Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floor in French Polynesia (2023 Update)

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: The 5-Star, Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Resort is a private enclave surrounded by crystal clear waters and pure white sands near both Moorea Airport and the island’s main ferry dock which has regular ferries running the hour-long journey to and from Tahiti. It is a beautiful place, and if you’re coming, as most people are, straight from busy Tahiti both it and the island of Moorea in general will offer the wow factor. The setting ticks all the boxes for a classic Polynesian island stay; balmy turquoise waters, powdery white sands (the beach alongside is consistently rated one of the best in Polynesia), and lush green tropical foliage, while the resort itself is small, intimate and oozes romantic indulgence. Sofitel is family friendly but it doesn’t have much in the way of specific facilities for kids. In general, though they will be well looked after by the helpful, cheerful staff. Babysitting/child minding services are also available. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: They have a range of bungalows and villas, mainly overwater but with a few beach and garden villas too, ranging in size from 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: 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 InterContinental Le Moana lies along Matira Point at the southern end of Bora Bora’s main island and is, as the name suggests, a sister hotel of the InterContinental Thalasso across the lagoon which has a greater range of facilities, all of which guests at this InterContinental can access via shuttle boat. It doesn’t have the same broad choice of accommodation as its sister hotel and many will consider the Thalasso branch, as it looks directly across the lagoon at the towering Mount Otemanu, to have a more scenic setting. Intercontinental Le Moana also has an extremely idyllic location though it must be said, nestling snugly as it does between the gorgeous white sands of Matira Point and the lush tropical hills behind. It also offers equal amounts of luxury, service and style, and has an understated charm that may be lacking in the larger resort. Its smaller size, more convivial atmosphere, greater access to the main island and lower prices may just make it more preferable for many guests. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The Le Moana, as mentioned, doesn’t have the same 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