Originally Posted by
physi
If you are going to a restaurant in the main island, make a reservation through the hotel concierge, so they can arrange necessary transfer for you. St. Regis will provide a complimentary boat ride to its own dock in Anau, and the restaurant will send a ride to the dock. Depending on which restaurant you are going, the pick up service can be free or for a fee (~USD$10).
This way, you do not have to worry about the time. The resort, the restaurant, and the driver will do their due diligence so you can relax and enjoy your time.
La Villa Mahana is hard to make a reservation, but definitely worth going. So I would contact the restaurant in advance, and let the concierge arrange the transfer.
Other than going to a restaurant, St. Regis also provides daily transfers to the main island (I believe twice a day) and a mini-bus ride to Robert Wan boutique in Vaitape. This transfer is free, but you would need to make an arrangement with hotel concierge.
My experience was from Dec. 2013, so things could have been changed since then.
From what others told us this April while we were there, that sounds about right.
For Villa Mahana, though, some thought it was nice but not as nice as the dining at the StR. But most enjoyed the change of pace and eating somewhere "local". But be warned--everyone warned me there was no air con, which is why I canceled!
