5 Star Luxury Overwater Bungalows in Bora-Bora (2023 Update)

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: Sofitel Bora Bora is an intimate, adults-only, private island resort with crystal clear waters and coral gardens just a two-minute boat ride from the southern end of the main Island, or a 30-minute boat shuttle direct from Bora Bora Airport. It has just 30 bungalows & villas and so is very much a boutique resort, and most certainly a place for peace, quiet, calm, and contentment. Especially given that the entire island is child-free – the only adults-only overwater resort in Bora Bora. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: This intimate oasis is particularly geared towards couples and honeymooners and so all its accommodation choices are doubles. There are two types of villa on offer; twenty classic overwater bungalows out on the lagoon and ten more private jungle lodges surrounded by trees and overlooking the water. Both are roughly the same size and at around 370 ft² are relatively small. They all come with king-size bed as standard though, as well as a living space, an outdoor terrace/sun lounge, and private access to the water. Expect all standard luxury hotel mod cons here and excellent READ THE REVIEW

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: The 5-star celebrity haunt that is the Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits neatly in a private cove on Motu To’opua, a little islet southwest of the main island. The setting is beautiful – secluded and thoroughly romantic, and the resort really has an extra touch of class, even by Bora Bora’s high standards. It also boasts what are surely Bora Bora’s, and one of the world’s, finest overwater bungalows – their incredibly opulent Presidential Overwater Villa. Their hilltop Hina Spa has soothing treatments and tremendous panoramic views, there are four excellent dining options, a large infinity pool and pool bar, and some lovely stretches of the purest of white sands. The Conrad is family-friendly; it has its own Kid’s Club, but overall the atmosphere is one of romance and relaxed, indulgent tranquility. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: They have a total of 114 accommodation units at the Conrad, with a choice between overwater, beach, and garden. The Conrad, in its previous incarnation as a Hilton, was the first resort in Bora Bora to offer the now ubiquitous overwater bungalows and these are of course READ THE REVIEW

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: The 5-star Le Taha’a Resort sits on a tremendously beautiful, secluded private islet between Bora Bora and the famous vanilla island of Taha’a from where it gets its name. It offers a delectable form of tranquil, laid-back luxury, and at cheaper prices than on Bora Bora itself. Cheaper prices or not, for many Le Taha’a is preferable to resorts on Bora Bora’s main island anyway in that it has an even more remote, paradise island feel. And it is a small, intimate resort that feels more personable and less corporate than many others. This is reflected too in its architecture and interior design – the accommodation, and the resort in general feels more traditionally Polynesian than most. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Le Taha’a has 45 romantic, old-style wood and thatch overwater bungalows above the islet’s crystal clear, bountiful waters and a range of cozy beach villas with private gardens and plunge pools steps away from the beach. This is 5-star luxury accommodations with all the conveniences you might come to expect but the decor is traditional Polynesian – displaying native woodcraft and some READ THE REVIEW

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: The 5-star, St. Regis Bora Bora was the setting for the 2009 comedy ‘Couple’s Retreat,’ starring Vince Vaughan, a small extra publicity boost that such a confident, sophisticated resort really has very little need for. Its overwater bıngalows are stunning and you can expect to be extremely impressed with almost everything at the resort in general. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The resort is spread out over 44 acres which includes a private lagoon and various beach areas. The accommodation is a mixture of overwater bungalows and beach villas, all of which are extremely spacious; the largest overwater bungalows and villas in Bora Bora in fact. The very smallest on offer at the St. Regis are 1550 ft² for example, with the very largest being a quite magnificent 3960 ft². The design and decor are mostly traditional Polynesian; airy and with lots of wood. You will have a large bedroom(s) with a super comfortable king-size bed, seating, closet space, and a giant flat-screen TV. The lounge areas have comfy sofas, another TV, and a minibar, and outside there is lots of deck space with READ THE REVIEW

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: The family-friendly Four Seasons Resort forms an exclusive enclave by the coral reefs to the northeast of Bora Bora and offers overwater bungalows, and beach villas, that are spacious, sleek, and very well-equipped. Their style is more modernist than most and they have the feel of luxury design apartments where everything feels crisp, clean, and new. All come with tremendous views over Mount Otemanu and the lagoon, the overwater bungalows particularly, and the resort itself is a pleasure to stroll around with plenty to do and see, and a cozy, friendly, atmosphere throughout. Though the vibe is, this being Bora Bora, generally one of romantic indulgence, The Four Seasons takes care of children better than most with a kid’s club and plenty of organized activities. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has one hundred over-water bungalows and seven beachfront villas to choose from, ranging in size from 1070 ft² to over 3200 ft², with a maximum occupancy of 6 for the larger units. All are extremely comfortable, spacious, and beautifully styled with teak woods and pastel-shaded soft furnishings. The outside READ THE REVIEW

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: This newly renovated and rebranded (it was formerly known as Le Méridien) Marriott resort, is taking reservations now for after its grand re-opening in May 2024. Even after this very fine renovation it still might not have the same show-stopping sense of opulence as some other nearby resorts; the St. Regis or The Four Seasons for example, which feature some quite enormous accommodations, But though the largest overwater bungalows at The Westin cover not much more than 540 ft², they are now just as luxurious, stylish and well-equipped. So if you feel having acres of extra space is not worth the extra premium price then The Westin will be for you. The Westin is family-friendly but its previous incarnation as Le Méridien had a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that was more suited to couples, so we imagine that may continue. It was also noticeably quieter, especially in the evenings than most other Bora Bora resorts, so we can only imagine that also will continue. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The Westin won’t have the same breadth of accommodation choices as some other resorts but what READ THE REVIEW

Why We Recommend These Overwater Bungalows: There may be a lot of competition in terms of luxury retreats in Bora Bora and indeed in the broader region of French Polynesia, but the 5-star InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora is really quite a place. It is located on its own private island, a 20-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Motu Mute Airport, and it is hard to overemphasize the extraordinary setting, with the craggy peak of Mount Otemanu towering above and the most beautifully clear turquoise waters you could ever imagine swaying gently all around. It also has consistently high levels of service, great facilities, and a laudable commitment to eco-friendly and sustainability principles, all of which make it stand out somewhat from the rest and lend the place an extra exclusive feel. It is very much a once-in-a-lifetime vacation venue, and smoothly manages to be both family-friendly and ideal for honeymoons. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The overwater bungalows and villas are in a choice position to enjoy the setting with their boardwalk jutting out right in the middle of the bay. They are also all exceptionally spacious; the smallest covers READ THE REVIEW