Staying in an overwater bungalow is pretty much a necessity on your trip to Bora Bora. Imagine waking up with the ocean breeze to a crystal-clear lagoon surrounding you. You can either choose to jump in the water and take a swim, soak up the sun on the dock, or watch the fish through the glass floor of your bungalow. Paradise.
Overwater bungalows are, by nature, serene and postcard-worthy, and while budget options are hard to come by (but there are some listed below!), each has unique features and elements of luxury.
Whether you stay for a day or a week, here are the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and how to choose the right one for you!
With 108 total suites, three restaurants, a bar, a diving center, a tennis court, boutique shops, and swimming pools, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is rich in amenities and luxury. The resort is located at Motu Tevairoa, just ten minutes from the airport and fifteen from the village of Vaitape, and the 50 overwater bungalows on the property have recently been completely renovated.
A stay at the resort includes complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, and each of the overwater bungalows features bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, and a fully furnished partially-covered sundeck.
Not only is this resort great value for money, but it’s also perfect if you want a certain amount of seclusion with easy access to the mainland – the resort offers free rides to the mainland during the day and then charges a nominal fee at night.
Home to 50 overwater bungalows, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is located on the south side of the main island, right near Matira Beach (which has been said to be the most beautiful beach in the world).
Being on the main island gives this resort a different vibe than most of the others, as visitors can easily access amenities and have a more connected, less secluded, stay. It’s only 8 kilometers away from Vaitape, the island’s main city, after all.
This is also a great overwater bungalow pick if you’re being budget-conscious. Though still gorgeous, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana isn’t quite as lavish as other popular spots, and as such, it’ll go a little easier on your wallet.
Some of the amenities at this resort include air conditioning, private balconies, an exclusive beach, complimentary kayak and snorkeling equipment use, and two restaurants.
Read more: The Best Places to Stay in Moorea, Tahiti (For Every Budget)
Located on Motu To’opua, next to a secluded cove, Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort featuring high-end luxury services. The resort lays claim to the longest stretch of beach in Bora Bora (the white sand is divine), six unique restaurants, and is just steps from a coral reef.
Guests will be greeted via a dedicated island host and will experience complimentary packing and unpacking, cocktail hours, beverage delivery, laundry services, resort tours, and more.
Each of the 86 private overwater bungalows features easy access to the lagoon, retractable windows, spacious bathtubs, overwater hammocks, minibars, Bluetooth sound systems, and more. The only things it doesn’t have are views of Mount Otemanu and glass flooring.
Read more: Moorea, Tahiti on a Budget: In-Depth Moorea Travel Guide
Featuring the most spacious overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, The St. Regis Bora Bora lays claim to 48 overwater suites and is the most lavish definition of luxury. Here, you can expect unparalleled privacy and exemplary service, with a team of staff available 24 hours a day and a dedicated staff member per bungalow.
The bungalows here are just as opulent as the service, with even the smallest options measuring at over 1,500 square feet. The decor is modern and stylish with a light, airy feel throughout the rooms.
Along with direct lagoon access, this resort also features a fitness center, spa, swim-up bar, four restaurants, private pools, surround sound systems, and more. Where Le Bora Bora caters to a younger, fun crowd, St. Regis is all about upscale, mature luxury.
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With 84 overwater bungalows, the 5-star InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa combines luxury and fun, with three restaurants, two bars, gorgeous suites, and themed nights to keep you entertained.
The resort is located on Motu Piti Aau island and each bungalow has separate bedrooms and living rooms. Features you’ll find here include outdoor freshwater showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, sustainable Sea Water Air Conditioning, and glass-bottom cabins. This is technically a sister hotel to the Le Moana Resort listed above, albeit the much more sophisticated of the two.
The resort also faces Mount Otemanu, giving views that can only be described as majestic.
Read more: 25 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World (And Where To Stay)
A great pick if you want a more affordable option, the Maitai Bora Bora is conveniently located on the main island near Vaitape. The main hotel is located in between a hill and a beach, and the 13 overwater bungalows are just across the road.
At this boutique hotel, you’ll find live entertainment, two restaurants, a bar, and gift shops. The bungalows, though very basic, come with a glass coffee table, minibar, blackout curtains, and air conditioning.
The draws here are the convenient location and the price. Though not flashy in any way, the Maitai Bora Bora is probably the most affordable hotel you’ll find in French Polynesia.
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Located on Point Matira, Bora Bora’s Four Season Resort features amazing views of Mount Otemanu, plenty of fish in the crystal-clear waters, and 108 gorgeous overwater bungalows. This hotel has won awards for being the top accommodation in French Polynesia, and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Each bungalow is over 1,000 square feet in size and features a separate bedroom, bathroom, and living room. The decor of each bungalow is stunning with indigenous artwork, traditional-style furnishings, and vaulted ceilings making up the landscape.
Plus, the Four Seasons is accommodation for everybody. Though couples tend to make up the majority of visitors, this resort is home to both children and teen clubs – ensuring everybody has tons to do and is thoroughly entertained.
After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation.
Flights: Momondo is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. The calendar feature shows the cheapest days to fly in your preferred month of travel.
Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.
Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust World Nomads, which we’ve used for the past 8 years.
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