Wondering where to find the best Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows?
Bora Bora Island is the crown jewel of French Polynesia, an island chain of 118 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, and it’s easily one of our favorite places we’ve ever visited.
While visiting Bora Bora, most travelers dream of staying in an idyllic overwater bungalow. It’s the epitome of paradise; the iconic view of Mt. Otemanu, breakfast delivered by boat, and schools of fish with manta rays passing below your private terrace.
There are only a handful of luxury resorts in Bora Bora, and almost all of them offer overwater bungalows.
But in this post, we’ll share with you the best room available to book at each resort.
Quick Guide: Best Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
Before we begin this guide, here are our top recommendations for a few common travel preferences, plus the best room to book at each resort and why it made the cut.
📍Best Budget Overwater Bungalow Bora Bora – Maitai Resort (Premium Overwater Bungalow) – This resort has beautiful bungalows for significantly less than the average resorts in Bora Bora while still providing a luxury experience for guests.
📍Best Luxury Overwater Bungalow – St. Regis Resort (Overwater Superior Villa – Mt Otemanu View) – The most luxurious place to stay in Bora Bora. It’s the most luxurious resort in Bora Bora, with gorgeous gardens, pristine lagoons, and arguably the best view of Mt. Otemanu in Bora Bora.
📍Best Honeymoon Bungalow Bora Bora – Four Seasons Bora Bora (One-bedroom Lagoon View Suite with Plunge Pool – This resort has mid-range villas at a similar price to most budget overwater bungalows. This room has a private infinity pool on the terrace and a sunset view.
📍Best Overwater Bungalow With A Pool – Conrad Nui Nui Resort (Overwater Pool Villa with Sunset View) – Their mid-range villas have a private infinity pool looking out onto the lagoon, some with a sunset view.
11 Best Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
Bora Bora has one central island, surrounded by several atolls called motus. And it’s essential to keep geography in mind when deciding on an overwater bungalow resort in Bora Bora.
The resorts on the motus are much more secluded and usually more luxurious than those on the main island. However, booking a room on the main island gives you more access to ATV/jeep tours, hiking, restaurants, and Matira Beach.
1. St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
⭐ 9.5/10 – 46 reviews
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers an exceptional experience for travelers in their overwater bungalows. The rooms are excellent and spacious, but the resort offers much more than just a nice room, with lush tropical gardens and stunning Polynesian decor throughout the complex.
There are two swimming pools at the resort, and you are free to use the beachfront cabanas with sunbeds and umbrellas at no additional cost.
The resort also has two bars and multiple restaurants suspended over the water offering Italian, Sushi, International, and Asian Fusion cuisines. The day spa provides guests the perfect opportunity to relax with massages, hammam steam rooms, and luxurious skin treatments.
Guests often leave with glowing reviews praising the staff members’ kindness and exceptional service, which greatly exceeds expectations.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow at St Regis – Overwater Superior Villa (Mt. Otemanu View)*
All of the villas at St. Regis are the same. They have a beautiful bedroom, spacious lounge area, and adjoining bathroom with a heart-shaped bathtub and rain shower.
Each bungalow also has a private terrace, sun loungers, and a dining gazebo.
The difference comes in the views. You can choose between a lagoon view, an island view, or a view of Mt. Otemanu.
In the grand scheme of things, the price difference is minimal, so if you are shelling out the money to stay here, go for the overwater bungalow with a view of the iconic Mt. Otemanu.
Note: There is a “premier villa” that is slightly larger and has a whirlpool.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – St. Regis Bora Bora Resort ⬅️
2. Intercontinental Le Moana
⭐ 9.2/10 (302 reviews)
Intercontinental Le Moana is a resort owned and operated by IHG and is in a prime location for those looking to explore mainland Bora Bora, right on Matira Point.
The resort offers unique access to shops, cafes, and casual restaurants when you need a break from the seclusion of your private bungalow. There are a couple of restaurants at the resort, including Noa Noa Terrace Restaurant and Vini Vini Bar & Restaurant, which have fantastic views of the beach and the lagoon.
Another huge perk is that there is free cancellation up until one week before your stay.
Beachfront villas are available, but the real treat is the overwater bungalows at Intercontinental Le Moana.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – King End of Pontoon Overwater Bungalow*
Each overwater bungalow at Le Moana is carefully crafted to create a tranquil atmosphere, featuring locally-sourced furnishings and decor inspired by the Polynesian culture.
No matter which bungalow you book, you will get an outdoor terrace and a private plunge pool for extra privacy. There’s also air conditioning, a sofa bed, and spacious bathrooms in every bungalow.
You can book bungalows with a beach view, lagoon view, mountain view, or ocean view. Still, the best room at the resort is the “end of the pontoon overwater bungalow” which is the most secluded and will have unobstructed views of everything in Bora Bora.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Intercontinental La Moana ⬅️
3. Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island
⭐ 9.4/10 (134 Reviews)
Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island is one of the few private island resorts in Bora Bora. So, in addition to stunning views from your overwater bungalow and beautiful lagoons, you will also have complete tranquility.
This intimate resort is known as one of the top choices for honeymooners. There are only 31 rooms at the resort, all featuring free wifi, air conditioning, a rainfall shower, and complimentary fully-stocked minibars.
Outside of the room, guests will have access to two separate pools, a private beach (with sun loungers and umbrellas), a spa, and a surprisingly large library.
The only downsides to this resort are that you must take a shuttle to get anywhere else in Bora Bora, and breakfast is a surcharge of roughly 4,000 XPF.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – Luxury Horizon Overwater Bungalow*
There are traditional villas and overwater bungalows at Sofitel – it’s the same at their mainland Bora Bora resort (Sofitel Marara Beach Resort).
If you choose the lagoon view, you will face the opposite strip of overwater bungalows rather than out toward the ocean, so the horizon view at this resort is much better!
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island ⬅️
4. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
⭐ 9.6/10 (384 Reviews)
For a truly romantic experience, Four Seasons Resort has overwater bungalows specifically designed for privacy and relaxation.
All the thatched-roof bungalows come with spacious floor plans and high ceilings, which makes the bungalows feel like a house.
No matter which accommodation you choose, you’ll get access to four restaurants, an infinity pool, and world-class amenities like an open-air fitness center, a tennis court, complimentary snorkeling tours, and free kayaks.
The Four Seasons resort also offers a yearly Wellness Retreat with yoga and holistic health instructors from all over the world.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – One-Bedroom Lagoon-View Overwater Bungalow Suites with Plunge Pool*
There are a ton of different rooms at the Four Seasons in Bora Bora. The base bungalows come with private terraces, plunge pools, and amazing views of the island.
Larger groups can book premier rooms with private pools or even the two-story, three-bedroom estate.
Although more luxurious options are available, the One-Bedroom Lagoon-View Overwater Bungalow Suite with Plunge Pool is the best value for couples.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora ⬅️
5. Conrad Bora Bora Nui
⭐ 9.3/10 (120 Reviews)
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is an all-inclusive resort situated on To’opua Island, a secluded island located southwest of Vaitape.
This breathtaking retreat offers 114 stunning guest rooms and suites ranging from beachfront suites to luxuriously appointed overwater bungalows with private pools.
You can also enjoy a range of amenities at the resort, including a large pool with a swim-up bar, three onsite restaurants, and a spa offering massages, manicures/pedicures, and body wraps.
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui also prioritizes activity, so you can enjoy beach volleyball, kayaks, and a 24-hour gym with aerobics and yoga classes right onsite.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – Overwater Pool Villa with Sunset View*
All rooms have laptop-friendly workspaces, air conditioning, luxurious bathrooms with a rainshower, and large bathtubs, but here are the main differences between each room.
The budget villas are surprisingly luxurious, with a large bathroom, bathtub, and king-size bed looking out onto a personal terrace with sunbeds.
The mid-range villas resemble the budget overwater bungalows but have a private infinity pool on the terrace and a sunset view.
The most luxurious bungalow is the Presidential Overwater Villa, a 2-story overwater bungalow with three bedrooms, a massive living room, a private pool, and a whirlpool on the sundeck. There is even a sauna on the second floor! This villa is actually where the Kardashians stayed when they visited for “Keeping up with the Kardashians in 2011.”
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Conrad Bora Bora Nui ⬅️
6. Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort
⭐ 9.4/10 (407 reviews)
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resort is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located on the stunningly secluded island of Teairoa.
It’s an idyllic escape that is exactly what we envision when thinking of a true island paradise.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resort is a breathtakingly beautiful and secluded destination and offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. You can jump into the lagoon to swim and snorkel right off your private terrace, and there are opportunities for boat tours, kayaking, scuba diving, and flood-lit tennis courts.
Another huge perk of staying at Le Bora Bora is the complimentary breakfast which will save you about $50 per day compared to other resorts in Bora Bora.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – End of Pontoon Overwater Suite*
There are a lot of different villas and overwater bungalows at Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort.
The basic bungalows are lovely, with a view of the lagoon, air-conditioning, a sofa bed, a large bathtub, and a minibar. There are even steps down to the water, where you will pick up your complimentary breakfast.
But we recommend upgrading to the End of Pontoon Overwater Suite, which is bigger and arguably the best value for your dollar at the resort. You will get unobstructed views of the lagoon and Mt Otemanu from every room in the bungalow, a complimentary bottle of champagne, and priority check-in.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Le Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort ⬅️
7. Le Meridien Resort
⭐ 9.0/10 (350 Reviews)
Le Meridien Resort was the first truly luxury resort built in Bora Bora nearly 30 years ago. It remains one of the most popular in French Polynesia, often selling out each year by the end of March.
It is located on the secluded island of Motu Tape in eastern Bora Bora, directly across from Mt. Oteman. It’s the best view in Bora Bora.
If you choose to stay here, request a room on the northern side of the resort to be close to the amenities, which include two outdoor pools, kayak rentals, beach loungers, snorkeling gear, and beach volleyball.
Note: Le Meridien Resort is currently being refurbished until early 2024
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – Premier Overwater Bungalow*
There are 99 rooms at Le Meridien, most of which are overwater bungalows. The bungalows are small but very comfortable, and one of the major highlights is a glass floor at the foot of your bed.
All of the bungalows are essentially the same, but if you book the Premier overwater bungalow, you will have a room farther out on the pontoon with direct access to the lagoon, which is worth the small surcharge.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Le Meridien Resort ⬅️
8. Intercontinental Resort Thalasso Spa
⭐ 9.3/10 (126 Reviews)
The Intercontinental Resort Thalasso Spa is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located on the stunningly secluded island of Motu Tape in Bora Bora.
It is owned by IHG (similar to Intercontinental Moana Resort) and offers many amenities to its guests.
For example, the resort has 24-hour room service, two outdoor pools complete with loungers and umbrellas, a fitness center, spa treatments, and Turkish baths. There is also a complimentary breakfast, a private beach, and full access to water equipment like kayaks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – King Bed Overwater Villa Otemanu View*
The best room to book of all the options at Intercontinental Resort Thalasso Spa is the Overwater Villa, with a king-sized bed and a view of Mt Otemanu.
This villa is over 1000 square feet, has air conditioning, a massive bathroom with a bathtub, and a living area with a glass coffee table to watch fish swimming below the villa.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Intercontinental Resort Thalasso Spa ⬅️
9. Maitai Bora Bora
⭐ 8.1/10 (239 Reviews)
Located on Matira Point Beach, just south of Vaitape, Maitai Resort in Bora Bora is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for an overwater bungalow experience in Bora Bora. Their rooms are really beautiful, and they typically cost less than $1000 per night.
Staying here will not only save you money, but your will have quick access to nearby mini-marts, restaurants and recreational activities such as hiking and ATV excursions into the jungle.
The resort is also surprisingly flexible with cancellations, too. You can cancel up until one week before your stay with no penalty!
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – Premium Overwater Bungalows
There is a wide selection of rooms and bungalows with different views, but every room includes air conditioning, satellite TV, and a minibar.
However, the best room at the resort is the Premium Overwater Bungalow. It has a larger terrace than the rest of the bungalows and a glass coffee table where you can see straight into the lagoon. There’s also a sofa bed that can accommodate 1-2 more people (great for small families).
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Maitai Bora Bora ⬅️
10. Oa Oa Lodge Bora Bora
⭐ 7.9/10 (552 Reviews)
Less than a mile north of Vaitape, Oa Oa Lodge Resort is the cheapest overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.
It is definitely not a luxurious place to stay. But if you can only budget a couple hundred dollars per night for accommodation and want to stay in an overwater bungalow, this resort makes it possible!
The rooms are simple, but the resort is known for having a friendly and helpful staff, good snorkeling right offshore, and being close to everything you could need, including the ferry terminal, shops, restaurants, and grocery stores.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – The Superior Bungalow*
There are three kinds of bungalows at the Oa Oa Lodge Resort, but the only room that is actually an overwater is the Superior Bungalow.
Unlike the luxury overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, it’s not out on a pontoon but rather right on the shore, stretching out over the water. This means that only one side of the bungalow is elevated over the water, and the other end will face the garden.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Oa Oa Lodge Bora Bora ⬅️
11. Brando’s Overwater Bungalows
⭐ 4.8/5 (78 Reviews)
Brando’s Overwater Bungalows is a recently remodled group of bungalows built and overseen by a man named Marlon Brando and are significantly more affordable than the major resort bungalows.
Also, contrary to the resort bungalows, these overwater rooms have lots of space between one another, making it feel much more private than other resorts.
Brando’s overwater bungalows are on a quiet section of the main island, a short drive from Vaitape. The nice part about staying on the main island is that you are not dependent on your resort for meals. You can prepare your own kitchen or head to one of the local restaurants in town.
Each bungalow also has a kayak, life-vests, and snorkeling equipment to enjoy the water off your back deck.
Note: As the only VRBO on this list, we want to ensure you know that the cancellation policy is fluid here. You are required to pay $1000 upon booking and the total price at least two months before arrival. All of this is technically non-refundable unless the owner is able to find a new party to book the room. If so, you will receive all or part of that refund.
PRO TIP: Best Overwater Bungalow to Book – Air-Conditioned Bungalow*
There are only a couple of bungalows available (3 with full air-conditioning). Bora Bora is pretty hot all year round, so definitely request a bungalow with air-con.
➡️ Book Your Stay Here – Brando’s Overwater Bungalows ⬅️
Getting To Bora Bora
You have two options for getting to Bora Bora. Well, three (if you include taking a cruise).
The most common ways to get to the island are by flying to Tahiti, then booking a second flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora. But you can also take the ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora.
Here’s how to get to Bora Bora.
Flying to Bora Bora
All international flights to French Polynesia fly into Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti. This airport is the only entry point in the country with proper customs and security. Then you can continue onto other islands in the country, such as Bora Bora, Mo’orea, or Rangiroa.
One-way tickets typically cost around $200-250 per person, and roundtrip flights usually run between $400-450, so they are relatively affordable and rarely fluctuate.
The flight is approximately 50 minutes, and most flights leave before 1:00 pm, so book your flights a few months ahead of your trip if you need to secure an evening flight.
Once you arrive at Bora Bora Airport (BOB), you must catch a ferry from the airport to your overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. If your resort is on the main island of Bora Bora, then the ferry is free.
If you are staying on one of the motus, you can hire a direct airport transfer (approximately $50) or take the complimentary ferry to Vaitape and wait for your resort’s boat shuttle to arrive. In any case, knowing how you’ll get from point A (the airport) to point B (your resort) is important for a seamless arrival in Bora Bora.
Getting to Bora Bora by Ferry
If you want to cut costs, taking the ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora is generally cheaper, but it is much longer, so we don’t recommend this method.
Ferries are operated by Apetahi Express and depart from Papeete one time every Friday, Sunday, and SOME Wednesdays.
The total time of the boat trip is 8-9 hours (each way).
A one-way ticket costs between 6500 and 7500 XPF (approximately $65-80 USD), which is just 1/3 of the price of a plane ticket. Roundtrip fares are slightly cheaper (as long as you are sure of your return date).
In our opinion, the ferry is not worth the savings. Roundtrip, you will save about $250 per person but lose nearly 15 hours to travel time that you could spend enjoying all of the activities of Bora Bora.
Getting Around In Bora Bora
Bora Bora is not a big island, and the road around the main island is only 20 miles in circumference, and each motus (islet) is only 5-10 minutes by boat from the main town of Vaitape. Here are the main ways to get around Bora Bora.
➡️ Boat Taxis & Shuttles in Bora Bora – This is the primary mode of transportation in Bora Bora. Everything is 5-10 minutes by boat, and each resort has scheduled boat shuttles to the main island. You can hire a private boat taxi if you want to go somewhere else.
➡️ You can book private airport transfers here. ⬅️
➡️ Touring Bora Bora on a Boat – Most of the best things to do in Bora Bora are on the water or underwater, and you will need to book a boat tour to participate. The price of excursions like snorkeling, jet-skiing, and aqua safaris includes transportation to and from your overwater bungalow.
➡️ Renting a Car/Scooter in Bora Bora – There are a couple of international car rental agencies in Bora Bora, including AVIS and Europcar. They rent out cars, scooters, and buggies (the cheapest option). The roads are very smooth and well-maintained, making it easy to drive around the island. If you are a planner, you can book a car rental through Expedia ahead of time.
NOTE: In full transparency, it’s not worth renting a car in Bora Bora for more than one day. Once you spend a day circling the island, you’ve seen it all. The rest of your time will be spent taking tours out onto the water or into the mountains!
➡️ Renting a Bicycle – Another popular way to get around the island is by renting a bicycle or E-bike to cruise around the island. These are more expensive than we expected, but they are a fun way to see Bora Bora. Some resorts have complimentary bicycles for guests to use, so make sure to ask!
➡️ Taking a Taxi in Bora Bora – Taxis are readily available on the island, although they can be expensive in the evenings. A taxi from Vaitape to Matira Point will cost around 2500 XPF (approximately $25 USD). There are no roads outside of the main island of Bora Bora.
Regarding transportation in Bora Bora, it pays to plan ahead. Taxis and boat shuttles are limited, and making reservations early ensures there won’t be any hiccups in your itinerary.
FAQs: Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
Visiting Bora Bora is a bucket-list destination for many travelers, and often that comes with an asterisk that reads *stay in an overwater bungalow*.
So, if you are someone who is finally booking your dream trip to Bora Bora, here are the answers to some additional questions you might have about traveling here.
Is Bora Bora worth visiting?
Yes, Bora Bora is worth visiting. It’s a stunning island and one of the only places in the world where you can stay at an overwater bungalow. It’s worth the money, too.
There are so many ways to enjoy the island, from snorkeling to ATV tours or just lounging at the beach bar.
Where did the Kardashians stay in Bora Bora?
The Kardashians stayed in the luxurious two-story presidential suite at Conrad Nui Nui (referred to as “the Nui”) in Keeping up with the Kardashians.
This was back in 2011, and the whole family visited to witness Kris and Bruce Jenner renew their vows.
What is better, Maldives or Bora Bora?
It depends on what you’re looking for in a tropical vacation. Both Maldives and Bora Bora offer stunning overwater bungalows, but the atmospheres are quite different.
Bora Bora is the better choice if you’re looking for activities and adventure. But the Maldives is best if you’re looking for a more luxurious and upscale vacation.
Final Thoughts: Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
If staying in an overwater bungalow is a dream of yours, then you can definitely find one worthwhile in Bora Bora. There are options for every budget, whether you are visiting on your honeymoon or with a group of friends.
If you are going on a honeymoon in Bora Bora, it really is worth splurging on the Lagoon View Suite at Four Seasons, but if you are on a tighter budget, you can still find amazing rooms at Le Meridien and Maitai Resort.
And don’t forget to plan ahead. Most resorts sell out for the year before spring, so if you try to book a last-minute trip, you may end up on a waiting list.
And if you’re curious for more incredible tropical islands that also offer overwater bungalows, check out our list of top places similar to Bora Bora (including some that are cheaper alternatives).
