The Best Resorts in Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a half-mile stretch of powdery perfection that makes the island’s other resorts look bonsai by comparison
Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a half-mile stretch of powdery perfection that makes the island’s other resorts look bonsai by comparison | Courtesy of Conrad Bora Bora Nui / Expedia
Alex Robinson

Craggy mountains and aquamarine atolls, hibiscus-filled gardens, white-sand beaches, stars above deep waters where dolphins swim… Bora Bora is French Polynesia’s poster island. With as many tourists as locals, you won’t find remote, unspoilt Tahitian culture here, and you’ll need deep pockets, but with over-the-water bungalows as standard, it’s hard to beat for intimate beach-and-reef luxury. Here are the top Bora Bora resorts – all bookable on Culture Trip.

The St Regis Bora Bora Resort

Luxury, Hotel, Spa Hotel, Resort

A thatched-roof overwater villa at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Courtesy of the St Regis Bora Bora Resort / Expedia

The St Regis is big on romance, from the private plunge-pool views of the setting sun silhouetting Mount Otemanu, to the huge beds in the gigantic over-the-water villas; not to mention the heart-shaped bathtubs and the private steps from your bungalow into a lagoon of turtles. There are even wedding dresses to choose from in the resort boutique, priests on standby and a full bridal water-chauffeur service in an outrigger canoe accompanied by Polynesian dancers.

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Resort, Spa Hotel, Luxury

A glassy pool at the entrance of a villa-style suite at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora / Expedia

This place delivers every luxury you’d expect from the five-star-plus international brand – and more. There are island views from every bedroom, fish flickering over the reef below your private sun deck and the scent of Tahitian gardenia rising from the tropical gardens as the stars twinkle above. As well as doing romance, the Four Seasons extends a welcome to families. Check in for complimentary childcare, a clubhouse for children under 12, a designated chill island for teens and an endless menu of activities, from snorkelling with marine biologists to paddleboard classes.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Resort, Spa Hotel

A seaside suite at Conrad Bora Bora Nui with a separate bedroom, living space and wooden terrace with loungers
Courtesy of Conrad Bora Bora Nui / Expedia

Now part of the landscape from the Maldives to the Caribbean, over-the-water bungalows were invented at the Bora Bora Nui. Why does this matter? Because as the pioneer, Conrad bagged the best beach – a half-mile stretch of powdery perfection that makes the island’s other resorts look bonsai by comparison. Better still, as the property is tucked away behind an islet, there are no other hotels to spoil the view.

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa

Luxury, Spa Hotel, Resort

A dipping pool in front of a thatch-roof suite at Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa
Courtesy of Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort and Spa / Expedia

Set on a tiny coral cay, safely removed from the competition, the Pearl is something of a Bora Bora bargain, with affordable room prices, including unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu. You don’t get the sparkling perfection of pricier properties – the rooms and amenities need refurbishment, and the bars and restaurants will cost you extra.

Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Hotel

A traditional room at Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora with tile floors and a double bed
Courtesy of Hotel Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora / Expedia

The Maitai is a resort of simple tiled-floor cubes for rooms, with balcony views over a garden of hibiscus blooms. Rooms are located just metres from the aquamarine lagoon, and they’re under starry skies every bit as beautiful as the ones you’ll see above the glamorous Four Seasons. That said, the beach can’t compare, and you won’t get any mountain or sunset backdrops, as the Maitai Polynesia is on the main island. It’s worth noting, too, that if you upgrade and stay over the water, you’ll pay almost as much as you would in the big-brand hotels.

Le Meridien Bora Bora

Resort, Luxury

A pier-like structure at Le Meridien Bora Bora with an overwater villa and beach in the background
Courtesy of Le Meridien Bora Bora / Expedia

Kids will love this place, as it’s home to the Bora Bora Turtle Center, which protects and cares for local marine life, including endangered green turtles – and guests can observe and participate. The location is beautiful to contemplate over raw fish marinated in coconut milk at the toes-in-the-sand Le Te Ava, or Le Tipanié, with its metallic lagoon view. Book an overwater premium lagoon-view bungalow; a fixed ladder eases you into deep water for cooling swims.

Looking for more inspiration on places to stay? Check out our expertly curated guide to the top hotels in Bora Bora.

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