Looking to stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora? Start here!
Bora Bora is home to some of the most spectacular overwater bungalows in the world, and staying in one really is every bit as magical as it looks. There’s just something about the panoramic lagoon views and direct access to the water that makes every day feel like a dream, not to mention all the luxury and little extras that make these resorts feel so special.
That said, with so many incredible resorts and bungalows to choose from, finding the right one can be a little overwhelming (especially when they all look amazing in the pictures!). So to help you narrow down your options, we’ve rounded up the eight best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, highlighting exactly what makes each one special so you can find the perfect fit for your trip.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The overwater bungalow we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE place to stay is InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort! It offers the overwater luxury you’re hoping to find, without spending your whole travel budget, and is easily located on the main island.
Check the 400+ reviews and book this overwater bungalow here.
Overview of the Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora
It’s hard to imagine a more iconic place to stay in Bora Bora than an overwater bungalow. For many travelers, staying in one place is the sole purpose of the trip. And although they’re a bit of a splurge, they deliver the kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s hard to put a price on.
To start, there’s the setting. You’ll get to wake up above the lagoon, step straight from your private deck into crystal clear water, and watch colorful fish swim beneath your feet (literally nothing better!). You’ll also enjoy a sense of privacy that feels very different from a standard hotel room, which can be so romantic and special if you’re traveling with your partner or celebrating a special occasion.
Beyond the setting, every resort offers its own take on paradise. Some focus on five-star luxury, with butler service, private plunge pools, and award-winning restaurants, while others embrace a slower pace with traditional Polynesian design and a stronger connection to nature. Neither approach is necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to what you want from your Bora Bora trip.
With this in mind, here’s a list of the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora for every budget and travel style.
Important Tip
Multiple Bora Bora trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking Bora Bora overwater bungalows is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
The Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – $$$$
First up on our list is Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, a fantastic ultra-luxury choice for travelers who want a traditional Polynesian experience.Â
The overwater bungalows here are nothing short of spectacular, especially the Otemanu Overwater Bungalows, which feature spacious sundecks, direct lagoon access, and glass viewing panels beside both the bed and bathtub (so cool!).
On a practical note, this resort also has three excellent restaurants onsite, so you’ll have plenty of dining options throughout your stay. It’s also conveniently located on Motu Tevairo, putting you just a 20-minute boat ride from the airport.
Rates typically range from around $2,000 to $4,300+ USD per night, which is definitely a splurge, but well worth it in our opinion!
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – $$$$
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate Bora Bora honeymoon, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora should definitely be on your radar!Â
This resort delivers everything you’d expect from the brand, including impeccable service, beautifully designed overwater villas, and jaw-dropping views of Mount Otemanu that you’ll never get tired of waking up to.
We love this resort because there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy paradise. You can unwind at the award-winning spa, head out on a guided snorkeling tour of the lagoon sanctuary, or kayak across the crystal-clear water. And with four fantastic restaurants onsite, you’ll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining!
As for pricing, you can expect rates to range from $1,200 to $3,100+ USD per night, which is surprisingly good value for one of Bora Bora’s most iconic luxury resorts.
Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa – $$$$
If you’re looking for a more contemporary stay in Bora Bora, you can’t go wrong with the recently renovated Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.Â
The biggest draw here is the variety of overwater accommodations. There are plenty of bungalow categories to choose from, with many featuring private plunge pools, glass floor panels, and spectacular views of Otemanu.
Beyond the villas, the resort strikes the perfect balance between lively and relaxing, with a beautiful swim-up bar, daily wellness activities like yoga and paddle yoga, and six fantastic bars and restaurants to choose from. It also has its own Eco Center, where you can learn about the resort’s sea turtle conservation efforts.
In terms of pricing, you can expect rooms to fall between $1,600 and $1,800+ USD per night.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – $$$$
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to vacation like royalty, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is about as close as it gets.Â
This resort is home to some of the largest overwater villas in all of French Polynesia, and many of the villas here feature massive sun decks and private pools, not to mention breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu.
When you’re not relaxing in your bungalow, you can unwind at the private island spa, snorkel in the resort’s Lagoonarium, or enjoy dinner at one of its four exceptional restaurants. And it goes without saying that the legendary St. Regis butler service makes every stay feel a little extra special.
Rates typically range from around $1,900 to $4,600+ USD per night, making this an ideal choice if you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or another once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
Why We Book Hotels on booking.com
Booking.com is a trusted online booking platform for hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and boutique stays around the world. We’ve been using Booking.com to reserve our accommodations for over a decade, and we keep coming back for a few key reasons:
Conrad Bora Bora Nui – $$$$
If you’re after a resort that feels completely removed from the rest of the world, Conrad Bora Bora Nui is definitely worth looking into.Â
This resort is set on the secluded islet of Motu To’opua and tucked away in its own private cove, creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere and offering some of the most breathtaking views in Bora Bora.
There’s a fantastic selection of overwater villas to choose from, including Otemanu-view villas, private pool villas, and even spacious two-story suites if you’re really looking to splurge. You’ll also have access to gorgeous communal areas, including an infinity pool overlooking the lagoon, a private white-sand beach, five excellent restaurants, and a hilltop spa.
Price-wise, you can expect rates to typically range from around $950 to $3,600+ USD per night; a fair price to pay for what will feel like a private island escape.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort – $$$
If you’d rather stay on Bora Bora’s main island rather than one of the private motus, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is a fantastic option, and it’s actually our personal top pick in Bora Bora!Â
We absolutely love this property because it’s located just steps from the famous Matira Beach, so you get the best of both worlds: a stunning overwater bungalow stay and easy access to local restaurants, shops, and the village of Vaitape. You’ll also get the classic Bora Bora experience, including direct lagoon access, private sun loungers, and glass coffee tables for watching the fish below (my favorite!).
Rates typically range from around $950 to $1,100+ USD per night, making it one of the more affordable ways to experience an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.
Maitai Bora Bora – $$
Next up is Maitai Bora Bora, which offers an incredibly affordable way to tick an overwater bungalow off your bucket list.Â
The overwater bungalows here are not only stunning, but they also come with everything you need for a relaxing island escape, including private balconies, direct lagoon access, and complimentary snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing equipment. And because it’s located on beautiful Matira Point, you’ll also be within easy reach of the island’s best public beach, local restaurants, and shops, so there’s plenty to see and do beyond the resort itself.
Rates at this resort typically range from around $600 to $800+ USD per night, which is fantastic value considering the location.
Oa Oa Lodge – $
Last but not least, we have Oa Oa Lodge, our most budget-friendly pick in this list.Â
We absolutely love this property because it’s simple, locally run, and offers everything you need for an unforgettable Bora Bora stay, without all the expensive extras.
The overwater bungalows here are modest but comfortable, with private decks overlooking the water, while some also include kitchenettes to help keep food costs down during your stay. There’s also a lovely lagoon-facing pool, and the lodge is just a 10-minute drive from Vaitape, making it easy to reach restaurants, shops, and tour operators.
Rates typically range from around $180 to $350+ USD per night; proof that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy this iconic Bora Bora experience.
Related Read: Still deciding on accommodations? Check out our Where to Stay in Bora Bora guide to find the best areas and hotels, at a range of budgets!
Top Activities in Bora Bora
With your Bora Bora stay sorted, it’s time to get out and experience everything this island has to offer. From lagoon adventures and marine life encounters to off-road exploration, Bora Bora is so much more than just overwater villas. These are the tours that truly made our trip unforgettable!
- Explore Bora Bora by 4×4 – This off-road safari takes you beyond the beaches and into the island’s rugged interior for a completely different perspective. Between bumpy trails, panoramic viewpoints, and stops at WWII sites and local farms, it’s an adventurous and eye-opening way to see Bora Bora.
- Snorkel the lagoon and enjoy a motu lunch – Combining incredible snorkeling with a laid-back beachside lunch on a private motu, this full-day lagoon tour was easily one of our favorite experiences. From swimming with rays and sharks to enjoying live music and local food, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and culture.
- Walk on the ocean floor – This aqua safari helmet dive is such a unique way to explore Bora Bora’s underwater world without needing to snorkel or dive. Walking along the seafloor while fish swim all around you feels surreal, and the guides make it easy and comfortable the whole time.
- Go whale watching in season – This whale-watching tour offers the chance to see humpback whales in the wild, guided by a passionate marine expert. Listening to their songs and spotting them in the open water is something we’ll never forget.
Related Read: Want more great ideas for your trip? Be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Bora Bora here for more tips and inspiration
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Visiting Bora Bora is already a bucket list experience, but staying in an overwater bungalow takes it to the next level! Whether you’re splashing out and staying at one of the ultra-luxurious resorts, or enjoying one of the modest, budget-friendly options, it will be worth the price tag, if you ask me.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other Oceania travel guides for more tips, favorite tours, and hidden gems that can make planning your trip even easier. Or, if you’re already looking for your next adventure, here are a few destinations we think you’ll love!
How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Bora Bora: 5-Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Tahiti: 2 Best Areas & Hotels
The Best Overwater Bungalows in Moorea, French Polynesia
The Services We Recommend
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