Bora Bora’s motus — the ring of tiny islets that circle the main island — are where the real magic happens. Each one has a different personality, from the shallow, wade-friendly lagoons of the eastern chain to the deeper, more dramatic waters of the southwest. The trick is knowing which motu fits your trip, because a wrong pick can mean rocky shorelines, long boat rides, or a view of the maintenance shed instead of Mount Otemanu.
Bora Bora’s motus are private-island resorts, each with its own lagoon depth, view angle, and access quirks — and none are more than a 20-minute jetty ride from the airport.
This guide covers the main motu resorts — the Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental, Westin, Conrad, and Le Bora Bora — plus what to do on the water and how to make the most of your time. It’s for anyone planning a stay on one of these private islands, whether you’re a honeymooner, a family, or a solo traveler looking for the right balance of seclusion and convenience.
Yes, staying on a motu is worth it — but only if you match the motu to your priorities. The eastern motu resorts (Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental, Westin) offer the classic overwater-bungalow view of Mount Otemanu and shallower lagoons. The Conrad on the southwest motu gives you deeper water and a Pacific horizon but a rockier shoreline. Le Bora Bora on Motu Tevairoa is one of the best values with a great mountain angle. The catch: you’re dependent on boat transfers, and off-resort dining means ferry fees of $75–$100 per person round-trip.
Honeymooners wanting the classic view
Families needing shallow, calm lagoons
Solo travelers on a tighter budget
| Motu / Resort | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Motu — Four Seasons | Families, convenience | Closest resort to the airport | 3–5 nights | Book a villa or residence for extra space — standard rooms are fine but the residences have full kitchens. |
| Eastern Motu — St. Regis | Luxury, food lovers | Private atoll with direct mountain view, four restaurants | 3–5 nights | Don’t miss the nightly champagne sabering — it’s a real tradition, not a gimmick. |
| Eastern Motu — InterContinental | Wellness, spa focus | Thalasso spa, phased renovations through mid-2026 | 3–4 nights | Check renovation status before booking — some areas may be under construction. |
| Motu Tape — Westin | Newest property | Opened September 2024, Bora Bora’s newest resort | 3–5 nights | Book early — availability is limited as the resort establishes itself. |
| Southwest Motu — Conrad | Ocean views, seclusion | Deeper water, rocky shoreline, Pacific horizon views | 3–4 nights | Bring water shoes — the shoreline is rockier than the eastern motus. |
| Motu Tevairoa — Le Bora Bora | Value, mountain views | Relais & Châteaux property, one of the best values on the island | 3–4 nights | Book a renovated bungalow or suite with a private pool — the older rooms are less impressive. |
Eastern Motu: The Classic View
The eastern motu is where you’ll find the Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental, and Westin — all strung along the same stretch of islet. This side offers the prized view of Mount Otemanu from the overwater bungalows, and the lagoon here tends to be shallower and easier to wade in. It’s the most convenient cluster, with none of the properties more than a 10–20 minute jetty ride from the airport.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
The Four Seasons is the closest resort to the airport, which makes arrivals and departures noticeably smoother — especially if you’re traveling with kids or a lot of gear. The resort offers villa and residence rentals in addition to standard accommodations, so you can size up if you need more space. The lagoon on this stretch is shallow and calm, which is great for wading and beginner snorkeling.
Book a villa or residence if you’re staying longer than three nights — the extra space and kitchen access make a real difference for families or groups.
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
The St. Regis sits on a private atoll with a direct view of Mount Otemanu, and it’s the only resort on this strip with four restaurants: Lagoon (over-water, elegant), Bamboo (pan-Asian), Farniente (Italian), and Aparima by the pool. The nightly champagne sabering tradition is a genuine ritual here, not a staged photo op. The private lagoon has particularly abundant sea life, including a resident Napoleon fish named Moana.
The St. Regis is the most expensive option on the eastern motu — if you’re on a tighter budget, Le Bora Bora or the Westin offer better value.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
The InterContinental is known for its thalasso spa, which uses seawater for treatments. The resort is undergoing phased renovations scheduled to finish by mid-2026, so some areas may be under construction during your stay. If you’re booking in 2025 or early 2026, confirm which parts of the property are complete.
Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
The Westin on Motu Tape is Bora Bora’s newest resort, having opened in September 2024. Because it’s so new, availability is still limited and the property is still finding its rhythm. If you want a fresh, modern build with fewer crowds, this is a strong pick — just expect some teething issues as the staff settles in.
Southwest Motu: The Conrad
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits on a southwestern motu, removed from the other properties. The water here is deeper and the shoreline is rockier, but the views offer a clear line toward the Pacific rather than just the lagoon. It’s a tradeoff: you get more dramatic ocean scenery and a sense of isolation, but you lose the easy wading access of the eastern motus.
Bring water shoes for the Conrad — the rocky shoreline makes barefoot entry uncomfortable, especially for kids.
Motu Tevairoa: Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Le Bora Bora is a Relais & Châteaux property on Motu Tevairoa, and it’s widely considered one of the best values on the island. The mountain view from this angle is one of the nicest, and the resort has its own airport booth and jetty, with a boat ride of about 15 minutes. It also offers shower-equipped day rooms for early arrivals and late departures — a thoughtful touch that saves you from hanging around the airport in your swimsuit.
Book one of the renovated bungalows or suites with private pools — the older rooms are less impressive and don’t match the resort’s overall quality.
What to Do on the Water
A boat trip onto the shallow, calm lagoon is essential. Even novice snorkelers can appreciate coral gardens, shoals of fish, and up-close encounters with black-tipped reef sharks and manta rays. Many boat crews include a ukulele player who serenades passengers with Polynesian songs.
The Bora Bora Cultural Lagoon Tour offers a customizable, calm, private outing lasting about six hours. It brings guests to top snorkeling spots and quieter corners of the lagoon, includes a lunch barbecue of local fish and vegetables served on a small, family-owned motu, and leaves time for a postprandial swim or nap.
For land-based adventure, a 4×4 tour with Tupuna Safari is one of the easiest ways to get the lay of the island. The four-hour route follows rugged paths used by ATVs and stops at three panoramic viewpoints. The family-run company recently upgraded its vehicles for smoother rides on steep hills.
Getting Around and Costs
All motu resorts require a boat transfer from the airport or from Vaitape on the main island. None of the properties are more than a 10–20 minute jetty ride away, but those boat rides add up — especially if you’re heading to the main island for dinner. Hotels generally charge round-trip ferry fees between $75 and $100 per person for off-campus dining.
If you want to eat off-resort, The Lucky House is a favorite with an established reputation for friendly service and satisfying food. The menu leans casual with wood-fired pizzas and burgers, and it’s also the island’s main sports bar. It’s a good option if you’re craving something less formal than resort dining.
Off-resort dining means paying the ferry fee both ways — $75–$100 per person round-trip. Factor that into your budget if you plan to eat on the main island more than once.
For scuba diving, Bora Bora has numerous spots such as Anau, Motu Toopua, and Motu Tapu. Land options include hiring a bike to pedal the 32-kilometre coastal road that circumnavigates the island, or hiking into the Valley of the Kings or Point Fitiuu. A difficult six-hour return trek up Mount Otemanu is possible but requires a guide — the ascent is near-vertical, similar to El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
- Match the motu to your priorities: eastern motu for shallow lagoons and mountain views, Conrad for ocean horizons, Le Bora Bora for value.
- Budget for ferry fees if you plan to eat off-resort — $75–$100 per person round-trip adds up fast.
- Book a lagoon tour for the best snorkeling and a private motu lunch — it’s worth the splurge for the calm, uncrowded experience.
Bora Bora Motus: Reader Questions
Which motu has the best snorkeling right off the bungalow?
The eastern motu resorts — Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental, and Westin — have shallower lagoons with good coral and fish life right off the overwater bungalows. The St. Regis has a resident Napoleon fish named Moana in its private lagoon. The Conrad’s deeper water means you’ll need to swim farther to find good snorkeling.
Is the Conrad worth the extra boat ride?
It depends on what you want. The Conrad is removed from the other properties, so you get more seclusion and Pacific horizon views. But the shoreline is rockier and the water is deeper, so it’s less convenient for wading or casual snorkeling. If you value isolation over easy lagoon access, it’s a good pick.
What’s the best motu for a family with young kids?
The Four Seasons on the eastern motu is the closest to the airport, which means a shorter boat ride — a big plus with tired kids. The shallow, calm lagoon is safe for wading, and the villa and residence options give you extra space and a kitchen. The Westin is also a strong new option, but it’s still establishing its family-friendly amenities.
Is Le Bora Bora really the best value?
Yes, for a Relais & Châteaux property, it’s one of the most affordable options on the island. The mountain view from Motu Tevairoa is excellent, and the resort offers shower-equipped day rooms for early arrivals and late departures. Just make sure you book a renovated bungalow or suite with a private pool — the older rooms don’t match the rest of the resort’s quality.
What’s the biggest downside of staying on a motu?
You’re dependent on boat transfers for everything — getting to the airport, visiting the main island, or dining off-resort. Ferry fees of $75–$100 per person round-trip can add up quickly if you want to explore beyond your resort. If you prefer walkable access to restaurants and shops, a motu stay might feel restrictive.
Sources and further reading
Bora Bora Travel Guide. Town & Country, 2025.
Port Guide: Bora Bora, French Polynesia. The Sydney Morning Herald, 2025.
For more on Bora Bora’s tiny islands, check out our guide to mastering the motu — it covers the geography and access quirks of each islet in more detail.
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