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InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa

Posted on October 12, 2012 | 19 Comments

French Polynesia Trip Report Index
Tahiti and Bora Bora – Flights & Airfares
Hilton Frankfurt Airport
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (Terminal 1, Departure Area B)
InterContinental Resort Tahiti
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (site inspection)
InterContinental Resort and Spa Moorea

Pic: Mount Otemanu  from InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Overwater Villa at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
There are 4 InterContinental properties in French Polynesia: Tahiti, Moorea, Le Moana Bora Bora and Thalasso Bora Bora.  All are managed by the same owner.  Detailed information on each of these resorts is available in PDF format:  Resort Specifications, Rooms, Bungalows and Villas + Transfers

Pic: Blue Lagoon Wedding Chapel at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Back in January, just a few days after I book my great airfare from Brussels to Papeete, I found another great deal for French Polynesia.  InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa was bookable at 30K PriorityClub points per night!  PriorityClub had announced it would increase/decrease the number of points required for a free night at many of its hotels.  The intention was to increase the points required for IC Bora Bora Thalasso from 40K to 50K per night.  However, instead of increasing the number of points required, someone at IHG decided to decrease it (for a brief time) to 30K!  As 10K points could be bought for $60 (now $70), a free night at IC Bora Bora Thalasso was bookable for $180.  Compare that with the cheapest bookable villa at +$900 (€700) and you know you have a great deal!  I immediately booked a 5 night stay at 150K points which I bought for $900 (15x $60, €700).  A paid 5 night stay in September would have been +$5000 (€4000)!!!

Pic: Sands Bar & Restaurant at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Sep 2012)

Pic: Beach Lounge at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Outdoor Beach Shower at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Stingrays at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Sep 2012)

Pic: Deep Ocean Spa Treatment Villas at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: View on the Wedding Chapel at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Lounge chairs at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
The problem with PriorityClub points bookings at IC Bora Bora Thalasso is the fact you can only select the “Two Bedroom Family Suite Coral Garden Villa” option.  The Coral Garden Villas also know as “Motu Villas” (video) are located in the backyard of the resort and do not offer the famous Bora Bora overwater villa experience.  The resort offers paid upgrades, but the fees are steep.
From 2 Bedroom Coral Garden villa to:
Emerald overwater villa 15,000 XPF + 14% tax per night ($185,€143)
Sapphire overwater villa 25,000 XPF + 14% tax per night ($270,€208)
Diamond overwater villa 35,000 XPF + 14% tax per night ($307,€237)
Diamond Otemanu overwater villa 45,000 XPF + 14% tax per night ($553,€428)
Diamond End of Pontoon overwater villa 55,000 XPF +14% tax p/n ($676,€523)
Keep in mind all overwater villas have the exact same layout, you’re just paying extra for the view from your villa and it’s location on the pier.

Pic: IC Bora Bora Thalasso Overwater Villas and Motu Family Suites Map
Due to the steep upgrade fees and the reports on Flyertalk about almost everybody being upgraded for free, I declined the paid upgraded offer.  With 83 Overwater Villas and only 3 Coral Garden Villas, my Royal Ambassador status had to do the job.  The only factor which raised my concern about not being upgraded was the fact the hotel had been sold-out weeks in advance of my stay.  Upon arrival at the resort, the worst possible scenario came true.  I was informed they were fully booked and I would be assigned Coral Garden Villa 301 for the entire duration of my stay.  I immediately asked to speak to the manager on duty, but he was ‘unavailable’ (it was Monday evening, 6pm).  I would have been fine staying at the Coral Garden Villa, if at least one night I could experience an Overwater Villa.  Once in the Coral Garden Villa, the disappointment was even bigger when I noticed it wasn’t even clean (cobwebs, stains on walls and furniture, dirty floor).  I asked again to speak to a manager, but was informed my concerns could only be addressed the next morning!?!  As this was unacceptable and the hotel didn’t offer an immediate solution, I contacted IHG via twitter.  Fortunately, they responded swiftly and informed me they had contacted the resort and a solution would be provided the next morning.  I settled with it and went to bed.  The next morning I called reception for an update and they transferred me to the Guest Relation manager.  He was aware of my concerns and apologized for the inconvenience.  He offered me an upgrade to a Sapphire Overwater Villa and complimentary breakfast for the duration of my stay.  That was a great value proposition, as such upgrade would have been $1080 (€832) for four nights and breakfast XPF3834 ($41, €32) per day.  Internet access was complimentary as Royal Ambassador, a big saving too, as the normal charge was XPF3000 ($32,€25) per 24 hours.

Pic: Sapphire Overwater Villa 118 at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
The Sapphire Overwater Villa was fantastic: very spacious living room, great terrace with sundeck offering direct access to the lagoon.  Bedroom and bathroom with incredible views all day long, even from the bathtub!

Pic: Living Room Overwater Villa at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Bedroom Overwater Villa at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Bathroom Overwater Villa at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Bathroom Amenties at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Sep 2012)

Pic: Terrace Overwater Villa at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Sep 2012)

Pic: Deck Staircase Overwater Villa at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Pic: Overwater Villa Deck at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (Sep 2012)

Pic: Sapphire Overwater Villa at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
 Video: Sapphire Overwater Villa 118 at IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

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My London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Weekend

Posted on August 11, 2012 | 2 Comments


Pic: Bart Lapers at Athens 2004 Olympic Games (Aug 2004)
Flashback to August 29, 2004.  The picture above was shot a few hours before the Athens 2004 Closing Ceremony.  I had been volunteering at the Olympic Aquatic Centre for two weeks which allowed me to witness the World’s Top Athletes in action joined by Kings, Queens, Celebrities and World Leaders.  My first and most memorable Olympic Games.

Pic: Bart Lapers at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bird’s Nest (Aug 2008)
In 2008, we were back at the Olympic Games, this time as spectator at Beijing 2008.  Arrived in Beijing without a single ticket for any event at the Games, but thanks to the Belgian Embassy and the Belgian Olympic Committee I managed to buy a huge stack of tickets at face value.  It even allowed me to invite some of my friends living in Beijing to attend the Games, as I had bought several pairs of tickets.

 Video: My personal Beijing 2008 Olympic Games compilation

Pic: Olympic Torch Relay London 2012 arrives at City Hall (Jul 2012)
With the Rio2016 Games on my bucket list, I couldn’t skip the London 2012 Olympic Games.  London being a less ‘exotic’ location for a Belgian, still I need to admit the Brits impressed me with their Games.  Everyone was convinced the Opening Ceremony was not going to match the Beijing one, still Danny Boyle his team impressed the World with a very British London 2012 Opening Ceremony.

Pic: Olympic Torch Relay London 2012 at Tower Bridge (Jul 2012)
Also the Belgians impressed, not with their Olympic performances, but with the BOIC Belgium House located at the Middle Temple.

Pic: London 2012 Belgium House at The Temple (Jul 2012)

Pic: Welcome at Belgium House London 2012 Olympic Games (Jul 2012)

Pic: Wall of Fame at Belgium House – Fred Deburghgraeve (Jul 2012)

Pic: Wall of Fame at Belgium House London 2012 – Tia Hellebaut (Jul 2012)

Pic: London 2012 Belgium House ‘Zuipkaart’ Drinks Vouchers (Jul 2012)
As the only tickets left for the Opening Ceremony were around £2000 (!) the Belgium House had to be the best alternative to watch the ceremony.  In 2008, I witnessed the Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony at the Belgian Embassy in Beijing, who had organized a nice event with Belgian beer & snacks.  The London 2012 Belgium House website and twitter account mentioned “July 27: Open as of 4pm to the general public”.  Different story at the entrance of the Belgian House, “Sorry Sir, tonight is invitation only, maybe you can try the Brazilian House”.  WTF!  I teamed up with four ‘Topsport’ students who had just graduated from VUB and who were also refused entrance to the venue.  After a short brainstorming session and some text messages, we managed to get hold of the phone number of the Belgian Olympic Committee Marketing Director.  After a friendly call, 200 extra ‘non’ invitees were allowed entrance to the Middle Temple! :)

Pic: The Inner Temple Belgium House London 2012 Opening Ceremony
 Video: Atmosphere at Belgium House during London 2012 Opening Ceremony

Pic: London 2012 Men’s Road Cycling Race at The Mall (Jul 2012)
On the first day of the Games (Saturday, Jul 28) I was present at The Mall hoping a Belgian would finish first in the Men’s Road Cycling Race event.  Unfortunately doping sinner Alexander Vinokourov ‘won’ the race.
Later that afternoon, I visited the London 2012 Olympic Park.  A huge area with numerous friendly volunteers making sure everything ran smoothly in a relaxed and enthusiastic atmosphere.  The park didn’t feel artificial as it had many grass fields, trees and colorful flowers along the paths connecting the different venues. 

Pic: London 2012 Olympic Park – Olympic Stadium and Orbit (Jul 2012)

Pic: London 2012 Olympic Stadium (Jul 2012)

Pic: London 2012 Olympic Stadium Close-Up (Jul 2012)

Pic: Elite Hospitality – Prestige at the Olympic Park London 2012 (Jul 2012)

Pic: London 2012 Olympic Park Basketball Arena (Jul 2012)

Pic: London 2012 Olympic Park Info Sign and Zeppelin (Jul 2012)

Pic: Handball at Copper Box London 2012 Olympic Park (Jul 2012)

Pic: London 2012 Olympic Park Riverbank Arena Hockey (Jul 2012)

Pic: Me and Coca-Cola ‘Move to the Beat’ Olympic Park Promo Team (Jul 2012)

Pic: Sunset at London 2012 Olympic Stadium (Jul 2012)
My visit to the London 2012 Olympic Games was a short one (3 nights) but gave me a good impression of both infrastructure and atmosphere at the Games.  The Brits did an excellent job and I have a tremendous amount of respect for all volunteers working day and night with such enthusiasm and persistence to make the London 2012 Olympic Games a success.  See you in Rio de Janeiro for the next Summer Olympics Rio2016!
Pic: Casa Brasil at London 2012 Olympic Games (Jul 2012)

Pic: Bart Lapers at Casa Brasil Countdown Rio 2016 – London 2012 (Jul 2012)
Video: Bart Lapers Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro (Apr, 2009)

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Caroline Astor Suite at St. Regis Bangkok

Posted on May 30, 2012 | 6 Comments

Pic: Bedroom Caroline Astor Suite 1924 at St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012)
For most of my trips, I book hotels in advance.  This has a number of advantages: better rates, better point strategies, no stress to find suitable accommodation, etc…  My latest trip to Thailand (May 17-27) was an exception, with only the first three nights booked in advance at Hilton Millennium Bangkok and Sofitel So Bangkok.  On my third day in the Thai capital, I decided to add an extra night and pulled-up Hotelscombined.com on my mobile.  To my surprise, ebookers.com was selling St. Regis Bangkok Caroline Astor Suites at a cheaper rate than regular Deluxe rooms.  As the cheapest rate for this suite is normally at least €200 more, I didn’t hesitate and booked it for £137.56 (€176,50 on Amex) including breakfast.
Upon arrival at St. Regis Bangkok, assistant manager Ms. Papatsorn performed our check-in.  “Mr. Lapers, we can’t seem to locate your reservation in our systems…” Here comes trouble, I thought to myself.  I pulled out my laptop and showed the ebookers.com confirmation email to Ms. Papatsorn.  “Mr Lapers, THB6500 for a Caroline Astor Suite?  We normally charge THB25000 for that suite!  Would you mind we verify your reservation with ebookers.com?  We can offer you a drink at the Drawing Room.  Is that alright?”  At that point, I started to doubt whether they were going to honor my rate.  But after 20 minutes or so, the comforting words “Your Suite is ready Sir” were spoken.
Pic: View on pool from Caroline Astor Suite 2025 bedroom (May 2012)
Caroline Astor Suite 2025 was impressive, with a spacious living room and bathroom facing the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and the bedroom facing the St. Regis swimming pool.  Being so pleased with the suite, I immediately checked if the same rate was still available for the weekend after.  It was, and so I booked the Caroline Astor Suite again via ebookers.com for a second stay on May 25-26.  Not realizing yet, Lady Gaga would also be a guest at St. Regis Bangkok that night!  Two days before my second stay, I emailed the hotel to assign me a Caroline Astor suite with bedroom facing the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.  A request which was honored (my second stay was at suite 1924) and which I can highly recommend as those suites have an even more spectacular layout and view from the bedroom.

Pic: Welcome Amenity – St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012)
Pic: Breakfast at St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012) Pic: Wagyu Beef Burger at St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012) Video: Caroline Astor Suite 1924 – St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012) Video: Caroline Astor Suite 2025 – St. Regis Bangkok (May 2012)

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Brussels Airlines new long haul cabin

Posted on April 5, 2012 | 1 Comment

Brussels Airlines inaugurated its brand new long haul cabin this week on a flight to Cameroon (April 1st, 2012).  The first long haul aircraft to be refurbished with the new Business Class flat bed seats, the ergonomic Economy Class seats and a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system, SN Airbus A330-300 OO-SFW, is now flying between Brussels Airport and Africa and will set course to New York JFK as of June 2012.  I will join inaugural flight SN501 from BRU to JFK on June 1st.  My return flight SN502 will be on June 3rd.  I booked my ticket on the announcement day of the new BRU-JFK route (Dec 27, 2011) for €399!  A full trip report will follow on your favorite ‘Luxury on a budget’ travel blog. ;)
For now, take the 3D virtual tour through the new Economy and Business Class cabins on the Brussels Airlines website.
Video: The new Brussels Airlines Long Haul Cabin
(Pictures: Brussels Airlines)

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Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional Copacabana

Posted on December 16, 2011 | 4 Comments


Pic: Exterior Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel Copacabana Beach (Dec 2011)
Pic: View on Copacabana Beach from Porto Bay Rio de Janeiro (Dec 2011)

Pic: View on Copacabana Beach from my suite at Porto Bay Rio de Janeiro
Finding decent and affordable hotel accommodation in Rio de Janeiro can be quite a challenge.  A brief look at Tripadvisor’s hotel list reveals the highly inflated prices.  I guess this is because of high demand and limited availability.  The city also lacks the presence of several international hotel chains with those present only having a limited number of properties.  IHG abandoned it’s only hotel property last October after a hostage drama and shootout on Aug 21, 2010 at it’s InterContinental luxury hotel.
Since I couldn’t burn any points at my favorite hotel chains, cash was the only option for my Rio trip early December.  My first three nights were booked at Novotel Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont with a daily rate of EUR105 including breakfast.  The room was small but looked new as the hotel opened only a year ago.  Free WiFi and acceptable breakfast.  Location close to the domestic Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) and Lapa, but not near the beach.  I had hoped to cash in on my freshly achieved A-Club Platinum status (via HSBC referral link) but it resulted in zero perks at this Accor property.  Not an unusual event for the A-Club loyalty program.

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Classic chairs (Dec 2011)
For my last night, I decided to splurge and book at one of the few luxury hotels in Rio, the Porto Bay Rio Internacional.  As they had no availability via their own site, I booked via OctopusTravel.com and paid EUR192,50 for a Superior Room with breakfast.  Upon arrival I was upgraded to a Suite, the highest room category with a rack rate of BRL2507 (EUR1030!)  I guess adding @PortoBay on twitter had something to do with it. :)   The staff spoke perfect English, was friendly and the rooftop pool offered breathtaking views on Copacabana Beach.  I think my pictures and video speak for themselves,  Porto Bay Rio Internacional is a highly recommended property for your next visit to Rio de Janeiro!

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Living room (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Sofa (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Overview (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Working Desk (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – King Size Bed (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Bedroom (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Bathroom (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Amenities by L’Occitane (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Personalized housekeeping (Dec 2011)

Pic: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional – Overview (Dec 2011)
Video: Suite at Porto Bay Rio Internacional (Dec 2011)

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Deluxe Suite at VIE Hotel Bangkok

Posted on September 5, 2011 | 7 Comments


Pic: Bedroom of Deluxe Suite at VIE hotel Bangkok (Aug 2011)
For my last night in Bangkok, I had booked a Deluxe Suite at MGallery’s VIE Hotel. (Accor)  For booking info, see my Planning: Bangkok Hotels post.
The bad:

  • Upgrade request for VIE Duplex Suite rejected at time of booking (I’m A-Club Gold member)
  • I accepted a breakfast + internet package at check-in (1177THB)  Afterwards I noticed internet was already included in my room-rate and breakfast was only 900THB for two pax, so I was overcharged 277THB
  • The interior color scheme of the rooms (red-brown-orange-gold) is ugly
  • The fruit cocktails at the pool were bad tasting powdered drinks
  • The pool is in a different building, you need to cross the hotel driveway to go to the pool.
  • I signed-up for the Accor Miles and More promo (1000 miles per stay) but didn’t get the miles.  Instead I got very few A-club points (219+164)

The good:
Pic: Transparent swimming pool at VIE hotel Bangkok (iPhone – Aug 2011)

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