St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Review (2026 Update)

Welcome to the St. Regis Bora Bora resort REVIEW!

 

Are you planning a Bora Bora honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Bora Bora, chances are you’ve found yourself wondering the same things we did before our visit.

 

Questions like, “What’s the best honeymoon hotel in Bora Bora?” or “What should I expect from St. Regis?”

 

We are here to share everything we’ve learned. Whether you’re deciding where to stay or how to prepare, we’ve got you covered!

 

Take a look at this St. Regis documentary from The Luxury Travel Expert!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Price: Rates start at $1,200 (€1,130) per night, but using Marriott Bonvoy points provides more value, especially with the 5th-night free perk.

 

• Luxury: Highlights include the lagoonarium, 24-hour butler service, overwater villas, and fine dining at Lagoon by Jean-Georges.

 

• Disadvantages: Poor Wi-Fi (2 Mbps), expensive minibar prices, staff not always paying attention, and inconsistent maintenance in public restrooms.

 

 

Introduction

Bora Bora is seen as the MOST LUXURIOUS LOCATION in which to celebrate your honeymoon or vacation.  

 

Of all the Bora Bora luxurious overwater resorts, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort stands out as the TOP CHOICE for honeymooners.

 

The Resort comprises 90 overwater villas and beach villas, ranging from one- to three-bedroom sizes. (For VIPs, there is also the 13,000-square feet Royal Estate Villa, which comes with its own kitchen and private chef, sauna, and Jacuzzi, among other things).

 

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

 

This article delves into what makes this resort a top contender for couples who want an unforgettable experience.

 

Quick summary:

• 🏨 Luxury Stay: St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – Exclusive lagoonarium and spacious overwater villas.
• 🛶 Watersports Haven: Complimentary snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards.
• 🍽️ Fine Dining: Lagoon by Jean-Georges – French-Asian fusion with views of sharks swimming beneath a glass floor.
• 👰 Romantic Escapes: Full wedding planning services with private beach and spa island venues.
• 💰 Price Point: Starts at $1,200+ per night; great value using Marriott Bonvoy points.
• 📉 Downsides: Poor Wi-Fi, expensive minibar, and occasional restroom maintenance issues.

 

Location of St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

First, you’ll need to fly into Faa’a (Papeete) International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti.

 

This is the main airport in French Polynesia, and it has connections from various cities worldwide, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Auckland. Air Tahiti Nui is one of the four airlines offering direct international flights to Papeete.

 

Once you arrive in Tahiti, you’ll take a domestic flight from Air Tahiti to Bora Bora’s Motu Mute Airport (BOB).

 

The flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora typically takes 50 MINUTES. Upon arrival at Motu Mute Airport, you’ll need to take a BOAT TRANSFER to St. Regis Bora Bora (also famous for the Resort displayed in the rom-com Couples Retreat)!

 

We always use Aviasales, the BEST organization for CHEAP FLIGHT prices and easy rebookings. You can use our widget below to discover how expensive your flights are!

At The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, the shuttle service to and from the airport is not complimentary. The following prices apply:

20 minutes, shared airport transfer	Price (Taxes included)
One way	XPF 7 500 per person (€62 and $69)
Round trip	XPF 15 000 per person (€62 and $69)

 

INSIDER TIP: The Resort’s private boat transfer costs €120 ($130) per person.

 

St. Regis Bora Bora also offers a complimentary transfer to Vaitape, the largest village on the island.

 

This includes a five-minute boat ride followed by a 25-minute bus ride, departing daily at 11 a.m.

 

 

Regis Bora Bora Resort review

Now, let’s dive into the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Review.

 

Arriving at St Regis Bora Bora

When you arrive at Bora Bora Airport, the St. Regis staff will greet you with a smile and assist with your luggage. They will take you to their specific St. Regis desk at the small airport.

 

If you’ve opted for the private boat transfer offered by the hotel, they will take care of everything for you.

 

You’ll be provided with a cold towel, bottled water, and a floral necklace.

 

The private boat transfer takes 25 minutes and offers stunning views of the turquoise lagoon and the surrounding islets.

 

When you arrive at the St. Regis Bora Bora dock, you’ll meet your BUTLER who will assist you during your stay.

 

One feature of the St. Regis is its attention to detail. For instance, during the private transfer, they will take photos of you on the pier.

 

Once you step onto the St. Regis resort, they will transport you in a golf cart for a short tour of the Resort.

 

The butler service at St. Regis Bora Bora

From the moment you arrive, your butler ensures your stay is as effortless and luxurious as possible.

 

Your butler (and all the staff members always greet you with “Ia Orana” (hello) every time they see you.

 

You can find the St. Regis Bora Bora resort on our detailed map of Bora Bora below!

Unpacking and organizing

One of the amazing services offered by the Butler team is complimentary unpacking and packing.

 

After over 28 hours of travel, letting someone else carefully organize our luggage felt like pure luxury.

 

They even unpacked our wine and put it in the fridge. They even offered to blow up our inflatable pool floats.

 

INSIDER TIP: Take full advantage of the complimentary pressing service. Each guest can have two items pressed per day, free of charge—a rare offering, even among luxury hotels.

 

Personalized planning and seamless service

Butlers handle every detail of your stay, from dinner reservations to organizing excursions and celebrating special occasions (like an engagement).

 

 

The room: overwater villa at St. Regis Bora Bora

Staying in an overwater villa at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is an experience in itself.

 

While online photos might give you mixed impressions (like outdated furniture), seeing the villa in person is a game-changer (especially as they are refurbishing all the beachfront villas, one by one).

 

The 1,549-square-foot villa is both spacious and luxurious, blending traditional Polynesian charm with modern comforts.

 

First impressions

The overwater villa felt bright and open, with plenty of natural light coming in. It featured a large deck with sunbeds, a living room, and a huge bedroom and bathroom.

 

While the bathroom could use more lighting, the double sinks and overall size more than compensate for this.

 

Inside the villa

The villa’s layout is designed for both comfort and style. As you enter through the small foyer, you’ll notice two glass-floor panels that offer a glimpse of the ocean below.

 

The living room includes a plush sofa, a glass coffee table, and yet another glass panel for ocean views. On the right, a desk with adapters is provided.

 

One standout feature is the massive ocean-facing windows in the living room, offering an unobstructed view of the water. The villa also included a roll-away bed, thoughtfully set up for extra comfort and Instagram-worthy pictures.

 

Welcome amenities

St. Regis’ hospitality shines through the small details. When you arrive in the room, a bottle of champagne, macarons, fresh fruit, and both still and sparkling water will be waiting for you.

 

A personalized welcome letter was a nice touch.

 

The deck

The deck of the overwater villa is spacious and perfect for relaxing or enjoying the views.

 

You’ll find comfortable loungers and direct access to the turquoise water, making it the perfect spot to swim or snorkel right from your villa.

Minibar

While the amenities and room are exceptional, the minibar prices are too high.

 

A can of Coke costs $8 (€7.50), and a small bag of Doritos is $7 (€6.50). So we gladly ignored the minibar.

 

INSIDER TIP: Stock up on snacks and light meals in Vaitape before heading to the Resort. Local shops offer more affordable options than resort prices for simple snacks like chips or soft drinks.

 

Enjoying the facilities and activities

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers an impressive range of facilities and amenities, making it one of the most well-equipped resorts on the island.

 

Lagoonarium: snorkel with vibrant marine life

 

The Resort features a private lagoonarium, a private area perfect for snorkeling with colorful fish and coral. They put nets on each side of the lagoon so fish cannot swim in and out.

 

For a unique experience, you can attend fish feedings at 10:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

 

Reef shark feedings take place at 11:30 a.m. near the Lagoon Restaurant on the same days.

 

KEEP IN MIND: St. Regis Bora Bora Resort has two pools, one with a swim-up bar and one for adults only

Day spa island: relaxation in paradise

If relaxation is your priority, the day spa island is a must-visit.

 

The spa offers private cabanas where you can relax surrounded by nature.

 

Spa treatments such as Polynesian massages and mud wraps are available.

 

Fitness and sports: stay active with a view

The Resort has a large, air-conditioned fitness center that overlooks the lagoon.

 

The equipment is well-maintained, but we experienced limited Wi-Fi connectivity.

 

Additionally, there’s a tennis court where you can play against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Otemanu (an extinct volcano).

 

Activities and excursions: something for everyone

If you like water activities, you’ll definitely be busy.

 

Complimentary non-motorized watersports include:

• Snorkeling gear
• Kayaks
• Stand-up paddleboards
• Canoes
• Giant floating tricycles (although, during my stay, these were unfortunately out of service).

 

Motorized watersports are available at an additional cost, such as:

• Jet Ski tours: approximately $285 (€260) for 90 minutes.
• Private yacht tours: up to $7,500 (€6,850) for a full day.

 

If you’re feeling adventurous, I highly recommend swimming with manta rays or booking a private snorkeling tour with a local guide like Simon.

Downsides: where the Resort falls short

While the facilities are outstanding, there are areas that could use improvement.

 

Public restrooms often lacked attention to detail, with missing towels and refilled soap dispensers (with just water) detracting from the overall experience of a hotel of this standing.

 

Additionally, the Wi-Fi, though free, was frustratingly SLOW (2mpbs download speed where you would need at least 100 for comfortable surfing). So don’t expect too much from the Wi-Fi, you’re better off with an e-sim!

 

You can read here our full guide on Bora Bora, what you need to know when you plan to travel to this piece of paradise!

 

 

Restaurants at St. Regis Bora Bora

The Resort has FOUR RESTAURANTS, each with a different kitchen and atmosphere.

 

Interested in what the real Tahitian cuisine is? Look at our full guide!

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: not all restaurants are open every night, so plan your dining schedule (your butler can help you with this).

 

Lagoon by Jean-Georges (luxurious)

• Cuisine: French-Asian fusion
• Highlight: Signature restaurant with views of Mount Otemanu and sharks swimming beneath the glass floor.
• Must-try: The degustation menu. A mix of local and French-inspired dishes paired with impeccable service.
• Special note: Even if you’re not staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, a reservation here for a true Polynesian dinner or drinks is a must. The atmosphere, food, and service make it a 10/10 experience.
• Check below for the prices!

 

Farniente

• Cuisine: Italian restaurant
• Highlights: Gluten-free options for pizza and pasta, a rare find on the island.
• Tip: Far Niente shares space with Bamboo, so only one of these restaurants is open each night.

 

Bamboo

• Cuisine: Asian
• Highlights: Excellent sushi, beautifully presented dishes, and a casual outdoor dining experience.
• Tip: Make sure to check the schedule, as Bamboo alternates openings with Far Niente.

 

Te Pahu

• Cuisine: International
• Highlights: Poolside views, themed dining nights like Polynesian Night or Indian Night, often featuring live music.
• Breakfast: Held here daily, with a mix of buffet options and an à la carte menu.

 

How Expensive is the Food at St. Regis Bora Bora?

Let’s be upfront: dining at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is VERY EXPENSIVE.

 

Bora Bora isn’t a budget-friendly destination, and meals here reflect that exclusivity.

 

However, the quality of food, service, and atmosphere often make it worth the price, especially for a special occasion.

 

Average costs for dining at the Resort

• Dinner: Expect to spend $100 (€95) or more per person, including alcohol. Fine dining experiences like those at The Lagoon by Jean-Georges may cost more, but they deliver exceptional quality.
• Lunch: Slightly more affordable but can climb depending on your appetite for beachside cocktails or fresh seafood.
• Cocktails: Average around $20 (€18) each.

 

INSIDER TIP: You’re allowed to bring your own alcohol to Bora Bora, up to three bottles of wine per person, or 2 liters of hard liquor. If you plan to drink, I highly recommend buying wine or spirits duty-free in Papeete (PPT) before arriving.

 

The perfect place for an engagement or wedding

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

 

That’s not us saying that, but the Luxury Travel Advisor who named it the “LUXURY HONEYMOON HOTEL WORLDWIDE” in 2019.  

 

Wedding planning services

The Resort features full-time wedding planners and a wedding center to help you organize every detail of your special day. From the ceremony to the reception, their team takes care of everything.

 

Venue options

St. Regis offers multiple stunning venues to suit your preferences:

• Spa Island: Exchange vows surrounded by lush greenery and complete privacy.
• Beachfront: Say “I do” with the soft white sands private beach beneath your feet and the turquoise lagoon as your backdrop.
• Chapel: A more traditional option for those looking for an elegant indoor ceremony.

 

Regis Bora Bora Price

A stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a luxury experience, with room rates reflecting its exclusivity. Whether you’re paying in cash or redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, here’s what you can expect.

 

Cash rates

• Standard rates: Start at approximately $1,200 (€1,130) per night for the most basic villa.
• Premium rates: Can climb to $2,000 (€1,880) or more per night, depending on the time of year and room type.

 

Peak travel times, such as the dry season (May to October) have higher prices, while the rainy season (November to April) offers lower rates.

 

Using Marriott Bonvoy points

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, the St. Regis Bora Bora is an excellent use of points. Here’s how the redemption typically works:

• Standard dates: Approximately 85,000 points per night.
• Off-peak dates: Around 70,000 points per night (typically during the rainy season).
• High season: Up to 100,000 points per night.

 

Marriott’s 5th-night free perk makes this redemption even more attractive. When booking with points for five nights, the fifth night is free, lowering the cost of your stay.

 

Our experience with Marriott points

We booked a 5-night stay on points, which turned out to be one of the best redemptions we’ve ever made. Here’s how it worked out:

• Points used: A total of 340,000 points for five nights.
  • One night was at the off-peak rate (70,000 points), but Marriott’s system made the cheapest night free, so the total cost didn’t change.

 

• Room type: We were upgraded to a Deluxe Overwater Bungalow (a room valued at $14,500 (€13,620) for 5 nights).

 

This gave us an incredible redemption value of 4.3 cents per point, far exceeding the average Marriott point value of 0.8 cents.

 

This made the stay an extraordinary use of points.

 

Even though this is an expensive hotel, it belongs in the Travel + Leisure readers’ top-ranked resorts in the South Pacific and in their 2023 World’s Best Awards survey.

 

What we loved

 

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort has many amazing features, but there were a few items that made our experience unforgettable!

 

The lagoonarium: a private underwater paradise

By far, the lagoonarium was the highlight for us. This massive, crystal-clear water sanctuary is a mix of natural and manmade lagoons. Nets on either side keep the area closed, creating the feeling of swimming in your own private aquarium filled with vibrant fish and coral.

 

Intimate yet expansive

If you’re debating between St. Regis and the Four Seasons, this is one of the key differences. St. Regis feels less overwhelming and more manageable in size, making it easier to move around.

 

Biking around the property

Each villa comes with its own SET OF BIKES, which became one of my favorite parts of the stay. Biking allows you to explore the Resort at your own pace and adds a fun, active element to the experience.

 

Which is better, St Regis vs Four Seasons?

 

The St. Regis Bora Bora and Four Seasons Bora Bora each offer unique features.

 

However, there are quite some noticeable differences.

 

Why choose St. Regis Bora Bora?

• Spacious overwater villas: St. Regis features the largest overwater accommodations in French Polynesia.
• Breathtaking sunrise views: The Resort provides stunning Mt. Otemanu views at sunrise.
• Close to the main island: Its location allows easier access to Vaitape and other local attractions.
• Secluded beach villas: These villas include private gardens for more privacy.
• Exclusive lagoonarium: A private snorkeling area filled with tropical fish gives guests a unique underwater experience.
• Personalized 24-hour butler service: Every person enjoys dedicated butler service, enhancing the overall luxury.

 

Why choose Four Seasons Bora Bora?

• Unmatched sunset views: Villas and dining areas at the Four Seasons are perfectly positioned to capture stunning sunsets over the lagoon.
• Included boat transfers: Guests benefit from complimentary transfers to and from the main island, making travel logistics easier.
• Luxurious beachfront villas: These accommodations offer private plunge pools and direct beach access, ideal for families or those desiring privacy.
• Inner lagoon sanctuary: This unique snorkeling area lets you explore tropical marine life in a serene, controlled environment.
• Vibrant sunset bar: Enjoy cocktails with unforgettable sunset views in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.

 

Which Resort suits you?

• For couples: The St. Regis is perfect for romantic getaways, with spacious villas, amazing butler service, and a tranquil ambiance.
• For families: The Four Seasons excels at family-friendly luxury, offering amenities like private pools, complimentary transfers, and engaging activities for all ages.

 

 

Conclusion

Bora Bora is a destination that combines luxury, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, making it a top choice if you want the ultimate Bora Bora honeymoon tropical escape.

 

Among its 5-star resorts, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort stands out for its unique blend of exclusivity, personalized service, and thoughtfully designed amenities, such as the private lagoonarium and 24-hour butler service.

 

It’s an exceptional choice for couples.

 

Regardless of what type of room you stay, the island’s turquoise lagoons, marine life, and world-class hospitality promise an unforgettable journey.