The three-pearl Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is a suitable pick for value-oriented travelers seeking a resort experience on Bora Bora. Located on the main island, Maitai Polynesia is within walking distance of a few shops, restaurants, and the famed Matira Beach. Rooms are charmingly decorated with a Polynesian theme, and equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. There aren’t any big-ticket amenities here, like a pool, spa, or fitness center, but there are two on-site restaurants and a lobby bar. A major pitfall is the steep daily charge for Wi-Fi, which doesn’t even work that well once connected. The nearby Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort has more amenities and nicer rooms for slightly higher rates, but its restaurants are pricey and mediocre.
The three-pearl Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is a suitable pick for value-oriented travelers seeking a resort experience on Bora Bora. Located on the main island, Maitai Polynesia is within walking distance of a few shops, restaurants, and the famed Matira Beach. Rooms are charmingly decorated with a Polynesian theme, and equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. There aren’t any big-ticket amenities here, like a pool, spa, or fitness center, but there are two on-site restaurants and a lobby bar. A major pitfall is the steep daily charge for Wi-Fi, which doesn’t even work that well once connected. The nearby Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort has more amenities and nicer rooms for slightly higher rates, but its restaurants are pricey and mediocre.
The five-pearl Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a beautiful property offering gorgeous lagoon views and 114 overwater, beach, and hilltop villas on an island off mainland Bora Bora. A 10-minute boat shuttle (fee) from the mainland, the resort's private cove setting is peaceful. A long stretch of beach, two-tiered infinity pool, hilltop spa with outdoor treatments, and array of free-to-use water sports keep guests entertained. Rooms have largely the same modern, sophisticated design with lots of neutral tones, which can feel a bit lacking in local flair. Nevertheless, swish bathrooms with separate tubs, Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines, and big furnished patios are just a few of the top-notch amenities. Excellent dining includes French and Chinese restaurants, plus a beach bar, but expect sky-high prices. Consider the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, which has more Polynesian flair and free shuttle service.
The five-pearl Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a beautiful property offering gorgeous lagoon views and 114 overwater, beach, and hilltop villas on an island off mainland Bora Bora. A 10-minute boat shuttle (fee) from the mainland, the resort's private cove setting is peaceful. A long stretch of beach, two-tiered infinity pool, hilltop spa with outdoor treatments, and array of free-to-use water sports keep guests entertained. Rooms have largely the same modern, sophisticated design with lots of neutral tones, which can feel a bit lacking in local flair. Nevertheless, swish bathrooms with separate tubs, Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines, and big furnished patios are just a few of the top-notch amenities. Excellent dining includes French and Chinese restaurants, plus a beach bar, but expect sky-high prices. Consider the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, which has more Polynesian flair and free shuttle service.
Pension Alice et Raphael is a rustic two-room guesthouse on a private motu in Bora Bora. French owners, Alice and Raphael, welcome guests like family into their home, which consists of two bungalows, a communal living area, and a beautiful beach. Both bungalows have an authentic Polynesian feel, with thatched roofs, wood furniture, and mosquito nets. There isn’t much to do here besides relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere — considering there’s no TV or Wi-Fi, and no on-site amenities like a pool, spa, or restaurant. Those looking for a few more creature comforts might prefer Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora, a resort with comparable nightly rates but less personalized service.
Pension Alice et Raphael is a rustic two-room guesthouse on a private motu in Bora Bora. French owners, Alice and Raphael, welcome guests like family into their home, which consists of two bungalows, a communal living area, and a beautiful beach. Both bungalows have an authentic Polynesian feel, with thatched roofs, wood furniture, and mosquito nets. There isn’t much to do here besides relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere — considering there’s no TV or Wi-Fi, and no on-site amenities like a pool, spa, or restaurant. Those looking for a few more creature comforts might prefer Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora, a resort with comparable nightly rates but less personalized service.
The 1998-opened Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury property with a stunning oceanfront setting overlooking Mount Otemanu. The 80 rooms comprise overwater, beachfront, and garden bungalows, which have lovely Polynesian decor and modern amenities, but are showing wear and tear. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and either tubs or outdoor showers come standard. A multitude of leisure facilities include a stunning, expansive spa, sports courts, a freeform pool, and hot tub, plus guests can explore the coral garden with free snorkeling gear and non-motorized water sports. The well-reviewed buffet eatery has a weekly Polynesian show, plus a casual poolside eatery and bar and sushi spot are on-site. On the downside, airport transfers aren't included in rates. For a more modern, well-maintained luxe option, consider Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
The 1998-opened Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury property with a stunning oceanfront setting overlooking Mount Otemanu. The 80 rooms comprise overwater, beachfront, and garden bungalows, which have lovely Polynesian decor and modern amenities, but are showing wear and tear. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and either tubs or outdoor showers come standard. A multitude of leisure facilities include a stunning, expansive spa, sports courts, a freeform pool, and hot tub, plus guests can explore the coral garden with free snorkeling gear and non-motorized water sports. The well-reviewed buffet eatery has a weekly Polynesian show, plus a casual poolside eatery and bar and sushi spot are on-site. On the downside, airport transfers aren't included in rates. For a more modern, well-maintained luxe option, consider Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
The luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is about as good as it gets in French Polynesia. Its 80 overwater bungalows, beautiful infinity pool, and stunning beach are real standouts, but the piece de resistance here is the spa. World-renowned for its incorporation of ocean elements into every spa ritual, the 43,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa is, simply, magnificent. Other amenities include three restaurants, two bars, a sundries shop, and a small protected lagoon. Plus, guests have free access to sister property, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort and all of its amenities. Overwater bungalows are the only room type here (how terrible, right?), so travelers looking for on-land accommodations at a similarly luxurious resort should check out the Four Seasons, though nightly rates are typically higher.
The luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is about as good as it gets in French Polynesia. Its 80 overwater bungalows, beautiful infinity pool, and stunning beach are real standouts, but the piece de resistance here is the spa. World-renowned for its incorporation of ocean elements into every spa ritual, the 43,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa is, simply, magnificent. Other amenities include three restaurants, two bars, a sundries shop, and a small protected lagoon. Plus, guests have free access to sister property, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort and all of its amenities. Overwater bungalows are the only room type here (how terrible, right?), so travelers looking for on-land accommodations at a similarly luxurious resort should check out the Four Seasons, though nightly rates are typically higher.