8 Luxurious Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows: Which To Choose?

What are the best luxurious Bora Bora overwater bungalows in terms of prices and amenities?

How should you choose between them? What celebrities have stayed there before you?

Let’s take a look!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• 🏨 Best resorts: The Four Seasons, St. Regis, or Conrad Bora Bora Nui are the best Bora Bora overwater bungalows known for their for their top-tier amenities, and views of Mount Otemanu.

• 💰 Price insight: While luxury stays exceed €2,500 per night, affordable options like Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora offer overwater bungalows starting at just €239 ($255 USD).

• 🌅 Unique experiences: Add some unique experiences to your holiday by going for a Canoe Breakfast at InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana or a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary at Westin Bora Bora.

Unique features of Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows

First of all, why should you want to stay in a Bora Bora overwater bungalow? What makes it unique compared to a beach villa or a cheaper hotel room?

For us, it was the feeling of UTMOST LUXURY, having access to your private terrace, from where you can dive straight into the turquoise lagoon and enjoy the French Polynesian sunset with Mount Otemanu and the Pacific Ocean in the background.

We are used to luxury vacations, but these experiences were truly incredible.

When you wake up, you feel like you are in your little TROPICAL PARADISE.

Even Forbes recommends staying in a Bora Bora overwater bungalow!

The true luxury is not just the amenities of the bungalow but in how everything is organized and designed to make your stay unforgettable (for example, what about having a glass-bottom window in your bungalow so you can directly see the REEF SHARK swimming in the lagoon).

Pricing and budgeting

If we’re talking finances, you already know Bora Bora overwater bungalows are far from cheap.

You have the ultimate 5-star resorts, like the St. Regis, Conrad Nui, and Four Seasons resorts, which come with quite a hefty price tag.

The only budget-friendly alternative on Bora Bora island is the Maitai Polynesia.

Below is a short overview table of the average prices for the Bora Bora overwater resorts during the high season.

If you are looking for the best honeymoon resorts in Bora Bora with overwater bungalows, look at our Bora Bora honeymoon guide!

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The best place to stay in Bora Bora is the famous Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

This is LUXURY AT ITS BEST.

The story of Four Seasons in Bora Bora is one of hospitality—it has set the standard for luxurious overwater living.

No wonder Luxury Travel Advisor named this hotel “BEST LUXURY BEACH HOTEL WORLDWIDE”  in their 2023 Awards of Excellence.

👉 DID YOU KNOW: The Four Seasons resort has 108 overwater bungalows (maximum occupancy)?

KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE FOUR SEASONS RESORT:

• 🌺 Ultimate escape: Luxurious overwater bungalows with Polynesian charm, starting at 1,120 square feet. Some bungalows even feature private plunge pools.
• 🏝️ Adventure awaits: Free paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and canoe rides, plus jeep tours and snorkel safaris for exploring Bora Bora.
• 🍹 Savor the flavors: Fresh seafood and Tahitian cuisine at world-class restaurants with stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
• ✨ Magical moments: Lagoon sanctuary spa experiences and stargazing with an in-house astronomer to create unforgettable memories.
• 💍 Romantic bliss: Overwater wedding chapel for ceremonies or private beach dining for a dreamy celebration.
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €2,605 ($2,785 USD) per night for two people, offering an unforgettable luxurious experience.

Cons:

• The Resort is on a motu, so it is not directly on the main island. This means that if you want to visit Vaitape of Mount Otemanu or do a circle tour around the island, you must take the Resort’s ferry, which takes 25 minutes and costs 25 USD.

• The snorkeling experience at the Four Seasons resort is not as good as you would expect, as the snorkeling spots near the bungalows are above a sandy seabed, so there is not much life. But no worries, you can take a day tour with a speedboat to discover the best reef spots on the island!

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Our favorite overwater bungalow is the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.

Travel Weekly named it the “TOP RESORT WORLDWIDE,” while Luxury Travel Advisor named it the “LUXURY HONEYMOON HOTEL WORLDWIDE” in 2019.  

👉 DID YOU KNOW: This Resort is the film location for the popular movie Couples Retreat, starring Vince Vaughn? We even wrote a guide about Eden Resort and where they shot the scenes in the film! 

That is one reason many celebrities have stayed here in the past, such as Nicole Kidman, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Alyssa Milano, Kristen Bell, Vince Vaughn, Kristin Davis, Jon Favreau, and Malin Akerman.

KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA RESORT:

• 🏨 Luxury stay: St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – Exclusive lagoonarium and spacious overwater villas.
• 🛶 Watersports haven: Free snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards.
• ✨ Interesting facts: 77 Overwater villas of up to 3,455 square feet, among the largest in the South Pacific.
• 🍽️ Fine dining: Lagoon by Jean-Georges – French-Asian fusion with views of sharks swimming beneath a glass floor.
• ✨ The Miri Miri Spa by Clarins, on a private island, offers you a blend of Polynesian and modern treatments
• 👰 Honeymoon facilities: Full wedding planning services with private beach and spa island venues.
• 💰 Price point: Starts at €1,750 ($1,870 USD) per night; great value using Marriott Bonvoy points.
• 📉 Downsides: Poor WiFi, expensive minibar, and occasional restroom maintenance issues.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is another good choice, especially since it was renovated in 2020.

It even secured the 12th position in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards for the “Top 25 Hotels in the South Pacific.”

It is not the most luxurious Resort in French Polynesia, but it offers fantastic value for your price.

Situated on the sacred Motu Tevairoa, Le Bora Bora is famous for its elegance and service.

KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE LE BORA BORA BY PEARL RESORTS:

• 🌴 Scenic paradise: Located on Motu Tevairoa with stunning views of Mount Otemanu, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, pristine beaches, and a turquoise lagoon.
• 🌊 Overwater luxury: 50 overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access, glass-bottom coffee tables to view marine life, and private sundecks with lagoon views.
• 🍴 Culinary delights: On-site dining at Otemanu Restaurant, offering a blend of local and international cuisine.
• 🐠 Marine adventures: Guided lagoon tours and snorkeling excursions easily accessible from the Resort.
• ✨ Wellness: The Tāvai Spa provides traditional Polynesian massages and treatments using locally sourced products.
• 🛶 Boutique intimacy: An intimate, boutique-style setting that focuses on privacy and tranquility for a relaxing escape.
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €1,114 (USD 1,190) per night, making it a great value for overwater luxury in Bora Bora.
• 🌿 INTERESTING FACT: The Resort has a coral nursery program that allows you to contribute to marine restoration.

👉 DID YOU KNOW: This luxury hotel was among the first to have overwater bungalows in French Polynesia?

FUN FACT: The Resort’s huge size makes it challenging to move quickly from one point to another, so you can use a golf cart when you leave your villa.

Westin Bora Bora

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, formerly known as Le Meridien, is a brand-new resort that opened in October 2024.

KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE WESTIN BORA BORA:

• 🌴 Brand-new experience: Opened in 2024, this upgraded Resort blends contemporary comfort with eco-conscious design.
• 🌊 Overwater bungalows: This attraction features 85 eco-conscious Bora Bora overwater bungalows, all offering spacious interiors and stunning views. The premium bungalows provide breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu.
• 🪟 Glass floor views: The Westin has the largest glass floors in any Bora Bora resort, giving you a glimpse of the marine life below.
• 🐢 Turtle sanctuary: The Resort’s private lagoonarium is home to a dedicated TURTLE SANCTUARY, offering guests a chance to observe and learn about these incredible creatures.
• 🧘 Wellness focus: Enjoy private yoga sessions and wellness retreats designed to provide a holistic vacation experience.
• 🏖️ Beachfront villas: Modern beachfront accommodations designed to maximize Relaxation with serene views and stylish interiors.
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €1,200 (around $1,300 USD) per night, offering a balance of wellness, sustainability, and luxury.

🌿 INTERESTING FACT: The Westin Bora Bora blends the charm of its predecessor, Le Meridien, with fresh, contemporary upgrades, making it ideal for wellness-focused travelers seeking both comfort and eco-conscious luxury.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa sets the standard for ECO-LUXURY, combining modern comfort with sustainable innovation.

Nestled on Motu Roa, the Resort’s architecture blends seamlessly with Bora Bora’s natural beauty.

KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA RESORT & THALASSO SPA:

• 🌊 Overwater bungalows: The Resort has 84 Bora Bora overwater bungalows with glass-bottom floors and coffee tables.
• 🏆 Award-winning comfort: Named #18 in TripAdvisor’s 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards for the “Top 25 Hotels in the South Pacific.”
• 🌞 Relaxation: Spacious sundecks with direct lagoon access and hammocks.
• 💻 High-tech luxury: Enjoy push-button everything, from controlled lighting to adjustable desks.
• 💧 Deep Ocean Spa: Home to the first thalassotherapy center in the Pacific, offering rejuvenating treatments inspired by the ocean.
• 🌿 Eco-friendly cooling system: The Resort’s innovative Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system harnesses deep-sea saltwater to maintain cool temperatures sustainably.
• 🦈 Marine adventures: Guests can join guided shark and manta ray feeding excursions that depart directly from the Resort’s beach villas.
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €1,200 (around $1,300 USD) per night, delivering a perfect mix of technology, sustainability, and luxury.

🌿 INTERESTING FACT: The Resort’s innovative cooling system drastically reduces its carbon footprint, making it one of the most environmentally conscious luxury stays in Bora Bora. 

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana

A sister property to the larger Thalasso Spa, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana offers a more intimate and charming experience with its overwater bungalows.

Located on the island’s southernmost point, the Resort is famous for its sunsets.

KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE INTERCONTINENTAL BORA BORA LE MOANA:

• 🌅 Sunset paradise: Located on the southern tip of Bora Bora, offering some of the best sunset views in Bora Bora.
• 🌊 Intimate overwater bungalows: The Resort has 49 Bora Bora overwater bungalows with hardwood floors and Polynesian-inspired fabrics, combining elegance with local charm.
• 🍳 Canoe breakfast: Ask the staff about their canoe breakfast experience, where your morning meal is delivered by canoe directly to your bungalow.
• 🏖️ Private beach charm: The Resort’s private beach offers a mix of lagoon views and privacy.
• 🍷 Exclusive wine collection: Enjoy an impressive selection of wines curated by their sommelier.
• 🍽️ Local dining gems: The Resort’s front desk provides recommendations for local restaurants, many offering free transportation. Popular choices include Bora Bora Yacht Club, The Lucky House, and La Matira Beach Restaurant.
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €840 (around $900 USD) per night.

CONS:

• ❗ Less private: Since this Resort isn’t on a private motu, it lacks the seclusion of other luxury resorts.
• ❗ Older design: Some parts feel outdated as one of Bora Bora’s older overwater bungalow resorts.
• ❗ Shallow lagoon water: The lagoon surrounding the bungalows is chest-high, so diving from your deck is not recommended.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on the PRIVATE Motu To’opua.

With a CORAL REEF next to the Resort, the snorkeling experience surpasses even that of the St. Regis.

Summary:

• 🌊 Spacious luxury: 86 large overwater bungalows, many with private infinity pools, daybeds, and catamaran-style nets for lounging above the turquoise lagoon.
• 🍽️ Diverse dining: Six restaurants offer various cuisines, from French and Chinese specialties to a Polynesian-style beach grill.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly: The exclusive two-bedroom ‘Villa‘ is perfect for families, and the kids’ program immerses them in Polynesian culture and marine life.
• ✨ Unique experiences: Signature activities like traditional Polynesian dancing and exclusive lagoon tours.
• 🍷 Culinary highlight: The luxury resort’s signature restaurant serves innovative dishes in a stunning glass-walled, air-conditioned wine cellar.
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €2,507 ($2,682 USD) per night for two people for overwater bungalows, with higher rates for villas and bungalows with private pools.

The Resort also has garden villas, which provide a lush and relaxed environment with private amenities.

With a CORAL REEF just steps away from the Resort, the snorkeling experience surpasses that of the Four Seasons or St. Regis with many tropical fish waiting to be discovered.

The Resort has six restaurants, with food options ranging from French and Chinese kitchens to a Polynesian beach grill.

Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is one of the most affordable options for experiencing the overwater bungalows in Tahiti.

Summary:

• 🌴 Authentic charm: 13 overwater bungalows, seven premium overwater bungalows, and 13 beachfront bungalows, all with traditional Polynesian décor with thatched roofs and wooden accents.
• 🌊 Lagoon access: Overwater bungalows offer direct access to the lagoon, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
• 🍴 Casual dining: On-site dining at Haere Mai Restaurant, serving a mix of French and Polynesian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
• 🌅 Spectacular views: Enjoy stunning lagoon views with chances to spot vibrant marine life right from your terrace.
• 🏖️ Prime location: Just a short distance from Matira Beach, called the most beautiful beach in the world by US Travel News and Travel and Leisure! We listed it as our top beach in Tahiti!
• 💵 Price tag: Starting at €239 ($255 USD) per night, making it one of the MOST AFFORDABLE OPTIONS for overwater houses in Bora Bora. 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: The ‘Maitai Cares’ program partners with marine biologists for an authentic and sustainable experience at the lagoon.

Most expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora

Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort, The St. Regis, and Four Seasons are the most expensive and most luxurious resorts in Bora Bora, famous for their overwater bungalows.

Despite the steep prices, these resorts offer the most spacious rooms on the island.

FAQ’s