This New Hotel on Bora Bora Has the Largest Collection of Overwater Bungalows on the Island and a Private Beach

As I sat in my plunge pool on a clear Sunday afternoon, I took a moment to listen to the soothing sound of gentle waves lapping against the stilts of my overwater bungalow. Below, a school of bright blue fish swam by, while directly in front of me stood Mount Otemanu—an extinct volcano and the highest point of the island of Bora Bora, looking like a setting right out of Jurassic Park. Right then, as the sun was starting to set, turning the sky a light yellowish pink, it dawned on me just how special Bora Bora really is.

This was one of many moments of idyllic reflection—and sensory overload—I experienced throughout my stay at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, the newest resort to open on the French Polynesian island since 2017. My mom and I arrived here after nearly 24 hours of travel from the East Coast. But three flights and one short boat ride from the airport later, we were pulling up to the resort’s welcome dock as a rainy-season storm began to subside, and the clouds slowly drifted away, unveiling towering Mount Otemanu.

The resort’s buildings are not exactly new; Le Méridien Bora Bora used to sit on this plot of the atoll, but following an extensive renovation and rebrand, as of September 2024, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa offers a completely new experience. There are 142 bungalows, each with its own private terrace with direct access to either the lagoon or the crystal-blue waters of the ocean. All 128 overwater bungalows are connected by a long, winding boardwalk. Guests can ride along the pathway on the hotel’s blue and pink bikes at all hours of the day and night; the policy is ‘leave a bike, take a bike,’ which adds to the laid-back vibe of this resort.

However, the quality of service remains. After day two, the staff at Tipanier, one of six restaurants and the go-to breakfast spot, brought my and my mom’s coffee order as soon as we were seated. Snorkeling gear was left outside the door of our bungalow following an off-hand comment I made to a waiter about seeing stingrays from our plunge pool. At the spa, the masseuse added a local soothing serum to aid in the healing of my back sunburn. And, on our final night, at Maere, the resort’s signature restaurant, the chef cooked the raw seafood courses for my mom, who does not eat raw fish.

Below, my full review of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.

The Rooms

The resort is home to the largest collection of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, all blending modern comforts and a natural feel that seamlessly integrates with the outdoors. Each varies in size, depending on its location along the boardwalk, and some have private plunge pools on the terrace. Closer to the hub of the property, 14 family-friendly beach bungalows overlook a private lagoon.

For our stay, we were housed in the premium Otemanu overwater bungalow, which, as the name suggests, has some of the best views of Bora Bora’s famous mountain. There was a see-through glass panel on the floor, a large terrace with a dining table, a private plunge pool, and a step ladder that led right into the water. The outdoor Bluetooth speaker was a nice touch, too, perfect for my evening swims during sunset. In the bedroom, the signature Westin Heavenly Bed was a standout. My mom loved it so much that she immediately ordered the pillows for our house as soon as we flew back home.

Food and Drink

There are six restaurants to choose from, all of which have a distinct menu. The one we frequented the most was Tipanier, named after French Polynesia’s fragrant Plumeria blooms. This French-inspired eatery along the lagoon serves an over-the-top breakfast buffet and dinner of seasonal dishes. At Varavara, the poisson cru—a Tahitian dish prepared with raw tuna, coconut milk, and lime juice—was so fresh and delicious that I ordered it three times during my stay.

On our final night, we ate at Maere, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offering a rotating tasting menu using only locally sourced ingredients. Wine pairing is also available. Here, highlights include the homemade dried swordfish with fresh coconut milk and grilled tuna steak with sweet potatoes.

More relaxed options—with excellent drink offerings—include the poolside restaurant Te Ava, ‘O’A on the second floor of the resort, and Honu Tiki. The latter is a beachside bar that serves daily happy hour—guests would flock from their poolside lounge chairs to the swinging beach chairs for a mudslide.

We stayed at the resort during the rainy season, just before the holiday rush, and restaurants were alternating their hours of operation. So, we ended up dining alongside the same guests and were serviced by the same staff members, which contributed to the resort’s comfortable atmosphere.

Activities and Experiences

There are plenty of activities and experiences on-site, and as a result, guests get to know each other pretty quickly. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has the largest swimming pool in Bora Bora, complete with a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, and adjacent cabanas that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Along the private beach, you’ll find stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or Hydrofoil bikes available all day long. There are also daily group activities such as a coconut palm weaving class, shell crafting, or a flower crown weaving session.

If you are looking to leave the hotel and dive deeper into Tahitian culture, the resort’s team can arrange an off-property excursion like diving, snorkeling, or a Jeep tour of the island. My mom and I took part in a lagoon cruise with a shark and stingray activity. We spent the entire day with a local guide, swimming with wildlife, taking in the scenery, and enjoying lunch on a palm-fringed motu, a small island, in the lagoon.

The Spa

The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a tranquil space located toward the back of the resort, just a short walk or quick bike ride away. The spa treatments stem from Polynesian wellness traditions and holistic, Asian-inspired therapies. I had booked a traditional deep-tissue massage; however, I showed up with a dramatic sunburn. The accommodating masseuse used her expertise to ensure I still had an extremely relaxing and beneficial experience.

There is also a well-equipped fitness center and a variety of workout classes, such as sunrise yoga, Pilates, or Tahitian dance.

Family-friendly Offerings

While Bora Bora has a reputation for being a honeymooners’ paradise, there are plenty of family-friendly activities here, too. The Eco Center Bora Bora, originally founded in 2000, provides an excellent opportunity to engage young travelers in an educational experience. The on-site center is where locals and visitors can turn in injured sea turtles found in the wild. The hotel offers a guided tour and seminars, and allows guests to observe the daily release of rescued turtles into the lagoon. During my stay, two sea turtles were being cared for at the Eco Center.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has ADA-compliant features. There is a ramp and wheelchair access in the main public spaces. Four bungalows accommodate guests with disabilities: two overwater bungalows with a view of the lagoon and two beach bungalows equipped with a plunge pool.

Location

Many resorts in Bora Bora are not located on the main island but rather on the atoll that surrounds it, and The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is no exception. One of the hotel’s speed boats will pick you up from the airport, and the ride to the resort is just under 15 minutes. Upon arrival, the setting is truly stunning and tranquil, with unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu as the main selling point. There is a private lagoon that flows through the entire property, adding to the picturesque setting.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is under the Marriott umbrella, so Marriott Bonvoy members can book a stay using points. Nightly rates range between 70,000 and 85,000 points, and if you book four nights, you’ll get the fifth one free. Doubles from $1,000.