New Names for Sofitel Hotels in French Polynesia

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. October 14, 2008

AUGUST 15, 2006. Accor is re-launching and re-naming its Sofitel hotels in French Polynesia after investing over US$80 million in the upgrading of the four resorts on Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

The first Sofitel in French Polynesia, Sofitel Maeva Beach, is being re-launched as Sofitel Tahiti Resort following the completion of the upgrading program of all its rooms and public areas.

Sofitel Marara Bora Bora has also completed a major refurbishment and will be re-launched as Sofitel Bora Bora Resort. One of the finest resorts on Bora Bora, the Sofitel's renovation included the addition of new overwater bungalows, a new spa and horizon pool, a new bar for the beach and pool area and an ultra-modern Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. All guest bungalows and public areas have been completely revamped; bringing the former film set resort back to its original movie star glamour.

Sofitel Motu Bora Bora, located on its own spectacular private island adjacent to Sofitel Bora Bora Resort, is currently undergoing a soft refurbishment and will retain its original name after the completion of the renovation later this year.

Sofitel Ia Ora Moorea will reveal a multi-million dollar revamp later this year with a complete redesign of all its bungalows. When the resort reopens in November as Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort it will feature 111 bungalows, including the addition of 19 new over-water bungalows, a new Polynesian restaurant, a large spa and new meeting and function rooms.

Accor is the leading hotel operator in Tahiti and was the first international group in the region, opening its first hotel (Sofitel Maeva Beach, now Sofitel Tahiti Resort) in 1969. Accor currently has six resorts spread around the islands: including two Novotel Resorts - Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort and Novotel Rangiroa Lagoon Resort. Accor has been a major presence in French Polynesia for over 35 years and management of the region has now been taken over by Accor Asia Pacific, at a time of increased air access into the island paradise from both Australia and New Zealand.

Accor's French Polynesia General Manager, Marc Reissinger, said that the name changes were designed to make it easier for trade to service the needs of their clients.

"The names 'Tahiti', 'Moorea' and 'Bora Bora' are very well known in trade and consumer circles, so the new names of the hotels will make it easier for travel agents and other operators to identify where the resorts are located and that the product has been completely upgraded over the past year," he said.

"Considerable investment has been made to give these resorts cutting-edge facilities, service and style, and we believe they now represent some of the best deluxe accommodation options in French Polynesia.

"Reaction to the refurbishments at the Sofitels in Tahiti and Bora Bora has been exceptional, and we believe that the new-look Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort will offer an outstanding holiday experience when the renovation is completed in November."