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Beautiful Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora: How to Choose?
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The overwater bungalows in Bora Bora are some of the most romantic and luxurious accommodations in the world.

We’ve stayed at swank villa resorts with private pools.

At incredibly romantic hotels in Europe.

And at places where the hotel bathrooms are so stunning, you want to spend all your time in the tub!

But Bora Bora’s bungalows over water can’t be beat for a honeymoon, anniversary or other special celebration.

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora: Comparing 8 best resorts

There are only a handful of places on earth which boast overwater bungalows.

One of the most beautiful is Bora Bora in French Polynesia, a nation of 118 islands.

Several overwater bungalow resorts have been built on the necklace of motus (tiny islets) encircling Bora Bora’s famous lagoon.

These wooden villas perch over the turquoise waters, where sea turtles, tropical fish and other sea life abound.

And while you can pet stingrays, snorkel and go on island jeep tours, lazing about your overwater bungalow is actually one of the best things to do in Bora Bora!

Contents: Bora Bora overwater bungalows

How do you get to Bora Bora?

Bora Bora overwater bungalow reviews:

1) Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

2) Le Bora Bora

3) St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

4) Le Meridien Bora Bora (undergoing refurbishment until 2022)

5) InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

6) InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana

7) Conrad Bora Bora Nui

8) Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Comparing Bora Bora prices – overwater bungalow resorts:

Overwater Bora Bora bungalow prices – Expensive, mid-range and cheapest

How do you get to Bora Bora?

First, let’s answer the question: How do you get to Bora Bora?

Most travelers fly to Faa’a International Airport (also called Tahiti International Airport) in Papeete on the island of Tahiti.

Once you’ve landed in Tahiti, you can fly to Motu Mute Airport on Bora Bora. Air Tahiti offers several flights a day (50-minute flight).

Tip: To get over jet lag after a long international flight, you might want to stay in Tahiti for a night, before flying on to Bora Bora. We loved the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, which is only a 5 minutes’ drive away from the airport.

Okay, now you’re excited to see where you’re going to stay once you get to Bora Bora!

Here are our reviews of 8 of the best resorts with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora (complete with pros and cons).

1) Four Seasons Bora Bora

Number of overwater bungalows: 108

We bedded down at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort, where 108 palm-thatched bungalows perch on stilts over the bathtub-warm water.

Located on a private island (shared with the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort), it was recently named the best hotel in French Polynesia (also the top hotel for romance) in the 2020 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards.

If you’re mulling over scads of reviews trying to figure out where to stay in Bora Bora, you simply can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons.

The brand is top-notch.

The bungalows:

Recently spruced up as part of the resort’s 2019 renovation, each bungalow features a separate bedroom, living room and bathroom.

At over 1,000 square feet in size, they’re roomier than the digs of many of the honeymooners who comprise over 50% of the guests.

They come with indigenous artwork such as glass-framed mother-of-pearl necklaces, traditional teak furnishings, vaulted tatami ceiling, a double-size stone tub facing the sea through huge sliding windows, natural Panpuri bath products in ceramic pots, an Espresso machine and snorkeling gear.

A deck with steps leads down into that beautiful blue water.

What’s wow: Some bungalows even sport private pools on their decks.

A resort for everyone:

While ideal for honeymooners, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is highly recommended for families too.

The resort has a children’s and teen’s club.

And there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained – from tennis lessons, jeep tours and beach volleyball courts to snorkel safaris, outrigger canoe rides and free SUP boarding and kayaking.

Pros:

– The bungalows are ultra-luxe havens. You won’t want to leave your bungalow!

– The Four Seasons overwater bungalows are spaced far apart, so they feel more private than the bungalows at other resorts on Bora Bora. (A little topless sun-tanning perhaps?)

– The resort is family-friendly, and lots of activities are offered.

– Get a massage in the spa’s couple’s suite, and you’ll be peering down through a glass panel into the blue lagoon.

Cons:

– It’s pricey to take the resort’s boat to and from Bora Bora island (about a 15- to 20-minute ride away).

– The snorkeling at the resort isn’t the best. (There’s no good snorkeling from the bungalows, as they rest above a sand bottom.)

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: Check rates and availability

2) Le Bora Bora

Number of overwater bungalows: 50

Say hello to the new Le Bora Bora!

After an extensive 2020 renovation, the Pearl Beach Resort has been turned into Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts.

If you want to be closer to restaurants on the main island, Le Bora Bora – located on a white-sand motu – is just a ten-minute boat ride away. (Boat transfers are complimentary during the day, but there’s a charge in the evening.)

Note: The resort tends to attract more younger couples and honeymooners than, say, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (see #3 below).

Complimentary activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and outrigger canoeing.

You may be perfectly content, though, just to chill all day long – occasionally glancing at the close-up views of Mount Otemanu.

The bungalows:

Of the resort’s 80 thatched-roof bungalows, 50 are built on stilts over the lagoon – keep an eye out for the (harmless) sharks you can sometimes see swimming right by your deck!

The 850 sq. ft. bungalows each have a bedroom, bathroom (with separate tub and shower) and a furnished sundeck with a gazebo.

And don’t worry.

There’s still that much-loved glass coffee table at the end of the bed – just lift up the lid to feed the fish in the lagoon below.

Bonus: You’ll find another glass panel for peering into the lagoon by the bathtub.

Best of both worlds:

You have the seclusion of a private island resort here. But you’re close enough to Vaitape village on Bora Bora to enjoy the island’s activities and restaurants.

Don’t miss bicycling around Bora Bora’s 18-mile quaint coastal road.

Be sure to stop at Bloody Mary’s for lunch, happy hour or dinner! It’s a Bora Bora institution – where the floors are sand and you sit on coconut stools.

And if you can snag reservations at St James for dinner, do it. It’s said to be the best restaurant in Bora Bora (and less expensive than most resort restaurants).

Pros:

– Nestled in a garden, the spa is amazing. Its signature treatment uses coconut in a hair mask, body polish and full body massage.

– Le Bora Bora’s white sandy beach is as close to paradise as you can get.

Cons:

– The WiFi strength isn’t consistent across the resort.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts: Check rates and availability

3) St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Number of overwater bungalows: 48

This staggering Bora Bora resort is almost too luxurious to be believed (we walked to it from the Four Seasons).

Spread across three tiny private motus, it’s all about privacy and unparalleled service.

Activities and dining options galore (five restaurants), tons of private spaces and being waited on hand and foot make the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort a tropical playground for well-heeled vacationers, as well as celebrities like Justin Bieber and Nicole Kidman (who honeymooned here with Keith Urban).

Note: With blue-suited butlers to serve you, the St. Regis has a sophisticated exclusive vibe. It’s not as laid-back as Le Bora Bora (#2) or the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (#5).

Mature and well-traveled couples will find more guests in the same age range here than at Le Bora Bora, which attracts mostly young couples.

The bungalows:

These are some of the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora – certainly the largest, with the smallest being an incredible 1,550 sq. ft. in size.

You can also choose from different types of bungalows.

The Overwater Deluxe has a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, marble bathroom and a glass panel in the living room to see fish below in the lagoon.

Traveling with another couple?

The Overwater Royal Otemanu has two bedrooms (each with a king-bed) and two bathrooms.

Some bungalows also have their own pools.

The villas were all “refreshed” in 2019 and 2020, so you’ll find new parquet floors and furniture, along with new decks and pandanus roofs, as needed.

Size is everything:

With the amount of size and space you get at these Bora Bora overwater villas, you have all the room you need to fully relax.

You’re given so much private space, you can really stretch out and enjoy the 24/7 food and drinks room service (get breakfast delivered by canoe).

Pros

– Complimentary butler service is available around the clock to satisfy your every need.

– The resort’s signature Lagoon restaurant has an Asian-fusion menu designed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Hmmm, what to choose? Thai chili crusted lamb chops with green pea puree or mahi mahi with a celeriac puree and maple syrup?

Cons

– The resort is so huge you can’t get from A to B quickly. Forgot your sunglasses in your villa? You might need a golf cart ride to go back to retrieve them.

– You need serious change jingling in your pocket, otherwise you might suffer heart palpitations every time you look at the menu and drinks prices!

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort: Check rates and availability

4) *Le Meridien Bora Bora

Number of overwater bungalows: 85

* Please note this resort is temporarily closed for a major refurbishment, opening up again in late 2022.

All overwater bungalows in Bora Bora at Le Meridien boast the largest glass floors of any resort in the are. And you get unparalleled close-up views of Mt. Otemanu at Le Meridien Bora Bora.

Those are the above-water perks.

The unique underwater perk?

With the supervision of a marine biologist, you can swim with sea turtles near the resort.

The bungalows:

Between the bed and the sofa, with a coffee table perched atop one side, you’ll find the largest glass floor in Bora Bora.

No mere panel, this is a big window through which you can see fish and turtles swimming in the tranquil turquoise waters below the bungalow.

Note: Every overwater bungalow at Le Meridien is the same – they only differ in terms of the views offered (the more expensive have Mount Otemanu views).

To infinity:

On the beach side of the resort, two infinity pools look out across the lagoon and to Mt. Otemanu and beyond.

And if swimming in these pools doesn’t give you enough exercise, there’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Pros:

– Those glass floors make for a completely unique experience. You can see something intriguing right beneath your feet almost every time you look.

– The views of Mt. Otemanu, especially from the infinity pools, are unmatched.

– The turtle sanctuary connected with the resort is a remarkable place – you can learn so much from the marine biologists there and even be a “healer” for the day, caring for the sea turtles.

Cons:

– Food options are limited if you have dietary restrictions (especially for vegans).

– These over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora have disappointing decks – they’re too small to comfortably stretch out and relax on them.

Le Meridien Bora Bora Resort: Check rates and availability

5) InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Number of overwater bungalows: 84

Located on the long narrow crescent-shaped island of Motu Piti Aau, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is 5-star.

Its overwater bungalows are lovely – some of the most appealing of all the resorts.

The resort grounds are very well maintained too, matching the luxury of the overwater bungalows.

With three restaurants and two bars, as well as themed nights, you’ll also find a good variety of dining options.

The bungalows:

It’s all about the bungalows at this resort.

They have separate bedrooms and living rooms (nice if you want to sleep in but your partner is an early riser).

The bed also faces a floor-to-ceiling window, so you wake up to fabulous views of the lagoon.

And the bathtub sits by a picture window.

The bungalows also come with a lot of amenities that make them feel like a home away from home. That includes two TVs for each bungalow!

As well, you’ll find a terrace that overlooks the water (with an outdoor freshwater shower and a shaded area to relax), minibar and a work desk.

All the bungalows (1,000 sq. ft. in size) have the same layout inside, only differing in terms of view and position.

Some kick it up several notches, however, with private attached pools.

Cool feature: The resort pioneered and uses a unique sustainable air-conditioning system called Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC), which uses cold deep-sea salt water to cool the resort – no need to feel guilty using the air con!

Over-the-top Brando suites:

If you want to really splurge, splash out on one of the four new overwater Brando Suites located at the ends of the two outstretched arms of bungalows.

With upstairs decks, large private plunge pools and gorgeous art and furnishings, these Brando Suites are some of the swankiest overwater villas in Bora Bora.

Ineede, they’re some of the poshest in the world!

Pros:

– You can lift the lid of the glass coffee table in the living room and feed the fish in the water below.

– The spa has glass bottom cabins, so you get views of fish swimming beneath you when indulging in a massage.

– There are lots of free things to do, like playing pool and ping pong, SUP boarding and feeding the tropical fish.

– Wild stingrays come to be fed at the beach every day – it’s quite wondrous to pet their silky soft skin and help feed them.

Cons:

– Some guests complain that the food is bland.

– The bungalows are perched over a busyish stretch of water.

– While the Brando Suites are fancy and modern, they’re not as private as other overwater bungalows at the resort. And you could be bothered by the noise of jet skis passing quite close by. (The villas are soundproof inside, however.)

– The shuttle service to the sister resort on Bora Bora (#6 below) isn’t complimentary (unless you’re booked in a Brando Suite).

InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort: Check rates and availability

6) InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana

Overwater bungalows: 50

Most of the Bora Bora resorts covered here are on their own private motus.

Not so with the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana.

It’s located on the southern tip of the main Bora Bora island – right on Matira Point by beautiful Matira Beach (considered by some to be one of the prettiest beaches in the world).

Being on the main island means you feel more connected to the life and atmosphere of Bora Bora, rather than having a sense of disconnected privacy.

The bungalows:

The comfortable wooden bungalows are very Polynesian in feel, with pointy thatch roofs, walls covered in textured paper (that looks like straw matting), polished wooden countertops in the bathrooms and wooden louvers.

The bedroom is separate from the living room, which has a glass coffee table through which you can glimpse fish swimming underneath.

Wooden decks have wood sun loungers covered in cushions, along with a rustic table and chairs.

Great value resort:

If you’re trying to choose between the InterContinental Thalasso resort (#5 above) and this one, most people say go to Thalasso. The reason is because Le Moana isn’t as fancy.

Perhaps “fancy” isn’t everything though.

The IC Le Moana is less expensive. And it offers great value. And the service is very friendly and helpful.

And if you want the ability to try different local restaurants and easily explore Bora Bora’s attractions (like jeep tours and bicycling around the island) – a big plus – then Le Moana trumps Thalasso.

These may be some of the reasons it took the No. 6 spot in the list of “Best Resorts in Australia and the South Pacific” in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards – ahead of the Conrad Bora Bora (#7 below), the Four Seasons (#1 above) and the IC Thalasso (#5 above).

Pros:

– The snorkeling right under the bungalows and out in the lagoon is great (see if you can spot the stingrays).

– Kayaks, SUP boards and snorkeling equipment are free to use. There’s even an outrigger canoe that you can take out.

– The front desk hands out a list of local restaurants, most of which offer free roundtrip transportation. Go to the Bora Bora Yacht Club for fresh seafood and a heart-stopping setting overlooking the water. The Lucky House turns out yummy pizza. And La Matira Beach Restaurant serves up great sushi. (You can walk to both the Lucky House and La Matira.)

Cons:

– Because this resort isn’t set on a private motu, it feels less private.

– The resort isn’t as luxurious as some of the other resorts. (As one of Bora Bora’s older overwater bungalow hotels, it’s a little outdated.)

– The lagoon water isn’t very deep (maybe chest-high) by the overwater bungalows – so you shouldn’t dive from your deck.

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana: Check rates and availability

7) Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Number of overwater bungalows: 86

Set on the private island of Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui fronts a seemingly endless stretch of soft white sand (the longest stretch of beach in Bora Bora).

And with a coral reef at the resort’s doorstep, the snorkeling is better here than at the Four Seasons or St. Regis.

With six different restaurants (from French and Chinese restaurants to a Polynesian beach grill), you’re also not likely to get bored with the food.

Completely renovated within the past couple of years, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui was named the No. 2 resort in French Polynesia in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The bungalows:

The overwater bungalows (1,249 sq. ft.) at the Conrad feel fresh and new.

Kitted out with granite countertops, modern furnishings and in-suite coffee facilities, they have an open plan (so there’s no separate bedroom and living area).

We really like their fully retractable windows, which bring the outside in – push back the windows when you wake up, and you can lie in bed, gazing out over the water and feeling the fresh air.

About a third of the overwater bungalows have private pools.

But all bungalows have smashing views of the lagoon and its ever-changing hues of aqua, emerald and blue.

You’ll also find bicycles on the walkways (as the property is large), so you can bike to the beach or restaurant from your bungalow.

Tip: Those in the know say the best snorkeling is from the overwater bungalows in the 300 wing.

Hammocks over the water:

What’s better than a mere deck?

An additional hammock floor.

Every bungalow deck has a built-in overwater hammock – like a catamaran net. It makes a perfect day bed for lounging around.

You might even want to sleep outside there under the stars one night!

Pros:

– Revel in lots of privacy! While most resorts (e.g., the Four Seasons, St. Regis and InterContinental Thalasso) are on the east side of Bora Bora island, the Conrad is on the opposite (secluded) southwest side. There’s little boat traffic and it’s very peaceful.

– There’s decent snorkeling right from your bungalow.

– Sunset, mountain and lagoon views offer an endless treat for the eyes.

– The infinity pool is unbeatable.

Cons:

– The resort faces the open ocean (not the inner lagoon), so the water is sometimes not as calm as you’d wish.

– While free, the WiFi is slow.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui: Check rates and availability

8) Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Number of overwater bungalows: 13

What makes the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora stand out is the resort’s setting, surrounded by swaying palms and lush tropical gardens – right on Bora Bora.

The bungalows:

Let’s call these Bora Bora huts on water what they are – huts. Nice ones though!

At the Matai (considered 3-star), they’re not as fancy as other overwater villas in Bora Bora. But they’re very clean.

The sweetest touch is discovering your bed sprinkled with local flowers (a charming way to welcome you).

Also cool: Each overwater hut comes with a glass coffee table, essentially turning your bungalow into a private aquarium of sorts.

Location, location, location

If you want the freedom to easily leave your resort, you’ll love Maitai Polynesia.

Like the IC Bora Bora Le Moana (#6 above), the Maitai is located right on the mainland of Bora Bora island.

It’s just a 7-minute stroll from two small grocery stores, several restaurants and picture-perfect Matira Beach.

Pros:

– These Bora Bora huts over water won’t break the bank (they’re probably the cheapest in Bora Bora).

– Having access to nearby stores for water, beer, wine and snacks is convenient (and helps with the budget).

– You can spy all the little fishies, rays and other sea creatures in the waters below through the glass coffee table.

– The snorkeling right at the resort is excellent – you’ll see octopus, eels and beautiful corals.

Cons:

– A lack of water sports and other resort activities means there’s not a lot of entertainment at the resort – but maybe that’s just fine if all you want to do is relax. (And you have the activities right on Bora Bora at your fingertips.)

– There’s no swimming pool (a downside if you don’t like swimming in salt water).

Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora: Check rates and availability

Overwater Bora Bora bungalow prices

How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora?

There’s no denying that overwater bungalows in Bora Bora are a splurge.

These bungalows represent the ultimate luxury vacation destination for everyone.

As such, they range from expensive to, for many people, unaffordable.

But that does also depend on what you’re looking for in terms of cuisine, activities and unique details.

Most expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora:

The St. Regis and the Four Seasons are usually rated the two best Bora Bora resorts with overwater bungalows.

Rooms at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort are the most expensive (starting at about $1,400 USD per night just for the room). But they’re also the largest in Bora Bora.

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is the second most expensive overwater bungalow resort in Bora Bora. A 7-night stay (accommodations only) will cost, on average, about $1,500 USD less than the St. Regis.

High-end overwater villas in Bora Bora:

The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa and Conrad Bora Bora Nui are at the upper price range for Bora Bora – and guest satisfaction is high.

Mid-range Bora bora bungalows over water:

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts and Le Meridien are all within the same mid-price range for Bora Bora.

For a 7-night stay, you can probably shave off a couple of thousand dollars or more in accommodation costs (compared to, say, the Four Seasons) staying in one of these resorts.

Cheapest overwater bungalows in Bora Bora:

There are no really cheap Bora Bora overwater bungalows.

Still, one resort – Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora (#8 above) – is much less expensive than the others.

Their overwater bungalows are the easiest on the wallet. You can get an overwater bungalow at the Maitai for half the price of one at the St. Regis – around $650 USD per night.

Bora Bora travel tips

1) Bring a blow-up floating mat or inner tube plus a rope, so you can attach it to the deck of your bungalow and float on the water (without floating away).

2) Most of these Bora Bora resorts have beach bungalows as well as overwater bungalows. Why not split your stay so you spend a few nights in a beach bungalow (cheaper than an overwater bungalow), perhaps at one resort, then a few nights in an overwater bungalow at another resort? You’ll save money – and enjoy two different experiences.

3) Alcohol is ridiculously expensive in Bora Bora (cocktails cost a minimum of $20 USD each). You can save a little by packing 2 bottles of wine each to bring with you into French Polynesia. You can also drink your own special better-quality wines this way too.

4) Pack non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, pretzels and fruit snacks. It might sound silly, but you’ll be thankful you packed these when hunger strikes.

Discover more overwater bungalows!

We’re hooked on overwater bungalows and have stayed in them in other places around the globe. Read our posts on:

Fiji | From the sweet, easy-on-the-budget lagoon bures at Musket Cove to Likuliku Lagoon’s gorgeous thatch-roof bures, these are the best overwater bungalows in Fiji.

Panama | The eco-friendly Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge in Bocas del Toro has cute overwater huts, with great snorkeling right from your deck.

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Photo credits: 2, 3, 5, 43, 44 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Lead image InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Resort | Remaining images courtesy the respective Bora Bora resorts

Do you dream of sleeping in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora?

About the authors:

Janice and George Mucalov

Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents.

Find destination guides, global food-and-wine stories, luxury hotel reviews, articles on cultural explorations and soft adventure trips, cruise reviews and information, insanely useful travel tips and more!

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