PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

The most traditionally Polynesian resort on Bora Bora, the Pearl Beach resides on Motu Tevairoa, the largest of the flat islets dotting the outer reef, and it has better views of Mount Otemanu across the lagoon than does the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort to its south . Covered by interconnected conical thatched roofs, the open-air restaurant, main bar, and library stand on a raised earthen platform, which enhances their views over a large swimming pool to the lagoon and mountains. Guests can also enjoy splashing or snorkeling in the natural sand-bottom lagoon. Gilles Pétré, one of French Polynesia's top dive operators, is in charge of the shop here (and all other Pearl resorts). Long, curving piers extend out to 50 overwater bungalows, which ooze Polynesian charm. The 15 premium units are worth paying extra for, because they are more private than the others and enjoy unimpeded views of Bora Bora. If privacy is more important than the sound of water lapping under your bungalow, consider one of the garden bungalows, which have private courtyards with sun decks and splash pools. If you bring the kids, opt for a beachside bungalow with a separate bedroom. Although it lacks a sea view, the gorgeous spa is on an islet surrounded by lily ponds (among other treatments, you can get a tattoo). An annoying drawback here is that the resort's shuttle boats land at Chancelade on Bora Bora's northwestern corner, an expensive taxi ride if you don't catch an infrequent shuttle bus to Vaitape.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Tahiti & French Polynesia, 2nd Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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