My Bora Bora Dream: From Hype to Heavenly Reality
Bora Bora had long been the shimmering jewel of my travel dreams. I worried, as we all do, that this “never meet your heroes” scenario would play out once the reality of a place couldn’t live up to its hype. Yet, from the moment my plane touched down at Bora Bora airport, the journey transformed into an unparalleled luxury experience. Forget airport stress – I was immediately enveloped by the Westin staff, my bags whisked away, and a custom refillable water bottle placed in my hand. Then, I was escorted to a private luxury boat, ready to ferry me to the hotel. It felt like stepping into a real-life episode of White Lotus, but in the best possible way. Friendly faces guided me off the boat, my luggage magically vanishing, only to reappear later in my room. A charming buggy ride transported us from the dock to reception, offering our first captivating glimpse of the resort’s magnificent, newly renovated splendor.
A Luxurious Welcome and a Glimpse of Paradise
Since our overwater sanctuary wasn’t quite ready, the thoughtful staff settled us into a beautiful temporary room. It was such a welcome gesture, allowing us to refresh with a shower, unwind, and relish our own private patch of beachfront. But the true magic began when we finally moved into our overwater bungalow, giving us our first real taste of the idyllic surroundings and understanding exactly what a nightly rate of $3100+ delivers.
Stepping into Our Overwater Sanctuary
Keyless electronic bracelets granted us access to our bungalow, revealing a truly incredible welcome. Champagne chilled, chef-crafted snacks awaited, a Westin signature candle beckoned, and a complimentary beach bag sat ready for adventures. The entire room was adorned with fresh florals, creating an intoxicating aroma and a feast for the eyes.
The room itself was a masterful blend of modern design with striking Polynesian accents. Its centerpiece was a luxurious bed, complete with a “Sleep Well” menu, allowing us to customize bedding and sleep routine preferences, and even offered lavender balm for ultimate relaxation. A generous walk-in wardrobe and a spacious entrance area, featuring a floor-to-ceiling mirror, proved essential for perfecting those “iconic resort looks.” One of the most enchanting features was a section of see-through floor paneling. From our bed, we could watch the vibrant fish swim beneath us – a truly magical experience, especially while savoring our morning coffee.
However, nothing quite compared to the sheer beauty of the outdoor elements and the breathtaking view of Mount Otemanu. This vista truly set this experience apart from anything I’d ever witnessed. A ladder from our expansive deck led directly into our own private patch of turquoise ocean. Here, we discovered a few graceful stingrays and an abundance of fascinating sea life, ready to swim alongside us. An outdoor shower provided the perfect way to rinse off before we nestled onto sun loungers, soaking up even more of the delicious Bora Bora sunshine. You can envision yourself having your own piece of turquoise ocean directly from your overwater bungalow at the Westin Bora Bora.
Bathroom Bliss and Thoughtful Amenities
The double bathroom sinks and vanity were cleverly integrated within the primary room, creating a seamless and open feel. However, a separate toilet and a spacious shower offered complete privacy. The bathroom was stocked with aesthetically pleasing Noa Noa amenities, replenished diligently each day. Plenty of bench space on the elegant marble vanity tops made getting ready a breeze.
Resort Facilities: From Bikes to Bungalows
One of my absolute favorite features of the Westin Bora Bora was the ubiquitous Westin-branded bikes. Scattered across the resort, they were always readily available, making getting around a joyful experience. I often hopped on one for my daily trek to the state-of-the-art fitness studio. This gym was meticulously designed, boasting top-of-the-line equipment. It sat adjacent to an eco-center, and one day, the unexpected sight of a turtle passing by caused quite a stir, with gym-goers excitedly rushing to catch a glimpse of him on his journey.
The resort’s offerings extend far beyond the gym, including diving, a variety of water sports, sunrise yoga, invigorating Pilates sessions, and even paddle yoga. And of course, there’s the signature Heavenly Spa by Westin, promising ultimate rejuvenation. Picture yourself sipping piña coladas while lounging on the partially submerged loungers – pure bliss.
They also have a small convenience store on-site, a lifesaver for anything you might have forgotten. However, a word to the wise: pack as many “conveniences” as you can. I shelled out NZ$30 for a box of tampons from the store, and honestly, I might never financially recover from that particular purchase!
Another incredible facility was the loungers partially immersed in the pool. I spent hours there, engrossed in a book, sipping a perfectly chilled piña colada, and staying cool, all while enjoying impeccable poolside service. It’s also worth noting the impressively strong Wi-Fi available throughout the entire resort – a luxury that’s not always guaranteed when traveling through the Pacific islands.
A Culinary Journey: Dining Delights
We indulged in a lot of poolside dining at Te Ava, where the cocktails flowed freely and the poke bowls, enjoyed right on the ocean’s edge, were consistently fresh and skillfully prepared. The delivery was always fast, and the food itself was fresh and deliciously cooked. The fresh and delicious poke bowls became a fast favorite.
Breakfast was a grand affair at Tipanier, a French bistro infused with a Polynesian twist. It offered a vast selection of both local and international cuisine. While we didn’t experience Maere, their signature restaurant, we heard countless guests raving about the head chef’s culinary triumphs. Breakfast was served daily right on the serene lagoon.
For a more laid-back vibe, we dined twice at Vara Vara, a wonderful beachside option. Here, we delighted in spectacular sunsets and an extensive menu featuring everything from succulent steaks to fresh seafood and an array of lighter, fresh options. All this, with our feet playfully in the sand. The service was consistently exceptional, and the manager, Sarah, was truly incredible. She ensured every need was anticipated and met, guaranteeing we always had the perfect seat to absorb the breathtaking view.
Exploring Beyond the Resort: Local Adventures
While the resort itself feels like a secluded paradise, remarkable local vendors are happy to pick you up directly from the dock. The easiest way to arrange this is through the hotel itself. We embarked on a Bora Bora Cultural & Snorkelling Lagoon tour, which turned out to be an absolutely incredible experience. It took us to neighboring islands, where a delicious lunch was provided by the local village after an epic day of snorkeling and relaxing on a lagoon boat, complete with side hammocks. I wholeheartedly recommend booking a half-day or full-day trip, especially for the exhilarating opportunity to swim with reef sharks. The Bora Bora Cultural & Snorkelling Lagoon tour is truly a must-do.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The Westin Bora Bora is clearly dedicated to sustainability. They have impressively eliminated plastic water bottles, instead providing guests with refillable insulated water bottles. Water fill stations and ice machines are conveniently located across the resort, making hydration easy and eco-friendly.
The resort takes immense pride in its waste reduction efforts, actively limiting plastic use and championing biodiversity conservation at its Eco Centre. Furthermore, the ingredients for their delicious menus are locally sourced, always with sustainability in mind.
Accessibility for All Guests
The Westin is committed to ensuring all guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. They offer various facilities and services to support guests with disabilities, including accessible guest rooms and a range of transportation options. Accessible dining options and activities are also readily available. For specific accessibility needs and preferences, it’s always best to contact the resort directly to confirm. The Westin Bora Bora is home to the most incredible sunsets.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Westin Bora Bora
How much does a stay at The Westin Bora Bora cost?
Prices for a night at The Westin Bora Bora start from approximately $3100.
What kind of welcome amenities can guests expect?
Upon arrival in an overwater bungalow, guests are greeted with champagne, chef-crafted snacks, a Westin signature candle, a complimentary beach bag, and the room is adorned with fresh florals.
Are there unique features in the overwater bungalows?
Yes, the overwater bungalows feature floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a “Sleep Well” menu for bed customization, and a section of see-through floor paneling to watch marine life from your room.
What outdoor activities are available at the resort?
The resort offers diving, various water sports, sunrise yoga, Pilates, paddle yoga, and direct ladder access from overwater bungalows to the ocean for swimming and snorkeling.
Is there a way to get around the resort easily?
Yes, The Westin provides Westin-branded bicycles scattered across the resort for guests to use.
What dining options are available?
Guests can enjoy poolside dining at Te Ava, breakfast at Tipanier (a French bistro with a Polynesian twist), and dinner at Vara Vara (a laid-back beachside option). There’s also the signature restaurant, Maere.
Are external excursions easily arranged?
Yes, local vendors can pick guests up directly from the resort’s dock. It’s recommended to organize these excursions through the hotel for ease. A popular option is the Bora Bora Cultural & Snorkelling Lagoon tour.
How does The Westin Bora Bora address sustainability?
The resort eliminates plastic water bottles, provides refillable insulated water bottles, focuses on waste reduction, champions biodiversity conservation at its Eco Centre, and sources local ingredients for its menus.
Does the resort offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, strong Wi-Fi is available across the entire resort.
Are there facilities for guests with disabilities?
Yes, The Westin offers accessible guest rooms, transportation options, dining options, and activities to support guests with disabilities. It’s advisable to contact the resort directly to confirm specific needs.
Your Bora Bora Awaits
If this sounds like your kind of paradise, why wait? Immerse yourself in the unparalleled luxury and breathtaking beauty of Bora Bora. Explore the serene overwater bungalows, indulge in world-class dining, and embark on unforgettable adventures, all while knowing you’re experiencing an truly exceptional escape. Begin planning your dream trip to The Westin Bora Bora and discover the magic for yourself. For more information and booking, visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bobwi-the-westin-bora-bora-resort-and-spa/overview/ or call +689 406-05151.
References
New Zealand Herald
Tahiti Tourism
