The week that was 30 November- 4th December

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The week that was 30 November- 4th December

Singapore – Auckland – Papeete – Bora Bora – Papeete – Auckland – Singapore
Weekend 5 – 6 December 2015

Travelling back in time
This week’s travel to Tahiti was by far the most arduous trip that I undertook this year…Not only because of its length, but also because of the date line crossing. Leaving on Monday morning from Auckland to arrive Sunday afternoon the day before in Tahiti, going back 23 hours in time zone. The good thing is that your body is not really uprooted, you are just doing the same day over again…a bit like Groundhog Day…

While many people tweeted “lucky bastards” or “jealous!” for being there, the truth is that besides taking a lot of picturesque shots, we were there to work, making us feel a bit odd walking around assessing the site, taking notes and talking to the general manager and maintenance engineer while the real holiday makers were dipping in the pool or sea, sipping a cocktail and enjoying the gorgeous views, probably wondering what we were doing. I tried to look inconspicuous by wearing my Bermuda’s and T-shirt, but I guess wandering around with project files and drawings, taking pictures of down lights and switchboards gave us away… 🙂

In order to meet on site for 2 days we had to leave Singapore on a Sunday morning arriving in Auckland after a 10 hour flight. With only limited flights to Tahiti we found ourselves staying overnight at the airport hotel as to catch the early morning flight on Monday to Papeete, Tahiti’s capital, another 5 hour plus flight. If that were not enough we transferred on an island hopping small plane that finally landed us in Bora Bora where we hopped on board a little motor boat for the 30 min trip to our final destination, the Hilton Hotel Resort on the atoll island called MotuToopua.

Iaorana Bora Bora
We arrived in the middle of the night after a bouncy trip on the choppy seas and the first thing that struck us was that we had no idea where we had arrived…mostly dark with only a few (glary) lights here and there did not unveil anything of what the resort looked like; no feel of the extent of the resort, no feel of landscape of physical proportions. I made a mental note that part of the renovation that we are going to undertake should absolutely include lighting the resort in such ways that it reveals itself to excited guests arriving at the resort after along and tiring trip at night. After the customary flower garlands and welcome drinks we thankfully retreated to our villa (no such things as rooms in this resort) for a much needed recovery rest…

It was only at breakfast in the morning that we could truly say: “Iaorana Bora Bora”…(hello Bora Bora)! The stunning views, amazing white beaches, waving palm trees and clear blue seas fully matching up with expectations. However the elations was short lived as we were brought back to the realities of the day. While the amazing views remained as a backdrop throughout the day we had to (reluctantly) focus on the work at hand, the renovation of the resort and upgrading to Conrad level of sophistication. With the 4 Seasons, St Regis and Intercontinental hotel resorts also active nearby, this 15 year old resort is indeed in need of some TLC.

Logistics and energy supply
This is obviously not your average sort of project as the circumstances are rather unique with the location far and remote from anywhere in the world. Logistics and energy supply are the obvious key elements that spring to mind. Just getting us there was already a logistical (and costly) nightmare; 32 hours on the way and 46 hours back! Just imagine the logistics for the importation of light fittings! Because of the harsh tropical climate (mixed with some occasional cyclones) the quality of the lights has to be top of the class and while China made lighting products may be eyed for economic reasons, durability and serviceability have to be part of the equation. Our site assessment showed us that both were seriously missing. Energy, not surprisingly, is expensive so a transition to LED technology is the obvious move forward and making sure we implement light only where and when needed (zoning/ time controlled) will be the way to go.

Lighting design the difference
It was also obvious from our site review that the original lighting had not been designed by a professional lighting designer (if it has been than it does not show any remaining traces that it ever was), with poorly lit areas, mostly glary light fittings and wrong light fitting choices. I guess that is why we are here now and by applying basic lighting design principles I am confident we can turn this into a stunning and above all magical memorable night time resort experience. The challenge will be to balance logistics and costs versus local implementation and energy management. We look forward to it…

Have a great weekend

Impressions of our trip…