Where to Stay in Bora Bora: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Bora Bora and not sure where to stay? You’re in the right place.

Bora Bora is so beautiful that it almost doesn’t feel real! Its bright turquoise lagoon and the dramatic Mount Otemanu are so vivid and vibrant that we kept having to pinch ourselves. But despite its small size, where you stay in Bora Bora really makes a difference in terms of the scenery you get and how easy it is to explore.

For that reason, we’ve broken down the three best areas to stay in Bora Bora, along with our top hotel picks for every budget. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or want to see a more local side of this iconic island, we’ve got you covered! 

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Bora Bora 

Staying at a resort or a high-end hotel is part of the whole Bora Bora experience! These are usually set on motus, which are small islets located along the barrier reef, with views of the main island and Mount Otemanu. And of course, these luxurious properties often feature overwater villas and private beaches – bliss! 

However, there’s also Matira Beach, on the main island, which balances beautiful beaches with more accessible hotels. Then, there’s Vaitape, which is more practical and budget-friendly, with easy access to restaurants and transport rather than just keeping you within a resort the whole time.

On a trip to Bora Bora, you don’t tend to move around too much. Rather, you pick one area and settle in for the duration! And for any exploring you do want to do, getting around will typically require boats rather than walking or taking taxis.

Most people arrive in Bora Bora via flight from Tahiti. The airport is actually on its own little islet, so from there you’ll take a boat transfer to wherever you’re staying. It’s all part of the experience!

• Motu – Best for luxury travelers & honeymooners – This is where you’ll find Bora Bora’s iconic overwater villas, with ultra-private resorts set on small islets surrounded by that famous turquoise lagoon! Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is the most iconic property, offering stunning overwater bungalows and incredible lagoon views alongside top-tier service.

• Matira Beach – Best for moderate budget & beaches – Located on the main island, this area offers one of the only swimmable public beaches in Bora Bora, along with a mix of hotels and restaurants, plus a more accessible feel. Maitai Bora Bora is a great choice with beachfront rooms and overwater bungalows at a more reasonable price point.

• Vaitape – Best for budget-friendly stays & convenience – As the main town on the island, this is where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and ferry connections, making it the most practical place to stay. Lokai house is a simple and affordable option with a local feel, offering comfortable rooms within easy reach of everything you need.

Where to Stay in Bora Bora

Motu

BEST FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS & HONEYMOONERS

Pros

• Iconic overwater villas and unreal lagoon views
• Peaceful and private
• Perfect for a special occasion or honeymoon

Cons

• Expensive, even by Bora Bora standards
• You’ll rely on boat transfers to leave your resort

This is the Bora Bora you’ve been dreaming about. How do we know? Because it’s the Bora Bora we always dreamed about, too! 

The motus are small islets that sit along the lagoon, and they’re home to the island’s most famous luxury resorts. Yes, we’re talking about those overwater villas with private decks, looking out at Mount Otemanu rising out of the bright turquoise water. It’s easily one of the most beautiful settings we’ve ever seen – I really don’t know what could beat it. 

Staying on a motu delivers the full Bora Bora experience. Resorts like the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and Conrad Bora Bora Nui are designed to be completely self-contained, with multiple restaurants, spas, activities, and even cultural experiences on site. You could easily spend your entire stay without leaving – and that’s actually what a lot of travelers do! 

With that said, it is possible to go exploring if you know that you get itchy feet. The staff at any of these ultra-luxe resorts will be able to help you arrange boat transfers to the main island! 

We think the motus are perfect for honeymooners or anyone celebrating something special. It’s definitely a splurge, but if you’re going to do Bora Bora, why not do it right?

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – $$$

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is quite simply one of the most iconic hotels in the world. If you’ve ever seen photos of Bora Bora, chances are this is what you were picturing. It’s widely regarded as one of the best luxury resorts on the planet, and it certainly lives up to the hype.

The setting is unreal, with overwater bungalows and beachfront villas looking straight out over the lagoon towards Mount Otemanu. The villas are spacious and beautifully designed, with that classic thatched-roof style and private decks that make it very hard to leave! 

But when you do, there’s so much to do here, from snorkeling in the lagoon sanctuary to kayaking, sailing, and even guided marine experiences. This resort also caters very well to families, so it’s perfect for a bucket list trip with kids. Overwater villas here usually start at around $3,000 USD per night during peak season.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – $$$

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is another iconic luxury stay, and it’s an incredible choice if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip. In fact, it feels like a destination in itself!

One of the standout features here is how much space you get. The overwater villas are among the largest in Bora Bora, giving you plenty of room to truly relax, and many come with private pools and direct lagoon access. The service is also next level, with personalized butler service for every guest, which makes the whole experience feel seamless and indulgent.

Compared to the Four Seasons, the St. Regis feels bigger and a bit more private, so it’s a top choice for honeymooners! It’s especially known for its dining and its incredible lagoonarium, which offers some of the best snorkeling you’ll find right at your doorstep! Rooms here usually start at around $3,000 USD per night during the dry season.

If The St. Regis is fully booked, Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is another amazing option nearby. It offers a similarly luxurious beachfront setting with modern overwater villas and easy access to the lagoon, plus a turtle sanctuary! 

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – $$$

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is one of the most breathtaking resorts in Bora Bora, and it really stands out thanks to its unique setting! Tucked away in a private cove on Motu To’opua, it offers sweeping ocean views rather than just lagoon views, which gives it a slightly different feel from many of the other resorts here.

The villas are stunning, whether you go for an overwater bungalow or a hillside retreat. Some come with private infinity pools, and the outdoor decks are perfect for soaking it all in, especially at sunset! 

One of the highlights here is how much there is to do. You’ve got snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even cultural activities like coconut opening and Tahitian craft workshops. We love this resort because it feels luxurious but perhaps a bit more castaway-esque than other motu options. Villas here usually start at around $3,000 USD per night.

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is another great option nearby. It offers a more traditional Polynesian style that we just love, with garden and overwater villas, plus a slightly more intimate and authentic island feel – plus, it’s locally owned! 

Matira Beach 

BEST FOR MODERATE BUDGET & BEACHES

Pros

• One of the only swimmable beaches on the main island
• Walkable area with restaurants and shops
• More affordable and accessible than the Motus

Cons

• Less exclusive than the private motus
• Fewer ultra-luxury resorts

Matira Beach is easily the best stretch of sand on Bora Bora’s main island, and it’s a fantastic choice if you want that postcard-perfect setting without committing to a full-on private resort stay. The beach here is public, which is quite rare in Bora Bora, and the water is calm and shallow, which makes it perfect for swimming! You can wade out for quite a distance, so it’s ideal if you just want to relax and enjoy the lagoon at your own pace.

What we really love about this area is how accessible it feels. Unlike the motus, you’re not isolated at a single resort. Instead, you’ve got a mix of boutique hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants all within walking distance, so it’s easy to explore a little and mix up your days. There are also some great sunset spots along the beach, which really add to the atmosphere in the evenings.

We think of Matira Beach as the goldilocks choice for Bora Bora, because it offers a perfect balance of beauty and affordability. You can get that quintessential Bora Bora experience without going all-in on an uber luxury resort, and we like that you can leave the hotels and check out local cafes and restaurants when you feel like it. 

InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort by IHG – $$$

We think that InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort is an amazing place to stay in Matira Beach because you get that overwater bungalow experience without needing to head to a private motu! The location is hard to beat, as you’re right by the island’s best beach, with calm, swimmable water and some beautiful sunset views, and Mount Otemanu right overhead. You can also arrange a day trip to the sister Thalasso Resort if you feel like mixing it up a bit.

The resort has that barefoot, Robinson Crusoe feel that we can’t get enough of, and you can choose between a beachfront villa and an overwater bungalow. The overwater bungalows even have glass coffee tables so you can see the fish swimming beneath you, and you can even open it up to feed them! Overwater bungalows here usually start at around $1,500 USD per night.

Maitai Bora Bora – $$ 

We really think that Maitai Bora Bora is one of the best value stays on the island, and we love it because it allows you to experience Bora Bora properly, but without the sky-high price tag! It’s located just a short walk from Matira Beach, so you’ve still got easy access to the beautiful stretch of sand without paying resort prices.

The hotel offers a mix of garden rooms, beachfront bungalows, and even some overwater bungalows, which is pretty rare at this price point! There’s also a traditional Polynesian restaurant on site, and you can enjoy music and dancing in the evenings, as well as free use of snorkels and kayaks. 

King rooms here usually start at around $350 USD per night, while overwater bungalows start at around $1,000 USD. They book up really fast, though, so secure your stay ASAP!

Another top choice, Village Temanuata is a great backup right on Matira Beach. It offers simple beachfront bungalows with a more traditional Polynesian feel, and you really can’t beat the location.

Villa Yrondi – $$ 

Villa Yrondi is actually a bit of a hidden gem in Bora Bora, and it’s perfect if you’re after something more unique and private. Set on a hillside above Matira Beach, it’s a charming guesthouse that offers sweeping views over the lagoon, which are especially beautiful at sunset.

The property has a really distinctive style, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture that feels quite different from the typical island resorts. The rooms and apartments are spacious and individually designed, with plenty of room to relax, and they have their own private terraces and balconies.

We think it’s a great choice if you want a quieter, more independent stay while still being within easy reach of Matira Beach and nearby restaurants. Rooms here usually start at around $300 USD per night.

If Villa Yrondi is fully booked, ROYAL BORA BORA is another great value alternative nearby. It offers modern beach rooms, with a lovely pool overlooking the ocean, and it’s just a short distance from Matira Beach.

Vaitape 

BEST FOR BUDGET-FRIENDLY STAYS & CONVENIENCE

Pros

• Most affordable accommodation options on the island
• Plenty of local shops and restaurants
• Convenient for ferry access

Cons

• Lacks the postcard-style beaches
• Less scenic than the motus or Matira Beach

Vaitape is the main town and transport hub of Bora Bora. It’s not the place you come for overwater villas and white sand beaches, but it definitely has its advantages! This is where you’ll find the ferry terminal, supermarkets, banks, and a good selection of local restaurants, so it’s by far the most practical place to stay on the island. 

What we like about Vaitape is that it gives you a more authentic glimpse into everyday life in Bora Bora. We appreciated seeing locals going about their day and markets in full swing. This side of the island just feels a bit more real compared to the resort areas! It’s also a great base if you’re planning to do a lot of exploring, as many tours and boat trips depart from here.

This area is best suited to budget-conscious travelers or anyone who values convenience over scenery. While you won’t have that classic lagoon view on your doorstep, you’ll save a lot on accommodation and still be able to experience the best of Bora Bora with a bit of planning and organization! 

BORA BORA HOLIDAY’S LODGE – $$$

BORA BORA HOLIDAY’S LODGE is a great choice if you want something a little more spacious and private while still staying close to the heart of Vaitape. It has more of a guesthouse feel than a traditional hotel, which makes it ideal if you prefer a quieter and more independent stay.

The rooms are simple but comfortable, with a homely setup that works well if you’re staying for a few nights. You’re also within easy reach of shops, restaurants, and the ferry terminal, which makes getting around the island really straightforward.

Plus, there’s a great pool area and a complimentary airport shuttle, which is so convenient! Rooms here usually start at around $275 USD per night.

Lokai house – $$

Lokai house is a fantastic option in Vaitape if you’re looking for something simple, affordable, and well-located. It’s just a short walk from shops and restaurants, as well as the ferry terminal, so it’s super convenient if you’re planning to explore or head out on tours.

The setup here is basic but comfortable, with clean rooms and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It feels more like a local guesthouse than a hotel, which we actually think adds to the experience. The owners are also incredibly kind and helpful, and really go the extra mile to ensure that you feel welcome and have a great trip! Rooms here usually start at around $180 USD per night.

Sunset Hill Lodge – $

Sunset Hill Lodge is one of the best budget-friendly options in Bora Bora, and it’s a great choice if you want to save money without sacrificing too much on comfort. It’s set on a hillside just above Vaitape, which means you’ll get some lovely views over the lagoon, especially at sunset. And while it’s not super luxurious, the warm and friendly atmosphere is hard to beat!

The studios and apartments here are quite basic, but they’re colorful and homely. Plus, they have kitchen facilities that make it easy to self-cater and keep costs down. It’s a really practical setup if you’re staying for a few days and want a bit more flexibility.

The location is also super convenient, with shops, restaurants, and the ferry terminal all within easy reach. Apartments here usually start at around $140 USD per night.

If Sunset Hill Lodge is fully booked, Vaiotaha Lodge is another great budget-friendly alternative nearby. It offers simple, clean accommodation in a central location, with a relaxed, local feel that’s perfect for a low-key stay.

Top Activities to do 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.

• Snorkel vibrant coral gardens – From manta rays to reef sharks, this coral gardens tour brings you face-to-face with some of the lagoon’s most colorful marine life. With multiple stops and a small group, it’s an easy and unforgettable way to experience Bora Bora’s reefs.

• 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!

Thanks for reading!

After spending time in Bora Bora, we quickly realized just how much your base can shape the whole experience. Whether you wake up in an overwater villa on a motu, stroll along Matira Beach, or stay somewhere more local in Vaitape, each area offers a totally different vibe, and we hope this guide helps you land on the perfect spot for your trip.

Before you lock everything in, be sure to check out our other Oceania travel guides here for more ideas to help you make the most of your time in Bora Bora and beyond! Or browse through some of our most popular travel blogs below to start planning your next adventure.

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