The most complete GUIDE to the INSIDE
The Insider’s Club October 2016
Hot Spot of the Month
Bora Bora, French Polynesia + Things to Know About Where to Go
Featured Experience
Couples Retreat Package
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences Tech News
Travel Technology
Choose Your News Explore: Bora Bora, French Polynesia 4-5 What To Do While You Are There 6-11 Where To Stay 12-13 Featured Experience: Couples Retreat Package 14-15 Exclusive Virtuoso World Travel Experiences 16-27 Tech News: Travel Technology 28-29
A WORD FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR
Dear Fellow Travelers & Adventurers, In this month’s newsletter we are featuring Bora Bora, French Polynesia as well as our monthly tech news, travel tips, things and places to see in our hot spot, and exclusive travel deals from around the world. As always we welcome any suggestions you may have for this newsletter. Please let us know if there is a specific location, hotel, restaurant, excursion, etc. you would like us to feature. Thank you for your business and the opportunity to collaborate on your travel dreams. I look forward to arranging your next great adventure.
-Lena
Explore: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Explore: Bora Bora, French Polynesia Written by US News Travel The small island of Bora Bora (just 6 miles long and more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. Dormant volcanoes rise up at its center and fan out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote “Tales of the South Pacific,” called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world.” The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the “pearl of the Pacific.” The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals. And as you might’ve already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (small surrounding islands) is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora’s quaint town), hike Mount Otemanu and much more.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia What to do while your there
Matira Beach Matira Beach is one of the only public access beaches in Bora Bora making it extremely popular with visitors. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and downy. Matira Beach is also peppered with resorts, shops and eateries, so it’s a convenient place to spend most of a day. Travelers and locals alike have nothing but good things to say about the beach. Most comment on the incredibly blue water and how the shoreline is rarely ever crowded making it the perfect place for some R & R.
Don’t forget to check out the latest Virtuoso Life!
Mount Otemanu Mount Otemanu is one of two extinct volcanoes at the center of the island. Rising 2,400 feet above the lagoon, this volcanic remnant makes for a dramatic photo op or an adrenaline-pumping adventure. In fact, many say a trip to Bora Bora isn’t complete without a visit to the top of this breathtaking mountain. And fear not, hiking isn’t your only option; you can enjoy Mount Otemanu in all sorts of ways — a 4x4 tour, a boat tour, a helicopter tour or even some casual snapshots on the beach.
Vaitape Let’s be honest: You didn’t come here to sample the city life. But Bora Bora’s main town on the west coast of the island is worth a few hours of your time. You’ll find a number of eateries and boutiques along its central (and unnamed) corridor. Vaitape also boasts a tourist office, a couple of gas stations and a medical center, among other establishments. In fact, the Lagoonarium is located in Viatape, so after swimming with the marine life, check out the rest of the town where you can grab some grub and stroll the local shops.
Coral Gardens On a small islet just east of the main island and directly across from the Sofitel Marara, you’ll find a gorgeous coral reef. Because the reef isn’t far below the water, all you need to bring with you to spy the cache of colorful fish is some snorkeling goggles. But keep in mind that the beaches are filled with coral and not sand, so it gets a little rocky. Many past travelers recommend bringing water shoes or aqua socks to save your feet. Recent visitors rave about the amount of fish and sea life that was visible, as well as the beautiful coloring of the marine life.
Shark/Stingray Feeding Bora Bora’s crystal-clear blue waters and incredibly soft white sand are probably the main reasons you planned a trip in the first place. So what better way to say thank you to Mother Nature than by feeding the animals that live in it? Tour companies, such as Moana Adventure Tours and Reef Discovery, offer snorkeling, and shark and stingray feedings and encounters. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with native blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in their natural habitats. And if you don’t feel comfortable feeding the stingrays and sharks, you’ll still be able to enjoy snorkeling the reefs and seeing the plethora of rainbow-colored fish.
Bora Bora Lagoonarium The Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium on a small motu (island), just east of the main island. (By “natural,” we mean that this aquarium isn’t man-made. Rather, it’s a portion of the actual lagoon). One of the coolest things about this family-owned attraction is that you can actually snorkel on the premises under the supervision of wildlife guides. Beneath the lagoon’s surface, you’ll spy sharks, turtles, rays and many different kinds of ocean fish. And depending on what tour you choose (full-day, half-day morning or half-day afternoon), you’ll enjoy a number of other perks like a canoe tour of the island or a barbeque picnic.
Bora Bora
Where you should stay
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Chilled aromatic towels and bottled water await as you arrive via private luxury boat at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Located on its own island and surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, it is a vision of South Seas perfection. Follow wooden walkways to your spacious overwater bungalow, replete with teak furniture; some also feature a private plunge pool. Or opt for one of the seven magnificent villas on the gleaming white-sand beach. Distinctive touches include the fragrance of vanilla and the texture of black pearls in the spa, alfresco dining overlooking Bora Bora’s famed lagoon and signature Four Seasons service at every turn. ASK ME ABOUT MY EXCLUSIVE VIRTUOSO AMENITIES
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort A defining feature of The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is Miri Miri Spa by Clarins, on its own private island and offering Tahitian- and Pacific Rim–inspired treatments. After your pampering escape, slip into the Zen swimming pool and marvel at the views of Mount Otemanu in the distance. With a private lagoon, swim-up bar, Kids Creativity Club and varied dining experiences — from sushi and sake to Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s cuisine in the breathtaking Lagoon restaurant — there’s something to suit all tastes. Take time to relax in your villa, complete with a plasma television, high-speed Internet access and exclusive St. Regis Butler service.
Featured Experience: Couples Retreat Package Couples Retreat Package: St. Regis Bora Bora Available through Dec. 25, 2016 Package includes: • Stay five nights, pay four nights • Guaranteed upgrade from Overwater Deluxe Otemanu Villa to Overwater Premier Otemanu Villa with Whirlpool OR from Reefside Garden Pool Villa to Beachside Pool Villa at time of reservation • One bottle of Rose Champagne on arrival, can be sabered by the Butler upon request at time of arrival • One Pearl of the Pacific chocolate amenity on arrival • Daily Full Breakfast included at Te Pahu Restaurant only • One complimentary dinner for 2 • One 50 minute Couples Massage at Miri Miri Spa by Clarins
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Fall Sale At The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island! Nassau, Bahamas
Valid for travel now through December 20th, 2016
Experience Includes: • • • • • • •
Fall Sale! - Up to 40% off room rate Up to $500 Resort Credit Access to 141-acre Atlantis Aquaventure Wi-Fi in guest rooms and lobby areas Access to fitness center for up to 2 guests The Cove Ocean Suite 5 Nights from $1799 per person
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
The Resort at Pelican Hill Newport Coast, CA United States
Valid for travel now through June 30th, 2017
Experience Includes: • • • •
Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability $50 Breakfast credit daily for Bungalow guests ($100 credit for Villa guests) A $100 USD equivalent Golf or Spa Services credit (not combinable, not valid toward retail, no cash value if not redeemed in full, does not include taxes or gratuities) • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Four Seasons Hotel Miami Miami, FL United States
Valid for travel now through December 24th, 2016
Experience Includes: • Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Fairmont Grand Del Mar San Diego, CA United States
Valid for travel now through December 31st, 2016
Experience Includes: • Stay 2 nights and receive the 3rd night complimentary • Upgrade at time of booking for guest room categories up to Fairway, subject to availability • Daily full breakfast for up to two in-room guests (value of up to $50 per room/suite per day) • $100 USD Activity credit per stay, valid for golf play, golf instruction, the Spa services, and/or Explorer’s Club fees to be utilized during stay • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali, Indonesia
Valid for travel now through October 31st 2016
Experience Includes: • • • •
Pay for six nights, stay for nine! Daily continental breakfast for two $100 food and beverage credit per stay Early check-in and late checkout, if available
Exclusive Virtuoso
World Travel Experiences
Belmond La Samanna Baie Longue, Saint Martin
Valid for travel now through December 22nd, 2016
Experience Includes: • • • •
Stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night complimentary Automatic upgrade on arriva Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests A complimentary lunch for up to two people once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities • Fruit basket in the room • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Tech News: Travel Tech
Cardiff Wings – Sleep. Made. Easy Cardiff Wings are one of the first and only airplane headrests you’ll ever need. It’s truly a device that makes sleeping on the go super easy. The fully adjustable design of Cardiff Wings can accommodate users of all sizes. By attaching to your seat with a simple, universal mount, the Cardiff Wings provide lateral support to keep the user’s head and body upright and comfortably aligned in the seat as they sleep. TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER CLICK ON PRODUCT IMAGE
Narrative Wearable Clip Camera Relive your life’s best moments with Narrative, the wearable clip camera. Easily attaching to your clothing or gear and equipped with a two-day battery life, this compact and inconspicuous camera will record all the moments from your day with photos. Narrative has enough built-in storage for an incredible 6000 images so you can capture candid moments at every turn.
Sunscreenr – Is Your Skin Protected? Sunscreenr is a special UV camera that shows you sunscreen coverage and protection. It is a waterproof, durable, ultra-portable device which is pretty simple to use. The idea was to come up with a project that would help you protect yourself and your kids from extensive sun damage. This viewer will make it easy for you to analyze where your skin is covered by sunscreen and where it’s not. Sunscreenr Sees Unprotected Skin. It will show you where you’ve missed a spot when applying sunscreen and where sunscreen has worn off your skin even after sweating, swimming, or toweling off.