You know those resorts you see on the pages of Us Weekly? the places where Jessica Alba lounges by the pool and Nicole Kidman unwinds after her wedding? Well, they're not as exclusive as you may think. Here's why you'll love them -- and how to snag your own luxurious vacation for a steal.
St. Regis Resort -- Bora Bora
This resort opened in June 2006 and has quickly become one of Hollywood's favored escapes. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban honeymooned in the resort's secluded Royal Estate. Eva Longoria and Tony Parker reportedly had a romantic getaway here as well.
There is nothing quite as romantic as an overwater villa, and these are some of the most extravagant in French Polynesia, with private terraces (some with Jacuzzis), outdoor showers and a minimum of 1,550 square feet so you can truly spread out. Push the 'butler" button on the phone, and the 24-hour concierge will arrange anything from room service to a day-long picnic on a private island. It's all about the water here: Snorkel off your private deck, have a drink at the swim-up Aparima bar or test your mettle on a shark-feeding excursion. You can even dine over the water at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Lagoon, which has an amazing view of Bora Bora's iconic Mount Otemanu. At Spa Miri Miri, located on its own private island and connected by a footbridge to the resort, you can experience facial and body treatments incorporating warmed black pearls, pearl powder and mother-of-pearl salve for a unique, only-in-Tahiti experience.
Winter in North America means summer in French Polynesia. It can get a bit hot, with daytime temperatures in the 90s, but who cares when you're surrounded by all that blissful water? An overwater villa will run you about $895 from December to May; they soar to over $1,000 in the high season. Or book the Tahiti Tantalizer package, which starts at $1,383 per night but includes almost $500 in resort credits and your sixth night free.
