The three-pearl Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is a suitable pick for value-oriented travelers seeking a resort experience on Bora Bora. Located on the main island, Maitai Polynesia is within walking distance of a few shops, restaurants, and the famed Matira Beach. Rooms are charmingly decorated with a Polynesian theme, and equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. There aren’t any big-ticket amenities here, like a pool, spa, or fitness center, but there are two on-site restaurants and a lobby bar. A major pitfall is the steep daily charge for Wi-Fi, which doesn’t even work that well once connected. The nearby Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort has more amenities and nicer rooms for slightly higher rates, but its restaurants are pricey and mediocre.
The three-pearl Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is a suitable pick for value-oriented travelers seeking a resort experience on Bora Bora. Located on the main island, Maitai Polynesia is within walking distance of a few shops, restaurants, and the famed Matira Beach. Rooms are charmingly decorated with a Polynesian theme, and equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. There aren’t any big-ticket amenities here, like a pool, spa, or fitness center, but there are two on-site restaurants and a lobby bar. A major pitfall is the steep daily charge for Wi-Fi, which doesn’t even work that well once connected. The nearby Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort has more amenities and nicer rooms for slightly higher rates, but its restaurants are pricey and mediocre.
The five-pearl Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a beautiful property offering gorgeous lagoon views and 114 overwater, beach, and hilltop villas on an island off mainland Bora Bora. A 10-minute boat shuttle (fee) from the mainland, the resort's private cove setting is peaceful. A long stretch of beach, two-tiered infinity pool, hilltop spa with outdoor treatments, and array of free-to-use water sports keep guests entertained. Rooms have largely the same modern, sophisticated design with lots of neutral tones, which can feel a bit lacking in local flair. Nevertheless, swish bathrooms with separate tubs, Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines, and big furnished patios are just a few of the top-notch amenities. Excellent dining includes French and Chinese restaurants, plus a beach bar, but expect sky-high prices. Consider the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, which has more Polynesian flair and free shuttle service.
The five-pearl Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a beautiful property offering gorgeous lagoon views and 114 overwater, beach, and hilltop villas on an island off mainland Bora Bora. A 10-minute boat shuttle (fee) from the mainland, the resort's private cove setting is peaceful. A long stretch of beach, two-tiered infinity pool, hilltop spa with outdoor treatments, and array of free-to-use water sports keep guests entertained. Rooms have largely the same modern, sophisticated design with lots of neutral tones, which can feel a bit lacking in local flair. Nevertheless, swish bathrooms with separate tubs, Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines, and big furnished patios are just a few of the top-notch amenities. Excellent dining includes French and Chinese restaurants, plus a beach bar, but expect sky-high prices. Consider the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, which has more Polynesian flair and free shuttle service.
Pension Alice et Raphael is a rustic two-room guesthouse on a private motu in Bora Bora. French owners, Alice and Raphael, welcome guests like family into their home, which consists of two bungalows, a communal living area, and a beautiful beach. Both bungalows have an authentic Polynesian feel, with thatched roofs, wood furniture, and mosquito nets. There isn’t much to do here besides relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere — considering there’s no TV or Wi-Fi, and no on-site amenities like a pool, spa, or restaurant. Those looking for a few more creature comforts might prefer Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora, a resort with comparable nightly rates but less personalized service.
Pension Alice et Raphael is a rustic two-room guesthouse on a private motu in Bora Bora. French owners, Alice and Raphael, welcome guests like family into their home, which consists of two bungalows, a communal living area, and a beautiful beach. Both bungalows have an authentic Polynesian feel, with thatched roofs, wood furniture, and mosquito nets. There isn’t much to do here besides relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere — considering there’s no TV or Wi-Fi, and no on-site amenities like a pool, spa, or restaurant. Those looking for a few more creature comforts might prefer Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora, a resort with comparable nightly rates but less personalized service.
The 1998-opened Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury property with a stunning oceanfront setting overlooking Mount Otemanu. The 80 rooms comprise overwater, beachfront, and garden bungalows, which have lovely Polynesian decor and modern amenities, but are showing wear and tear. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and either tubs or outdoor showers come standard. A multitude of leisure facilities include a stunning, expansive spa, sports courts, a freeform pool, and hot tub, plus guests can explore the coral garden with free snorkeling gear and non-motorized water sports. The well-reviewed buffet eatery has a weekly Polynesian show, plus a casual poolside eatery and bar and sushi spot are on-site. On the downside, airport transfers aren't included in rates. For a more modern, well-maintained luxe option, consider Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
The 1998-opened Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury property with a stunning oceanfront setting overlooking Mount Otemanu. The 80 rooms comprise overwater, beachfront, and garden bungalows, which have lovely Polynesian decor and modern amenities, but are showing wear and tear. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and either tubs or outdoor showers come standard. A multitude of leisure facilities include a stunning, expansive spa, sports courts, a freeform pool, and hot tub, plus guests can explore the coral garden with free snorkeling gear and non-motorized water sports. The well-reviewed buffet eatery has a weekly Polynesian show, plus a casual poolside eatery and bar and sushi spot are on-site. On the downside, airport transfers aren't included in rates. For a more modern, well-maintained luxe option, consider Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
The luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is about as good as it gets in French Polynesia. Its 80 overwater bungalows, beautiful infinity pool, and stunning beach are real standouts, but the piece de resistance here is the spa. World-renowned for its incorporation of ocean elements into every spa ritual, the 43,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa is, simply, magnificent. Other amenities include three restaurants, two bars, a sundries shop, and a small protected lagoon. Plus, guests have free access to sister property, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort and all of its amenities. Overwater bungalows are the only room type here (how terrible, right?), so travelers looking for on-land accommodations at a similarly luxurious resort should check out the Four Seasons, though nightly rates are typically higher.
The luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is about as good as it gets in French Polynesia. Its 80 overwater bungalows, beautiful infinity pool, and stunning beach are real standouts, but the piece de resistance here is the spa. World-renowned for its incorporation of ocean elements into every spa ritual, the 43,000-square-foot Thalasso Spa is, simply, magnificent. Other amenities include three restaurants, two bars, a sundries shop, and a small protected lagoon. Plus, guests have free access to sister property, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort and all of its amenities. Overwater bungalows are the only room type here (how terrible, right?), so travelers looking for on-land accommodations at a similarly luxurious resort should check out the Four Seasons, though nightly rates are typically higher.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Royal Huahine is a secluded, beachfront property that's an affordable alternative to the pricey hotels with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. However, the low cost translates to basic rooms, lots of wear and tear throughout, a lack of spa and fitness facilities, and complaints of understaffing. Laid-back travelers willing to forgo those luxuries, however, are often enamored with the peaceful and lush setting, with lots of sea life-spotting opportunities. The 40 spacious bungalows have mini-fridges, furnished patios, air-conditioning, and kettles, but no free Wi-Fi. A pretty beachfront and swimming pool provide relaxation options, but plastic chairs have seen better days. A handful of kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling equipment are available for free. An open-air eatery and casual lunch restaurant serve decent fare. For more modern digs and a less-remote setting, consider Maitai Lapita Village Huahine.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Royal Huahine is a secluded, beachfront property that's an affordable alternative to the pricey hotels with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. However, the low cost translates to basic rooms, lots of wear and tear throughout, a lack of spa and fitness facilities, and complaints of understaffing. Laid-back travelers willing to forgo those luxuries, however, are often enamored with the peaceful and lush setting, with lots of sea life-spotting opportunities. The 40 spacious bungalows have mini-fridges, furnished patios, air-conditioning, and kettles, but no free Wi-Fi. A pretty beachfront and swimming pool provide relaxation options, but plastic chairs have seen better days. A handful of kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling equipment are available for free. An open-air eatery and casual lunch restaurant serve decent fare. For more modern digs and a less-remote setting, consider Maitai Lapita Village Huahine.
A six-minute drive from the airport, this three-pearl property provides a great base for exploring the lush island and surrounding waters of Raiatea. The property is across the road from a dock with stunning sunset vistas and a six-minute walk from a casual restaurant, but anything else of note requires a car or bicycle to reach. All 16 rooms have furnished terraces facing the ocean, as well air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. However, decor and bathrooms are more contemporary in Superior Rooms. Features includes a garden-set pool and open-air restaurant serving continental breakfasts and gourmet a la carte fare, plus massages can be arranged. Guests can use bikes and kayaks for free, and take the latter to a motu nearby. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is weak. For a true beachfront hotel, consider the lovely Opoa Beach Hotel.
A six-minute drive from the airport, this three-pearl property provides a great base for exploring the lush island and surrounding waters of Raiatea. The property is across the road from a dock with stunning sunset vistas and a six-minute walk from a casual restaurant, but anything else of note requires a car or bicycle to reach. All 16 rooms have furnished terraces facing the ocean, as well air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. However, decor and bathrooms are more contemporary in Superior Rooms. Features includes a garden-set pool and open-air restaurant serving continental breakfasts and gourmet a la carte fare, plus massages can be arranged. Guests can use bikes and kayaks for free, and take the latter to a motu nearby. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is weak. For a true beachfront hotel, consider the lovely Opoa Beach Hotel.
The three-pearl Opoa Beach Hotel is an oceanfront property with nine rustic-chic bungalows, run by a French couple. Its location on the southeastern end of Raiatea lends seclusion and a quiet atmosphere, but there's nothing within walking distance and the airport is a 45-minute drive away. The sandy stretch on-site isn't a real beach, but guests can head to a private island a 10-minute boat ride away. Split between the garden and beach, bungalows have stunning, airy decor, couches, minibars, kettles, and showers, but no air-conditioning or tubs. Each unit has a spacious patio with a hammock and loungers. Delicious cuisine is served at the all-day restaurant, and meal plans are available. A garden-set pool, free-to-use snorkeling equipment and kayaks, and free Wi-Fi round out amenities. This is a beautiful, romantic pick, but the Raiatea Lodge Hotel is closer to the airport.
The three-pearl Opoa Beach Hotel is an oceanfront property with nine rustic-chic bungalows, run by a French couple. Its location on the southeastern end of Raiatea lends seclusion and a quiet atmosphere, but there's nothing within walking distance and the airport is a 45-minute drive away. The sandy stretch on-site isn't a real beach, but guests can head to a private island a 10-minute boat ride away. Split between the garden and beach, bungalows have stunning, airy decor, couches, minibars, kettles, and showers, but no air-conditioning or tubs. Each unit has a spacious patio with a hammock and loungers. Delicious cuisine is served at the all-day restaurant, and meal plans are available. A garden-set pool, free-to-use snorkeling equipment and kayaks, and free Wi-Fi round out amenities. This is a beautiful, romantic pick, but the Raiatea Lodge Hotel is closer to the airport.
The three-pearl Maitai Lapita Village has a beachfront setting in Huahine, a 10-minute walk from the main town's supermarket and few restaurants. There are no overwater bungalows or crystal-clear ocean here, but a beach and small infinity pool lined with loungers provide relaxation. Grounds are dotted by a lake and 32 spacious bungalows with a traditional Polynesian design. Unfortunately, none have ocean vistas. Sitting areas or sofa beds, furnished patios, and modern showers are provided, but air-conditioning and mini-fridges stop running when rooms are unoccupied. The restaurant serves well-reviewed fare all day, and an adjacent bar has a menu or cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. During peak season, a Polynesian show with performers takes place weekly. This is an excellent pick with lots of local character, but Royal Huahine has overwater bungalows and a more secluded, romantic setting.
The three-pearl Maitai Lapita Village has a beachfront setting in Huahine, a 10-minute walk from the main town's supermarket and few restaurants. There are no overwater bungalows or crystal-clear ocean here, but a beach and small infinity pool lined with loungers provide relaxation. Grounds are dotted by a lake and 32 spacious bungalows with a traditional Polynesian design. Unfortunately, none have ocean vistas. Sitting areas or sofa beds, furnished patios, and modern showers are provided, but air-conditioning and mini-fridges stop running when rooms are unoccupied. The restaurant serves well-reviewed fare all day, and an adjacent bar has a menu or cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. During peak season, a Polynesian show with performers takes place weekly. This is an excellent pick with lots of local character, but Royal Huahine has overwater bungalows and a more secluded, romantic setting.
The tiny, waterfront Oa Oa Lodge is an eight-room property offering rustic accommodations for a good value in notoriously pricey Bora Bora. Standard Rooms are spacious, colorful, and outfitted with basic kitchens, furnished patios, flat-screen TVs, and fans, but they lack air-conditioning and show wear. A few Overwater Bungalows have great views and an additional single bed, but no cooking facilities. Features are limited to a small ocean-view pool, dive center, and next-door, independently run restaurant, plus reliable free Wi-Fi. Sunsets and views of ships are lovely here, but there's no denying rooms are in need of a renovation. It's worth checking out Village Temanuata, which has a pretty private beach and often lower rates, but no pool.
The tiny, waterfront Oa Oa Lodge is an eight-room property offering rustic accommodations for a good value in notoriously pricey Bora Bora. Standard Rooms are spacious, colorful, and outfitted with basic kitchens, furnished patios, flat-screen TVs, and fans, but they lack air-conditioning and show wear. A few Overwater Bungalows have great views and an additional single bed, but no cooking facilities. Features are limited to a small ocean-view pool, dive center, and next-door, independently run restaurant, plus reliable free Wi-Fi. Sunsets and views of ships are lovely here, but there's no denying rooms are in need of a renovation. It's worth checking out Village Temanuata, which has a pretty private beach and often lower rates, but no pool.