Destinations

Does exotic locale, clear turquoise waters, pampering service, and luxurious surroundings sound exactly like what you envisioned for your dream vacation or honeymoon? All of this and more can be found at the elegant St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora.

After arriving at the resort by gorgeous yacht, I was escorted to my beautiful Deluxe Overwater Villa. With 1,550 square feet of incomparable luxury I felt like I had arrived at my own personal mini-palace. The villas at St. Regis include butler service, twice daily maid service, two 42-inch plasma TV’s, Bose CD/DVD player, wifi, and many more ultra-modern amenities. For those days at the pool or beach you will also find a beach bag with towels and snorkeling equipment for two.

The décor is understated elegance. The hardwood floors lend to a feeling of warmth throughout the villa. With a king sized bed and luxurious linens you will want to stay in bed longer than you know you should have. The bathroom is enormous! There are mirrors that slide that allow you to view the lagoon from the shower and vanity area. Dual sinks with granite counter tops, a separate WC, walk-in closet, a open shower with rain showerhead, and my personal favorite, the huge soaking tub with all types of wonderful smelling bath products to help you indulge your senses.

My favorite area of the villa and a place where I spent as much leisurely time as possible was my overwater desk. There were two comfy loungers for relaxing in the sun and a covered dining area that was perfect for enjoying appetizers and a glass of wine all while admiring the view of Mt. Otemanu and beautiful Bora Bora sunsets. Being able to dive, swim, and snorkel from your private deck was incredibly fun. Where else would you have such an opportunity?

The St. Regis accommodations range from Overwater Villas to Pool Beach Villas, Private Oceanfront Pool Villas, 2 Bedroom Royal Oceanfront Villas, and the Royal Villa. The Royal Villa is spectacular with 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, incredible artwork, and private pool and beach to name a few of the amenities. No wonder why Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban chose this as their honeymoon destination.

Everything you would expect from a luxury five star resort can be found here. From the relaxing lagoon beach where you can find water activities, the oversized pool with swim-up bar and the 13,000 square foot Spa and Fitness Center, you can truly find your own way to relax. There are also three restaurants to choose from including the signature restaurant, Lagoon by world-renowned chef Jean-George Vongerichten. It is truly a culinary treat in a tropical wonderland.

Whether you are looking for a magical honeymoon destination, a multi-island stopover, or that special place to be pampered and let the stress of everyday life disappear, the St. Regis Bora Bora is that perfect fit.

Virtuoso travel advisors share their top island getaways, from tropical havens to cosmopolitan escapes in the March/April Islands issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE.

1. Hawaii - The 50th state was hands down the most popular choice for tropical bliss, with Maui the top individual island. “Love the beaches, the people, the ambiance, the closeness to other islands for day trips, the sun, the golf, the food - I love it all.”
2. Tahiti - Running a close second was this South Pacific paradise, with Bora-Bora - and its overwater bungalows - receiving the most raves. “The color of the water is truly amazing, and the people are wonderful, very friendly and welcoming. I fell in love with Bora-Bora.”
3. Anguilla - “On this island in the Lesser Antilles, the people are beautiful on the inside, the beaches are beautiful on the outside, and the food is great too. I love Anguilla so much I’ve brought a boyfriend and two husbands here - not at the same time, of course.”
4. Saint Bart’s - “It has terrific beaches, amazing restaurants, great live music, and the local people are eclectic and fun. I love to stay in a villa with a pool and visit a different beach each day. It is also a perfect island for celebrity spotting.”
5. Vancouver Island - “It may not be tropical, but it has so many opportunities to experience nature: temperate rain forest, fjords, wild sea life, storms blowing in off the Pacific. It is one of the world’s most diverse, gorgeous places.”
6. Fiji - “It’s so remote and romantic. You can walk out of your beachfront bure and hop into the water for a swim or snorkel. The Fijians make a stay very special and are truly the most friendly and hospitable people on earth.”
7. Barbados - “What better combination is there than white sand and blue sparkling water? Add to that luxurious resorts with fabulous spas and golf courses, loads of colorful festivals, and sunken ships to explore by tank or snorkel, and there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”
8. Tasmania - “With a third of the island designated as national parkland, the unspoiled scenery is spectacular. From lakes to beaches and forests, you can hike, ride horseback, swim, fish, kayak, scuba dive, and spot wildlife. The island’s cool-climate wines are excellent, and Tassie has some of the nicest people you will find anywhere.”
9. Easter Island - “The peace and serenity of the place are overwhelming. The guides are fantastic, the food outstanding, the scenery breathtaking, and the people wonderful. The sky is so blue and the ocean even bluer. It’s a great place for couples or families.”
10. Nevis - “It’s the kind of place where you don’t need those few days to unwind. You can relax as soon as you arrive. A hammock on the beach is all I need, but there are guided hikes, golf and spa at the Four Seasons, plantation houses to visit or stay at, and a ferry that visits nearby Saint Kitts.”
11. Aitutaki - “One of the Cook Islands, Aitutaki is one of my favorite places on earth. You can walk in the knee-high water for miles, find conches the size of a sink, feel like you are alone, and totally rejuvenate.”
12. Bali - “The Balinese radiate a spiritual beauty. I love the emerald green rice paddies, the haunting music of gamelan, and watching the women balance stacks of fruit on their heads as they glide gracefully toward a Hindu ceremony at one of the mini-temples on the island.”
13. Bermuda - “There’s so much to see and do, with scenery, history, charm, and year-round temperate weather. Everything is clean, the people are gracious, and it has a great economy.”
14. Capri - “I love Capri for its great views and Italian charm. If you spend time here, you discover places that entice you to return. It’s wonderful to sit in the piazza and sip an espresso or wander the narrow streets. The pizza here is the best anywhere.”
15. Santorini - “This Greek isle is always at the top of my list, with is whitehead cliffside dwellings overlooking the most unusual shade of blue in the caldera. Spend the day sightseeing and shopping; come late afternoon, trek to the village of Oia to watch the sunset, then enjoy a dinner of fabulous local food, topped off with a little singing and dancing.