving each bungalow sweeping views of the wildly beautiful lagoon, but the resort’s location is also a memorable site in Tahitian lore. The mischievous god Hiro is said to have thrown his spear from the top of the motu’s black lava hill, giving Mt. Otemanu its jagged profile. And, the Nui encircles a sacred cove where ancient islanders gathered for stone fishing festivals. This island lore is celebrated in the original artwork displayed throughout the resort.

Points of difference for the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa:
_ All of the 120 villas in this $60 million resort are suite-sized (1,000 square feet for 117 villas and to 1,500 square feet for the three Royal Villas) and have ocean views. Typical Polynesian hotel bungalows are 400 sq. ft.

_ Private yacht transfer with onboard check-in.

_ “Floating” overwater lobby.

_ A white sand beach nearly half a mile long and a 1,000 meter infinity pool.

_ Bungalow interiors featuring Indonesian mahogany canopy beds, Italian marble bathtubs, 3 in-floor glass viewing panels for overwater bungalows, satellite television, CD & DVD players, direct dial telephones with computer data ports & voicemail.

_ A hilltop, “indoor/outdoor spa-with-a-view” made up of a main building and three private spa bungalows nestled in the greenery decorating a mound of black lava. This South Pacific-inspired Mandara Spa uses the freshest island ingredients – like tiare, monoi oil, coconut, coffee & vanilla – and specializes in couple’s treatments.

_ The resort also features seven Hillside Spa Villas. Offering guests the same luxurious design as the Overwater & Beach Villas, with amazing views of the azul lagoon and the South Pacific in the distance. Guests booking these accommodations receive one 50-minute spa treatment per day with the room, while enjoying the very best view on the entire resort. Mandara Spa amenities are also provided in a welcome basket for an immediate in-room spa experience.
_ Polynesian picnics, barbecue lunches or romantic dinners under the stars are available on the resort’s idyllic, private islet – the legendary Motu Tapu, a five-minute boat ride from the resort.

_ The Tamure Grill, a “barefeet suggested” authentic Tahitian beachside restaurant with smooth & curly Kahia wood and a sand floor! Mel Gibson’s canoe from Mutiny on the Bounty has been turned into the cold buffet in this casual and friendly eatery.

_ Lanai Dining in the privacy of your own patio with a choice of: Shabu Shabu, Tahitian Barbecue & Zen menu themes. Romantic, private dinners for two set up with tiki torches along the beach are also popular.

_ A gallery of black & white photos of American G.I.’s stationed on Bora Bora during World War II, located in the hallway outside the library and internet room of the resort’s main building.

     The tone of the visit is set when guests step off the plane at the island-flavored, Motu Mute domestic airport and onto the hotel’s private yacht MARUMANA, where they enjoy a chilled towel, cool drink and snack while being checked-in on board during arguably one of the most scenic airport transfers in the world. Upon their arrival to the hotel, guests disembark at a stunning thatched-roof, “floating” lobby, accented with striking black pearl shell chandeliers and windows in the floor to watch the ballet of tropical fish swim by.

     Chef Stephane LeGrand, an Australian who has worked all over the world, heads up the resort’s culinary team with his signature restaurant, the IRIATAI Panoramic Restaurant, featuring French Cuisine with Mediterranean & Polynesian influence. Guests truly come first with a choice of outdoor beach & poolside dining, a panoramic restaurant for breakfast and dinner, a casual island style restaurant, two bars, 24-hour room service and room service breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe for overwater bungalows.

     Bora Bora – known as “Tahiti’s Romantic Island” -- is one of 118 Tahitian islands and atolls that comprise the area officially known as French Polynesia. Scattered over 1.5 million square miles of the eastern South Pacific, the total land area consists of five archipelagoes, each with its own culture, ethnicity and climate. Travel time to Tahiti from the West Coast of the U.S. is approximately 7 _ hours. Bora Bora is a 45-minute airplane ride from the international airport in Papeete on the main island of Tahiti.

     Other Starwood resorts in French Polynesia include: The Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, Le Meridien Tahiti, Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Bora Bora and the new St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora. For more information contact your preferred travel professional or 800-782-9488 or visit us on the Web at www.starwoodtahiti.com.

     Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and ElementSM Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

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