Checking in next week. Never received an email regarding paid upgrades but the app now shows that we're in an horizon Endless View Pool Villa for our entire stay (3 separate reservations). That seems like a nice upgrade from the standard points rooms. An OWV would be nice for at least part of the time, but we're very happy either way! How bad is the hill? Is it walkable or will we need to mostly rely on carts to go up?

Edit: Just received a nor-1 e-standby paid upgrade offer for the first of our three reservations. It shows us reserved in a Horizon View Pool Villa and is offering paid upgrades to Deluxe OWV 69,812 XPF, Pool OWV 152,712 XPF, and Royal OWV 297,809 XPF (all per night). Will pass on this for now.

Just curious about your update. Do you currently have diamond or gold status?

Would you be able to let us know next week if the breakfast buffet is indeed free for diamond and gold members?

Just returned. Can confirm breakfast (cold, hot, and a la carte) is included for Diamonds, no more credit non-sense.

We stayed in one of these villas and enjoyed them. They are spacious, have a nice layout and a fantastic panoramic view.

They are on two levels, you can clearly see them on the aerial pictures of the resort. The second tier is quite a walk, both in distance and elevation. We did not mind as we are hikers. If it is of concern you may want to drop them an email to ask to be assigned a villa on the lower tier.

We have Diamond status. Someone else just responded that breakfast buffet is free for diamond, not sure about gold. The hotel is pretty full during our upcoming stay, with at least one night completely sold out, so I am thrilled that it appears we are getting an upgrade.

Thank you for the reply! I'll probably just wait and see how it pans out. I don't want to push my luck with this upgrade, lol. We are by no means hikers but could use the exercise. I assume we can call a cart to haul us up if needed.

That is great news! How was your stay?

I am staying at Hilton Tahiti for 1 night before bora bora. Does local taxis take credit card?

I don't think so. I remember making sure I got cash from the ATM at the airport

hi guys..i think i joined when i first got my drone almost 10 years ago. and here i am talking about bora bora.

anyways...
has anyone ever considered/done renting/chartering a cat from papeete to the conrad?

there are many sites that look like airbnbs for boats, and i see them listed as low as $400-$900 a night.

we are a group of 8, which means ~$175 flight (OW ppt-bob) and $75 OW shuttle (from bob-conrad = about $350pp x 8 = $2800 just to get to the conrad from ppt.

and not to mention same thing the way back. so thats $5600 both ways, just to get to the resort.

so my thinking is, we get to ppt a day or 2 before our checkin, leasuirely sail, anchor and jump in the water, and arrive at conrad later in the day, or the next day.

anyone every try this before? or is my thinking way off here.

One other cost to check out is if the hotel charges to use their dock. I know this sounds nuts, but I had a similar discussion with Maldives Hilton Saii Lagoon a couple of years ago and they had a docking fee. Also does the cost include a captain and insurance? Fuel? etc, etc.

yea, i know theres a lot of fees that can quickly add up.and yes, there probably is a docking fee. thats why im asking if theres anyone that has done this, and what it was like cost wise.
i dont mind spending a little more money because it definitely adds to our trip experience, being on a cat rather than the cookie cutter flight.

For what it's worth, I'm planning on sailing French Poly on a shared 7-day catamaran charter. We start and end at Raiatea, and typically sail to Bora Bora and Tahaa. I did this last year and was lucky enough to sail from Rangiroa, but that was a really short-term thing. If you like sailing & luxury, you might like this. PM me if you want more info. They also sail other destinations. Fully crewed - captain and first mate/cook at a minimum, sometimes more crew.

I guess 90% don't, most require cash

Very enjoyable stay! Had mixed feelings after my first stay at the resort but they've done a good job and made improvements across the board. Would not hesitate to return.
The Four Seasons remains my favorite resort in Bora Bora but it comes with the Four Seasons price tag.

Glad to hear they have made improvements, and you enjoyed your stay! We'll be there for nine nights starting next week. Looking forward to it!

Keep monitoring the app for upgrades! We were also upgraded to a Horizon Pool Villa several days out and then upgraded again to a Deluxe OWV 1 day out for our entire 8-night stay.