Get the picture: OWB meetings are in view these days
Meeting planners are seeing growing popularity for OWBs, which stands for Overwater Bungalows. And one of the most popular places for them is French Polynesia, which includes the islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
It’s believed the trend started here as the birthplace of this unusual room category.
A major reason is that the ancient volcanic islands are encircled by reefs, which create calm and shallow lagoons perfectly suited for building bungalows on stilts.
“In Bora Bora, OWB’s have become a signature of this low-rise, high glamour destination,” says the publication Beyond Borders.
Actually, the OWB’s combine thatched hut, houseboat and luxury villa all in the same building.
Planners find the most upscale properties here include Four Seasons, St. Regis and Hilton’s. Most OWB’s include everything from in-floor viewing panels to Wi-Fi.
Most Bora Bora resorts are not located on the island but on the string of sandy islets that surround it. Water views are common.
Bora Bora is not that remote anymore and is only an eight-hour flight from LA.
Planners find incentives include complimentary meals, complimentary non-alcoholic welcome beverages and VIP upgrades are common.
Planners are also finding that Bora Bora has a diverse choice of outdoor venues, ranging from lagoon-side fire dances under the stars to snorkeling expeditions.
By David Wilkening
David
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