The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

We spent four nights at St Regis Bora Bora for our 25th anniversary, and the staff made us feel both like family and royalty. Every person driving by greeted us and offered a lift if we were walking. The Beach Boys were especially friendly, with easy smiles and a relaxed manner that made us feel like old friends. Meal service also worked as a team, so someone was always there to help. Food and drinks cost more because supplies have to be imported, but we felt it was worth it. Our overwater villa looked out toward Mt Otemanu and the sunset. The resort was stunning and very well maintained. We each had two wonderful treatments at The Spa, and the jet ski excursion was top tier. Our guide was welcoming and made me feel safe. I'd recommend the lunch tour, which includes a stop at a local place. From the airport greeting and shuttle to the golf cart tour, everything felt first class. They took care of our luggage, and our butler Diana was there when we arrived at the property. Our bags were waiting in the villa as if by magic. The staff marked our anniversary with flowers and towel sculptures from housekeeping, and Diana arranged a cake. She took care of dinner bookings and helped plan our days around the complimentary coffee service. As someone who likes things organized, I appreciated how housekeeping and turndown were timed around our meals and activities, so the room was pristine each day. If you're lucky enough to have the chance to stay here and are still hesitating, just book it.

Laure, our French butler, made a big impression on us. She was elegant, thoughtful, and professional, explained the hotel patiently, arranged a great room, booked restaurants, and checked in each morning to see how we were doing or whether we needed anything. She handled everything beautifully and even gave my son little gifts that made him very happy. My family and my wife's sister came with me from the northernmost city in China for a trip to Tahiti, and we made precious memories at The St. Regis. We all felt welcome and comfortable. Check-in and checkout were smooth, and the people we met in Tahiti were kind and often went out of their way to help. It was an unforgettable stay, and we'd definitely consider coming back. Thank you for the amazing experience.

The lagoonarium is worth spending a few hours at, and having our own bikes made it easy to get around the resort. We had dinner at four venues. Lagoon was our favorite, especially the insanely good truffle mashed potatoes. Te Pahu came second, and its tomahawk steak is big enough for two. Breakfast had lots of excellent choices and such a lovely setting that it felt like an experience in itself. The rooms were spacious and elegant, service was the best, and our butler made sure we had what we needed. Housekeeping came twice a day. Excellent resort, we'd visit again.

The way our stay ended was devastating. What should have been a trip of a lifetime turned into a terrible final stretch, and I wouldn't choose this resort again unless management changes. The location and brand name can't make up for what happened. The lower-level staff were lovely and hardworking, but management seemed unable to handle basic hygiene or guest relations. We overheard several guests complaining to their butlers at breakfast each morning, so our experience didn't feel like an isolated problem. After management turned down our late checkout, our last day was effectively ruined. They tried to make up for it by moving us between temporary villas. The first one was disgusting: dirty glasses, dead flowers, used towels and glassware left around, and urine in the side bathroom toilet. For a brand that talks about exquisite living, that was a serious cleanliness and service failure. They offered complimentary drinks at the bar to make up for the mess, then charged my husband for the second round anyway. In the next villa, which was supposed to have a jacuzzi, there wasn't one. They also said they'd move our remaining minibar items, but they never did. Once we raised a legitimate concern, it felt as if management ignored us or punished us with more incompetence. The front-line employees were doing their best, but clearly weren't supported by leadership.