Adults Only Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia (2023 Update)

Why We Like it: Sofitel Bora Bora is an intimate, adults only, private island resort with crystal clear waters and coral gardens just two minutes boat ride from the southern end of the main Island, or a 30 minutes 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 room service. Concierge services are available too, and happy to oblige all sorts of requests. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos, on the booking page here. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: You can enjoy gourmet Polynesian and French food, as well as quality French wines (it has an extensive wine cellar), at the Manu Tuki Restaurant. It has a very lovely setting, with views over the peaceful lagoon, and of the towering Mount Otemanu away in the distance. Moving on from there you can enjoy some beautifully crafted cocktails, and other drinks at the cosy Mako Bar, which has similarly beautiful views from its wooden terrace and also serves food and snacks throughout the day. If you want to make any day or evening extra special all sorts of romantic extras are available, such as gourmet dining on the beach or sunset champagne evenings with traditional Polynesian dance shows. Private, bespoke arrangements can also be made, for the READ MORE

Why We Like it: Maitai Polynesia is a charming little resort in the south of Bora Bora by Matira Point Beach, just below the InterContinental Le Moana. It offers the cheapest luxury overwater bungalow experience in Bora Bora. This might be possible because they seem to have pared back some of the more expensive, but maybe unnecessary for many people frills – things such as a swimming pool, private airport transfer to the resort (though there is private transfer from Vaitape, and you can get there easily, and cheaply, by public ferry from the airport) and an excess of choice in terms of restaurants, bars and other facilities. For a lot of people this is an easy trade off, especially seeing that guests at Maitai have complimentary access to the facilities of the InterContinental just a few minutes walk away. Note: Maitai is placed in our adults only category as, though children can stay in some other parts of the resort, the overwater bungalows are strictly adults only. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The resort has a nice range of options – overwater bungalows, bungalows on the beach or in the gardens of the resort and some rooms farther back and higher up which have lovely ocean views. All are stylish, spacious and super comfortable and include air conditioning, satellite TV and a minibar plus the overwater bungalows have a glass table and floor to allow guests to watch the sea life below their feet. Note: Rather surprisingly in this day and age the WiFi can be very weak in many rooms, in particular the overwater bungalows. In the hotel common areas though it works just fine.  The overwater bungalows are great value but they might now have they same wow factor as the other resorts in Bora Bora, being quite close to the shore and relatively close to one other. But, they are much cheaper and again, for what they offer, great value. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos, on the booking page here. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: The resort is relatively small but has two bars and two READ MORE