Bora Bora hotels have many things in common. Water bungalows, mouth-watering cuisine and romantic nooks to while away a honeymoon in. But there are exclusive and unusual features that set them apart. From the marine life experts at the Four Seasons Bora Bora to the tattoo parlour at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, prepare to be delighted and a little surprised at the ways Bora Bora resorts stand out from the overwater villa crowd.
5* (Luxury)
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora (5*)
The Four Seasons in Bora Bora puts the ‘oooh’ in lagoon front locations. And the exclusive and private in … well, exclusive and private island accommodation. Set out away from the mainland, the resorts sits on Motu Pit A’au. Flanked by the ocean on either side, a stay here could see you lounging in an over water bungalow or sitting pretty in a beachfront villa. Both luxurious options have access to the resort’s private, white sand beach, but there are exclusive retreat stays for you to enjoy your very own slice of the resort – away from prying eyes. Luxury Beachfront Villa Estates come with infinity pools, enclosed gardens and Mount Otemanu views as standard. Your own villa host and chef are on hand to cater to your every whim and, when you add in the option to take dinner on the sands while you watch a traditional fire dance, you start to realise that a stay in the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora very much brings the island to you.
Overwater bungalows put you moments away from snorkelling over the sea life in the lagoon. While the resort’s WiseOceans marine life experts are on hand to help you tell a blennie from a bannerfish or lead you out on your own private snorkelling trip.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui (5*)
It can be hard to truly get away from it ALL, especially on a small island. But the Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s position on its own private Motu sets it apart from the other larger resorts in the region. And, while you might get a sense of luxe castaway in your overwater villa, there are more than enough Bora Bora touches to bring French Polynesia to every aspect of your stay. Garden villas put you at the heart of the resort’s coconut garden – with access to their half mile long stretch of pure white sand beach and the resort’s infinity pool. While the suites and overwater villas really make the most of the lagoon views. Worried you won’t want to tear yourself away from the turquoise hues of the shallows? Fear not, every treatment room in the resort’s hilltop Hina Spa comes with views over Mount Otemanu and Maupiti Island.
To really experience island life to the full, book a picnic on the resort’s private island. A five minute boat cruise puts you and your partner alone on Motu Tapu, with just some champagne and caviar for company. There’s also a private chef and butler, should you wish to add a little more to the menu.
Honeymoon
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (5*)
Relax on the palm-framed beach at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, to honeymoon the days away in front of the azure waters of this exotic breath taker. Set on a motu, east of the mainland, you’re in the ideal place to sail, snorkel or scuba the lagoon. The resort features Bora Bora’s largest overwater villas, as well as cosy garden rooms and beachside villas. All provide a tropical sanctuary away from the every day hustle and bustle, with a 24 hour butler service renowned for almost knowing what you might order before you’ve even picked up the phone. If you’d rather swim up and watch the bartender expertly mix your cocktails, the main pool is the place to be. Though, the private cabanas around the adult only pool are only a short stroll away.
Stunning sunsets, couples’ massages in the Iridium Spa and private, candlelit dinners add more than a touch of romance to this already swoon-worthy spot. Prepare to be just as wooed by the resort’s in-house restaurants. Asian, Italian and French Polynesian flavours will flirt with your tastebuds, while the round-the-clock in room dining allows you to very much adopt an anywhere, any time approach to your stay.
InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora, an IHG Hotel (4*)
Another Bora Bora hotel looking to pamper you into blissful relaxation, the InterContinental Le Moana Resort has the dreamy overwater villas every honeymooner fantasises about. But don’t let that put you off considering a beach bungalow. Stepping out of bed and straight onto the sands is just as magical and, being mere steps from the ocean (rather than perched above it) does come at a considerable saving. Though, percentages are the last thing you’ll fret about once your toes feel the warm lagoon water gently lapping over them. By day, you can snorkel, swim and scuba together in the lagoon – or paddle across it in an outrigger, kayak or SUP board. Round the clock, Le Moana takes relaxation – and romance, seriously.
Their concierge department is always available to provide a little inspo and can arrange excursions, meals and romantic moments for just the two of you during your honeymoon. Their speciality? Romantic dinners served under starlit skies with champagne, tropical flowers and candles. And, if you do stay in an overwater bungalow, consider having a canoe breakfast. A delicious meal brought to your private deck in an outrigger canoe.
Orbzii tip: Few Bora Bora resorts have the option to create a Honeymoon Registry. Don’t miss the opportunity at Le Moana to add a few excursions or exclusive packages to your stay that friends and family can treat you to.
Water villas (huts on stilts)
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts (4*)
If a water villa is at the top of your Bora Bora resort must haves list, take a peek into the gorgeous bungalows at Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts. They may appear to be just simple huts stacked on stilts, but inside? Modern luxury awaits. Chic, neutral tones keep your eyes focused on the aquamarine hues beyond your gazebo, while slick and stylish bathrooms are self-care havens for bathtub soaks and refreshing showers. Spacious, and with direct access to lagoon, there’s little need to leave your hut. When you do venture out, the resort’s three restaurants offer a global menu – with a French-Polynesian twist. Of course, there’s always the option to enjoy a private meal in your water villa. Breakfasts can be delivered by canoe and there’s a round the clock menu for those late night moments when hunger strikes.
Some of the resort’s amenities that could well tempt you to stray from the elegant surroundings of your bungalow? The holistic lure of the Tāvai Spa, a laidback game of pétanque, a swim in the fresh water pool – or an appointment at the onsite tattoo parlour.
Orbzii tip: If you’re a little worried about hopping in the ocean after dark, it’s worth booking overwater villas that come with a plunge pool at any of the above resorts. They suddenly start to make sense as the sun sets and you can take a dip, without wondering what’s circling the sands.
Ready to book your stay at one of Bora Bora’s resorts? Download the Orbzii app now to plan and book your stay in moments.
