My first visit to Bora Bora
When I was little, my dad’s best friend, Douglas, spent three weeks every year at a beach bungalow in French Polynesia. Every winter, a colorful, stamp-covered package would arrive in the mail. It always had tiny treasures — polished shells, wooden figurines, dried hibiscus flowers — collected during his trip to paradise. The most exciting part was the address: Bora Bora, in the upper left-hand corner.
Fast forward two decades. I found myself walking along the pristine beach of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, searching for treasures to send to Douglas after my first trip to the island. I was in awe of its turquoise waters, the same ones he must have seen all those years ago.
The Westin Bora Bora Resort
Why Bora Bora is a bucket list destination
Even for those who are deep in the points and miles world, booking a once-in-a-lifetime experience using points from everyday spending still feels incredible. A perfect example is a stay in a luxury overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is the first resort to open on the island in eight years and offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the South Pacific.
I had the chance to stay at the recently renovated Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, which opened in September 2024 after a full renovation. I didn’t hesitate when the opportunity came up.
Getting there
Bora Bora isn’t easy to reach from the U.S., but it’s worth the journey. I flew from Portland, Maine, to Los Angeles, then on to Papeete in Tahiti. From there, I took a one-hour flight to Bora Bora. The total flight time was around 15 hours. I flew with Air Tahiti Nui, one of the main airlines offering nonstop service from the U.S. to Tahiti.
At the airport, I was greeted with a flower lei and taken to the resort by a small boat. It was a short, scenic 15-minute ride over the lagoon. The turquoise waters and palm trees made an unforgettable first impression.
Booking the stay with points
The lowest cash rates for the Westin Bora Bora start at around $623 per night for February 2026. The lowest points rate is 67,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the same month.
High season is May through October and late December, when prices can go well over $1,000 per night.
The resort charges a $106 daily resort fee, which includes round-trip airport transfers, a welcome bottle of Champagne, and access to spa treatments and fitness classes. Keep in mind that the resort fee applies even on award stays.
To get the most value, use credit cards that earn the most points toward Marriott stays. Cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Card can help build your points quickly. You can also transfer Chase Sapphire points to Marriott for a stay.
What makes the Westin Bora Bora stand out
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has recently renovated its overwater bungalows. Many come with plunge pools and feature modern, beachy decor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.
The resort has several beautiful beaches with loungers, palm trees, and plenty of space to relax. There’s also a spa with locally inspired treatments and a resort-run eco-center that helps rehabilitate sea turtles.
The landscaping is vibrant, with lots of native plants and flowers. Everything feels natural but well-maintained.
What to know before you go
The cash rates are high even outside of peak season. Service was friendly but sometimes slow, even when restaurants weren’t busy.
The vibe is laid-back and luxurious. The airport is small, and the trip from there to the resort is simple. The staff is helpful and knows the area well.
The resort experience
The Westin Bora Bora is part of a larger island community. The resort has a long wooden dock leading to a sandy beach. Overwater bungalows stretch out on both sides, with more secluded areas on the north side.
The main complex has a ground floor with the pool, beach, and restaurants, and a second level with the check-in area, concierge, and more dining options. There are bikes available for easy travel around the resort.
During the day, guests often stroll around in swimsuits. Evenings bring more formal attire, but the atmosphere stays relaxed. Couples, families, and solo travelers all find a place here.
A room with a view
I stayed in a Premium Otemanu Overwater Bungalow, one of 128 bungalows on the island. It had a beautiful view of Mount Otemanu and a private deck with an infinity pool.
The space was modern, with high ceilings and lots of natural light. The bedroom had a large Westin Heavenly bed, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom featured twin sinks, a soaking tub, and a separate shower.
The highlight was the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that opened to a private deck with loungers, a breakfast nook, and access to the lagoon. I spent a lot of time here, watching the water and listening to the sound of waves.
Food and drinks
There are six restaurants and bars on the resort, serving everything from French-inspired dishes to local flavors. I tried several, including a French restaurant for breakfast and a more formal dining spot for dinner.
Tipanier, the French restaurant, had both buffet and a la carte options. I loved the fresh juices, pastries, and local fruits. For dinner, the Polynesian show was a special experience, with live performances and a great selection of food.
Maere, the fine dining spot, offered a tasting menu with wine pairings. The food was creative and the view of the lagoon was incredible.
Varavara had a relaxed atmosphere and was great for lunch. I enjoyed a simple but satisfying spaghetti dish and a fresh Caesar salad.
What’s on offer beyond the bungalow
The resort has an infinity pool, a fitness center, and a spa. There are also bikes to use and water sports included in the daily rate.
The Heavenly Spa was one of the highlights. I had a massage that used local oils, and it was the perfect way to relax after a day in the sun.
The eco-center was another unexpected gem. It’s one of the largest turtle rehabilitation centers in the area. I learned more about conservation efforts and got to see the turtles up close.
Things to do on and off the resort
The resort offers a wide range of activities through the concierge. I tried a boat and breakfast tour, which was a highlight. I also snorkeled with stingrays and blacktip sharks — an unforgettable experience.
For those who want to see more of the island, the concierge can arrange snorkeling trips, guided tours, and even motor scooter rentals. The main road around the island is easy to navigate.
However, weather can affect plans. I had to skip a planned visit to the main island because of the unpredictable conditions.
Accessibility considerations
The resort offers two accessible room types. Both have roll-in showers and wide walkways. However, there are stairs leading to some areas, and there’s no lift at the main pool.
Because the resort is only reachable by boat, it’s best to contact them ahead of time if you have specific accessibility needs.
Checking out
Leaving the resort was hard. I felt like I hadn’t had enough time to fully enjoy everything. I couldn’t wait to return for a longer stay.
Bora Bora is magical, and it’s no wonder Douglas made the trip every year. I hope to do the same one day — maybe even for three weeks. In the meantime, I’ll keep collecting points and dreaming of the view from my next overwater bungalow.
FAQ
What is the best way to get to Bora Bora from the U.S.?
Flights from the U.S. to Bora Bora involve a long journey, typically through Los Angeles or another major hub. Air Tahiti Nui is one of the main airlines offering nonstop service to Tahiti, from where you can take a short flight to Bora Bora.
How much does it cost to stay at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa?
The lowest cash rate is around $623 per night, and the lowest points rate is 67,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. High season, including May through October and late December, can push prices above $1,000 per night.
What is included in the resort fee?
The $106 daily resort fee includes round-trip airport transfers, a welcome bottle of Champagne, and access to activities like wine tastings and fitness classes. It applies to both cash and award stays.
Can I use credit cards to book a stay at The Westin Bora Bora?
Yes, you can use credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Bevy American Express, or transfer Chase Sapphire points to Marriott for a stay.
What should I know about accessibility at The Westin Bora Bora?
The resort offers a couple of accessible room types. There are stairs in some areas, and there is no lift at the main pool, so it’s best to contact the resort ahead of time to discuss specific needs.
How do I get around the resort?
The resort has bikes available for guest use. There are also water sports included in your stay, and the main road around the island is easy to navigate.
References
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