5 of the Best Places to Stay in Bora Bora
Featured destinations: Bora Bora
Published 31 May 2017
Angela Griffin
If you’ve ever thought of booking a holiday to Bora Bora, or just have a penchant for ogling gorgeous photos of tropical beaches, you’ll probably know that the island is well known for its overwater bungalows. These stilted constructions, usually made of wood and thatch, have direct sea access and fabulous views to boot. Furthermore, many include glass floors, allowing you to watch the passing fish without even leaving the comfort of your bedroom. But with so much choice, how do you know where to stay? To help you choose, we’ve picked five of the best:
The St Regis Bora Bora Resort
The St Regis Bora Bora is set on a white sandy beach just a 10-minute drive from Mount Otemanu and 15 minutes by boat from Bora Bora Airport. A tropical sanctuary sprawled across 44 acres, time appears to stand still here. No request is too big or too small for the St Regis Butler Service, who will arrange drinks in your room when you arrive, help you unpack or, if you have forgotten a book or need a last-minute gift, assist you with anything else you may require. The resort boasts its own spa, the Mira Mira by CLARINS, found on a private island, and there’s a choice of four restaurants, one of which, the Lagoon Restaurant, serves French and Asian dishes while suspending diners over the ocean.
Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort
Set on a luscious beach with a backdrop of hibiscus flowers and tropical blossom, the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort is your classic paradise island resort. Offering delicious dinners, including both French fusion and traditional Polynesian dishes, served under the stars or right by the sea, this is the ideal romantic honeymoon spot. The overwater bungalows suspend guests over the blue lagoon, and it’s merely a single step from your terrace to the warm sea. When you’re done with all the beaching and swimming (as if!) then the Hurricane Bar (pictured) offers totally tropical cocktails with pretty-as-a-picture views.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
A floating oasis in the South Pacific, this InterContinental resort overlooks the statuesque Mount Otemanu and boasts spectacular views of the glittering ocean. Overwater villas decorated in authentic Polynesian designs have private pontoons and shaded terraces, perfect for sunbathing and taking a dip in the turquoise waters. The mesmerising Deep Ocean Spa, which draws water from the sea and re-uses it for electricity, provides a blissful sanctuary for revitalisation. Marvel at the kaleidoscope of fish swimming beneath you through the glass-floored overwater spa suite and, after sunset, explore the rich vintage Bordeaux wines stocked in the largest cellar in French Polynesia.
Le Meridien Bora Bora
Le Meridien Bora Bora is located on the southern point of Motu Piti Aau, a glorious islet on a coral reef, just 20 minutes from Bora Bora Airport. With glass-bottomed bungalows and accommodating staff, experience a slice of paradise at this luxurious hotel. We love the Turtle Centre, located in a private lagoon in the heart of the resort, where you can meet, greet and learn about the animals in their natural environment, just steps from your bungalow. The hotel has its very own Manahau Wellness Centre, offering massages and yoga classes, while its infinity pool features an inner lagoon where you can swim among kaleidoscopic fish.
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort
Capture the first glimpse of your new home from the skies as you soar in via helicopter transfer, before drinking in the peace and tranquillity of this palatial French Polynesian resort. Thatched bungalows and suites have private pools or Jacuzzis, or opt for an overwater bungalow for uninterrupted views of the majestic Mount Otemanu. Swim in the freshwater pool or experience the resort’s PADI diving centre and venture beneath the waves to explore the region’s diverse marine life. For a relaxed dinner, visit The Miki Miki Pool Bar and Restaurant, just steps from the beach.
Head to Bora Bora with Round the World Experts’ Bora Bora Holidays.