Wondering where to stay in Bora Bora?We’re experts on the area and we’ve got your guide.
Bora Bora is a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but it’s one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in the world!
Think luxurious overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and romantic dinners overlooking the ocean. It’s incredible!
Mike and I have spent a lot of time in Bora Bora.
We spent about two months living here, and during that time, we had the chance to stay at four of the top resorts in Bora Bora. So we can tell you exactly what to expect at each resort and where you should stay for the best experience!
Let’s get into it!
Where To Stay In Bora Bora
Choosing where to stay in Bora Bora is crucial since your overall experience will heavily depend on which resort you choose and its location.
You see, Bora Bora has one large island, surrounded by several motus. Motu is the Tahitian word for ‘small islands.’ There are tons of places to stay on the main island, but the most coveted resorts sit on the surrounding islets.
Here’s a rundown of our top picks for places to stay in Bora Bora, each offering a unique experience.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora
While spending over a month in Bora Bora, our favorite place we stayed was the Four Seasons Bora Bora. It may be the most expensive, but it’s hands down the best resort in Bora Bora!
It’s a massive resort with multiple wings, so it never felt like we were tied down to just one section of the beach/resort.
There are so many lounging areas and ample space to find your own spot and relax for the day. We also noticed they had kayak, SUP rentals, and a dedicated ‘kid’s club’ for people traveling with children.
The downside here was the food. It was just alright, but that’s the case for most resorts around Bora Bora. Breakfast was also super expensive and not included in the room’s price.
Despite the lack of great food, there were wonderful amenities at the Four Seasons. Mike and I loved the personal touches all over the resort, from random hammocks to swings on the beach, floating docks, and a private lagoon with great snorkeling.
💡Pro Tip: You can even book a free tour with a marine biologist here to learn more about the coral gardens and fish in the area! 🐠
There’s also super fast wifi – which is essential for us – and you could rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, and book exclusive romantic dinners on a small private island directly in front of the Four Seasons!
Room Recommendation: One-Bedroom Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suite With Plunge Pool
They upgraded our room to one with a plunge pool, which was excellent, and we could see tons of marine life, like manta rays, right from our deck!
The luxurious overwater bungalows are the most magical Bora Bora experience you can have.
The mini-fridge had a lot of drink options, and the first round of which was complimentary!
We also thought the bungalows were spacious and found the beds cozy. The only problem with our room was the shutters, which were damaged and let in too much morning light.
2. St Regis Bora Bora
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the second-best resort in Bora Bora. We also stayed here for a few nights and found it was almost as luxurious as the Four Seasons but with a slightly lower price tag.
They offer an exceptional experience, especially for honeymooners in Bora Bora. The entire staff was very attentive and warm. Honestly, they treated us more like friends than customers.
This personalized approach made us feel more at home at St. Regis than at the Four Seasons.
We found the amenities top-notch, too!
There are multiple pools, but we spent most of our time at one called “The Oasis.”
It’s an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, and most of the time, we had the entire pool area to ourselves. It was super private, and we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
Each bungalow at St. Regis also came with complimentary bicycles, sunscreen, flavored waters, and fresh fruit throughout our stay.
You’ll also find multiple restaurants on-site, serving everything from sushi to Italian cuisine. The food is pretty good here, but it was easy to look forward to dinner when you watch the sunset from an overwater dining area each evening.
The only downside to the St. Regis resort was the mosquitoes, which we noticed more than at the Four Seasons. But that’s kind of to be expected in French Polynesia.
Room Recommendation: Overwater Premier Otemanu
All of the rooms at St. Regis are wonderful. They’re all pretty spacious, but you’ll definitely want to opt for one with a view of Mt. Otemanu.
Some of the bungalows had some not so great views, so if you decide to stay in one of the cheaper villas, be aware that the view might not be quite what you’re hoping for.
Additionally, the resort’s attention to detail and touch of romance is evident in the design of the bungalows. All of the bungalows have heart-shaped bathtubs (perfect for a honeymoon!) and rain showers, while some even have an outdoor whirlpool next to the sunbeds!
3. Conrad Bora Bora
Conrad Bora Bora is another of the most famous resorts in Bora Bora. It sits on its own separate motu, so it feels even more secluded than the other resorts on this list!
We thought the resort here was pretty spacious. Like St. Regis, they also offered free bikes with each bungalow. However, if you didn’t feel like riding or walking, you could call a golf cart to take you from your room to other parts of the resort.
But the facilities, rooms, and amenities weren’t quite as nice as the two resorts above, so it is the 3rd best resort in Bora Bora.
One aspect that did stand out above the rest, though, is the food. There are three restaurants with pretty good food, and breakfast has a WAY bigger selection than the Four Seasons.
Snorkeling was incredible, too. Conrad Bora Bora sits on a reef surrounding the To’opua Motu. This was our favorite reef for snorkeling on the island, and the resort had free kayaks and paddleboards so that we could explore beyond our bungalow.
💡Pro Tip: Conrad Bora Bora is super kid-friendly. There’s a special kid’s club with an enclosed playground and a supervisor.
Room Recommendation: Overwater Pool Villa with Sunset View
The bungalows here weren’t quite as expensive as those we booked at the Four Seasons Bora Bora and St. Regis, but it’s still a high price point compared to most islands worldwide.
The best room to book is the Overwater pool villa with a sunset view. This room is guaranteed to have an uninterrupted view of the lagoon and the sunset.
It also has a spacious deck and a private infinite pool overlooking the ocean!
4. Anaiva Lodge Bora
While spending a month in Bora Bora, we wanted to make sure we stayed on the main island for at least a portion of the trip. So, we stayed for a few nights at Anaiva Lodge Bora.
It’s super close to Vaitape (the main town) and had excellent reviews across the board.
As we mentioned, we didn’t find the main island quite as beautiful as the motus, but if you want to save a little money and stay at the heart of Bora Bora, this resort is an excellent choice!
We paid a little less than $200/night, and it has everything you could ask for in a basic guest house, including free drinking water and A/C (a non-negotiable in French Polynesia).
The hosts at Aniava Lodge are wonderful, too. They’re SUPER accommodating, willing to help us wherever needed, and even offered free transportation to and from the dock. The host checked on us multiple times during our stay to ensure nothing was missed!
Some of the negatives of staying here were the basic amenities, slow wifi, and bugs, but these are all things that are difficult to avoid in Bora Bora unless you’re willing to shell out $600-1000/night.
Room Recommendation: Apartment with Mountain View
We stayed in the Apartment with a Mountain view, which is the best room on the property. It has a private hot tub in the backyard with a fantastic view of Mont Mata Pupu.
💡Pro Tip: If you stay here, you will need a car or transportation. But I would stay there for anywhere on the main island. They offer bikes, but nowhere is close enough to bike comfortably.
There’s also a full kitchen with a stove, oven, fridge, and microwave. This is perfect for people trying to save visit Bora Bora on a budget by cooking some of their own meals and saving the great restaurants for a treat.
Chin Lee Supermarket is right down the street if you need a reasonably priced grocery store with a good selection!
5. Tiki House
The Tiki House is another budget-friendly yet comfortable option on Bora Bora’s main island. It’s more of a vacation home, so you’ll book the only unit on the property and have the entire place to yourself.
Its proximity to Vaitape and the main dock in Bora Bora makes it an ideal base for exploring the island, too. You can easily reach restaurants nearby, like Bora Bora Beach Club, but the host also offers to cook dinner for an additional fee.
Breakfast is also incredible here, cooked fresh for each guest. You can also get to nearby restaurants quickly, like Bora Bora Beach Club, but the host also offers to cook dinner for an additional fee.
Given its location on the main island, we highly recommend renting a car if you stay here. The host is willing to take you to and from the dock, but you’ll have to find a taxi if you want to go anywhere else.
Room Recommendation: The Tiki House
The Tiki House is more of a private vacation home that comes with a private pool, offering a serene retreat after a day exploring the islands.
Similar to the Anaiva Lodge, it has a full kitchen where you can cook your own meals and a lovely garden with a view of the mountains!
The Tiki House is also well-maintained and clean and has solid air-conditioning throughout the villa.
6. Matira House
We didn’t personally get to stay at Matira House, but it’s a great option for those who want to stay on the main island of Bora Bora.
The guesthouse is right on the water and just a two-minute walk from the center of Matira Beach (Bora Bora’s only Public Beach) and some local restaurants.
Cleanliness and hospitality are hallmarks of Matira House. The host is known for their kindness and helpfulness, assisting with dinner reservations and transportation to and from the Bora Bora dock in Vaitape.
💡Pro Tip: There are no private bathrooms at Matira House. All guests use a shared bathroom.
Free bikes are available, and they even offer electric scooters to rent upon request, which is a unique and eco-friendly way to get around the island!
Unlike the other two places we mention on mainland Bora Bora’s, you can actually get to some cool places by bike from Matira House!
Room Recommendation: Deluxe Room
The Deluxe Room is the largest room on the property. It’s even bigger than their ‘One Bedroom House.’ This villa also has the most up-to-date furniture, although it’s still far from the luxury of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.
The rooms don’t have many amenities but they do have an air conditioning unit and a small mini-fridge.
Staying On Bora Bora vs Staying On a Motu
There are pros and cons to each area, but we highly recommend staying in a resort on a motu. The main island is pretty, but not quite as beautiful as the motus. In our opinion, they are the most beautiful part of the island, so you might not be very impressed otherwise.
However, you’ll find that they are very secluded, so it’s challenging to explore outside of your resort.
Staying on a Motu
The motus offer a quintessential Bora Bora experience, so that’s where we personally prefer to stay.
Each of these islets offers a slice of paradise, with overwater bungalows, better snorkeling opportunities, and a sense of exclusivity.
Motu Piti Aau is the largest Motu, and it’s home to a few of Bora Bora’s most stunning resorts, including St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
But you can also find even more exclusive resorts like Conrad Bora Bora Nui, which have the entire motu to themselves!
💡Pro Tip: Everything in Bora Bora closes on Sundays except the resorts. If you stay at a resort on the motus can still visit the restaurants, go to the convenience store, and rent water sports equipment.
Furthermore, this is the most ‘all-inclusive’ experience in Bora Bora. Only the room and breakfast are included in the price, but everything you need is on site.
The downside is that they are very touristy, much more expensive (because they’re more beautiful), and staying on the motus limits your ability to explore the area.
There are no roads, and you must take a boat to other resorts or the main island but there are plenty of tours like ATV day trips to help you explore..
It’s possible to coordinate boat transfers, but honestly, it’s kind of a pain.
Most of the boats shut down in the evening, so you’d have to plan ahead for any excursions and hiking trips. This made us feel bound to the resorts and their (very limited) dining options.
Staying on the Main Island
While we recommend staying in a resort on one of the motus, the main island offers more flexibility, more restaurant options, affordable accommodations, and you’ll be closer to the hiking trails, nightlife, and activities on Bora Bora.
You get a more authentic taste of local life, which has always been one of our favorite parts about traveling.
However, the main island lacks the extraordinary beauty of the motus. In full transparency, it wasn’t much different from any other tropical destination we’ve visited.
There’s only one public beach, and you must get transportation to the shops, restaurants, and scuba diving spots.
FAQs
Planning a trip to Bora Bora is a big project, so we wanted to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions we get as Bora Bora travel experts!
Can you walk everywhere in Bora Bora?
While Bora Bora is a small, safe island, walking everywhere isn’t practical. If you’re staying on the main island, you should rent a car, and if you are on the motus, you’ll need a boat to get to other resorts or the main island.
How many days should you spend in Bora Bora?
You should spend about 5 to 7 days in Bora Bora for the optimal experience. This allows enough time to relax, explore the island, enjoy water activities, and experience the unique culture without feeling rushed.
How much should I budget for Bora Bora?
Budget at least $500-1500 per day for a comfortable stay in Bora Bora. This estimate includes accommodation, meals, activities, and transportation.
If you want to stay at a luxury resort, budget $1500/day. For a low-key villa, $500 per day should cover your basic needs!
The Wrap-Up
If you’re planning a trip to Bora Bora this year, you won’t regret it no matter where you stay, but it’s certainly a better experience if you choose to splurge a little.
The resorts on the motus are way more luxurious and offer the one-of-a-kind, remote experience that Bora Bora has become famous for!
We stayed at four different resorts on the island, and Four Seasons Bora Bora was definitely our favorite. If you have the budget, you should consider staying here, too!
