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Thatched-roof bungalows
at the Sheraton Moorea |
Sheraton's
New Resorts on the "Islands of Love"
Lavish living in romantic French Polynesia on the isles of Tahiti,
Bora Bora and Moorea
By Toby Saltzman
As if just being there on Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea wasn't
romantic enough, Sheraton's three new resorts in these glorious
French Polynesian islands are giving new allure to romancing the
South Pacific. In October 2000, the exotic, 106-unit Sheraton Moorea
Resort opened on the island known for its chiseled mountainscape
and acrobatic Spinner Dolphins. Earlier this year, the Sheraton
Hotel Tahiti opened in Papeete, on the fragrant island dubbed "the
Island of Love." In 2002, Sheraton will open a lavish resort and
spa on Bora Bora, where high peaks rise from opalescent waters.
Set on a private, 10-acre lagoon surrounded by pristine white beaches
and volcanic peaks, the Sheraton Moorea features accommodations
that blend island ambiance with sybaritic luxury. The prime accommodations
are the thatched roof bungalows perched on stilts over the water,
clustered on the beach and bordering aromatic gardens. Those over
water have glass floor panels that allow views of the brilliant
fish swimming below. The resort also offers family units set amid
lush flora.
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The resort’s
"infinity pool" drops into the lagoon
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The accommodations combine the natural beauty of native materials
with contemporary amenities, including satellite television with
CNN and HBO, and direct-dial telephones with computer data ports.
Apparently no expense was spared by the resort owners, the prestigious
Societe des Hotels Tahitiens S.A. Reflecting the island's French
Polynesian heritage, rooms feature teakwood floors and spacious
bathrooms with elegant French fixtures and cast-iron, claw-footed
bathtubs where guests can soak while gazing out to the crystal clear
lagoon or turquoise sea beyond.
The Sheraton Moorea offers a wealth of facilities and amenities
including an outdoor "infinity pool" that literally drops into the
lagoon, a fitness club, tennis, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking,
scuba diving and yachting. Guests may explore the crystal clear
lagoon surrounding a nearby "motu" or tiny isle with snorkeling
equipment provided in their rooms, free of charge. Other services
include a business center, gift boutique with pearl shop, babysitting
services, facilities for the disabled and rental cars. As well,
the Sheraton Moorea boasts two restaurants focusing on authentic
Polynesian and French cuisine, featuring tropical fruits, garden-fresh
legumes and freshly caught fish.
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The bungalows feature
luxurious amenities |
The resort's Mandara Spa is sure to be a holiday highlight. With
an emphasis on holistic healing, therapists offer Polynesian massage
with Tahitian oil, natural facial treatments, foot reflexology and
body scrubs. Massages - even honeymooner massages for two - can
be arranged on private bungalow decks, on the beach or in the spa.
As if just dreaming of Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea isn't
enough to lure you there, take note. Sheraton, a division of Starwood
Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, offers its "Starwood Preferred Guests"
these stunning French Polynesian resorts as part of their "ultimate
'rewards' destinations." In other words: if you rack up enough points
by staying at various Starwood hotels and resorts around the world,
you can conceivably save up enough points to earn a "free" stay
at one of these French Polynesian resorts. On the other hand, if
you can't wait to accrue points, it's easy enough to just go
there.
Details:
For details about the Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
or the Sheraton Hotel Tahiti, consult your travel agent or visit:
www.starwoodhotels.com
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