What to Know Before You Go
No international flights land directly on Bora Bora. Most couples fly into Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, then connect to a 45-minute domestic flight to the island. It’s a multiday journey from most U.S. cities. However, it’s manageable with the right itinerary and worth every hour of travel.
Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France made up of 118 islands and atolls spread across the South Pacific. Tahiti is the largest and most populated island. Bora Bora, in contrast, is among the most visited, and for honeymooners specifically, it’s consistently one of the top destinations in the world.
The island’s geography does most of the talking. At its center sits an extinct volcano, Mount Otemanu, ringed by a lagoon and barrier reef. Together, they produce the vivid aquamarine color the island is known for. It photographs well because it genuinely looks like that in person.
Where to Stay in Bora Bora
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
The St. Regis is one of the most recognized honeymoon properties in French Polynesia, and it holds up to the reputation. The overwater villas here are among the most spacious in the region. Each starts at 1,550 square feet. Additionally, every couple is assigned a dedicated 24-hour butler, so the details are handled from the moment you arrive.
The private Lagoonarium sets this property apart from others on the island. It’s an underwater sanctuary protecting over 120 species of fish, giving guests a world-class snorkeling experience without leaving the resort. Pair a morning in the lagoon with an afternoon at the spa. The spa sits on its own island in the middle of the water, and you have a full day that requires no planning at all.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
With 84 overwater villas and views of the lagoon, the beach, and Mount Otemanu in the distance, the InterContinental Thalasso is a polished, well-rounded property. It’s stylish without being stiff, and the service is consistently strong.
The real draw is the Deep Ocean Spa, the first thalassotherapy center built in the South Pacific. Treatments are rooted in ancestral Polynesian traditions. They also use minerals extracted from deep in the Pacific Ocean. For couples who prioritize wellness alongside the overwater experience, this is the property to book.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
Le Moana is a strong choice for couples who want privacy without complete isolation. The End of Pontoon Overwater Bungalows are positioned at the far end of the resort. As a result, they offer greater seclusion and some of the best lagoon views on the property.
Start the day with a canoe breakfast, delivered by staff via a traditional outrigger canoe. Then spend the morning on the sundeck or in the water. The resort’s location on the main island also makes it a convenient base for exploring local shops and restaurants when you want a change of scenery.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Tucked into a hidden cove, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is one of the more private properties on the island. It’s also home to the only two-story overwater villas in the region. That makes it a distinctive choice for couples who want something beyond the standard bungalow format.
The Hina Spa is the standout amenity here, built into the volcanic hillside with panoramic views across the island. The Ultimate Polynesian Ritual is the signature treatment: a body scrub, followed by a vanilla body wrap and a traditional Tahitian massage. For a special evening, the resort can arrange a private moonlit dinner on Motu Tapu. It’s a small private island just five minutes away by boat.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
The Four Seasons Bora Bora offers five accommodation types. Options range from one- and two-bedroom overwater suites to lagoon-side beach-view suites and premier beachfront villas. The property was recently renovated, and the attention to detail throughout reflects the brand’s standard.
Dining is a genuine strength here. Arii Moana handles classic French cuisine. Fish House focuses on sea-to-table seafood. Vaimiti offers eclectic Asian-inspired dishes, and a waterside food truck rounds out the options for something more casual. The Lagoon Sanctuary is also worth a visit: guests can learn about coral grafting and speak with resident marine biologists about the reef ecosystem directly.
The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa
Formerly Le Méridien Bora Bora, the property reopened as the Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa. It’s now one of the largest on the island, with the biggest swimming pool in Bora Bora, unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu, and 128 overwater bungalows, some with private plunge pools.
Wellness is central to the Westin brand, and this property delivers on it. Pilates and yoga classes, sunrise runs, sound baths, fresh-pressed juices, and Polynesian-inspired spa treatments are all part of the programming. The pink and blue bicycles available to guests are a small touch. Even so, they add to the relaxed, unhurried feel of the property. The staff can also arrange golf cart pickups if you prefer.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
A member of Relais and Châteaux, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts sits directly opposite Mount Otemanu and offers 108 traditional bungalows, villas, and suites. It’s a property that leans into the natural setting rather than competing with it.
Borrow a mask and snorkel and explore the coral garden just off the shore. Book a treatment at the Tavai Spa, where offerings are rooted in ancestral Polynesian traditions. Or spend an afternoon on the resort’s solar-powered catamaran, out on the water with nothing pressing on the calendar. For couples who want a quieter, more grounded experience than the larger resort properties, this is the one to consider.
What to Do in Bora Bora
Spend Time on Matira Beach
Bora Bora has no shortage of beautiful beaches. However, Matira Beach is worth singling out specifically. It’s the island’s most celebrated stretch of sand, consistently recognized among the best beaches in the world. Set aside at least half a day here. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and it’s the kind of afternoon that doesn’t require any agenda.
Go Snorkeling
The lagoon surrounding Bora Bora is home to more than 500 species of fish. With some luck, you’ll also encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays. Most resorts offer half- or full-day sailing excursions that stop at multiple snorkeling sites around the island. Additionally, an underwater camera is worth packing.
Venture Out to a Motu
A motu is a small reef island that forms along the edges of an atoll. Bora Bora has dozens of them, and a private day trip to one is one of the best experiences the island offers. Most packages include a guided tour of the islet and snorkeling stops. Lunch or dinner on the water is typically included as well. It’s the kind of afternoon that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
How I Can Help
Bora Bora is straightforward in some ways and surprisingly nuanced in others. The resort you choose matters more here than almost anywhere else. The island itself is small, and the experience is largely defined by where you stay. Getting that choice right, along with the logistics of getting there, is where working with an advisor makes a real difference.
I handle the resort selection, the inter-island transfers, and the activity planning. In addition, through my industry relationships, clients often receive room upgrades, resort credits, and added amenities that aren’t available when booking directly. You focus on the honeymoon. I’ll make sure everything is in place before you arrive.
Reach out directly and let’s put together the right Bora Bora itinerary for you.
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