A STAY AT ST. REGIS BORA BORA

With its pristine palm-fringed beaches, calm gemstone-colored waters, and signature over-water bungalows, Bora Bora has long been regarded as the quintessential honeymoon destination for the posh and privileged. Considering the island is as exclusive as it is exotic, as unspoiled as it is uncrowded, and as idyllic as it is iconic, it’s little wonder adoring newlyweds consistently vote this spot in French Polynesia the most beautiful and romantic in the world.

But in recent years, one of the area’s most celebrated resorts, The St. Regis Bora Bora, has decided to share the love by catering to families, group travelers, and even eco-conscious solo adventurers, just as much as it caters to couples.

The St. Regis Bora Bora’s general manager, Emmanuel Richardet, said the resort is shedding the old stereotype that only newlyweds can appreciate the island. “We work hard to understand what each of our guests want out of their vacation, and then exceed their expectations,” he noted. “We don’t just offer something for everyone, that’s too generic. We have intentionally created a resort, amenities and experiences as unique as the people who visit here.” Pampered guests will find two pools, one for families and the other is for adults only, plus a complimentary Kids Club, fully equipped fitness center and tennis courts. The property also hosts four unique restaurants, each with their own distinct vibe and menus.

This level of detail allows The St. Regis Bora Bora to consistently secure the number one ranking for guest satisfaction across all Marriot properties worldwide. Additionally, the resort boasts one- and two-bedroom over-water bungalows (the largest in Bora Bora) and offers two-bedroom reef-side villas. For those with a bigger family and budget, there’s the three-bedroom Royal Estate Villa, a 13,000-square-foot residence complete with an exclusive stretch of white-sand beach, private pool, and chef’s kitchen.

In addition to providing unparalleled service, Mr. Richardet is committed to protecting the area’s delicate ecosystem. In the short time he’s been at the helm, Mr. Richardet has implemented an onsite coral restoration program, upgraded the resort’s waste management systems, and even hired a full-time environmental engineer focused on sustainability. “I have no desire to simply switch to paper straws so we can check a box and feel good about our efforts,” he said. “True sustainability requires a long-term strategy. It means taking bold action to create a real and lasting impact.”

To that end, Mr. Richardet has formed a “green team,” made up of employees who work to educate their local communities and resort guests about how to be better stewards of the environment. That initiative has resulted in an onsite farmer’s market for locals to sell their fruits and vegetables to staff, a composting program to reduce food waste, and using eco-friendly cleaning products. He has also committed to eliminating all single-use plastics by 2023 and has furthered the resort’s marine conservation efforts by hiring an on-site naturalist, who delights guests with interactive lectures in the lagoonarium. Feeding the resident Napoleon fish, Thierry, and learning about this endangered species is part of the fun.

As noted by Donna Zajack, visiting from Mays Landing, New Jersey, “To find a place as equally focused on service as it is sustainability, it just sets the bar so high. The week we spent here at The St Regis Bora Bora has blown me away. Nothing compares.”

To learn more or reserve your escape, visit: stregis.com/borabora.

SOURCEAmy Roberts
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