shark and rays

We scheduled three activites. Or rather the Resort scheduled them all  for us. The only one that did not turn out was paragliding. The wind conditions were not good and they offered to re-schedule us for the following day, which was the day were were leaving. We were bummed to not be able to go, but it leaves something new to do next time.
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The jet-ski tour was great, but too short. I think we could have stayed out for hours. You need to go with a guide, whom you follow, as there are reefs and shallows everywhere. It was great and we'd definitely do it again.

The shark and ray tour was also set up by the Resort, and one I would absolutely do again. The boat "Shark Boy" picked us up at the dock in the morning, along with some other guests. We got water and towels from the hotel and lathered on tons of sunscreen.

Steven was our guide, captain, and entertainment. It was impressive how he could drive, sing, and play the ukelele-all at once.

First he took us to see the sharks, along with a few Sting Rays and other fish.

It was really amazing, how much there was to see. You could stand the whole time, or just float and stare down at the incredible show.

The Sting Rays were magnificent. And big. Steven told us you didn't need to be concerned about being stung, they were actually very gentle and playful. They felt like big slimy,rubber discs, covered in fine sand paper. At first it was a little disconcerting, especially when they came up to snuggle your chest and back. And they are not slight creatures. I had to grab Shane a few times one did a 'drive by' into me to keep my balance.

Their faces were actually kind of cute and after awhile you start thinking of them as puppies. Steven gave us peices of fish to tantalize them with. We let them eat it before we left.

Steven also told us, in light of Steve Erwin's experience, that if you didn't get in the rays' faces, startle them, or step on them you would be safe. But it was difficult when they carpeted the sand and once three of us found ourselves surrrounded and not able to get back to the boat easily.

We stopped and Steven set up a table and some snacks.

La Villa Mahana

After we settled on Bora Bora, a few searches for things to do and we were convinced we needed to try this restaurant. I could not make reservations online, so I asked the hotel. We had three weeks notice and could not get a table for the night we wanted, but I told the hotel 'we'll take what ever they have available'. We were able to get the following night. If you have a very speical event, you might ask them for the table above the courtyard. Just a small set of stairs above the others, it is a bit more private. We sat down below and loved the cozy, rustic feeling of eating in a Mediterranean courtyard.


 La Villa Mahana is run by chef Damien and his wife, out of their home. They only serve 6 tables an evening so be sure to make reservations as soon as you know you are going.
We had read some reviews before we went and were persueded to order from the fixed menus. Just as we had also read, the ladies' menu has no prices listed.  But we had also heard it was not cheap and were prepared. Our bill, including wine and a generous tip, was about 360 euros, or 500 US dollars.

After looking over the menu I chose the Exotic Menu, which was all seafood. He chose the Epicurean Menu, which included meat. That way we could sample the most dishes. For starters they bring you a bottle of water and a  basket of breads. A review I read raved about the warm, moist, melt in your mouth breads. Maybe they had changed the menu- they do every couple of months-but I am sad to say I was not overly impressed with the bread. However, I'm very happy to say that was the only dish I was not impressed with. Some of the courses were not my favorite, but I was glad I did get to try them all. We ordered a Chateneuf du Pape and sat back to enjoy the gastronomical festivity that was our dinner.

First up for us both were salads.
Mine was Seared Ahi Tuna with vanilla oil, potatoes, lemon juice, and mixed green salad. The dressing was very light and tangy. The Tuna and potatoes were served cold. I could only eat about half. For a fancy"European" restaurant the portions were quite large.

His was Seafood Salad with Caviar. The same lovely dressing. He ate it all.

Next up for me was a lovely cut of fish over the creamiest mashed potatoes I've ever eaten. I was so engrossed in the buttery sauce I forgot to take a close up picture. I did manage to eat all of it though.

His was Seared Duck Foie Gras with sweet spices and potato onion confit. He saved me a bite. It was heavenly. Slightly crisp outside, creamy sweet inside. 

Round three was a Lobster and Prawn Risotto with mascarpone cream and parmesean for me.

His was a King Rock Lobster Risotto.  The wife commented how clean his plate looked every time ahd came to clear it. I was sorry I could not do the courses justice. I guess I should have gone for an extra swim.

My dinner menu stopped there. I got to sit and finish my wine while he enjoyed Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Red wine and vanilla sauce, with creamy gnocchi.

A reviewer had said the vanilla beef was a must. It was delicious. But the gnocchi was even more surprising. Creamy hardly seems enough to describe the melt in your mouth texture. Perfectly cooked through with no gooey middle. Just tender all the way through. As was  the meat.

Before we moved on to dessert, we were brought a little dish of lemon sorbet, which after all the rich flavors and textures was very welcome. Especially as for what was coming next:

Banana Flambee with old rum sauce and Tahitian vanilla ice cream for me

And warm, creamy chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for him.

Served with coffee of course.