I envy those who were able to experience places before this development, just as we discussed re the Maldives. Also, prices in many of these places used to be far more reasonable. Even adjusting for inflation, in the past couple of decades demand has driven rates to stratospheric levels in many top destinations.

What is your favorite resort in French Polynesia?

The last few posts sound like a perfect summary of why I’ve avoided Hawaii thus far. And yet, here I am.

I’ve been following the Hawaii thread for the last year. These would all be in consideration.
Big Island
- FS Hualalai
- Mauna Kea (manta rays!)
Maui
- Montage
Lanai
- FS
Kauai
- St.R Princeville
- Timbers

Haven’t ruled out Oil Nut Bay, though.

Thanks for the great feedback, everyone. Lots to think about.

I think Hualalai in particular would be an excellent choice with King’s Pond, and the Four Seasons children’s programs etc...

While St. Regis Princeville does certainly have amazing views, friends of mine - who are normally St.Regis fans and have platinum status with Marriott/Starwood - avoid it because the hotel itself is a very large property and not very attractive. It’s a big box, “luxury” mass market property. They do, however, love Kauai and regularly visit other resorts there.

MikeFromTokyo asked me this and the answer isn't simple. I have favourite islands rather than hotels. However, I have a rather sinister history of closing hotels in which I stay. I stayed a few times at the Hyatt Regency (formerly the Tarara I think) on Tahiti and I loved that, especially the location. That closed down. I've stayed at the Hilton on Tahiti which had the best position of all. That closed down. I stayed a few times at the Hotel Bora Bora and we all know what happened to that and I mourn its loss every day. I stayed at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, owned by Orient Express, and that was blown away by a cyclone and never re-opened. Finally, I stayed at a Sofitel on Huahine - a gorgeous location, a lousy hotel and it closed down.

So I like Tahiti itself, Bora Bora and Huahine. These days I would opt for a simple business hotel in downtown Papeete or maybe the Pearl up on Matavai Bay. I loathe the Inter-Continental. On Bora Bora I would only opt for the Pearl which has the absolute classic view and it's on its own motu. The FS, St Regis etc are on the other side of the lagoon all in a deadly row like a honeymoon battery farm. I've never found a hotel I like on Moorea - the Hilton seems to get most people's vote but I find it claustrophobic. Nice snorkelling though. The Sofitel Moorea was OK until they built the OWBs. I much prefer Huahine and might try it out again later this year - there are a couple of nice looking three-star options, especially the Maitai Lapita which is on the site of the old Bali Hai. Finally the Tuamotus - I like these atolls more than the high islands and would return to Rangiroa or Tikehau in a heartbeat. I've yet to show up at The Brando - I'll pay that sort of money for an expedition cruise but not for a hotel like that and while it certainly has its appealing aspects I think I'd feel uncomfortable with the crowd there. And they with me.

So sad to hear everyone talking about Hotel Bora Bora. We honeymooned in one of those “beach shacks”. We woke up very early in the morning, walked right out the door and into the water with our snorkel gear. The colorful little fishes swam at us from all directions....they were very well fed and so friendly. That’s exactly the kind of experience I’d like to share with my son.

So, I just did a search for 3 business class tickets to Bora Bora. $6500-$7500 each. That puts us at about $20,000 in tickets. We can’t justify that when we have enough miles to go anywhere else in the world.

We’ll have to think about this a great deal. Rethink what’s most important. The Star Alliance component is a must, however. (unless we end up somewhere closer to home).

Thanks again, everyone.

Given the ease of getting to Hawaii on United, and that you still have yet to go there, it seems like a perfect opportunity to try it. Snorkeling does not have to be Planet Earth level to be enjoyable for a seven year old. And wherever you go, he can learn how to snorkel for future trips to the Maldives, French Polynesia, North Island, etc...

For future trips, it is relatively easy to get Air France or Air Tahiti Nui award tickets if you have the right miles. AA miles work on Tahiti Nui, and AF/Sky Team on air france. These miles are also attainable through credit card spend, including Amex Membership Rewards. Also, if you do any stays at point earning hotels, those points can often be converted to miles.

Since you have already plenty of UA miles, if you know there will be a trip to Bora Bora coming up, it might be a good idea to accrue miles for that purpose. Just in case you do not feel like dropping $20k on airline tickets. Also, be sure to check for discounted fares for children, as you know they can be significantly lower than regular adult fares.

And IF we end up in Hawaii, we can probably set aside the notion of walking out the door to spectacular snorkeling. I’m sure there are nice little snorkel spots we can drive to. Thank you, great concierge.