ACCOR French Polynesia's Sofitel Resorts Combine the Best of Traditional and Modern Design

Sept. 21, 2007 - PRLog -- Accor, the world's largest hotel and tourism group, has created four superlative resorts in French Polynesia under the exclusive Sofitel brand, at which guests can experience the best in traditional Tahitian and modern design, surrounded by the natural beauty of the South Seas.

The image that inspired the design of the newly refurbished Sofitel Tahiti Resort was that of a luxury liner that has ended its days in a tropical garden paradise. A stylish and evocative interior now pervades the resort, created by French designer Isabelle Maffrey. Evoking a casual elegance, intricate artistry blends with natural materials. Large windows framing views of the pool and lagoon allow natural light to fill the interior, while traditional carved totem poles take pride of place in the reception area, providing a strong link to the island's cultural heritage. Built to represent a terraced Mayan pyramid, the 216 guest rooms offer stylish contemporary furnishings with all the latest modern comforts, including internet connection and satellite TV - and all boast private balconies overlooking the gardens, pool, lagoon or mountains.

Combining a natural aesthetic with ultra-contemporary décor the Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort has a unique design philosophy inspired by two Gauguin masterpieces - Fatata te Miti (By the Sea) and Parahi te Marae (There Lies the Temple), as well as the vibrant hues of the island. Beautiful artifacts, sculptures and intricately designed furniture can be found in the interior of Sofitel Moorea reflecting its "home of art" philosophy, while its external structures are inspired by the island's ancient mythology. The pyramid-like central buildings are said to represent the "male" energy of the island, while the brilliant fringed hutu blossoms and verdant plant life represent the "female" energy of Moorea - an island traditionally associated with fertility. Le Spa at Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort is a hidden sanctuary. Behind beautifully engraved doors, Le Spa offers a peaceful haven overlooking the tranquil bay and white sands of the beach. Delicate white curtains, a soothing water feature and dominant use of local stone and timbers create a setting at one with nature, while the reception area is open to the elements to allow cool lagoon breezes to drift through.

Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort lies on a private beach at Matira Bay. Originally built for movie director Dino Laurentis' 1977 film Hurricane, starring Mia Farrow, the resort has now been restored to its Hollywood glamour following a multi-million dollar makeover. Renowned French interior designer Isabelle Maffrey was inspired by the light and colours of the lagoon to create the ultra-stylish fittings and furnishings, with the dominant colour being the red hue of the corals found in the island's waters. Crafted from wood and woven pandanus, the resort's 64 bungalows provide all imaginable comforts, while remaining in harmony with the island's natural beauty. The 21 over-water bungalows offer spacious decks overlooking the crystal clear waters of the lagoon, while the on-land bungalows are surrounded by lush greenery and exotic flowers, with views over the gardens or across the lagoon to Raiatea and Tahaa on the horizon.

Situated on its own private island, Sofitel Motu Bora Bora offers 31 luxuriously appointed bungalows, thoughtfully spaced out over the lagoon, amongst the trees or on the private beach. All have stunning views over the lagoon with spacious private terraces. Featuring Polynesian architecture and utilizing the forms and materials of nature, the resort blends beautifully with its natural environment. Sparkling turquoise waters lap the shoreline of this unique island paradise, where guests can experience the ultimate in exclusivity and seclusion.

Accor also operates two resorts in French Polynesia under the Novotel Brand: Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort and Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort.

For more information about Accor's properties in French Polynesia, please visit http://www.accorhotels.pf?DCSext.dept=2&WT.mc_id=100039

About Accor French Polynesia:
Accor, the world's largest hotel and tourism group, operates six exclusive French Polynesian resorts. Sofitel Tahiti Resort offers the elegance of a bygone era framed by Tahiti's natural beauty. By a spectacular lagoon, Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort boasts sparkling waters and a white sand beach. Elegantly refurbished, Sofitel Bora Bora Resort was built to house a Hollywood movie. Sofitel Motu Bora Bora, an exquisite private island paradise, combines outstanding natural beauty and 5 star luxury. Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort is a few steps from one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort sits amidst a coconut grove by the biggest lagoon in the Tuamotu atolls.

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Six exclusive luxury Sofitel and Novotel resorts in French Polynesia - http://www.accorhotels.pf -, offering outstanding natural beauty, sparkling turquoise waters, and all the romance of the South Seas to travelers and honeymooners in search of the ultimate paradise island experience.

Website: www.accorhotels.pf/?DCSext.dept=2&WT.mc_id=100039