We were surprised that we were met by Damien and Florence at the airport and further surprised to hear that neither Elie nor Monique would be on the island ... and that we were the only two guests ! Having said that Florence is a good cook and Damien was good with the practical side of things.
The island is very small and there were only about six people in total (two locals who also lived on the island, Florence, Damien and us) so the experience was very different to what we expected.
Also, as the shuttle boat was only insured for trips to and from the airport (where you can get the Air Tahiti shuttle to the island) trips to the main island are very difficult. The alternative is to take a 'round the island' day trip, which includes lunch. Neither of these options appealed !
As there are no restaurants or bars on Blue Heaven Island the only option is to eat all meals 'at home'.
Whilst it is very isolated, Blue Heaven Island has a very good beach and great snorkelling, which is close to the shore. All the equipment you need is provided as are kayaks.
There are also loungers on the beach, although some of these are showing signs of wear and the backs have to be propped up with pieces of wood ! The cushions however are very comfortable.
The main problem with Blue Heaven Island is the quality of the accommodation. Although the website describes the bungalows as 'quaint' and 'cosy', they are in reality very basic and well below the standard of the other bungalows that we stayed in on small islands in French Polynesia.
The main problem appeared to be lack of maintenance. The shower head was dirty and rusty, the soap dish was broken, the toiletries consisted of just a large bar of soap !
The lighting was one single compact fluorescent and a table lamp (there was another wall light but it didn't work because, we were told, there was no light fitting in it !) The outside light didn't work.
The ceiling fan was rusty, there was a leak in the roof and the mosquito mesh was missing above the door.
When we complained about the bungalow we were offered a second bungalow but this also had the same kind of problems.
In summary the location of Blue Heaven Island is really lovely. If the accommodation was up to scratch then, and only if you don't mind the isolation, it could be the perfect holiday location.
My view however is that, considering the standard of the bungalows, even at Bora Bora prices, it is significantly overpriced.
- Also Known As:
- Blue Heaven Island Hotel Bora Bora
- Blue Heaven Island Hotel
Region:
French Polynesia >
Society Islands >
Bora Bora
#11 Romantic Hotels in Bora Bora
Price Range:
$$$
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
-
Our guest quarters are tucked away between Palm trees. Every room on the island is just steps away from the beach. Each quarter is the essence of simple island living. The cozy bungalows are made of indigenous bamboo and equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay, including private bathrooms, large closets, and ceiling fans. Our installation run on solar energy (photovoltaic roofs and solar water-heater) and the water system is feed with a well and rain.
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