The volcanic island of Bora Bora has only one road running around its short coastline. Bloody Mary's is only a few meters off this road, but would still be simple to find because of its large dock. The fact that diners are more likely to park a yacht than a car says as much about the island's geography as it does about the type of guest.
Bloody Mary's Famous Guest List
One of the most well-known guests was Marlon Brando. The actor fell in love with Tahiti during the filming of Mutiny on the Bounty and actually bought the lease on an island in 1965. He was by no means the only celebrity though. In fact, either side of the path leading to the entrance is a thatch-covered, wooden wall with hundreds of names etched into it. From Rowan Atkinson to Rod Stewart, it seems that everyone who has had their fifteen minutes of fame has eaten here.
Bloody Mary's manages to surprise at every turn, from the creepy carvings that wait in welcome behind the Walls of Fame, to the realization on entering that shoes are optional. It takes a while for the eyes to adapt to the gloom inside, but when they do, they realise what the feet have been telling them. Instead of tiles or wood, the floor is entirely covered in soft, white sand.
The Bloody Mary's Dining Experience
From this sand, wooden stools and tables sprout like dark mushrooms. Here, guests are encouraged by staff in authentic Tahitian dress to enjoy a pre-dinner drink from the adjacent bar. Whilst the drinks menu is extensive, most people try the signature cocktail. Once the drinks arrive, they can either order dinner from the menu, or follow the waiter to a display of locally-caught, fresh seafood atop a bed of ice. Here, guests may choose anything they like, even discussing how their choice should be prepared with a chef.
Once the aperitifs are finished, the diners are shown to their tables. The wine list is excellent and the waiters will help choose a label that suits the meal perfectly. The food is of an exceptionally high standard, and few plates are returned with any more than a lobster shell remaining.
For those without a yacht valet-parked, most guests are picked up by their hotels or take advantage of Bloody Mary's shuttle service. However, the restaurant still holds one more surprise for some. The restrooms continue the theme of plants, wood and thatch, but the washbasin is located at the base of a ceiling-high water feature.
Why Visit Bloody Mary's?
Apart from the desire to follow in the footsteps of the great and the good, the ambience is fantastic, the staff are friendly and the food is both fresh and mouth-watering. Bora Bora is a very expensive place to stay, so the check for dinner and drinks will be substantial. However, for a restaurant of this quality in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, it's worth it.
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