We were wringing our hands for a bit after the STR was booked...based on reports that the hotel upgraded in advance and would show on the app. Inventory was variable on the nights we were staying (checking every day), booked a month out. We found out the morning of that we were upgraded...it is also high occupancy time for both Thalasso and STR.

We never asked Thalasso for a quote - based on reviews that we read, STR was the cheapest.

True that Thalasso now charges for every transfer (the previous 3 stays, they did not). Way to get around it is to rent the Twizle (electric 2-person car, cramped...) for 110k XPF ($110) and it will include your transfer back and forth. 4 hours with the car and pretty cool way to get around. Very limited storage, no AC, no windows...but nice breeze as you drive.

STR does not charge for their shuttles, but there aren't many of them scheduled. I think they are shared with staff sometimes, which is fine too...we are taking a staff shuttle back after one of our excursions. I don't think they have any scheduled shuttles to allow people to eat dinner on the main island.