TOP 5 Best Hotels & Resorts in Bora Bora 2025

What makes a resort in Bora Bora truly exceptional?

When looking for the best hotels in Bora Bora, there are a few essential criteria that separate a good property from an extraordinary one. While every resort in Bora Bora benefits from stunning natural beauty, not all of them offer the same level of comfort, exclusivity, and service. Below are the key factors you should consider before booking your stay.

Location & lagoon views

The first criterion when selecting the best resorts in Bora Bora is location. Bora Bora’s lagoon has different areas, and not every resort faces Mount Otemanu, the island’s dramatic volcanic peak. Resorts with unobstructed views of the mountain tend to be considered the most iconic. Beyond that, the clarity and depth of the water around the villas matter a lot. Shallow turquoise waters create the postcard-perfect setting most travelers are after, while deeper sections are better for snorkeling. Choosing a resort that combines both is ideal.

Quality of villas & overwater bungalows

Bora Bora is world-famous for inventing the overwater bungalow, and today, luxury villas are the standard. The best hotels and resorts in Bora Bora offer spacious bungalows with large terraces, private pools, direct lagoon access, and luxurious interiors.

Design also plays a role, some resorts emphasize a more authentic, Polynesian style, while others have been recently renovated to offer a more contemporary look. Size, privacy, and comfort of the bed and bathroom can all make a huge difference in the experience.

Beaches & island setting

While most people think of Bora Bora as an overwater villa destination, the quality of the beach is equally important. The best resorts feature soft white sand, well-maintained beaches free of seaweed, and plenty of space for guests to spread out. Lush vegetation, coconut palms, and well-maintained gardens contribute to the feeling of staying in paradise.

Dining options & culinary excellence

Food is an essential part of any holiday, and in a remote destination like Bora Bora, it becomes even more significant. Our most recommended resorts in Bora Bora offer a variety of dining options, from gourmet fine dining to relaxed beachside grills. Breakfast buffets should be generous, and dinner options should rotate enough to avoid repetition. Wine lists and cocktail programs can further elevate the dining experience and were also taken into consideration to establish our top 5 of the best accomodation in Bora Bora.

Service & personalisation

Luxury travel is defined by service. At the best hotels in Bora Bora, you can expect warm Polynesian hospitality combined with world-class attention to detail. Many properties assign personal butlers to assist with everything from unpacking to arranging excursions. Staff who remember your preferences and anticipate your needs are what make a stay truly memorable and that you would experience at a resort like St Regis Bora Bora (read our review here).

Activities & experiences

Bora Bora is not just about relaxing in your villa, although that is certainly tempting. Guests often want to snorkel, dive, take lagoon tours, or explore local culture. The most highly rated resorts offer extensive activities, including private boat trips, shark and ray excursions, stand-up paddling, or Polynesian dance shows. Some properties even offer helicopter tours or island picnics on secluded motus (small islets).

Value for money

While Bora Bora is never cheap, some properties offer better value for money than others. The best resorts in Bora Bora balance price with the quality of the experience, ensuring that guests feel the investment is worthwhile. Packages that include meals, transfers, or special excursions can make a difference in overall value.

No matter what, the value for money in Bora Bora will never equal what you can get in the Maldives. If you are open to other destinations than French Polynesia, we invite you to check our ranking of the 10 best luxury resorts in the Maldives for comparison.

Our 5 favorite hotels and resorts in Bora Bora for 2025

Let’s dive into our top 5 of the best and most recommended luxury resorts in Bora Bora.

1. St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

On the first spot of our ranking of the 5 best luxury resorts in Bora Bora comes the world-famous St Regis.

The St. Regis Bora Bora is widely regarded as the most luxurious resort in French Polynesia. Spread across 44 acres, it features some of the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific. The entry-level villas already start at around 144 m², while the Royal Estate is a massive multi-bedroom residence with its own private pool and spa.

Guests enjoy postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu, a stunning beach, and a choice of restaurants including the Lagoon by Jean-Georges, one of the most famous fine dining venues in the region. The Iridium Spa is set in the middle of the lagoonarium, offering treatments in a serene environment.

Service is flawless, with butlers assigned to every villa. The St. Regis Bora Bora is the resort of choice for honeymooners and celebrities looking for the ultimate Polynesian escape. Its combination of scale, luxury, and impeccable service makes it the best resort in Bora Bora in 2025.

2. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The Four Seasons Bora Bora is another legendary property, consistently ranked among the best hotels in Bora Bora. Its overwater bungalows and beachfront villas combine Polynesian charm with contemporary design. Many villas come with private plunge pools and expansive decks perfect for watching the lagoon’s shades of blue.

The resort’s beach is among the most beautiful in the country, and the infinity pool is a favorite gathering spot at sunset. The spa is located in a tranquil part of the resort, offering treatments with lagoon and mountain views. Families also love Four Seasons for its excellent kids’ club and family-friendly services.

Dining is excellent, with several restaurants offering international and Polynesian cuisine. Service is warm, quite personalized, and in line with the Four Seasons brand’s global reputation. For travelers who value consistency, attention to detail, and top-tier service, this is one of the most highly rated resorts in Bora Bora.

3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Located on a private motu with uninterrupted ocean views, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers a slightly different perspective compared to other resorts that face Mount Otemanu. Its villas are spacious and modern, with stylish interiors and luxurious bathrooms. The overwater pool villas are especially popular with honeymooners.

The highlight of the resort is its hillside spa, one of the most beautiful in Bora Bora, where treatments are enjoyed with panoramic views. The resort also features an infinity pool, a private islet for picnics, and several dining outlets including the popular Iriatai French Restaurant.

The Conrad’s atmosphere is slightly more vibrant and social compared to other ultra-exclusive properties. For couples who want both luxury and a bit of liveliness, it is one of our most recommended hotels in Bora Bora for 2025.

4. The Westin Bora Bora

The Westin Bora Bora is one of the newest additions to the island’s luxury scene, having replaced the former Le Méridien after a complete renovation. This makes it one of the most modern and up-to-date resorts in Bora Bora.

Its overwater villas are sleek and contemporary, with large glass windows, outdoor decks, and stunning views. While they may not be as massive as those at the St. Regis, they offer excellent comfort and style. The beach villas are also a good option for families.

Dining is varied, with both buffet and à la carte options. The main pool area is lively, and complimentary activities such as necklace making or wine tastings add value. Service is improving steadily as the resort establishes itself under the Westin brand.

For travelers who want a newly renovated hotel in Bora Bora, the Westin is a great choice, combining modernity with competitive pricing.

5. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

The InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa is famous for being one of the first resorts in the world to introduce overwater villas with glass coffee tables that open directly to the lagoon. Its location offers some of the very best views of Mount Otemanu.

Villas are spacious and traditionally designed, with large terraces and direct lagoon access. The Thalasso Spa remains one of the highlights, using deep-sea water in its treatments for unique wellness benefits.

Dining is diverse, with French, Polynesian, and international cuisine on offer. The resort also regularly hosts Polynesian dance shows, adding cultural immersion to the luxury experience.

The InterContinental is one of the favorite resorts in Bora Bora for those who want a balance of tradition, comfort, and location.

FAQ about Bora Bora

Here are some common questions that we are often asked about Bora Bora.

How do you reach Bora Bora?

To get to Bora Bora, international travellers first fly into Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport. From there, it’s a 50-minute domestic flight to Bora Bora. Resorts typically arrange private boat transfers from the airport to their properties.

When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?

The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers plenty of sunshine, less humidity, and calm waters. November to April is wetter and more humid but often comes with better rates.

What activities can you do in Bora Bora?

Beyond relaxing in your villa, Bora Bora offers incredible snorkeling and diving, shark and ray excursions, lagoon boat trips, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing. Cultural activities such as Polynesian dance shows, cooking classes, and visits to local villages are also popular.

Is Bora Bora only for honeymooners?

While Bora Bora is famous as a honeymoon destination, it also caters to families and groups of friends. Resorts like the Four Seasons and the St. Regis have family villas, kids’ clubs, and activities for all ages.

How long should you stay in Bora Bora?

Most travelers stay between 7 to 10 nights in order to make the long journey worth it. This allows enough time to relax, enjoy activities, and experience this paradise without feeling rushed.

Conclusion: The best places to stay in Bora Bora

Bora Bora lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Choosing the right resort is key to making the experience truly unforgettable. From the ultra-luxurious St. Regis and Four Seasons, to the modern Conrad Bora Bora Nui and Westin or the iconic InterContinental Thalasso, these are the best hotels and resorts in Bora Bora in 2025.

Whether you are seeking romance, adventure, or simply the chance to relax in paradise, Bora Bora’s top properties will make your stay extraordinary.

Contact us for more information or to book your trip to Bora Bora with the most competitive rates.