We gave our Outoria Team one job:
Find the best and most popular Resorts in Bora Bora
Here you go, now you should be all set for your next trip to Bora Bora.
Most beach addicts have dreamed about a trip to Bora Bora. This iconic island, known for its million shades of blue and the picture-perfect overwater bungalows on the surface, is just northwest of Tahiti in the nation of French Polynesia.
The handful of Bora Bora resorts to choose from are part of what makes a trip to the island so special. The majority of these are ultra-luxurious and located on a motu, meaning one of the barrier islets on the outer lagoon reef.
The calm, shallow water in the lagoon gave rise to the iconic overwater bungalow – in fact, Bora Bora is where they were invented.
Couples, families, and bucket-listers who have researched a trip to this island know well that it is not cheap to visit. However, it’s important that if you’re doing Bora Bora, you do it right.
Know that whether you want a romantic stay, a family vacation, or a relaxing escape, any resort around here will fit the bill. However, we’ve classified them based on some unique aspects anyway. Take a look at our favorites below, and know that your trip is going to be fantastic no matter your choice.
The Top 7 Resorts in Bora Bora in 2025
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1
Most Luxurious: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora -
2
Best for Families: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort -
3
Best for Rewards Travelers: Conrad Bora Bora Nui -
4
Best Ocean Views: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa -
5
Best for Nature Lovers: InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort -
6
Most Romantic: Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts -
7
Most Budget-Friendly: Hotel Maitai Polynesia
All the Bora Bora Resorts We've visited:
What’s Special About This Resort
Four Seasons has a reputation for unparalleled luxury around the world, and the Four Seasons Bora Bora is basically the best of the best. This is where I stayed on my first trip to Bora Bora, and I can confirm that the surreal photos you see of this place are exactly what you get, plus more.
Every room is an ultra-luxe overwater bungalow, except for the handful of multi-bedroom beach villas with private pools. The resort is all alone on its little motu between the barrier reef and the main island, with nothing but a thousand shades of blue in between.
Snorkel, dive, jet ski, paddle, or do other activities around it, or lay on the soft-sand shores. Fine dining and spa services are available in between.
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora doesn’t have a true all-inclusive package, but there are room rates that include both dinner and breakfast. Unfortunately, drinks won’t be cheap here – nor anywhere else in French Polynesia.
Things we like:
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A stunning property where you won’t be able to find a single flaw -
Some of the best overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, including some with private plunge pools and Mount Otemanu views
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Beach and lagoon experience that doesn’t even seem real, including a vast lagoon sanctuary you can snorkel through
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Amazing service from the moment you get on the airport shuttle boat
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Bar and restaurant experiences are top-notch
Things we don't like:
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Probably the most expensive resort in Bora Bora for everything: rooms, food, services… -
I would have liked to see more shuttle boats running to the main island per day, giving more flexibility to explore
What’s Special About This Resort
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers unforgettable experiences and a true escape from reality. This stunning spot boasts some of the most incredible overwater villas in French Polynesia, plus a few expansive villas on the beach.
It’s the perfect tropical getaway for families who love to enjoy the outdoors together while maintaining privacy. Villas can accommodate three to eight guests, so larger families are welcome here.
Adult travelers should definitely not count this place out, though – overwater rooms are consistently ranked among the island’s best. Kids and adults alike love the weekly traditional Polynesian show and dinner, while the resort’s three restaurants seem to have something delicious for everyone.
The private Lagoonarium allows swimmers of all abilities to get up close and personal to Bora Bora’s tropical fish and other colorful sea life without having to venture out into the open lagoon.
Things we like:
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Family-friendly water activities like snorkeling, Hobie Cat, and kayaking
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Lots of places to swim and relax in multiple pools, including an adults-only option
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Personalized butler service for every room
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Free (and really awesome) kids club
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Expansive villa options allow families and groups of friends to travel and stay together
Things we don't like:
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There is only one restaurant option for lunch, limiting your options
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Some guests report minor defects in bungalows and suggest it's time for a refresh
What’s Special About This Resort
We could have easily named the Conrad Bora Bora Nui best for couples or most romantic, as it definitely fits those categories. But if you love free rooms and hoard Hilton points, this place is one of the best redemptions on the planet – even more so if you have an elite status.
Entry-level categories frequently have availability in the sub-100k points-per-night range. And remember that if you stack these, every fifth night is free. The beautiful beach suite you’ll get for free has a value of several thousands of dollars, and Gold or Diamond members just might score an upgrade to an overwater variety.
If you’re paying for your stay, the Conrad is still an excellent choice, as it’s on its own private motu in the quiet southwest corner of Bora Bora, where every day is paradise.
Things we like:
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Low Hilton Honors point redemption rates present an amazing value
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Beach bungalows offer a lower-cost option for travelers with less of a budget but who still want luxury
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Motu Tapu, the most photographed islet in the South Pacific, is a 5-minute boat ride away and exclusively for Conrad guests
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The resort is alone on its island and has one of the longest swimming beaches
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Complimentary kids club
Things we don't like:
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Some resort activities are free on certain days and chargeable on others; this is confusing and not ideal
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Gym is small and underequipped
What’s Special About This Resort
While there are ocean views just about everywhere on this island, we find the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa to have the best for a simple reason: every room here is an overwater bungalow.
There are no mega-beach villas or traditional hotel rooms, so you can be one hundred percent sure that your stay will be on stilts above the mesmerizing water.
The resort is on a quiet motu off eastern Bora Bora, and the stunning sea views are complemented by the majestic sight of Mount Otemanu rising above. Rooms are air-conditioned with an environmentally-friendly seawater cooling system, helping to preserve the vibrant sea life in the nearby Lagoonarium. The Thalasso Spa experience is unrivaled.
Things we like:
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Every room is an iconic overwater bungalow with sea views
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Eco-friendly initiatives like sophisticated seawater-powered air conditioning
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One of the best spa experiences in French Polynesia
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Dive center on-site for scuba divers
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Polynesian cultural shows and dinner buffet at the resort outdoor theater
Things we don't like:
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Some guests find the dining options to be too focused on French cuisine, leaving out Polynesian flavors; others report underwhelming flavors in general
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Swimming pool is rather small
What’s Special About This Resort
There are two InterContinental properties on Bora Bora: the aforementioned Thalasso Resort & Spa, which is on a motu, and the Le Moana Resort, which is on the main island. In fact, it sits on Matira Point, the southernmost tip of Bora Bora. That’s one of the reasons we’re calling it best for nature lovers, as this point is where you’ll find what is literally one of the best beaches in the world: Matira Beach. Warm, crystal-clear water wraps around the white sand, and it’s only waist-deep for seemingly miles out. On the other hand, the overwater bungalows of this resort sit above some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. And being on the main island, hikers will have easy access to the trails around the rugged interior – perhaps even taking on Mount Pahia.
Things we like:
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Main island location makes exploring the rest of Bora Bora easy
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A quick car or bike ride to varying hikes through the jungle interior
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A few minutes’ walk to one of the best beaches in the world, Matira Beach
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Mid-range price point puts this hotel within reasonable reach of more travelers, unlike many other competitors
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Rooms are all individual bungalows, whether overwater or on the beach
Things we don't like:
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Just two restaurants; however, local dining is an option in this location
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There aren’t any room options with private pools
What’s Special About This Resort
While it’s true that all of the hotels on this list are incredibly romantic, we’re giving the prize to Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – also known as the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.
It’s the private and luxurious bungalows, the special romantic touches the staff puts in them, and the overall ambiance of this secluded resort that makes it a dream honeymoon, anniversary, or other celebration destination. It’s the only resort on Tevairoa, a small island across a small channel to the main island and the closest one to the airport.
Many of its beach and overwater bungalows have unbelievable private pools that can be covered with rose petals, while other island greenery can be used to decorate inside. In fact, there’s a whole host of romance touches available to browse on the resort’s website to request, and you can always ask for something custom.
With a gorgeous spot on the lagoon but easy access to the rest of Bora Bora, it will be hard to decide how often to leave.
Things we like:
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Great bungalows that beautifully combine local culture and modern amenities
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Special romantic touches like rose petals in your private pool or hearts and messages made of leaves and flowers on the bed
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Breakfast buffet here is particularly popular and has something new every day
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Great location just a few minutes from both the airport and main island; plus, it’s on its own island
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Lagoon swimming is excellent here with very shallow water
Things we don't like:
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Some rooms have cooling problems, which isn’t ideal in the hot weather of Bora Bora
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As opposed to breakfast, longer-stay guests report getting bored by dinner options after a few days
What’s Special About This Resort
If you’ve made it this far, you know that a trip to Bora Bora is not a cheap one. And while that will always be true, travelers on a budget don’t have to miss out – Hotel Maitai Polynesia can at least cut down on accommodation costs while still delivering a comfortable and authentic experience from which to explore Bora Bora.
This resort is on the main island, just minutes from Matira Point at its southern tip. A main building with standard garden and ocean-view hotel rooms provides affordable options, as opposed to the opulent villa-style rooms that dominate most Bora Bora resorts. However, there are still beach and overwater bungalows available here, and they’re generally lower-priced than competitors, too.
Contributing to the affordability is the fact that this place doesn’t offer as many activity and entertainment options as others, but water toys are available for free use from the beach.
While there’s not an all-inclusive package available at Hotel Maitai Polynesia, there is a half-board option, which includes daily breakfast and dinner.
Things we like:
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Much cheaper rates than competitors, especially when it comes to standard, main-building hotel rooms
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Great spot on the main island near Matira Point with easy access to stunning beach and hikes
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Possibility of saving even more money by dining out at local restaurants
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Free water toys on the beach
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Assistance with booking all the typical Bora Bora activities: motu excursions, snorkeling with sharks and rays, 4x4 safaris…
Things we don't like:
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Much fewer activities, entertainment options, and amenities than competitors, in line with the lower price point
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Breakfast is expensive and not of high quality
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Main building rooms can be noisy as they’re near the street
Marriott’s other property on Bora Bora had long been the Le Meridien, but it was a victim of the pandemic – or so we thought! Actually, the closure in early 2020 was extended to allow a full refresh and rebrand into a Westin property.
It occupies a prime location on Motu Piti Aau in between the St. Regis and the InterContinental. It has quick access to shark and stingray sandbars, but a longer boat ride to Vaitape for those who want to explore the main island.
Westin does an exceptional job with spa and wellness, so we’re looking forward to seeing what it can bring to one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Things we like:
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Stunning views from the motu location
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Lots of white-sand beach
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Expect high-end, relaxed, wellness theme that Westin is known for
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We’ll see what else!
Things we don't like:
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Later-than-usual check-in time and earlier-than-usual check-out time
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We’ll see what else!
The former Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort:
The Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort, along with its sister property below, closed down together even before the pandemic due to financial difficulties. It’s unclear if they would reopen under the Sofitel brand, and the latest estimate for that is 2025 at the earliest.
In its prime, this was one of the top resorts on the main island of Bora Bora, located on the southeastern shore near Hotel Maitai Polynesia and Matira Point. The property had a small set of overwater bungalows, an infinity pool, and access by boat to the private island property, which had even more great beaches and snorkeling.
We’re hoping this reopening materializes, as it would be great to have another luxury resort on the main island.
Things we like:
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Great location near Matira Point on the main island
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Access to a private island offshore with dining, beach, and snorkeling
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This resort had a good price point in comparison to competitors
Things we don't like:
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It’s been many years since closing and the place is in disrepair - renovation will be major
The former Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort:
Where to Book The former Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island:
Sofitel’s other Bora Bora property was a private island resort on Pitiuu Uta, just offshore from the brand’s other resort. This was definitely the more luxurious and extravagant option, as this tiny islet doesn’t have anything else on it. The handful of overwater and beach bungalows could only accommodate a few dozen guests at the most.
Excellent snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and other water activities could be enjoyed on all sides of this scenic islet, and the Bora Bora main island was just a few minutes away by shuttle boat to the sister property. That made this resort the best-connected offshore hotel there was!
We are definitely hoping to see this unique resort reopen.
Things we like:
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Small, private island with just a few accommodations, yet easily connected to the main island
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Access to all the dining and amenities at the sister resort
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The service at this property seemed to be better
Things we don't like:
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Only one restaurant on the motu; maybe they’ll add another in the future
Where to Book The former Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island:
Related Reviews
A Brief History of Bora Bora
Bora Bora is an island in the South Pacific nation of French Polynesia, which itself is an overseas territory of France. It lies northwest of Tahiti, the main island of the country and where all visitors first pass through.
Like other Polynesian islands, Bora Bora was inhabited over 1,500 years ago by voyaging native people. It was ruled as an independent kingdom and took the name Pora Pora, which roughly translates to “firstborn” – a shortened reference to a longer name that translates to “created by the gods.” Everyone can agree on why they came up with that name!
Europeans first encountered the island in the early 1700s, and it was sometimes visited by the French and the English; this created a bit of a power struggle and imposed a lot of change for the Tahitians there. It was claimed by France in the late 1800s when the queen of Bora Bora was forced out of power.
A little-known fact is that Bora Bora was a major US military station during World War II, when thousands of soldiers, aircraft, and weapons were stationed there, although they never saw battle. This is how the local airport came to exist. Some of the old guns are still left on strategic points around the island and can be visited.
Since then, Bora Bora has capitalized on its out-of-this-world natural scenery and become an ultra-luxe tourist destination. People from around the world dream of staying in one of the many resorts around its lagoon.
Feel Like Getting Out of the Resort?
The beautiful rooms, pools, beaches, and other amenities of Bora Bora resorts may tempt many visitors to park themselves there for the duration of their stay. But there is so much to do around the turquoise lagoon and lush island.
Note that many resorts are on a motu – barrier islets on the outer lagoon reef, not connected to the main island of Bora Bora – meaning that it may take some planning to get out and do something. Luckily, most tours and activities offer boat pickup from resort docks; the resorts also offer shuttle boats to the main island.
Snorkeling & Diving
The views below the water are just as amazing as they are above. Bora Bora snorkeling and diving are some of the best in the world thanks to unbelievable visibility and exotic marine life.
One of the most iconic excursions you can take is a shark and ray sandbar tour. There are many spots around the lagoon where the water is shallow enough to stand, which provides the perfect habitat for black-tip reef sharks and stingrays. Don’t worry – they are not aggressive at all. Sting rays even like to get pets on the nose!
You don’t need to scuba dive for this, and most of these excursions are snorkeling-based. Glass-bottom boats offer an alternative for those who really don’t want to get in the water. Besides the sharks and rays, you may see a variety of colorful reef fish, coral, and perhaps even a turtle.
If you are scuba-certified, deeper spots reveal even more marine life. Popular dives include drifts around the lagoon or trips to reef walls and pinnacles outside the barrier reef.
Jet Ski Safaris
One of the coolest lagoon activities by far is exploring it on a jet ski. In some ways, Bora Bora’s lagoon may seem vast, but it’s small enough to whip around in a short time on a personal watercraft, revealing thousands of shades of blue and all the views.
Jet ski safaris are easily bookable via your resort and will pick you up at your dock. You’ll get to cruise across the surface with wind and waves to cool you off from the hot Polynesian sun. There may even be stops at ideal places to dive in.
Mount Otemanu seems to get more beautiful from every angle you see it from. Your local guide should point out landmarks and cool features, and show you how daily life works in idyllic Bora Bora.
Visiting the Main Island
If you have the time, take half a day or more to get off the motu and explore the main island of Bora Bora. Your resort should offer a shuttle boat to the main town, Vaitape, which is a good place to start.
In Vaitape, you can shop for Tahitian pearls, grab local food, and drink a bottle of the local brew, Hinano. You can also rent a bicycle, scooter, or car if necessary to explore further around. There are a few taxis to hire as well.
You should definitely head south from there to the famous Matira Beach, a do-not-miss. It’s got powder-white sand, crystal-clear water, and a shallow depth that seems to extend for miles out. You’d never imagine that a place like this actually exists.
There are also excursions on the main island to enjoy, including ATV tours and 4×4 safaris through the lush island interior. Hikers can take on one of a few treks to the higher elevations, but note that many hikes here are strenuous – Mount Pahia is one of the best. You can stop at the aforementioned American World War II guns still posted around the shores.
From the Air
Once you’ve seen Bora Bora from the motu, from the main island, and from under the lagoon, there’s only one way left to truly top them all: from the sky. Just when you thought the colors couldn’t get any more dazzling, you’ll see them pop like never before from the air.
The best way to do this is on a helicopter tour from the local operator, Tahiti Nui Helicopters. The island isn’t very big, so it doesn’t take long to see it all. You’ll even catch the islands of Raiatea, Taha’a, and Maupiti across the way.
True daredevils can even skydive over Bora Bora. It has to be one of the most scenic places in the world to freefall and drift down on a chute. It’s certainly the most exhilarating way to see the island from the air.
Frequently asked questions about Bora Bora Resorts
No, there really aren’t any true all-inclusive resorts in Bora Bora. You can find rate packages that may include breakfast and dinner, but not Caribbean-style free-flowing alcohol and meals. On the same note, food and drinks here are not cheap at all, so budget accordingly. That’s probably a factor that contributes to resorts not offering all-inclusive stays.
The best months in terms of weather on Bora Bora are May to October, as this is when rain is less likely to fall, and temperatures are just slightly less hot and humid. On the other hand, that means this is when prices will be highest, and crowds will be largest. November to April may provide some relief from that, but rainstorms are more likely, and temperatures are higher. Luckily, the water temperature is always warm and pleasant.
A quick one or two-night trip to Bora Bora is going to leave you wanting more. Our advice is to stay for three nights, at a minimum, to enjoy the best of the lagoon and your sure-to-be-beautiful resort. Many bucket-listers and honeymooners choose to spend a week to 10 days here, which is ideal if you can afford it, as you’ll get to try all the lagoon and land activities plus really indulge at the resort.
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