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 to Do
You may want to start at the oversized infinity pool of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. There are sets of lounge chairs in the water, as well as a swim-up bar, from which you can enjoy the unreal views of overwater bungalows and impossibly blue lagoon water. In fact, if you go for a bungalow with its own pool, it may not even be necessary to find a spot anywhere else.
This is also the only resort in French Polynesia where you can enjoy four distinct beach experiences without leaving the property. There is over a half-mile of swimmable sandy shore, which is unique for Bora Bora, and there will never not be a secluded place to lie down.
Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding from the shore are all free. The concierge can easily book you on an off-property excursion like scuba diving, jet ski safari, or island tour. Outrigger canoe rides are also available from the beach.
Many resort activities that share the Polynesian culture are available. Guests can learn how to wear a pareo, play the ukulele, open a coconut, and even speak the Tahitian language. Or, join a workshop to make a traditional accessory, like a flower lei or braided coconut leaf hat.
What to Eat & Drink
With five unique restaurants, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is one of the best on the island for dining, thanks to some great variety. Breakfast is served at Iriatai, an open-air spot where Polynesian flare is added to morning essentials.
The most comprehensive lunch option is Tamure Beach Grill, where you can escape the sun for some Mediterranean and Polynesian dishes around the open-air kitchen. Alternatively, order some light bites from the Tarava Pool Bar, which also has swim-up service.
Tamure Beach Grill also opens for dinner and offers a Polynesian performance on Friday evenings. The Upa Upa Lounge Bar opens in between lunch and dinner and continues service until late at night, offering fresh sushi, fine wines, and creative cocktails.
Iriatai reopens for dinner as well but switches to a more elegant atmosphere, serving fine French cuisine and wine pairings. Banyan is the final dinner option for guests who want to try modern Chinese dishes under a beautiful banyan tree.
Room Guide
As usual, there’s not really a bad room at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. However, this resort offers some unique accommodations that aren’t found elsewhere. That also includes some traditional hotel suites (meaning rooms that are not individual villas) – which are lovely and great for budget-watchers but may be something to avoid for guests who want the best of the best.
Garden & Lagoon-View Suites: Set in small buildings along the shore, these 1,000+ square-foot suites can be interconnected, which is ideal for families who need two rooms. Large, private terraces provide a spot to enjoy the Polynesian air, and the beaches and pool aren’t more than a few steps away. You can expect a Garden View Suite if you book on points.
Beach & Lagoon-View Villas: These individual bungalows step it up a notch with lots of space and privacy – plus private plunge pools. The Endless Lagoon View variety is one of the best, as it’s up on the hilltop, where you catch panoramic views of just about everything.
Overwater Villas: The Conrad’s take on the iconic overwater bungalow is spectacular, with Polynesian-decorated spaces, separate living areas, and a variety of views. Most versions have plunge pools on their deck, along with overwater hammocks and direct ocean access.
Presidential Overwater Villa: If you plan on going all-out, this is one of the best presidential suites you’ll find in Bora Bora. It’s two stories and has two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sauna, and a full infinity pool on its deck. Up to 6 people can stay in the villa.
Special Experiences
There’s nothing quite like flying into Bora Bora and then jetting across its lagoon by boat to get to your resort. But you can make the arrival or departure to the Conrad Bora Bora Nui even more spectacular thanks to its private floating helipad. Take the extra-scenic route with a helicopter transfer to see the most stunning view of the island.
One of the most special things about the Conrad is that the resort has exclusive access to Motu Tapu, the most photographed islet in the South Pacific. This little sandy paradise is just 5 minutes from the resort by boat, and only Conrad guests can visit. Have a secluded picnic, a private event, or a spot on the beach that very few people in the world can say they’ve been to.
Motu Tapu is also a great place for a private dinner – but that’s not the only potential spot. A special dining terrace on the hilltop with panoramic views can be set just for you, as can a spot on the beach. In the morning, you can continue the fun with a canoe-delivered breakfast in your bungalow.
Things we like:
-
Low Hilton Honors point redemption rates present an amazing value
-
Beach bungalows offer a lower-cost option for travelers with less of a budget but who still want luxury
-
Motu Tapu, the most photographed islet in the South Pacific, is a 5-minute boat ride away and exclusively for Conrad guests
-
The resort is alone on its island and has one of the longest swimming beaches
-
Complimentary kids club
Things we don't like:
-
Some resort activities are free on certain days and chargeable on others; this is confusing and not ideal
-
Gym is small and underequipped
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