Bora Bora is quite frankly the epitome of paradise. There’s nowhere like it on earth with a striking extinct volcano nestled within a tranquil lagoon.
The waters glow under the midday sun and are a haven for a plethora of tropical fish ranging in colors.
That’s not all that makes this island special. Bora Bora boasts a superb selection of luxurious overwater bungalows, each with remarkable views of the island and lagoon.
Bora Bora’s signature overwater bungalows, with their encased glass coffee tables offering views of the marine life below, are the subject of legend.
The concept originated in French Polynesia, where the first overwater constructions were fairly rustic affairs pioneered by the Bali Hai in Moorea in the late 1960s.
When the Hotel Bora Bora built their first luxurious overwater bungalows in 1971, they simply captivated the world’s jet set.
Since then, many other resorts have followed suit and today these unique overwater houses are some of the most captivating places to stay in Bora Bora.
A stay in one of these bungalows makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
These are our reviews on the best overwater bungalow resorts in Bora Bora.
Overwater Bungalows In Bora Bora
1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Nestled on a quaint private island on the northeast side of Bora Bora is the Four Seasons Resort and its collection of 108 private overwater bungalows. The resort has delightful views of the clear lagoon as well as Mount Otemanu, the highest point in Bora Bora.
Four Seasons offer a range of both one and two-bedroom overwater bungalows and you can choose either a beach facing or lagoon facing suite. The wooden options have beautifully thatched roofs and are furnished with traditional teak wood and Polynesian artwork.
Rooms are fitted with opulent beds with unrivaled views of the lagoon and beach through floor to ceiling windows. Each bungalow has a spacious bathroom with a bathtub overlooking the incredible view.
It’s suitable for couples on a honeymoon trip or those coming with kids, as it has plenty of family-friendly activities.
Perhaps the best part of these accommodations however is the spacious balconies which let you take in some sun from the privacy of your own terrace.
Ladders lead into the warm ocean, allowing you to swim from the base of your bungalow. Some overwater bungalows even have a private pool on their terrace.
During your stay at the Four Seasons, you can make use of the variety of activities offered at the resort, including snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
The resort also houses a tennis court, gym, and spa. You don’t need to worry about arranging a ride from the airport, as your stay includes free airport transportation.
Four Seasons has several restaurants for you to choose from, or you can arrange for a private dining experiences.
You can arrange a delicious meal in your bungalow, a romantic meal on the beach, or a private meal with live entertainment.
Four Seasons is one of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Bora Bora, featuring its own lagoon for snorkeling. However, to see the true beauty of all the marine life, you can always book a snorkeling tour.
2. Le Bora Bora
Perched on a coral islet known as Motu Tevairoa in the northeast end stands a charming collection of 108 bungalows and villas. Out of those 108, 50 are directly on the water.
The bungalows have uninterrupted views of the clear lagoon all the way to Mount Otemanu, with no other resorts in sight.
Le Bora Bora houses three restaurants and two bars which serve a range of dishes, including locally-caught fish and mouth-wateringly fresh fruit. Also on site is a spa, tennis court, mini golf course, and a fully air-conditioned gym.
In terms of dining, you can choose from their Miki Miki Restaurant, Otemanu Restaurant, and Poerava Restaurant, all offering delicious foods with a local touch.
Each overwater bungalow is fitted with one king bed and one single bed. These bungalows even come with their own infinity pool nestled into their private terrace.
Rooms are spacious with solid wood floors and beautiful modern furnishings. The plush beds and bathtub stand facing floor-to-ceiling windows which provide a delightful panorama of the island.
There’s a small coral reef just a short distance from the bungalows, which provides the perfect opportunity to use your complimentary snorkeling equipment and marvel at some of the gorgeous tropical fish.
Le Bora Bora offers free boat trips to the mainland multiple times a day, providing the opportunity to visit villages and restaurants outside the all-inclusive resort.
You can get here by a short boat ride or drive from Vaitape. It’s ideal for those keen to explore further than their resort due to the ease of access to the Bora Bora mainland. You can read more about whether you should stay on the mainland or on a motu in this where to stay guide.
3. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Settled near the northern tip of the island of Motu Piti Aau is this heavenly resort. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort is on the eastern side of Bora Bora and gazes out onto a quiet bay below Mount Otemanu.
This 5-star hotel was in fact one of the first few resorts in Bora Bora to have overwater villas and suites. The 84 bungalows are exquisitely designed with a living room with a glass coffee table that looks into the ocean.
You can gaze down at sea creatures swimming right beneath your room. Suites also include a spacious bedroom and bathroom. Thalasso Spa features any kind of spa treatment you might like, and your stay comes with 2-free experiences!
The InterContinental Bora Bora has a host of restaurants for you to choose from and beach bars with the Sand Bar and South Beach Bar. It also has one of the best beaches in Bora Bora.
Themed nights take place at various points in the week, where you can enjoy traditional Tahitian dance and a fire display while tucking into a delicious meal. The resort part on land also has a pool for your pleasure.
A complimentary shuttle boat runs between the resort and the mainland several times a day, offering opportunities to explore the island’s lush interior.
The private beach is home to a variety of watersports that include everything from kayaking, scuba diving, and SUP boarding to surfing. Some of the equipment comes complementary.
InterContinental Bora Bora also has a gym, tennis and volleyball courts, and a world-renowned spa with the Thalasso Spa. We recently covered a recent experience from a traveler who stayed at the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso.
It’s unique in its commitment to being an eco-friendly resort and is ideal for visitors who want to support a hotel that gives back to local communities.
4. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a spectacular resort that boasts the largest overwater villas in French Polynesia, starting at 1550 square feet in size.
Each villa contains awe-inspiring glass-paneled floors, which allow you to look out onto the crystal clear waters below and perhaps spot passing black-tip reef sharks which are abundant on the island.
The resort covers an expansive 44 acres featuring white-sand beaches, forests of towering palms, and its own private Lagoonarium.
Within the private grounds are 13 beach villas and 77 overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. They contain everything you need for your tropical vacation, with minibars, 42-inch TVs, and high-speed WiFi.
Each overwater bungalow is adorned with Polynesian art and expertly-crafted wooden furnishings to create a relaxing and classy feel for your tropical getaway.
The sumptuous beds and bathtubs overlook the peaceful ocean through floor to ceiling windows. There is a range of bungalows to choose from, and some offer private infinity pools.
Free bike rentals and golf buggies allow the resort’s guests to explore the lush gardens in order to reach the three beaches, two swimming pools, and a jaw dropping Lagoonarium filled with a host of curious sea creatures. You can even witness the fish being fed three times a week.
Within the extensive grounds are four restaurants and a bar that also serves tapas. The suspended Lagoon Restaurant has superb views of Mount Oteman and glass-paneled floors to make you feel at one with the passing marine life. The restaurant’s specialty is serving freshly-caught fish and other local produce.
If you’re looking for a luxury experience, this is an ideal accommodation,
5. Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
The small yet charming Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora resort is perched on the southeast coast, the mighty Mount Otemanu towering behind it.
Located on the mainland, guests can easily access the island’s vast range of shops and restaurants.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is a 3-star hotel so rooms are not as plush as the other alternatives. However, the 13 overwater bungalows are clean and spacious and have beautiful views looking out onto the lagoon.
Each overwater bungalow is decorated with exotic woods and has beautiful pandanus roofs. They also have beach bungalows, in case you prefer those.
The resort has two restaurants and a bar on site, serving fresh produce and seafood. Each eatery has a spectacular panorama of the lagoon.
The resort doesn’t offer any water sports or have any swimming pools. But you could argue it makes up for the lack of amenities in location as it’s close to a host of activities.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is one of the more affordable overwater bungalow hotels in Bora Bora which offer overwater bungalows and is ideal for those who are on more of a budget but still want to experience the magic of Bora Bora.
The concierge staff can also help you with all kinds of tours, especially romantic tours if you’re visiting for your honeymoon.
6. Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Residing on a vast expanse of white sand is this exquisite collection of overwater bungalows and villas on the south coast of the island of Motu To’opua.
Consisting of 83 overwater bungalows, 22 of which have private pools, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui oozes exclusivity.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui is unique in that it offers a selection of both one and two-story overwater bungalows, and the suites contain fully retractable windows between your own private terrace and bed.
It allows you to truly immerse yourself in the outdoors from the comfort of your bed. You can choose between lagoon-facing overwater bungalows and beach-facing ones. However, you won’t get any views of Mount Otemanu here but that’s okay as it makes it up with other amenities.
It’s a family-friendly resort where their overwater bungalows can sleep up to 6 people, ideal for families and groups of friends. It’s one of the few hotels in Bora Bora to offer this, as most have a maximum of 3 to 4 people per bungalow.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui houses a hilltop spa and an 18-hole mini golf course. Complimentary equipment for kayaking and paddle boarding is provided to all guests. Their Hina Spa offers you skincare and massage services.
One of the best things about this resort is its close proximity to vibrant reefs which makes it ideal for those wanting to spy on some of Bora Bora’s famous marine life, such as rays and black-tipped reef sharks.
This resort is tucked away from much of Bora Bora and limited boat traffic passes by, making it a quiet and idyllic resort for those looking to enjoy peace. It’s also great for those with larger families.
7. Le Meridien Bora Bora
On the island of Motu Piti Aau, which is situated to the east of Bora Bora and part of the Society Islands, lies Le Meridien Bora Bora.
It’s a stunning resort set on a swathe of sumptuous white sand that offers a selection of 85 overwater bungalows and beach villas, each having a superb view.
In 2023 the resort is undergoing extensive renovations to ensure rooms have a chic modern feel to them. Each bungalow is fitted with a large veranda that has steps leading down into the clear ocean.
Le Meridien has the Le Te Ava and Le Tipanié restaurants and a poolside bar that looks out over Mount Otemanu. The resort also has a wellness center with spa treatments, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. The boat shuttles can pick you up from the airport.
You can participate in a host of activities ranging from beach volleyball, jet skiing, canoeing, and fishing trips and visit a turtle sanctuary just behind the resort. If you’re keen to see turtles, then this is one of the best places in Bora Bora to see them.
A visit to the sanctuary allows you to learn all about one of the world’s most loved sea creatures as well as spend time helping with some sanctuary tasks. Injured sea turtles from all over French Polynesia are brought here to be cared for before they can be released back into the ocean.
The resort is popular with couples and offers one of the best views of Mount Otemanu of any resort.
8. InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana
Situated at the southern tip of the mainland of Bora Bora is the intimate InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana with its 64 bungalows near the gorgeous Matira Beach.
Towering palm trees sway rhythmically over the resort’s delightful beach bungalows, which look out towards the cyan lagoon and selection of numerous overwater bungalows. The selection of overwater bungalows offers views either of Mount Otemanu, the idyllic beach, and the lagoon.
Glass coffee tables can be found in each overwater bungalow, where you can peer down at the tropical fish below.
Rooms are polished with exotic wood furnishings and a solid wooden floor. Each bungalow has its own private veranda with panoramic views of the wonder that is Bora Bora.
One of the unique services that InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana offers is a canoe breakfast, where a delightful spread of breakfast options is delivered to your overwater doorstep by a traditional canoe. This is arguably the most unforgettable way to start your day in paradise.
The resort has two restaurants and organizes themed nights so you can enjoy traditional Polynesian dance displays and fire shows.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana is ideal for those who want an exclusive and luxurious pocket while remaining close to the heart of the island. It’s only a stone’s throw away from quaint villages and mainland activities. You can also check out this guide covering an overview of the Intercontinental Le Moana.
9. Le Taha’a By Pearl Resorts
Located within its own tranquil private island and beach between a reef and lagoon, Le Taha’a By Pearl Resorts is a snorkeler’s dream. It’s important to note that it’s much closer to Taha’a than Bora Bora.
Le Taha’a is perched on an island to the east of the Taha’a, with majestic views of Taha’a island on one side and distant panoramas of Bora Bora to the west and Raiatea close by. If you arrive in Bora Bora, you can take a helicopter ride to get to the island. The ride is an attraction in itself.
The intimate resort offers 58 beautifully thatched villas and overwater bungalows furnished with local bamboo and stone. Up to 3 adults can stay at a bungalow. Rooms are cozy and with spectacular views over the tranquil private lagoon and lush island of Taha’a.
It’s situated near a vibrant reef allowing ample opportunities to spot marine life. You can easily kayak, paddle board, or go water skiing complimentary with your stay.
The 5-star resort houses three restaurants, each in gorgeous settings surrounded by swaying palm trees with ocean views. The Le Hawaiki Nui restaurants serves French and Polynesian fusion cuisine. A spa is also available, as well as a fitness center and even a library.
The luxe resort is fantastic for those wanting to be in a remote and idyllic location, surrounded by nature. You can don some fins and snorkel amongst a glorious array of marine life.
Leave a comment