Originally built by Italian movie producer Dino De Laurentis in 1977 to house movie-star Mia Farrow and the cast and crew of his film Hurricane, the Sofitel Marara was the pace-setter for luxury hotels on Bora Bora.

Sofitel Marara maintains that position today, with the resort completing a comprehensive US$15 million renovation to all bungalows and public areas in mid-2006 and introducing new levels of French sophistication to its traditional Tahitian styling. Featuring Polynesian architecture and utilising the materials of nature, the resort's central restaurant and bar provide views across the new spa and horizon pool and beyond to the turquoise lagoon. All over-water bungalows offer spacious decks overlooking the crystal clear waters of the resort's lagoon, with bamboo screening to provide complete privacy, and direct access into the newly regenerated coral gardens.

Location

Located some 200 kilometres from Tahiti, Bora Bora (meaning "new born" in Polynesian) is the most famous of the Society Islands. Visitors will indeed feel reborn after a stay in this island paradise.

A coral reef, dotted with emerald motus (islands), encircles and protects the main island like a string of pearls, giving rise to Bora Bora's nickname, 'Jewel of the South Seas'. The lagoon's undulating rock and coral formations create a palette of unimaginable blues with infinite species of colourful fish.

Sofitel Marara sits on the edge of a lagoon at Point Matira, just 8 kilometres from the town of Vaitape, surrounded by pure white sands and coconut groves. On one of the island's most pristine beaches, and facing its sister property the Sofitel Motu, Sofitel Marara Bora Bora captures the essence of a true Polynesian experience, making it the most romantic destination in the world.

Features

International restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Hurricane bar, Spa centre (opening late 2006)bike rental facilities, boat excursions, fitness centre, boat excursions, fitness centre, scuba diving, snorkelling, table tennis, tennis courts, volleyball and windsurfing.

Accommodation

64 individual Bungalows (10 Classic Garden View Bungalows, 19 Deluxe Garden View Rooms, 11 Deluxe Beach Bungalows, 11 Deluxe Lagoon Front Bungalows, 13 Deluxe Overwater Bungalows) and 1 Deluxe Villa provide water, garden or beachside sanctuaries; those on the lagoon offering underwater viewing through part glass-bottom bedroom.

Featuring plush daybeds with comfortable cushions, showers with mosaic stone tiles and private decks, the bungalows are complete with the Sofitel signatures of Parisian Roger & Gallet bathroom amenities, fresh flowers delivered daily and the ultimate in Sofitel bedding to create a private haven of comfort and style. The spectacular over-water bungalows feature in-floor viewing platforms, illuminated at night, so guests can enjoy the colourful fish swimming by directly underneath; on-land bungalows include hammocks in the gardens for the ultimate in tropical relaxation.

Max in Room

2 adults.

Free activities

Snorkelling equipment and tennis.

Bonus offers

Stay 5 consecutive nights and get 1 night free and daily American breakfast.

Honeymoon bonus

Reduced weights apply.

Meal plans

Breakfast and dinner from $118 per adult and $59 per child per day.