Bora Bora Ecolodge

From its entrance, Bora Bora Ecolodge appears much like any other Polynesian residential property. A whitewashed half-wall with a wooden sign is the only indication that this humble dwelling is, in fact, a hotel. A dirt driveway leads past the owners’ home to a row of thatched-roof cottages, where a sandy path leads directly to the ocean. The atmosphere is completely quiet, save for the sound of lapping waves and wind rustling through the palms. It’s idyllic, no doubt, but some may find the peacefulness a little too quiet, especially considering there’s nothing to do within walking distance.  The majority of guests at Bora Bora Ecolodge are young and budget-conscious. To be happy here guests must also be independent travelers who don’t mind doing things themselves. The owners are happy to drive guests where they need to go, or make suggestions for activities, but don’t expect a round-the-clock concierge service. 

Bora Bora, perhaps French Polynesia’s most famous island, is known for its incredible beauty, the highlight of which is its crystalline lagoon. Bora Bora’s main island is surrounded by dozens of tiny islands, known as motus. Guests traveling to Bora Bora have two options: stay on the main island, or stay on a motu. Most of Bora Bora’s most exclusive resorts are located on private motus, while more budget-friendly options are located on the main island. In order to reach Bora Bora, travelers must first fly to Tahiti, and then take a 45-minute local flight to Bora Bora. Bora Bora Ecolodge is located on the main island. In order to reach it, guests must first take the free ferry that runs between the airport and the ferry dock in Vaitape (the main town on the main island). Here, most guests are picked up by the hotel's owners. The owners will happily stop at the local bank or grocery store if guests need to pick up any essentials. From the ferry dock, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Bora Bora Eco-Lodge isn’t located on the beach, nor is it within walking distance of any sandy coastline. The nearest is Matira Beach, one of Bora Bora’s most famous, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel.  

Rooms at Bora Bora Ecolodge are simple, with an authentic Polynesian feel. Each cottage has a thatched roof and a covered outdoor seating area. Inside, natural light floods the room, and white walls and white tile floors keep the space feeling bright. Simple wooden beds are dressed in pink hibiscus flower sheets, and local sarongs are draped across the walls for an island effect. All rooms can accommodate two people comfortably, but a third can fit on the futon adjacent to the bed. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette, which has a small oven and stove top, a mini-fridge, an electric water boiler, and a few plates, cups, and utensils. It’s not a place for gourmet meal creations, but it can handle the basics. A pocket door separates the bedroom/kitchen area from the bathroom. The long, narrow space has a toilet, a tiny pedestal sink, and a shower stall with a handheld shower head. Hot water is heated by solar panels, so can be hard to come by on a cloudy day. Because it’s an eco-friendly property, Bora Bora Ecolodge does not have air-conditioning. Rooms have pedestal fans, and usually receive a steady breeze off the water. 

Bora Bora Ecolodge doesn’t have typical hotel features like a pool, spa, or restaurant. It also doesn’t offer any kind of breakfast or morning coffee. And though it doesn’t have a sandy beach, there is a wooden dock that extends into the ocean. Guests can swim in the water off of the dock, or relax in one of the dockside wooden loungers. The Wi-Fi corner is a small covered patio where guests can access the hotel’s free Wi-Fi. In the Wi-Fi corner the connection is strong and the internet is fast, but don’t expect it to work elsewhere on the property.