Beautiful, relaxing, luxurious.

Bora Bora had always shimmered in my mind as a dream destination. I remember those initial jitters, the common traveler’s worry that a place so hyped might not live up to expectations. But from the moment my plane descended, the reality of Bora Bora began to unfold, exceeding every fantasy. There was no chaotic airport scramble; instead, I was met with warm smiles and immediate, effortless care. My bags were handled with a quiet efficiency, and a stylish, reusable water bottle was placed in my hand. Then, a private boat ride commenced, whisking me away towards my hotel. It felt like stepping into a scene from a beautiful film, a luxurious introduction to the magic that awaited. Friendly staff guided me from the boat, my luggage vanished only to reappear later, and a comfortable buggy ride offered tantalizing first glimpses of the resort’s magnificent, beautifully updated grounds.

A Serene Arrival Experience

Our overwater sanctuary wasn’t quite ready for us upon arrival, but the thoughtful team at the resort found us a delightful temporary room. It was such a welcome moment, offering a chance to refresh, perhaps take a peaceful nap, and enjoy our own quiet stretch of beach. This little pause allowed us to truly anticipate the wonder of moving into the main event: our overwater bungalow.

Our Overwater Bungalow Revealed

A sleek, keyless electronic bracelet unlocked our bungalow, revealing a scene of pure enchantment. Chilled champagne awaited, alongside exquisite snacks crafted by the chef. A signature Westin candle lent a subtle, relaxing fragrance, and a complimentary beach bag sat ready for our explorations. The entire space was artfully decorated with an abundance of fresh flowers, filling the air with a delightful perfume and creating a feast for the eyes.

The bungalow itself was a stunning marriage of contemporary style and captivating Polynesian artistry. At its heart lay a supremely comfortable bed. A special “Sleep Well” menu allowed us to tailor our bedding preferences, and a calming lavender balm was provided for ultimate relaxation. A generously sized walk-in closet and a spacious entryway, complete with a floor-to-ceiling mirror, were perfect for preparing for our island adventures. One of the most captivating features was a section of clear floor paneling. From our bed, we could gaze down and watch the vibrant, darting fish swimming in the turquoise waters below. It was truly magical, especially with a morning coffee in hand.

But what truly stole my breath away was the outdoor space and the awe-inspiring view of Mount Otemanu. This vista alone was a powerful reminder of the unique beauty of Bora Bora. A ladder on our expansive deck led directly down into our own private slice of the ocean. Here, we were often joined by graceful stingrays and a kaleidoscope of colorful marine life, ready to swim alongside us. An outdoor shower provided a refreshing spot to rinse off before we settled onto the sun loungers, soaking in the glorious Bora Bora sunshine. Imagine stepping from your bungalow directly into your own piece of paradise—that’s the reality at The Westin Bora Bora.

Elegant Bathroom Design

The double sinks and vanity area in the bathroom were thoughtfully integrated into the main room, creating a sense of openness. However, a separate, private toilet and a spacious, walk-in shower offered complete functionality and seclusion. The bathroom was stocked with beautiful Noa Noa amenities, which were replenished daily with meticulous care. Ample counter space on the chic marble vanity tops made getting ready effortless and enjoyable.

Resort Amenities and Activities

Among my most cherished discoveries at The Westin was the presence of Westin-branded bicycles. They were dotted throughout the resort, always readily available, making leisurely rides an integral part of the experience. I often used one for my daily journey to the state-of-the-art fitness studio. This gym was impeccably equipped with the latest machinery. Nearby, an eco-center offered unexpected delights; one afternoon, a sea turtle’s leisurely passage caused quite a stir, with guests excitedly gathering to watch his serene glide.

The resort’s offerings are extensive, encompassing diving, a variety of water sports, sunrise yoga, invigorating Pilates, and even paddle yoga. And then there is the renowned Heavenly Spa by Westin, promising an escape into ultimate rejuvenation. Picture yourself simply lounging on submerged sunbeds, a cool drink in hand—pure bliss.

There’s also a small convenience store on-site, a welcome resource for any forgotten essentials. However, a word of advice from my own experience: pack any personal necessities you might need from home. I found myself paying a considerable sum for a small item, a reminder of the island’s remoteness and the cost of imported goods!

Another truly delightful feature was the unique pool loungers partially submerged in the water. I spent countless hours there, lost in a good book, sipping a perfectly chilled piña colada, and staying wonderfully cool while enjoying attentive poolside service. It’s also worth mentioning the impressively strong and reliable Wi-Fi available throughout the entire resort—a welcome comfort often hard to find on remote islands.

A Culinary Exploration

We thoroughly enjoyed our many meals at Te Ava, the poolside restaurant. The cocktails were always expertly made, and the poke bowls, enjoyed right by the ocean’s edge, were consistently fresh and bursting with flavor. The service was prompt, and the food was always delicious, making the poke bowls a fast favorite.

Breakfast was a delightful daily ritual at Tipanier, a charming French bistro with a delightful Polynesian influence. It presented a wide array of both local and international dishes. While we didn’t have the chance to dine at Maere, the resort’s signature restaurant, we overheard many guests singing the praises of the head chef’s culinary artistry. Breakfast was served each morning overlooking the serene lagoon.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, we visited Vara Vara twice. This lovely beachside venue offered spectacular sunset views and an extensive menu featuring everything from tender steaks to the freshest seafood, alongside lighter, vibrant options. All this, with our toes playfully in the sand. The service was consistently outstanding, and the manager, Sarah, was truly exceptional. She had a remarkable knack for anticipating our needs, ensuring we always had the perfect vantage point to admire the breathtaking surroundings.

Venturing Beyond the Resort

While the resort itself offers a world of indulgence, local vendors are readily available to pick you up directly from the hotel dock. The simplest way to arrange these excursions is through the hotel concierge. We embarked on a Bora Bora Cultural & Snorkelling Lagoon tour, which turned out to be an truly unforgettable experience. It led us to neighboring islands, where a delicious lunch was served in a local village after a fantastic day of snorkeling and relaxing on a lagoon boat, complete with inviting side hammocks. I highly recommend booking a half-day or full-day trip, especially for the thrilling opportunity to swim with reef sharks. The Bora Bora Cultural & Snorkelling Lagoon tour is an absolute must-do.

Commitment to Eco-Friendliness

The Westin Bora Bora demonstrates a clear dedication to environmental sustainability. They have commendably eliminated plastic water bottles, providing guests instead with reusable, insulated water bottles. Water refill stations and ice machines are conveniently located throughout the resort, making it easy to stay hydrated while minimizing waste.

The resort takes great pride in its waste reduction initiatives, actively limiting its use of plastic and supporting biodiversity preservation through its Eco Centre. Furthermore, the ingredients used in their delicious meals are locally sourced, always with sustainability as a guiding principle.

Accommodations for All Guests

The Westin is committed to ensuring every guest enjoys a comfortable and memorable stay. They provide various facilities and services to support guests with disabilities, including accessible guest rooms and a range of transportation options. Accessible dining experiences and curated activities are also readily available. For any specific accessibility requirements or preferences, it is always best to contact the resort directly to confirm arrangements. The Westin Bora Bora is known for its spectacular sunsets.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Westin Bora Bora

What is the approximate nightly cost for a stay at The Westin Bora Bora?
Nightly rates at The Westin Bora Bora typically begin around $3100.

Can you describe the welcome amenities provided to guests?
Upon entering an overwater bungalow, guests are welcomed with chilled champagne, expertly prepared snacks, a signature Westin candle, a complimentary beach bag, and the room is enhanced with fresh floral arrangements.

What distinctive features are offered in the overwater bungalows?
The overwater bungalows are equipped with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a “Sleep Well” menu for personalizing your bed, and a section of transparent flooring, offering views of the marine life below.

What types of outdoor activities are available at the resort?
Guests can enjoy diving, a variety of water sports, sunrise yoga, Pilates, paddle yoga, and can access the ocean directly from their overwater bungalows for swimming and snorkeling.

How convenient is transportation around the resort?
Yes, The Westin provides Westin-branded bicycles conveniently located throughout the resort for guest use.

What are the primary dining choices at the resort?
Dining options include poolside meals at Te Ava, breakfast at Tipanier (a French bistro with Polynesian influences), and dinner at Vara Vara (a relaxed beachside restaurant). The resort also features its signature restaurant, Maere.

Is it easy to arrange excursions outside the resort?
Yes, local tour operators can pick guests up directly from the resort’s dock. Organizing these through the hotel is recommended for a seamless experience. A highly recommended excursion is the Bora Bora Cultural & Snorkelling Lagoon tour.

How does The Westin Bora Bora implement sustainable practices?
The resort has eliminated single-use plastic bottles, instead offering guests refillable insulated water bottles. They focus on reducing waste, promote biodiversity through their Eco Centre, and source local ingredients for their cuisine.

Is Wi-Fi service available at the resort?
Yes, robust Wi-Fi connectivity is available throughout the entire resort.

Does the resort provide amenities for guests with disabilities?
Yes, The Westin offers accessible guest rooms, various transportation solutions, dining options, and activities designed for guests with disabilities. For specific needs, direct contact with the resort is advised.

Your Bora Bora adventure awaits. If this sounds like the paradise you’ve been dreaming of, why delay? Immerse yourself in the unparalleled luxury and breathtaking natural beauty of Bora Bora. Discover the tranquility of the overwater bungalows, savor exquisite cuisine, and embark on unforgettable excursions, all while experiencing a truly remarkable escape. Begin planning your dream getaway to The Westin Bora Bora and witness its magic for yourself. For more details and booking information, please visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bobwi-the-westin-bora-bora-resort-and-spa/overview/ or contact them by phone at +689 406-05151.