Bora Bora

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GUIDES

Bora Bora: A Luxurious Family & Romantic Getaway

Bora Bora, an island paradise in French Polynesia, conjures images of turquoise lagoons and luxurious overwater bungalows. While many associate it with ultimate indulgence, understanding the nuances of staying here, especially when considering luxury resorts, is key to planning an unforgettable trip. It’s a place that truly lives up to its postcard-perfect reputation, offering a blend of breathtaking natural beauty and high-end amenities that appeal to both couples seeking romance and families looking for a spectacular getaway. Luxury Resort Experiences When dreaming of an escape to a world-class destination, two iconic St. Regis resorts often come to mind, despite

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Conrad Bora Bora Nui: Overwater Villas and Island Charm

Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits on Motu To’opua, a sliver of land that faces the open South Pacific rather than the classic postcard view of Mount Otemanu from the main island. That orientation, combined with a full reopening on May 1, 2026, after a significant refresh, gives the resort a specific identity among Bora Bora’s luxury properties: it’s the sunset specialist. The resort now offers 114 villas and suites, including 86 overwater units, with a new category of larger sunset-facing overwater villas with private pools. Conrad Bora Bora Nui has the only two-story overwater villa in Bora Bora, boasting

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Bora Bora: Shockingly Beautiful Overwater Villas

Bora Bora’s overwater villas are the kind of thing you see in a screensaver and assume must be heavily edited. Then you step onto the deck of one at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, look down through a glass floor panel at the fish drifting beneath your feet, and realise the photos actually undersold it. The resort, which reopened in September 2024 after a full renovation, sits on a private motu with a direct view of Mount Otemanu and now claims the island’s largest collection of overwater villas — 128 in total, many with their own plunge

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Bora Bora: Luxury Overwater Bungalows Beckon

The distinct silhouette of Mount Otemanu rising from the turquoise lagoon is an image synonymous with Bora Bora. But beyond the postcard-perfect views, the island’s luxury resorts offer a more nuanced experience than just a pretty backdrop. I recently spent time exploring two of its most prominent high-end properties, and while both deliver on the promise of tropical indulgence, they cater to slightly different desires. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa reopened in September 2024, marking its debut as the island’s newest luxury hotel. This article delves into what makes these resorts stand out, offering practical insights for

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Your Overwater Bungalow Awaits in Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows were invented in Bora Bora in the 1960s — three California friends built the first thatched-roof huts on stilts and called them Bali Hai, after the song from South Pacific. Overwater bungalows were invented in Bora Bora in the 1960s — three California friends built the first thatched-roof huts on stilts and called them Bali Hai, after the song from South Pacific. That origin story still shapes what you find here. The concept has been refined over six decades, and today eight resorts offer overwater accommodation across Bora Bora’s Blue Flag–certified lagoon. Most sit on private motus

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Bora Bora’s dazzling lagoons with overwater bungalows

Bora Bora pioneered overwater bungalows in the 1960s — what started as three thatched-roof huts on stilts created by the “Bali Hai Boys” evolved into what many consider the gold standard of luxury travel worldwide. Bora Bora pioneered overwater bungalows in the 1960s — what started as three thatched-roof huts on stilts created by the “Bali Hai Boys” evolved into what many consider the gold standard of luxury travel worldwide. Step onto a private deck suspended above a turquoise lagoon, and the first thing you notice is the silence — broken only by the soft lap of water against

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Experience Moorea’s sharks and fish

French Polynesia, a collection of islands scattered across the South Pacific, offers a range of experiences from the well-known luxury of Bora Bora to the more serene beauty of its lesser-known neighbors. While Bora Bora often comes to mind, exploring Tahiti and its surrounding islands like Moorea and Raiatea provides a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and natural wonders. Tahiti’s Quiet Side Tahiti, the largest island, is frequently seen as a transit point, but its smaller, more remote part, Tahiti Iti, holds a special charm. Here, away from the usual tourist paths, the focus shifts to experiencing the

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Bora Bora Family-Friendly Resorts Offer Overwater Bungalows

The French Polynesian island of Bora Bora offers a tropical escape that can appeal to families, not just honeymooners. While it’s known for being a luxurious destination, there are ways to make it work for families. The island’s natural beauty, with its white sand beaches and clear lagoons, provides a safe and engaging environment for children. When planning a family trip here, considering accommodations that offer space and child-friendly amenities is key. Though it can be a significant investment, the unique experiences—from exploring vibrant coral gardens to simply enjoying the calm waters—can be memorable for all ages. Island Arrival

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Explore Bora Bora’s Famous Overwater Bungalows

The first overwater bungalow in Bora Bora was built in the 1960s by three California friends who named their resort after a song from South Pacific—and the concept changed tropical travel forever. The first overwater bungalow in Bora Bora was built in the 1960s by three California friends who named their resort after a song from South Pacific—and the concept changed tropical travel forever. Emily’s Take Which overwater bungalow should you book? It depends on your budget and priorities. For the best balance of luxury and value, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort offers main-island convenience and rates

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Bora Bora: Your Dream Family Vacation

When planning a trip, thinking about Bora Bora might bring to mind sandy beaches and clear blue waters, and it absolutely delivers on that. While it takes some time to get there, the journey itself is manageable, especially with a little planning. I find breaking up the travel makes the trip much smoother, particularly with younger children. The flight to Papeete, Tahiti, is often the longest part, with direct options available from some West Coast cities. From there, it’s a short hop to Bora Bora. I’ve learned that spending a night in Tahiti can really help everyone adjust to

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