Sailing with Windstar Cruises on the line's Dreams of Tahiti itinerary has been an absolute delight.
Spending a few days before and after the voyage in Papeete has afforded us the chance to see which hotel properties the company partners up with for pre- and post-cruise options. In Bora Bora, we even previewed an overnight opportunity including the famed overwater bungalows.
It's always a good idea to come in at least one day early before a cruise departs from a destination that must be flown to, especially if it's a considerable distance away. The Tahitian islands certainly qualify in this case, and you definitely don't want any possible delays to cause you to miss the ship.
Also, given how Air Tahiti Nui rates from LAX can vary throughout the week, savings can potentially be had by arriving sooner and departing later.
Our resort stay consisted of three nights before and two nights after our cruise at Le Meridien Tahiti-Windstar's primary hotel partner. As a part of the newly extended Marriott family by way of Starwood, rewards points can wonderfully be accrued by loyalists.
The beautiful property consists of 149 rooms including 12 overwater bungalows. Spacious panoramic rooms feature a contemporary but warm design with plush beds and a lovely bathroom with separate tub and shower. The bungalows, meanwhile, do not have immediate access to the water like those at other locations.
Nonetheless, the Meridien does boast the biggest sand-bottom pool in French Polynesia amid gorgeous garden grounds as well as a stretch of scenic beach.
We particularly enjoyed the delicious food of La Plantation Restaurant, where sublime French breads paired with tropical juices at the great breakfast buffet.
Overall, maintenance levels are not quite on par with other international Marriott properties. For instance, the vinyl pool liner below the sand is in need of attention as it's coming up at several seams.
We had the chance to see inside the latter variety, which included a magnificent outdoor vestibule inside the entry door with a courtyard, dining area and plunge pool. Inside, a canopy bed beckoned as did a unique bathroom complete with an indoor toilet compartment and al fresco but discretely sheltered shower. We were also told that the beach ones had all outside bathrooms while the overwater ones were completely inside.
Nightly rates for garden pool bungalows are $500-600, beach bungalows are $700 and overwater bungalows are $800-1,200.
Surely, no matter the chosen property, the beauty of Tahiti shines bright, but the means in which it is accommodated can definitely add a cherry on top.
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