October 31st 2008
“Marital Mayhem”

The New York Post included a mention on its renowned “Page Six” noting the filming of the Universal Studios’ movie “Couples Retreat”, currently taking place at The St. Regis Resort Bora Bora.

Considered to be one of Universal Studios’ big summer film releases for 2009, the movie stars several well-known actors including Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Faizon Love, Kristen Bell, Malin Akerman and Kristin Davis.

The story follows four couples who travel to a tropical island resort. One couple arrives at the resort to solve their marriage problems while the other three couples are ready to enjoy themselves on the paradise island, but soon find out the couples’ therapy at the resort is not optional.

The cast is at this time enjoying the Tahitian sun, beautiful lagoons and wonderful services of the St Regis Resort Bora Bora while shooting the movie.

The article notes that, “Vince has been swimming in the lagoon near his villa every day.”

August 2008
“Island Paradise Found”

The August issue of Architectural Digest dedicated an extraordinary six-page spread to the art of living on the island of Bora Bora. The article titled, “Island Paradise Found” tells the story of a couple living “the real life” on Bora Bora, showcasing along the way the unique architecture of a Polynesian home.

Alain Despert was a 30-year old veteran of the Hospitality industry when he first moved to Bora Bora in 1986. Four years later he gave up his job to take on the international art world after a magazine featured one of his paintings, illustrating everyday life on Bora Bora. Despert decided to settle down and establish his life on Bora Bora, buying an extraordinary two-story hilltop home designed by architect Philip Pourrat.

As the title implies, the author Peter Haldeman paints a beautiful picture with words of the Polynesian Architecture, accompanied by breathtaking photographs.

“The Master Bedroom also opens to the coastal panorama and they fall asleep to the refrain of crashing waves.”

July/August 2008
“101 Top Hotel Suites of the Year”

Elite Traveler dedicated its July/August issue to the “101 Top Hotel Suites” in the world. In addition to several other hotel suites in the Pacific, Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa was rated as one of the hotels offering the “best suites in the Asia-Pacific rim”!

The author, Tanya Dukes, highlights the unique attributes of each of the selected suites throughout this wonderful feature and the most inviting photographs accompany the spread.

September/October 2008
“From The Edge”

The September/October issue of Islands Magazine follows the powerful and moving journey of author and managing editor, Ty Sawyer. The article is complemented by incredible photographs, which illustrate the path that lead to his self-discovery.

Opening the story with a stunning image of the Hakaui Valley on Nuku Hiva, Ty Sawyer shares with readers his enlightening voyage through the islands of Tahiti, featuring Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Fakarava and Huahine.

We highly recommend reading the entire story however, to briefly summarize: shortly after his father passed away, Ty Sawyer traveled to the Islands of Tahiti to explore and write a feature on “the fringes of the South Pacific paradise”.

Away from stress, routine and completely alone in the peaceful and beautiful settings of our islands, the author soon realized that the real purpose of his journey was to mourn his father.

Throughout the article his discovery of the islands is inextricably linked with the discovery of his real feelings following the death of his father.

“What follows me everywhere are the blank final pages of the story between my father and me.”

The story beautifully portrays the complexity of his emotions while witnessing the beauty of the islands. In complete osmosis with nature, the author offers a surreal and ambiguous description of his journey, using the lexicon of dream: “I hardly slept the past few nights…I dreamed of a giant turtle carrying my father…I close my eyes and sleep under the water…I feel like I am again within a dream…As I dream the turtle appears again.”

Throughout the entire article, Sawyer boasts the true “Power of Tahiti” and notes that Tahiti, which he defines as an enlightening, captivating and revealing place, has now become a place to mend his spirit.

October 2008
“25 Emerging Destinations Where the Dollar Still Goes Far”

The October Issue of Travel + Leisure covers the island of Hiva Oa in an article titled “25 Emerging Destinations Where the Dollar Still Goes Far.” Featuring Hiva Oa, the article presents a wonderful alternative for travelers in search for exotic places where they can find value for their money.

The spread boasts the unique offerings of the island of Hiva Oa, located in the Marquesas archipelago. Shane Mitchell notes that this Archipelago has the geographic distinction of being the farthest group of islands from any continental landmass; yet it is only a three-hour flight from Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia.

Referred to as home to the French Artist Paul Gauguin, Hiva Oa offers visitors some of the most incredible primeval and picturesque landscapes. The island is the perfect place for visitors who want to lose notion of time and space as well as those interested in art and history.

Throughout the article, Mitchell also gives readers expert advice on where to stay, where to go, and what to eat. “Arrange a Tour with Pearl Lodge’s guide Lecortier, he’ll drive you by Polynesia’s largest stone tiki, then stop for a typical Marquesan Lunch…”

August 2008
“2008 World’s Best Awards”

Each year, Travel + Leisure, asks its readers to rate their favorite destinations, hotels, spas, airlines, cruise lines as well as cities around the globe, as part of its ongoing Readers Choice Survey.

We are very pleased to say that our destination won awards in several categories for this 13th Annual Poll!

All awards noted below are specific to our destination:

- Top 5 Islands in Australia, New Zealand and the South pacific:
# 3 Bora Bora with a high score of 83.58
# 5 Moorea with a score of 80.05

Note: The Hawaiian island of Maui has won this prize for the past 17 years in a row!
Kauai came in second place with a score of 87.1

- Top 25 Hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
The InterContinental Moorea Resort was ranked in the 19th position out of the 25 top hotels, with a score of 78.

- Top 10 Large-Ships Cruise Lines:
Regent Seven Seas Cruises was ranked #2 with a high score of 88.71
Princess Cruises was also ranked in this category at the 8th position with a score of 75.80

- Top 10 Small-Ships Cruise Lines
Silversea Cruises was ranked #1 of top 10 with a high score of 88
Star Clippers also in the category at the 10th Position with a score of 88

- Top 10 International Airlines
Air Tahiti Nui made the list of Top 10 International Airline at the 9th Position with a score of 76.89.

October 2008
“The New Ocean Explorers”

The October issue of Robb Report Magazine featured an amazing article titled “The New Ocean Explorers”, covering the expansion of expedition yachts as a new way of discovering the world.

Expedition yachts are considered a booming trend as travelers are looking to maximize adventures when traveling the world. The author Michael Verdon emphasizes that interest  throughout the story of a family who has been traveling for two years within the South Pacific aboard the New Paige, a Nordhavn 55 expedition yacht.

“Every day is different, and every day offers challenges, speaking from Tahiti. We’ve agreed that we will keep going until it no longer feels like an adventure”

Expedition yachts have the benefit to combine water and diverse land expeditions while cruising different waters. Travelers can discover the offerings of each of the destinations they visit, without sacrificing the sense of comfort and relaxation.

Expedition yachts seem to enter a new era by offering excursions on land, from private tours, and hikes to water activities.

Combining a good value for money and great adventures, expedition yachts have been subject to a growing demand amongst adventurers over the past 15 years.

For many cruise lines, shore excursions have become a new way of enticing travelers, offering them more appealing adventures and activities.

September 2008
“Adventure Islands”

With a cover mention, the September issue of Business Traveler presents the islands of Tahiti as an incomparable retreat for adventures. According to the author, “with 118 islands, Tahiti has a lot more to offer than just surf and sand.”

In this feature, the author Carly Milne covers her incredible journey through the islands of Tahiti. Featuring, Tahiti, Raiatea, Huahine, Manihi, and Nuku Hiva, the author provides readers with a unique view of our islands that differs from stereotypical description of our destination.

September 2008
“Uncharted Isles”

Writer Lynwood Lord, in the article titled “Uncharted Isles”, tells readers about seven unique islands, which have remained unspoiled and unpopulated to date.

Featuring our island of Fakarava, located in the Tuamotu atolls, the author highlights the uniqueness of this island. Fakarava has the distinctiveness of being barely populated, pure, and pristine.

With only 500 inhabitants, Fakarava undeniably offers the few visitors relaxation and calm away from city life and stress. The first road was not paved until 2003.

- October 2008
“Drop Zone: Dive and Surf Tahiti”

With a cover solely dedicated to Tahiti, the October Issue of Sport Diver Magazine covers an exclusive article titled “Drop Zone Tahiti - Dive and Surf.”

The amazing spread starts with a breathtaking two-page photograph, emphasizing the incredible waters of our destination.

Throughout this feature, the author Holly Beck, shares with readers her excitement/ anxiety for starring in a 45-minute movie aptly named “Drop Zone Tahiti.”

From the wave of Teahupo’o to her amazing Shark and Ray snorkeling experience to the unique surf advenures, she covers her wonderful journey with beautiful wording and imagery (both topside and underwater), highlighting along the way the wonders of the Tahitian nautical world.

The “Drop Zone” movie emphasizes the lifestyle and action involved in the perfectly complementary activities of surfing and diving.

“Since I am myself on a shoot for a show, I am, despite my judgment, skimming along that particular fear-inducing reef in scuba gear, following the producer’s direction to get the shot of both a surfer and a diver in the same frame.”

Holly Beck remarkably describes her emotions and feelings while confronting the frightening Teahupo’o wave on the island of Tahiti, as well as diving and snorkeling with sharks and rays on the island of Moorea.

The moving portrayal of those fearful moments makes you think you are sharing the entire journey with her as if by her side for the entire time.

“Not even the pressure of rolling cameras is enough to make me want to potentially sacrifice my life to this coral reef.”

To view a trailer for the movie, click here!

- November/December 2008
“Tahitian Fringe: Far Afield in a South Pacific Eden”

The November/December Issue of Sport Diver hits the stand!

In the November/December issue of Sport Diver, writer Ty Sawyer devotes a 10-page article to our islands. The author emphasizes our beautiful atolls by presenting an original description of his recent trip along with the most inviting images.

The feature opens with two stunning photographs that showcase beautifully the wild and unspoiled beauty found throughout the islands of Tahiti. The author introduces an original and colorful portrayal of his trip, embracing all senses and highlighting the most striking attributes of our islands.

While visiting the islands of Tahiti, Huahine, Fakarava and Nuku Hiva, all senses are constantly stimulated, inevitably creating a wish to personally live that exaltation. The use of language involving the senses is omnipresent throughout the entire article; “A symphony evolves before my eyes…the clicking sonar of the dolphins…the ocean’s hand wraps you…we descend into a bright vivid, flowing, moving world of dazzling, red clouds of big eyes and tightly packed rivers of blue and gold snapper.”

As he stimulates all of our senses, Ty also gives readers expert advice on places to visit, what to know, and how to get around on the islands.

InStyle Weddings
Fall 2008
New Classics

One of the expert magazines in honeymoon hideaways, Instyle Weddings covers our destination in its fall issue. The article puts forth Bora Bora’s richest offerings for newlyweds, including perfect settings, beautiful lagoons and luxurious overwater bungalows.

InStyle Weddings featured the “hottest new honeymoon destinations,” including Bora Bora. The article depicts Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa as being the best hotel on the island of Bora Bora and illustrates its distinctive assets with two photographs. The author notes that Bora Bora is one of the most perfect honeymoon destinations as it offers both “privacy and outrageous luxury” as well as relaxation, water activities, sun and white sand beaches.

Honeymooners can experience the magical beauty of Bora Bora and complete seclusion at the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, which offers postcard perfect views from over water bungalows and the largest infinity pool on the island.

Home of the Week
August 16th, 2008
"Lagoon Living in French Polynesia"

The article “Lagoon Living in French Polynesia” is exclusively dedicated to the new Private Residences at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. The newly built Pacific Residence includes a total of 15 homes, all built within the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

These appealing residences offer a wonderful opportunity to home seekers to live the dream life right at home. Designed by interior designer, Yabu Pushelberg, the properties perfectly combine ultimate luxury with traditional Polynesian flair.

In addition, homeowners can enjoy amazing views over the lagoon and of Mount Otemanu and get exclusive access to the resort’s services. From a 23-meter infinity edge pool that overlooks the ocean, to hot tubs, to full service out door kitchen, everything is brought to the homeowners to ensure the luxury of a top-notch hotel in their own home.

Naples Illustrated
October 2008
“Escape To Paradise”

Naples Illustrated featured a beautiful article previously covered in the July issue of Palm Beach Illustrated. The magazine draws readers’ attention to an extraordinary three-page spread on the St Regis Resort Bora Bora, titled “Escape to Paradise.”

In this spread, the author Robert Ragaini notes every attribute of the hotel that makes it so special in the eyes of the world, from the bungalows, the restaurant, the view, the service, to the spa.

The author highlights the attributes of the hotel through a detailed list of all diverse activities available for every guest, from scuba excursions, swims with rays, jeep excursions on volcanic trails, to bike riding and jet skiing, to name a few.

Condé Nast Traveler
November 2008
“Top 100 Reader’s Choice Awards

Condé Nast Traveler dedicated its November issue to the “Top 100 Reader’s Choice Awards.” More than 32,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers chose the world’s finest islands, cities, hotels, resorts, and cruise lines for its 21st Annual Reader’s Choice Awards.

Each year, Condé Nast Traveler asks itsr eaders to rate their favorite hotels, products or destinations as part of its ongoing Top 100 Readers’ Choice Survey. We are very pleased to say that two of our resorts on the island of Bora Bora made it into the 21st Annual Reader Choice’s list!

-Top 20 Australia/Pacific Resorts
#10 InterContinental Bora Bora 88.1
#14 InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort 86.8

These two resorts were honored as part of the 2008 top 20 hotels in the Pacific Rim. Each is located on the island of Bora Bora. Manuia to InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia for these wonderful awards.

LA Confidential
Fall 2008
“Sweet Escape”

The fall edition of LA Confidential includes a wonderful article titled “Sweet Escape”, featuring the island of Bora Bora. Easily accessible and only eight hours away, as the article notes, the island of Bora Bora offers ultimate luxury to travelers who want to be pampered.

Author Lara Morgenson Burnap not only boasts the remarkable beauty of the St Regis Resort Bora Bora, but also enhances its distinctive characteristics. “The resort is so expansive that golf carts are used to whisk guests from their villas to the beach or reception.”

Trader Monthly
October 2008
“High Society”

The October issue of Trader Monthly Magazine ran Cristina Velocci’s feature on the top properties in French Polynesia. The original feature ran in Trader Monthly’s sister publication, Dealmaker Magazine, in their February/March issue earlier this year.

Writer Cristina Velocci shares with investment bankers on Wall Street her voyage through the islands by helicopter. The author notes that this mode of transportation has become over the years the preferred way to travel through our islands.

In addition, she included that “the top-notch hotels have their own helipads.” As a picture is worth a thousand words, the article is illustrated by a stunning shot from the air of the island of Bora Bora.

Elle Canada
October 2008
“Tahitian Pearl: Travel through Bora Bora”

The October edition of Elle Canada showcases our island of Bora Bora in a spread, titled “ Tahitian Pearl: Travel Through Bora Bora.”

The author, Catalina Margulis, embellishes on the countless attractions that make the island of Bora Bora a favorite destination for celebrities. From its lagoons that are three time larger than its landmass, to the beautiful reefs and amazing activities such as snorkeling and kayaking, Bora Bora is considered to be the ultimate paradise for many.

The sense of seclusion and privacy has been quite an attraction for many celebrities including Nicole Kidman, Collin Farrell, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, and Mel Gibson, to name a few.

Jacksonville Luxury Living
July 2008
“Have Wedding, Will Travel”

Last year, about 20 percent of couples chose to exchange vows away from home in a romantic getaway spot. Representing a growing market, Destination Weddings are, to many couples, the ideal option for their wedding day.

The lower stress level involved in organizing such a wedding is one of the primary reasons that destination weddings are so popular among couples. The magazine highlights our islands as being one of the best spots for destination weddings.

Romantic and secluded, Tahiti and her Islands offer the perfect setting for lovers, including romantic overwater bungalows, amazing breakfasts delivered by outrigger, stunning blue lagoons, white sand beaches, and deserted motus.

Tahiti has the benefit of offering a wonderful environment for weddings ceremonies as well as for honeymoons.

Fodors.com
October 22nd, 2008
“Tahiti on a budget”

Fodors.com featured a wonderful article on October 22nd, titled “Tahiti on a Budget.” Author, Caroline Gladstone, presents a wonderful alternative for travelers who wish to visit our islands on a limited budget. She introduces to readers different ways of traveling through the islands without spending outrageous amounts of money.

Many possibilities are available to travelers to keep their costs relatively low such as all-inclusive packages, including airfares, accommodations, and transfers, which she refers to as a great way to save money. Luxury and comfort is also possible with a limited budget at a family pension.

Tahiti and her Islands offer many convivial pensions that offer multiple packages including not only the accommodation, but also island tours, breakfast and dinner. Staying at a family pension allows visitors to live a true Polynesian experience without sacrificing on the sense of relaxation, seclusion, and many of the services you would find at a resort.

According to Caroline Gladstone, cruising is another economical alternative to visit several of the islands as it includes transportation, accommodations and food.

In addition, travelers might want to consider renting a villa when traveling with family or with a group of friends. The villas usually offer weekly rates, wonderful amenities as well as beautiful views of the lagoons.

The author reminds readers of the importance of choosing the right island before traveling as some of them offer cheaper alternative than others, such as the island of Moorea or Maupiti.

To view the entire article, please click here.