Quick Facts

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Highlights:

★★★★★

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Boat from Bora Bora Airport
15 minutes

Medium

90+

• Overwater villas
• Lagoon Restaurant

• Iconic views of Mount Otemanu
• Spa at the Lagoonarium

Reviewed by Florian

A Stunning Natural Paradise

Let’s start this St. Regis Bora Bora resort review with what truly makes it special: the natural setting.

Few places in the world match the beauty of Bora Bora, and the resort is positioned perfectly to enjoy it. From the moment you arrive by boat, the view of Mount Otemanu in the distance is absolutely breathtaking.

The island is surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear waters in every imaginable shade of blue, creating the kind of postcard-perfect backdrop that you can’t quite believe is real until you’re there. The resort is spread out across lush gardens, pristine beaches, and long wooden walkways that extend into the lagoon. Whether you’re in your villa, walking to dinner, or relaxing at one of the 2 pools, you’re constantly surrounded by the natural beauty that makes Bora Bora so iconic.

Our Stay in the Superior Overwater Villa

We stayed in a Superior Overwater Villa, which was spacious, comfortable, and offered uninterrupted views over the lagoon. Stepping out onto the deck and diving straight into that still, turquoise water was a highlight we won’t forget.

The style of the villa is traditional, with lots of natural wood and Polynesian touches. Some may find the decor a bit dated, especially if you're used to modern or ultra-minimalist resorts. But for us, it felt authentic rather than worn. It’s important to note, though, that guests seeking sleek, contemporary design might prefer other options.

Inside, the bed was incredibly comfortable, and the living space was generous. We especially appreciated the separation between bedroom and living room, which made the villa feel more like a private home than a hotel suite. The bathroom was large, with double vanities, a soaking tub, and direct view to the bedroom.

The Spa & Lagoonarium Snorkeling

One of the absolute highlights that we wanted to cover in our St. Regis Bora Bora review was the Spa. Set on its own little islet in the heart of the resort’s lagoonarium, it’s without question one of the most beautiful spa settings we’ve seen anywhere in the world.

Surrounded by palm trees and tranquil water, the spa feels completely secluded. The treatment rooms offer views of the lagoon, and the atmosphere is calm, natural, and rejuvenating. Even walkingor biking to the spa becomes part of the experience.

Speaking of the lagoonarium, it also happens to be one of the best snorkeling spots within a resort we've experienced. The water is calm, clear, and filled with colorful coral and fish. Because it’s protected and has zero current or waves, it’s perfect for beginners or anyone not completely comfortable in open water. For us, it was a relaxing way to spend afternoons between excursions and meals, and it’s a unique feature that really sets St. Regis apart from other resorts in Bora Bora.

Dining & Breakfast

Let’s talk about food which is always an important point in our review.

Our experience with the resort’s lunch and dinner offerings was excellent. The resort has multiple restaurants, including Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges, Far Niente (Italian), and Bamboo (Asian cuisine). Each delivered high-quality, flavorful dishes in beautiful settings.

However, the breakfast buffet was a real letdown. For a resort of this caliber, we were surprised by the very limited selection. Fewer hot items, pastries, and fresh options than we’ve seen at most luxury resorts, and not much variation day to day. The service at breakfast was still kind and attentive, but the spread itself did not live up to the standards of the rest of the resort.

That said, the quality of the à la carte meals throughout the day more than made up for it. If breakfast is a key part of your resort experience, this may be a slight disappointment, but otherwise, the dining was a strong point overall.

Service & Atmosphere

As expected from the St. Regis brand, the service was professional, warm, and friendly. Staff were always ready to assist, whether it was arranging room service, customizing a spa experience, or offering tips for excursions.

That said, we did notice that service could be a little slow at times, especially in restaurants and during in-villa dining. It wasn’t a big issue for us, and everyone was always kind and helpful, but it’s worth noting if you’re used to ultra-fast response times.

The general ambiance of the resort is quiet, relaxed, and very luxurious, without being overly formal. It’s well suited for honeymooners, couples celebrating a special occasion, or anyone looking to disconnect in style.

Excursions & Activities

We booked a jet-ski excursion through the resort, which took us to explore the stunning lagoon.

The pool areas at St. Regis is also worth a mention. It’s stylish, beautifully designed, and quiet. Unlike some large resorts where the pool area is packed with loungers, here it felt peaceful and exclusive. Just a few loungers are spread out thoughtfully, and it’s easy to find your own space to relax.

If you want maximum privacy, aim for the adult-only pool in the middle of the overwater-villa area. Even though not perfect for tanning, this spot is highly recommended for people looking for privacy and calm.

There are also tennis courts and a fitness centre.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning natural setting with clear lagoon views and lush landscaping

• Spacious overwater villas with private decks and direct lagoon access

• Stunning Spa

• Lagoonarium snorkeling is safe, calm, and full of marine life

• Excellent food at lunch and dinner

• Friendly and welcoming staff

• Jet-ski excursions are a must
  
  

Cons:

• Breakfast buffet is very limited for a five-star resort

• Villa design feels a bit dated for guests who prefer modern aesthetics

• Service can occasionally be slow in restaurants and room service

• Not ideal for those seeking a fast-paced or highly social atmosphere

Final Thoughts: Review of St Regis Bora Bora

Let’s already conclude this review of St. Regis Bora Bora. As you read, it is a resort that delivers quiet luxury in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. From the moment you step off the boat, the island's natural beauty surrounds you, and the resort's design blends comfort with authenticity.

The overwater villas offer space and privacy, the lagoonarium snorkeling is a rare treat, and the spa setting is simply unforgettable. While there are areas that could use a refresh, particularly the breakfast experience, the overall atmosphere, service, and scenery make it a truly special place.

Whether you're visiting for your honeymoon, anniversary, or a bucket-list tropical escape, St. Regis Bora Bora is a resort that leaves a lasting impression.

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

St Regis Bora Bora Resort Tour