Quick Facts

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Highlights:

★★★★★

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Speedboat from Bora Bora Airport
15 minutes

Medium

142

• Overwater villas
• New spa & gym

• Mount Otemanu views
• Turtle rehab center

Reviewed by Florian

First Impressions & Island Beauty

Let’s start this review of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa with our first impressions.

One of the standout features of The Westin Bora Bora is its location. The resort offers uninterrupted views of Mount Otemanu, with a stunning turquoise lagoon surrounding the entire island. Whether you're at breakfast, by the pool, or on your villa deck, the scenery is breathtaking at all time.

The island itself is lush and peaceful, with newly landscaped paths and a layout that encourages exploration. One detail we appreciated was the availability of bikes at each villa, making it easy and fun to get around the resort. Note that they are not dedicated to a villa in particular. Therefore, people might steal yours…and you might still others.

While the resort is still finding its rhythm after rebranding, the natural surroundings are already working their magic.

Our Stay in the
Lagoon View Overwater Villa

Let’s continue our review of The Westin Bora Bora with our accommodation.

We stayed in Villa 209, a Lagoon View Overwater Villa, with direct access to the warm, clear water below. The views from the deck were beautiful, even though we were not facing the Mount Otemanu.

That said, the villa itself felt a bit small and basic, especially for the price point. The layout is more traditional and compact than some of the newer or more spacious overwater villas we've experienced elsewhere in Bora Bora or the Maldives.

While it’s clear that upgrades have been made, including fresh furnishings and design elements, it’s still not the most luxurious villa offering in the region. The bathroom, for example, felt dated in layout, though functional. On the plus side, the bed was very comfortable, and the private terrace was a lovely place to unwind.

For travelers who prioritize space or ultra-modern design, this may not meet expectations but the view certainly makes up for it in part.

Dining & Breakfast Experience

The Westin Bora Bora features several dining outlets, with options ranging from casual to fine dining.

Breakfast is served at the main restaurant and offers a very generous buffet selection. From tropical fruits to made-to-order eggs, fresh juices, and delicious pastries, the spread was impressive and varied. We especially appreciated the number of healthier options available, along with a few local treats.

For dinner, we had a fantastic experience at Maere, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. The atmosphere was elegant and calm, and the menu was creative and beautifully executed. Every course felt thoughtful, and the flavors were on par with top-tier resort dining.

However, service was one of the weaker points of the experience that we wanted to point out in this review of The Westin Bora Bora. It’s clear the team is still finding their footing, and we encountered slow service and multiple order mix-ups both at breakfast and dinner. While the staff were always friendly, the training and organization need improvement to match the standard of the setting and cuisine.

Spa, Gym, & Wellness

The resort’s newly built spa and gym complex is absolutely stunning. Perched by the water, both spaces offer expansive lagoon views, making wellness feel like a luxury experience in itself.

The gym is brand-new and very well equipped, with a full range of cardio machines, weights, and open space for stretching or yoga. It’s one of the best-equipped hotel gyms we’ve seen in French Polynesia.

While we didn’t have time to book a treatment, we did tour the spa, and it was gorgeous: modern, tranquil, and perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. The treatment rooms face the lagoon, and the space includes a steam room, relaxation areas, and outdoor lounges. A great option for guests who value a premium wellness experience.

Snorkeling & the Turtle Rehabilitation Center

One of the most unique aspects of The Westin Bora Bora is its turtle rehabilitation center, which we had the chance to visit during our stay. It’s a thoughtful, educational initiative where rescued turtles are cared for before being released back into the wild.

The turtles swim in a protected house-lagoonarium before being released in the ocean.

We really appreciated having this activity available right on the resort grounds. It’s perfect for both kids and adults who want to learn more about the turtle conservation project.

Pool & Shared Spaces

Let’s continue this Westin Bora Bora review with the main pool.

The main pool at The Westin Bora Bora is large and beautifully designed, offering great views and a peaceful atmosphere. What we particularly enjoyed were the shaded poolside cabanas, perfect for an afternoon nap or a quiet place to cool off without direct sun exposure.

The pool bar is a great place to enjoy a drink or light snack in between activities, and service here was generally better than in the restaurants.

The resort also offers complimentary activities like necklace making and wine tastings, which we found to be a nice touch. These kinds of experiences add value and are great for guests who like a bit of structure in their day without extra cost.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Incredible views of Mount Otemanu from almost everywhere on the property

• Fully renovated facilities with a brand-new spa and gym

• Turtle rehabilitation center is a unique and meaningful experience

• Wide breakfast buffet and excellent fine dining at Maere

• Complimentary guest activities like wine tastings and cultural workshops

• Bikes provided to explore the resort at your own pace

• Large, scenic pool with private cabanas
  
  

Cons:

• Overwater villas feel smaller and more basic than expected at this price point

• Service is still inconsistent and needs refinement

• Slow and occasionally disorganized meal service

• Villas and common areas, while upgraded, don’t yet match the polish of more established luxury resorts

Final Thoughts: The Westin Bora Bora Resort Review

The Westin Bora Bora is a resort with a lot of potential. Its natural setting is phenomenal, the upgrades are fresh, and features like the spa, gym, and turtle center add real depth to the experience. The views alone are worth the trip.

That said, it’s clear the resort is still in its early stages post-reopening, especially when it comes to service. With time and improved staff training, we believe it will evolve into a top-tier destination in Bora Bora.

For now, it’s best suited to travelers who value location, views, and a Marriott Bonvoy connection, and who are okay with a few service hiccups along the way. If you come with the right expectations, you'll still have a memorable and beautiful experience in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

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

The Westin Bora Bora Resort Tour