You are not standing in any water unless it is the first few coming off the start of the pontoons.

Those you can stand in potentially. Otherwise the water is deeper. I don't know that anyone knows how deep.

You can see the floor of the lagoon on a sunny clear day but that doesn't mean it's shallow!

My wife prefers to have a water depth of around 4’ when getting off the bungalow deck. So she can swim or stand. Are you saying that the water depth is deeper than 4’ at the lagoon view bungalows?

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8774d3039.jpeg
Based on my experiences there anything inside the white line (closer to the beach) you could stand in. Anything outside you can't.

I can't be sure about the bungalows on the bottom of the image (which is the left side of the resort) as I'm pretty certain as I kayaked between them towards the inner lagoon the water was deeper that side. On the upper side it is possible the orange bungalows may just about be in standable water however there is a channel from the ocean on that side and I'd say pretty strong currents. Unlike the bottom side.

Honestly the safe bet here is stay inside my white line. Which is only 4 bungalows.

Thank you for your detailed reply.

Destination Fee
 

Has anyone cancelled a points stay 30 days prior to their arrival? On the booking page it shows I will be charged a destination fee. I just want to confirm that I won’t be charged the destination fee if I cancel 30 days prior to arrival.

TIA

Accoring to Marriott over the phone and Twitter, you will not be charged the destination fee if you cancel 30 days prior.

Beer
 

Does anyone know what the hours are for purchasing beer on a Sunday? I believe it’s till 11am but I can’t remember.

TIA

Here now
 

I'm here now and can answer questions!


we are switching to another hotel (4S) today for myriad reasons.


cliff notes:

1) Beautiful property with lovely common spaces. Pool and beach areas are breathtaking.

2) Terrible service with poorly trained, inattentive staff. So many instances from check in to restaurants to transport.

3) Bungalows are small and not designed well. No ventilation in WC or closet area. Vanity right next to bed is weird.


While it's cheaper in cost compared to other properties, it's still pricey! Unless you're getting some amazing point redemption and lower your expectations, I'd stay somewhere else.


It just doesn't feel luxe.


hopefully they work out their kinks.

Your bungalow is a smaller design, there are plenty that have more space and a different design.

My experience was that the staff were very good and I preferred it to the St Regis next 'door' which was infested with insects.

But everyone has different experiences depending on where your staying, the room type and the circumstances.

I would say one thing I love about Bora Bora is the calm lagoon (when it isn't windy) which is great for jet skiing.

I was in Bali on Lombongon island in February and went Jetskiing and I couldn't even get out of the bay as the water was too rough for my comfort.

So you only get service if you're staying in a "better" bungalow? That seems lovely. With that attitude, I'm we left. And -- FWIW -- are spending much more to be at the 4S.

I didn't say you should get worse service. I'm saying maybe you were just unlucky.

I've read the FS has insect issues too. Both the St Regis and FS need a refurb. The grounds are beautiful but they are aged.

I preferred the modern clean Westin.

I woke up with dead Cockroaches on my pillow a couple times at the FS, and also really didn't enjoy the food or restaurants. No bug issues at the St Regis when we were there, but with any tropical local, bugs are a common occurrence. Restaurants and service were good. Staying at the Westin over Christmas this year, will be interesting to compare.

congrats? would you like a cookie?

does anyone have any insight/experience in upgrades on a points reservation?

-room upgrades
-food upgrades (half board, breakfast, etc)

Hi,
been to Westin Bora Bora, returned 5days ago, been for 3 nights.
booked with points.

When booking via points, was unable to select any package containing food (breakfast, HB, FB etc.).
Contacted hotel after booking prior arrival to clarify how to priceed, if being Marriot Gold (only, as my 2nd choice hotel brand program).

Answer from hotel (ref. food):
- unable to book breakfast or any other food.packages while using points;
- no complimentary breakfast for Gold;
- breakfast bufet fot 5500 XPF / person.

This at the was as noted previously. Breakfast is exceptional.

Ref accomodation itself:
- No complimentary upgrade made comparing to what booked (overwater villa facing lagoon = backwards/side vs. Mt. Otemanu);
- No upgrade even offered.


Hope this helps.