Woodsmit

Never tried that one but we did do the vitamin sea catamaran. enjoyed the four hour sail. may get bored after 4-5 hours. many do afternoon to sunset tours. (We did ours during the day so can't speak to experience at sunset.).

What i can say is that the sunset is very nice from the St. Regis. At the end, however, it gets a little clipped by the mountains. If you go as close as the four seasons (which is right next to the st. regis) you can see the sunset over the water, which is an equally cool view but different from what you can see from St. Regis. Point is, it will be different from your room view and you don't need to go too far from hotel by boat to get a different view.

One cool thing i saw at four seasons that was not at st. regis is this little sand island that has a great sunset view. four seasons I think does custom dinners out there. sure it is ridiculously expensive and you would have to pay for the boat to four seasons which is expensive.

kmcbrid2

Can anyone advise if there is a club or free drinks for PLT members?

I have booked a general OWB as PLT do they usually upgrade to OVB with view of Mt?

Any other benefits besides breakfast?

Woodsmit

No club or other benefits besides the breakfast. I have been twice and been upgraded both times (Deluxe --> premier) but I think it is very much a matter of what is available at any given time as everything is a suite, your are already in a standard suite.

bhrubin

That is what I've heard, too--and what I expect. My guess is that my Plat 100+ status--and my Ambassador--will also be helpful in putting my upgrade priority to the front of the line for our upcoming April 2016 stay.

kmcbrid2

Can anyone provide their experience with the Butler, what they offer and help with and expectation for tips?

Dr. HFH

You mean at this property or generally? If generally, there's a thread on that topic, IIRC.

kmcbrid2

At this property

JBauer

How does Plat breakfast work here? Traveling with wife and 2 young kids (7 and 5). I imagine they only have to extend the offer of free breakfast to two people in a room? Anyone experienced otherwise? And is it full or do you have to pay for full breakfast?

Thanks.

Rudiger

I am booked at the STR this summer - the first few nights we are on an oceanfront villa- but I can't seem to find the difference b/t "oceanfront" and "pool/beachside". Except that oceanfront is 2700 sq ft! We really don't need all that room for just 2 of us. We booked the oceanfront bc it was all they had- but if something comes up I'd want to change it- does anyone have pics of the differences- I have searched all the pics on their site, tripadvisor, and even emailed the hotel but they just repeated the description on the website. Thanks anyone who can help.

tenmoc

Hi Rudiger.
Besides the size which you mentioned, the biggest difference is that the Oceanfront rooms, the pools attached to them face the ocean instead of the lagoon. In other words, they face southeast. If you look on google maps or a map of the property they'll be the rooms on the far left. The Beachside Pool rooms face the main island of Bora Bora and the lagoon. Also be aware the sq footage is the entire room complex and not just what is under the roof.
Hope this helps.

kmcbrid2

Any comments on the butler service for this property, is it worth it and are you expected to tip?

I also have notice a club lounge on the map, if the property does not have a club lounge then can someone advise what this is?

Has anyone used the "Delights Delivered" feature at the hotel? My wife will be celebrating her 40th and wanted to get cake and flowers. At any other hotel I would try and use my PLT card to get the hotel to provide this for free but I'm guessing at this hotel I need to expect to par for this and "Delights Delivered" seems to be the place to request it.

I was able to snag a rate of XPF 68K/night for 4 nights in late march for Superior overwater villa. I'm hoping to get upgraded to Deluxe so I can at least get a good view. Is 68K/night a decent rate for Superior OWV.

mrlonghorn

I don't think you are *expected* to tip but when I stayed there a few months ago I did tip. I'm sure the service would be fine if you didn't tip but it can only be better if you do... I found it worth it.

When they bring you coffee, etc. I would tip the equivalent of ~$5 (USD) - I think about 500 XPF. If the concierge or butler makes you reservations at La Villa Mahana tip them the equivalent of USD $20.

Also, if you are Starwood Plat, make sure your reservation reflects this (e.g., if you booked via Virtuoso, etc. let them know before you get there). The GM (Richard) is a great guy and he was very, very nice to us with a few nice, complimentary items. YMMV.

Woodsmit

BTW - on the oceanfront vs. lagoon rooms. The ocean view is quite nice but you can't swim in it, too rough / rocky. It is also a little isolated feeling and close to the helipad. Not superfrequently used, but FYI.

The lagoon rooms, as a result, are more functional as you are very close to the area where you can actually swim. Marginally closer to other resort amenities as well.

As for room size, all the rooms on property are quite large as far as rooms go.

JBauer

Anyone have recent experience with kids club? We are going with two families in March?

Also curious about platinum breakfast question? I know they don't have to, but wondering if they will extend it to 4 people in a room. Two adults and two kids ages 7 and 5.

starbuk

Is it easy to swim in the water near the Superior Bungalows? Is the water clear enough to do so and is there a large current to worry about? Thank in advance.