We’ve chosen the best hotels in Bora Bora that we receive incredible reviews about time and time again. French Polynesia is a French overseas territory comprised of just over 100 islands. It’s a tropical paradise and one of the top luxury destinations on earth. Your flight to French Polynesia might take a while but it’s definitely worth it. The first European travellers believed they’d stumbled upon something resembling heaven on earth. Marlon Brando did too when he helped put French Polynesia on the map in the 1960s.
Although many world-class luxury resorts have emerged in French Polynesia over the last five decades, it still feels otherworldly. You’ll find the bluest waters on earth in French Polynesia – OK, it’s a toss up between French Polynesia and Maldives! The lagoons surrounding the islands are home to vibrant marine life and coral atolls.
Bora Bora is where you’ll find the best luxury hotels in French Polynesia and most of them offer overwater bungalows: unbeatable for romantic trips. Here’s our guide to French Polynesia’s finest hotels.
Itinerary In Detail
Best For Luxury: The St. Regis
Widely considered to be the finest luxury resort in Bora Bora, The St. Regis is ideal for a romantic getaway. A private boat will sail you to your suite or overwater villa. The thatched roof bungalows give you the idyllic overwater experience. You’ll have your own butler and 24-hour room service.
The villas have a classic Polynesian quality. The bathrooms give you underwater views of the lagoon. There are multiple dining options, all as high class as you’d expect at a St. Regis resort. Head to Lagoon for Asian-Fusion cuisine.
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Best For Luxury: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa
The InterContinental Thalasso is one of the most popular luxury resorts in Bora Bora for Out Of Office travellers. It was the first hotel in French Polynesia to introduce Sea Water Air Conditioning to keep the villas cool. It was also the first resort to introduce a thalassotherapy spa. Breakfast is brought to your villa each morning by canoe. This is a very stylish and very modern resort.
Best For Overwater Bungalows: Conrad Bora Bora
Conrad Bora Bora is one of the most popular luxury resorts in Bora Bora for Out Of Office travellers. It was the first hotel in French Polynesia to have overwater villas. It’s a trend luxury resorts all over the Indian Ocean have continued to follow. Staying in an overwater villas in a tropical paradise is an unbeatable choice for romantic trips. Conrad Bora Bora is the natural home of the overwater villa and we couldn’t recommend it highly enough. The bathrooms have huge standalone bathtubs with panoramic windows looking out over the turquoise lagoon.
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Best For Value: Pearl Beach Bora Bora
French Polynesia is one of the world’s top luxury destinations. By some measures, it’s the top luxury destination. Naturally, it’s in the higher price range for flights and accommodation. French Polynesia definitely comes with a price tag. That being said, you can do French Polynesia without breaking the bank. Pearl Beach is an excellent hotel in Bora Bora with overwater bungalows. It’s located on Motu Tevairoa, a white sand beach by Bora Bora lagoon. Pearl Beach has undergone an extensive renovation.
Best For Bucket List: The Brando
The Brando is a world renowned hotel on Tetiaroa, Marlon Brando’s private island. He never finished building the hotel in his lifetime. This is where Obama came to begin writing his memoirs. It’s an endlessly chic hotel; the peak of understated luxury. Unsurprisingly, this hotel comes with quite a price tag. It’s a great choice if you’re really looking to indulge for a special occasion.
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Best For Honeymoons: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Four Seasons Bora Bora gives you sweeping views of the island. It’s located on an islet in the lagoon. It opened in 2008, making it one of Bora Bora’s newest luxury hotels. There are 100 overwater villas scattered over the lagoon. This is a premium luxury resort and it’s very much geared towards honeymoons and special occasions.
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Best in Moorea: Hilton Lagoon
Most of the hotels we’ve shared are in Bora Bora. This one is our highlights on the island of Moorea. The Hilton Lagoon is a charming luxury resort. Even the entry level rooms have private pools. This resort is mostly a draw for American couples. The overwater bungalows have private decks with glass panels so you can view the marine life in the lagoon below. Head to the bar for happy hour every night.
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Best For Layovers: InterContinental Resort Tahiti
Flying to French Polynesia, you’re likely to land in Tahiti. To ensure your transfer to Bora Bora goes smoothly, it’s best to spend a night in Tahiti. Returning from Bora Bora you’ll definitely want to spend another night in Tahiti. So, we’d recommend the fabulous InterContinental Resort Tahiti. You’ll have the chance to explore the island of Tahiti itself.
This is the island Marlon Brando fell in love with when he filmed Mutiny on the Bounty. He bought the neighbouring island of Tetiaroa and built his famous hotel… but more of that later.
More Information
Gay Weddings & Honeymoons in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is one of the best destinations on earth for honeymoons. It’s also a very gay-friendly destination. French Polynesia, unlike many cultures, never had a homophobic tendency. It’s possible to have a full legal gay wedding ceremony in French Polynesia. You can also opt for a Symbolic Polynesian Commitment Ceremony. Either way, we can take all the pressure out of your hands and plan the perfect gay wedding and honeymoon in French Polynesia.
View Gay Weddings & Honeymoons Bora Bora
Catamarans in French Polynesia
Exploring the blue waters of the lagoon is a must. We can arrange a catamaran trip around French Polynesia for you. You can sail for three nights on a private catamaran, exploring secluded coves and observing marine life. Paddle boards and kayaks are included. This is an especially good choice for honeymoons in French Polynesia. You can also use the catamaran trip as a transfer if you’re staying in multiple hotels – you’ll be dropped off at the pier of your next hotel.
Gay travel in Bora Bora
Watch our video guide to French Polynesia.
