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Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for French Polynesia.
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Born in the Southwest, raised in the Northwest, I have called the South Pacific home for nearly 25 years. I founded J2 Travels in the late 1990s to share our knowledge with other like minded travelers – remembering always, that the joy is in the journey. I currently live on Maui, I'm endorsed by IATA, and am a member of the Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand Tourism Boards.
Testimonials from Joni's clients:
"I want to say a big THANK YOU!! We had the most amazing time on our trip. Everything was wonderful. We absolutely loved Queenstown. We took the bus out to Milford Sound and then took a helicopter back as you suggested. It was raining the whole way out there but then the rain disappeared so we saw so many waterfalls it was breathtaking! We also went horseback riding in Glenorchy (well, I did – Pete got sick!) and that was amazing. The drive out there was beautiful and the ride itself was really fun. We tried to go skydiving but unfortunately it cancelled twice because of the winds. We also went jetboating,and spent a lot of time in the restaurants and bars in town. We then spent a few hours in Nelson and went out to Bleinhem for a day and did some wine-tasting, which was a lot of fun. When we were in Motueka we spent sometime relaxing and then did an 8 hour kayak/hike through Abel Tasman, which was truly amazing…and tiring! We spent a lot of our time in Rotorua just hanging out at the hotel and relaxing because it was just so beautiful, but we did go to hell’s gate which was really neat. In Auckland we spent a day walking around and then played golf one day. We also went to dinner at the Mudbrick restaurant in Waiheke which was great.
And on to Fiji...it was amazing! We loved Tokoriki. It was a beautiful spot and the Fijian people that worked there were so warm and friendly. The honeymoon bure that we stayed in was absolutely amazing, and we spent a lot of time just hanging out in our plunge pool. We also went snorkeling a few times, which was great. The food was also really good. As for the seaweed, there was definitely a fair bit of seaweed around and a slight smell of it, but it really wasn’t a big problem. After the first day we didn’t even think about it. I would definitely recommend Tokoriki to others, and would love to go back someday.
Thank you again for all of your help. We will definitely let our friends and family know how great you were when they head off to NZ / Fiji!
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- Megan & Pete
"We had a fantastic time in Fiji. Qamea was particularly wonderful-rustic, authentic, beautiful, and communal. Staff members were incredibly friendly and always very accommodating. Namale was spectacular and definitely more upscale. Our bure was so elegant and we had a private deck overlooking the ocean that was phenomenal. We appreciated the remoteness and feel of Qamea over Namale, however, so we were delighted to have been there longer. I would certainly recommend Qamea to anyone traveling to that area of the world.
Thanks again for arranging this remarkable trip. It was incredibly unique and one we will remember always. We're both grateful to you.
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- Naomi & Matt
"The Four Seasons Maui and your recommendations for the other island resorts we visited were wonderful. The Four Seasons Maui is impeccable, as we also enjoyed the Halekulani on Oahu and the Hyatt at Poipu on Kauai.
Thank you so much for your attention to detail, your availability every step of the way planning our honeymoon and assisting our guests. Your surprise gifts to us and our guests were extra special touches, and I can't rave enough about you. Even through the most stressful times I endured, you always kept your calm and made sure we were taken care of. You went above and beyond for us, going to the Four Seasons to take pictures of the construction before we got there for the wedding so we would be prepared, calling around to local stores to help me find items for gift baskets, giving us the scoop on where to shop, eat, etc.-all in such great detail as well!
You really are a true, experienced travel agent that doesn't just book trips, but travels to and knows the areas and resorts in which you book your clients and you become a trusted friend. It is with the utmost gratitude we write this in appreciation for everything you did to help make our honeymoon dreams come true for us and our guests.
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- Michelle & Scott
"We are now home and slowly acclimating to reality. We had the most fabulous time on our holiday and want to thank you for seeing to it that every little detail was well planned, organized, and executed. We feel you really listened to our desires and planned "THE PERFECT" holiday...thank you so very much. We will definitely call you again and have recommended you to several of our friends. It is obvious that you really know both New Zealand and Fiji as I'm sure you know the other locations you book for your clients, I especially liked how you found locations that were less "touristy" and more reflective of the countries we were visiting...just as I requested. Thank you!"
- Randy and Teresa
"Kurstan and I had the most amazing time on our trip to Maui. The wedding went off without a hitch, even though when we arrived at the house that we rented for the occasion there were hurricane strength winds. They died down in just enough time to get the flower circle in a perfect place overlooking the ocean and everything went according to plan. The ceremony was thoughtful and such a happy time for us as well as Kurstan's mom and Jack who seemed pleased with the arrangements as well.
As for the honeymoon, that was a vacation of a lifetime. I have never been as happy as I was on this trip. The hotel was lovely and the service was fantastic. Our room was more spacious than I imagined and the view was breathtaking. The hotel itself was beautiful from the lounges to the restaurants to the pool area to the beach. The beach was the best that we saw on the island.
Also, Joni, you were so helpful in getting everything arranged with us and Kurstan's mom. It was difficult for us not having ever been to Maui figuring out where to stay and what to do, but you were more than helpful in making this a trip that will be remembered throughout our lives. What a way to start a marriage!
And, thank you for the champagne you sent to our room upon our arrival. It was such a great way to start our trip.
Thank you so much for everything, and we'll definitely contact you for any help we need with travel in the future.
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- Heather & Kurstan
"Lisa and I had a magical experience at Qamea and everything was wonderful! You prepared us perfectly and all the details were worry free. We had a beautiful sunny day outdoor wedding in Michigan and then whisked away to paradise.
Thank you does not fully communicate our appreciation and we will be sending you referrals at every opportunity. We will be in touch soon and again, sincere thanks and warm regards!
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- Scott & Lisa
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Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
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Welcome to the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa
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Photo #1 of 15
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The Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is located on the northwest part of the atoll of Rangiroa, between the passes of Tiputa and Avatoru. Nestled in the heart of a magnificent coconut plantation, bordered by a white sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, the hotel boasts an elegant and refined architecture in perfect harmony with its environment.
Photo copyright Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa.
See thumbnails of all photos for this point of interest.
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Hotel Kia Ora Resort
Video copyright Hotel Kia Ora Resort.
Overview
The Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is located on the northwest part of the atoll of Rangiroa, between the passes of Tiputa and Avatoru. Nestled in the heart of a magnificent coconut plantation, bordered by a white sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, the hotel boasts an elegant and refined architecture in perfect harmony with its environment.
Since its complete renovation in 2011, the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa includes 60 villas and bungalows with exceptional style, scattered throughout the coconut grove, on the beach and overlooking the lagoon. A spa with a rain shower and a fitness room complete the hotel facilities. On the waterfront, two restaurants including a gourmet one and a bar on stilts surround a swimming pool with Jacuzzi.
For travelers in search of a Robinson Crusoe hideaway, the hotel also features five traditional style bungalows located on a private island, just an hour away by boat. There the Kia Ora Sauvage greets you in a mini version of paradise and reserves its charm to ten guests, who can discover the true Polynesian art of living, in a perfectly preserved nature.
To put you in the mood for a delectable feast, we have two restaurants: the Te Rairoa Restaurant combining tropical flavors and aromas with international dishes and the Gastronomic Restaurant Te Poerava to surprise your taste buds.
The creative design of Miki Miki Bar, is a great opportunity to get together with friends for a drink or an exotic cocktail while admiring one of the most amazing tropical sunsets over the lagoon of Rangiroa.
Within the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, take care of your body in our center Poekura Spa. Thus, you will be able to enjoy the pleasures of a traditional massage or an original version in our Vichy Showers installation.
For the most motivated, we provide a gym with all the modern amenities.
At the Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa, you will find many various activities to punctuate your stay with unforgettable memories.
The atoll of Rangiroa is certainly one of the most suitable place for fishing and diving with one of the most magnificent lagoons of French Polynesia. You will also be able to discover its wild islands with our excursions or simply by renting one of the vehicules we can provide.
Finally, we can suggest to engaged couple a complete wedding service executed following the polynesian tradition in the most romantic place in the world.
Google Reviews
About Google Reviews: recently Google has converted their review system to require reviewers to have a proper, identifiable Google+ profile.
This is a good thing, as it tends to cut down on bad reviews, both from people unwilling to stand behind their comments and fake positive reviews from
the businesses themselves. Old, pre-Google+ reviews are still in the system, and will appear below as written by "A Google User".
More info from Google is here.
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November 27, 2017 5:21AM |
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We were there one night for a couple of dives. The whole time we were there they were burning leaves/ garbage. It was bad. Eyes were bloodshot by the end and 2 of the 6 people with us couldn't leave the hotel room. When I mentioned the issue to the reception they didn't seem to care. even our scuba masked smelt like smoke. The rooms were nice but please take your leaves/garbage and burn them off the grounds or not on a windy day up wind......
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Todd McClenaghan |
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December 31, 2017 7:35PM |
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I struggle with writing this review. I'd like to give 3 stars. I just can't justify it.
Let's start with the main issue, deferred maintenance at the property. We reserved an over water bungalow, which is advertised on their website as air conditioned. There is an air conditioning unit, and it was running; however, average daytime temperatures in the room were 83 degrees (28c) when it was approximately 86 (30c) outside. The average nighttime temperatures in the room were 79 degrees (26c). Immediately upon arrival, we requested someone from engineering to come look at the a/c unit. No one came. Several hours later, we made a second request with the front desk. Finally, that evening someone came, looked at the unit and left without fixing anything or communicating with us. The next day, I stopped by and asked to speak with the general manager about the problem. I was told that he was not available. I requested again that someone look at our a/c unit. While I was out, someone did stop by and told my wife that "it was working properly." We were never offered alternative accommodations or contacted by anyone from the hotel staff or the general manager to see if our issue was resolved. It most certainly was not. We were extremely uncomfortable in our room and no one seemed to care. So, we made arrangements to leave the property after 3 nights of a pre-paid 6 night stay. When the staff were made aware of our plans, they did not bother to attempt to solve our problem, they only made sure to quote their "no refunds" policy. I attempted to visit the GM again on the morning of our new departure date, he was again, not available. So, I emailed him and explained my concerns. His response was polite, but unsatisfactory in my opinion. He explained that he would have been happy to move us to other accommodations, given the opportunity. Well, why wasn't that offered while we were still on property? They had 3 days with us on property to resolve our issue. I'm not going to make any assumptions about how much or little they care about guest comfort. I can only speak to what did and did not happen.
In my email to the GM, I offered to share some additional concerns regarding other deferred maintenance items, if he was interested. He did not indicate any interest in the additional feed back. If he had been interested, I would have shared with him my photographs of the rusty hardware in the bathroom, the dark moldy/mildewed grout in the bathroom shower, the multiple rips and tears in the wallpaper all over the bungalow, the fresh air vent window screens in the bathroom that were totally clogged with dirt and dust, and the generally poor state of repair of the bungalow.
The pictures on the Kia Ora website must have been taken soon after the 1998 opening. They do not remotely resemble the actual condition of the unit we experienced.
As a result of our experience, I asked the GM for a refund of the 3 unused nights. (Without asking any compensation for the 3 very uncomfortable nights we experienced) He offered a refund of 2 unused nights. I explained to him that I thought 3 nights refund was more than a fair compromise from our perspective since we had a serious unresolved issue that left us very uncomfortable for the 3 nights we were there and was the whole reason we felt we had to leave the property. He disagreed and said 2 nights refund was "more than fair." In fairness to the GM, his written correspondence was not confrontational, albeit tone deaf. To recap, beware the website does not accurately depict the overwater bungalows condition and do not expect the staff to be proactive in helping you resolve any issues. We were not treated rudely at anytime. I would say it was more that we were treated with indifference not befitting the expected level of hospitality of a "4 Star" property.
Rangiroa is a beautiful place and the scuba diving is absolutely amazing! With a hospitality focused management team and some additional maintenance budget, this property could be special. I wish I could have given it a better rating....
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Private Member |
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