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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 -
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 -
Breakfast is expensive and not of high quality
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Main building rooms can be noisy as they’re near the street
What to Do
Hotel Maitai Polynesia sits on a small private beach shaded by many coconut trees. It’s perfect for quietly lounging or swimming, and there’s a large dropoff just offshore that provides nice snorkeling opportunities; equipment is free to use, as are kayaks and paddleboards.
Just 8 minutes away on foot is Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s most famous and a do-not-miss for anyone who will be on the main island. The resort can also arrange for boat transfers to the motus offshore for even more beach, snorkeling, picnicking, and encounters with sharks and rays.
Electric bikes and mopeds are available for rent directly from the resort, making it easy to do the quick island loop and see everything. Or, rent a small boat and explore from the lagoon – you don’t even need a license!
While there’s no spa here, this resort has an arrangement with the InterContinental’s Thalasso Spa, and you can book massages and other wellness treatments at their world-class facility on the motu. You could also enjoy the Polynesian dinner show at the InterContinental Le Moana just 10 minutes down the road.
What to Eat & Drink
There are just two restaurants at Hotel Maitai Polynesia, plus a bar. However, since it’s on the main island, there are many other dining opportunities off-property, some within walking distance.
Haere Mai is where you can have a buffet breakfast each morning. It’s located in the main building on the mountain side of the resort. This restaurant reopens for dinner in the evening and serves a mixture of French and Polynesian dishes, and in some seasons, there is a weekly Tahitian performance here.
The other restaurant is the Tama’a Maitai, found on the edge of the lagoon. It’s open non-stop from lunch to dinner and has a menu of light meals, pizzas, sandwiches, and delicious fresh seafood. This is also where you’ll find the Beach Bar, the spot to refill your glass throughout the day; the other bar is Manuia Bar, open from early evening to after dark.
You’ll find a couple of local spots walking towards Matira Point if you want to get out of the resort. The restaurants at the InterContinental there are also great choices.
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Room Guide
Hotel Maitai Polynesia has a few dozen standard hotel rooms along with its beach and overwater bungalows. This is somewhat uncommon on Bora Bora, where accommodations are usually limited to ultra-luxe villas and are accordingly pricey. While the simpler rooms here are top choices for budget-watchers, even the upper categories are fairly priced.
Garden and Ocean View Rooms: These affordable rooms are in the main building on the mountain side of the resort. Furnishing and decor are simple and in the local Polynesian style. Ocean View rooms even have a benefit that most other resorts don’t – panoramic views across the sea to the neighboring islands of Raiatea and Taha’a.
Beach Bungalows: There are 13 of these upgraded accommodations right at the foot of the sand. They feature beautiful wooden floors and woven bamboo materials, along with furnished decks to enjoy the view from.
Overwater Bungalows: The rooms on stilts here branch off from a few short pontoons and, therefore, sit close to the shore due to the deep dropoff underwater. However, they still provide stunning views and that iconic image Bora Bora is beloved for, plus direct lagoon access from the deck. The Premium and End-of-Pontoon varieties add even more outdoor space and have the best views.
Special Experiences
Guests celebrating their honeymoon at Hotel Maitai Polynesia should let the staff know in advance – they’ll get a special gift during their stay, provided they can show the marriage certificate that’s less than a year old. It is also worth taking advantage of the hotel’s relationship with the InterContinental Thalasso Spa for a couple’s Deep Ocean Massage or other treatment.
The Haere Mai restaurant on the mountainside of the resort offers a Polynesian dinner show each week during certain seasons, which is a great way to enjoy the fascinating local culture without going anywhere. And if your dates aren’t compatible with that, you may be able to enjoy the one offered at the InterContinental Le Moana, which is walkable from the resort.
Finally, take advantage of the e-bikes and regular bikes available at the resort, as Bora Bora isn’t very large and easily seen by pedaling its ring road. There are also boat rentals for exploring the lagoon. These are awesome amenities not offered by many resorts on this island.
Things we like:
-
Much cheaper rates than competitors, especially when it comes to standard, main-building hotel rooms
-
Great spot on the main island near Matira Point with easy access to stunning beach and hikes
-
Possibility of saving even more money by dining out at local restaurants
-
Free water toys on the beach
-
Assistance with booking all the typical Bora Bora activities: motu excursions, snorkeling with sharks and rays, 4x4 safaris…
Things we don't like:
-
Much fewer activities, entertainment options, and amenities than competitors, in line with the lower price point
-
Breakfast is expensive and not of high quality
-
Main building rooms can be noisy as they’re near the street
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