Not all overwater bungalows are created equal. A frank assessment of the five resorts on the lagoon — and which villa to ask for at each.
The first overwater bungalow was built in Tahiti in 1967 by three young hoteliers who could not afford beachfront. It was, in other words, a budget invention. Six decades later, it is the single most photographed accommodation typology in luxury travel — and Bora Bora, the lagoon that perfected it, is the place where the cliché still earns its reputation.
We have stayed at every overwater resort on the lagoon, often more than once. This is a candid ranking — and the villa to request at each.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora
Still, in our view, the most complete experience on the lagoon. The two-bedroom overwater bungalow suites on the eastern arm of the resort face the silhouette of Mount Otemanu at sunrise, which remains one of the great views in luxury travel. The lagoon below the villas is the clearest at the resort — sand-bottomed, no coral, ideal for the daily swim. Ask for villa 213 through 219.
2. The St. Regis Bora Bora
The largest villas on the lagoon — the Royal Estate is, frankly, absurd, with its own pool and a private chef. For most travellers, the Reef Overwater Villa with whirlpool is the pick: closer to the reef, with the most active fish life directly under the glass floor. The resort itself is showing its age in places, but the villas have been progressively refurbished and the experience remains first-tier.
3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui
On Motu Toopua, the western motu, with sunset villas that face directly into the orange hour. The downside: it is the furthest resort from Vaitape, and the lagoon on this side is deeper and less swimmable from the villa. The upside: the spa, set on its own islet, is the best on the island.
4. InterContinental Thalasso
The villas are smaller and the resort is less polished than the three above — but the location, on Motu Piti Aau facing Otemanu, is the single best view from any villa on the lagoon. If the view is the point of the trip, this is still the answer. Otherwise, the experience does not match the price.
5. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
The smallest of the major resorts, recently renovated, with a more intimate feel than the chains. The horizon villas are well-priced relative to the others. We book it for travellers who have done Bora Bora before and want a quieter second visit.
How long, and when
Four nights minimum, five ideal. Pair it with three nights on Mo'orea or, our increasing preference, a charter through the Tuamotu atolls — Rangiroa and Fakarava — for a side of French Polynesia almost no one sees. Avoid December and January (rain). The window is May through October.
Where to stay
Book the houses from this story
