After many years of visiting the islands, we are often asked to list our favorite hotels and resorts in Bora Bora and The Islands of Tahiti. These conversations always seem to include the seductive overwater bungalows of Bora Bora.
A few years ago, we published our list of the best Bora Bora hotels featuring overwater bungalows and we have just updated the list for 2024.
The following Bora Bora hotels made our Top 5 list this year. A few of our favorite resorts are undergoing extensive renovations and updates, including Le Meridien Bora Bora (which will have a soft reopening as "The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa" during last half of 2024 with a full reopening by January 2025). Every hotel that made our Top 5 is open for business and welcoming guests in 2024. Here is quick overview of the resorts. Continue reading for images and explanations on why we chose them.
As an added bonus, keep reading to see the specific room category that we believe provides the most value. If you fall in love with a certain resort below, be sure to click the link for our detailed Hotel Overview.
The calming breezes and surreal lagoon views from a tropical overwater bungalow are intoxicating, no matter how many times you experience them.
Although our Tahiti Specialists, Advisors and Consultants have been traveling to French Polynesia since the 1990s, personally, my trips to the South Pacific began around 10 years ago.
I can still remember my first experience in an overwater bungalow. The alluring and calming assault on all of my senses will forever be imprinted on my mind, and on my soul (hint: a little vanilla flavored local rum seems to enhance this experience).
Years later, when it has felt like life’s challenges are getting the best of me, I have been able to mentally summon the sensual nirvana of my time suspended above the warm waters of the South Pacific in an overwater bungalow. These memories have often provided me with momentary respite from whatever is weighing on my thoughts.
They may be just the answer for you as well.
Polynesians have longed used very simple wooden huts on stilts as shelters for fishing. But, the overwater bungalow, as a dreamy, luxury overnight accommodation, is a modern invention from the 1960s.
The first overwater bungalow was developed for tourists by three friends from California. These three innovators, founded the Bali Hai Hotels. (The name "Bali Hai" was borrowed from the famous song in South Pacific).
To attract more guests to their hotel, and provide a unique experience, the "Bali Hai Boys" developed the overwater bungalow. These thatched roof huts on stilts soon became an iconic accommodation in French Polynesia.
Today, overwater bungalows are a symbol of tropical luxury and escape. Their beautiful views, direct access to the water, and glass floor panels are becoming more popular. But, they are still rare enough to maintain their elusive lure of Polynesian enlightenment that seems to beckon you like the siren song.
Below is our list of favorite overwater bungalows in Bora Bora for 2024. For additional detail, we've provided links to our comprehensive Hotel Overviews containing:
We were always impressed with the authentic Polynesian feel of Le Bora Bora before their recent updates. Now with the overwater bungalows completely redone, Le Bora Bora represents one of the absolute best values in Tahiti. Reserve your stay well in advance as the resort only offers four of the enticing Pool Overwater Villas.
"Our favorite room is the Pool Overwater Villa – Imagine a private plunge pool suspended over the lagoon!"
For quick and affordable advice on your self-booking options, or to answer any questions you may have on transfers or recommended excursions, feel free to arrange a 15-30 minute Advisory Session with one of our Tahiti Specialists.
The “Thalasso” is one of my personal favorites in Bora Bora. The resort does an amazing job of merging clean modern architecture with traditional Polynesian influences. Each of the overwater villas are the same size and with the same interior layout. The main differences are the location on the resort and, of course, the view. The Thalasso also offers overwater villas with private plunge pools on the deck. If you like plunge pools as much as we do, this is the place to get one. Compared to many other resorts, the private pool villas here are a very good value.
"Our favorite room is the Diamond Otemanu Overwater Villa. Those highly sought-after views of Mt Otemanu on the main island make you feel like you are in the most expensive room at the resort, without actually paying for it."
As mentioned above, one of our expert Travel Advisors would be glad to answer your questions in a 15-30 minute Advisory Session.
Okay, we also love The Conrad. When you open their sliding glass doors leading on to your private deck, it feels like it is just one big indoor/ outdoor living space. Personally, I think they did a wonderful job on their interior refurbishment a couple of years ago. Most of all, we can’t get enough of the sunset views from this side of the lagoon. They are hypnotizing. You will also find more natural coral around the overwater bungalow than at some other resorts on Bora Bora, resulting in excellent snorkeling right from your villa!
"The Deluxe Overwater Villas are our favorite rooms at The Conrad. These villas have preferred locations, and most are further out on the pontoon with deeper water for swimming."
A few minutes of Q&A with one of our experts can give you the added confidence you need and save you hours of research. Arrange an Advisory Session today.
If you have seen the movie, “Couples Retreat”, then you have already been exposed to the exotic allure of The St. Regis Bora Bora. It just looks and feels like the perfect tropical resort. The biggest impressions the resort made on me during my first visit, were the spaciousness and coziness of the overwater villas and the authentic Polynesian flair of the staff. They are always so welcoming.
"We seem to migrate toward the Otemanu View category at most resorts. Our favorites at The St. Regis are the Overwater Deluxe Otemanu Villas. They offer stunning views facing southwest toward Mt. Otemanu on the main island of Bora Bora."
Even if you like to book your own trips, our expert Tahiti Specialists are standing by to make your life easier. A 15-30 minute Advisory Session can give you some added peace of mind when planning an expensive getaway or special trip.
The pièce de resistance as they say in French Polynesia is the legendary Four Seasons Bora Bora. With the selection of resorts we have just covered, it becomes very hard to pick a true winner among the competition. But, the Four Seasons does such a great job of never disappointing us or our clients we had to give the resort our top billing. Whenever we visit, it is truly hard to find fault or room for improvement. Every detail seems to be thought of. As Leonardo da Vinci said, "Details make perfection...".
"As with all the choices at the Four Seasons, the overwater accommodations are impeccable. Our favorite bungalow at this resort has to be the One Bedroom Mountain View Overwater Bungalow Suite. The view from your private deck is truly unforgettable."
Even if you like to book your own trips, our expert Tahiti Specialists are standing by to make your life easier. A 15-30 minute Advisory Session can give you some added peace of mind when planning an expensive getaway or special trip.
Regardless of where you stay in Bora Bora, the warm and inviting people will forever be grateful that you took the time to share in their little slice of paradise. I know I can’t wait to get back. Maybe I’ll see you there.
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