Bora Bora Hotels and Resorts: The Complete Guide
Where you stay in Bora Bora shapes your entire experience — far more than the season, the length of your trip, or the excursions you choose. Nine major hotels and a handful of guesthouses cover the island, split between the main island and the motu (small islets that ring the lagoon). Prices range from $300 to $3,500+ per night. Here’s how to choose.
Every resort on Bora Bora has its own strengths, its own atmosphere, and a target audience it serves better than the others. There’s no single “best” hotel — there’s the right one for your trip. This guide breaks down all nine major resorts with their location, pricing, target audience, and what they actually deliver on the ground.
The 9 major hotels at a glance
| Hotel | Location | Category | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts | Northwest motu | Upscale | $700 – $1,300 |
| ② Conrad Bora Bora Nui | Motu To’opua | Luxury | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| ③ InterContinental Le Moana | Main island (Matira) | Upscale | $550 – $1,100 |
| ④ Maitai Polynesia | Main island (Matira) | Comfort | $380 – $700 |
| ⑤ Royal Bora Bora | Main island (Matira) | Boutique / Comfort | $400 – $750 |
| ⑥ The Westin Bora Bora | Motu Piti Aau (south) | Luxury | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| ⑦ InterContinental Thalasso Spa | Motu Piti Aau (center) | Luxury / Wellness | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| ⑧ The St. Regis Bora Bora | Motu Piti Aau (north-center) | Ultra-luxury | $1,700 – $3,500 |
| ⑨ Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora | Motu Piti Aau (north) | Ultra-luxury | $1,800 – $3,500 |
Prices are per night for two adults, low season base rate. Peak season (July-August, Christmas holidays) can add 30-50%. Numbers refer to hotel locations on our Bora Bora map.
Main island or motu: the first decision to make
Before comparing individual resorts, you need to understand the fundamental split that defines your Bora Bora experience: staying on the main island versus staying on one of the motu (small islets that ring the lagoon).
The main island: freedom and connection
The main island of Bora Bora is where daily life happens. Vaitape is the main village, with local restaurants, shops, banks, and the harbor from which most boat excursions depart. Matira Beach — the only major public beach on the island — is located at the southern tip.
Advantages of staying on the main island: you can walk to Matira Beach, dine at local restaurants outside your resort, rent a bike or scooter to explore, feel the actual life of Bora Bora rather than a resort bubble. It’s also significantly less expensive: main island hotels average $400-$1,000 per night versus $1,000-$3,500 on the motu.
Trade-offs: most main island resorts don’t have deep overwater bungalow views, since the lagoon is shallower here. The iconic postcard shot of overwater bungalows facing Mount Otemanu is a motu experience, not a main island one.
The motu: isolation and iconic views
The motu are what most people picture when they think of Bora Bora: white sand strips of land, overwater bungalows extending into deep turquoise water, and a direct view of Mount Otemanu rising from the main island across the lagoon. Six of the nine major resorts are located on motu.
Advantages of staying on a motu: the views are genuinely spectacular, the atmosphere is deeply peaceful, and you’re immersed in what makes Bora Bora unique. Everything you need — restaurants, spa, water sports, boat excursions — is on-site. This is the “escape from the world” experience most travelers come for.
Trade-offs: you’re isolated. Every visit to Vaitape or Matira Beach requires a shuttle boat (typically 10-25 minutes each way, hourly). Restaurant options are limited to what your resort serves, and it’s significantly more expensive.
Which one is right for you?
Choose the main island if you want to explore, feel local life, keep costs manageable, or if it’s your second visit to Bora Bora and you’ve already had the overwater bungalow experience.
Choose a motu resort if this is your honeymoon, your milestone trip, or if you value the “postcard” experience above all — and if your budget allows the significant premium.
One popular option: split your stay. Two or three nights in an overwater bungalow on a motu, then move to a main island hotel for the rest of the trip. You get the iconic experience without the full-week premium price tag.
Hotels on the main island — Matira Beach access
Three of the nine major resorts are located directly on Bora Bora’s main island, clustered around Matira Beach at the southern tip. All three offer walking access to the beach, to local restaurants, and to the village of Vaitape (about 5 km away). Ideal if you want more freedom, lower costs, or a mix of resort and local experience.
③ InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
Location: Southern tip of the main island, directly on Matira Beach
Price range: $550 – $1,100 per night
Room types: Overwater bungalows, beach bungalows, garden bungalows
The most iconic main island resort, with direct beach access to Matira. Le Moana is often considered the best compromise between an overwater bungalow experience and main-island convenience — you get the postcard bungalows without the full motu isolation. Walk to local restaurants in the evening, back to your bungalow in minutes. The Polynesian architecture, warm welcome, and cultural touches make it feel authentically local rather than corporate.
④ Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
Location: Southern coast of the main island, next to Matira Beach
Price range: $380 – $700 per night
Room types: Overwater bungalows, beach bungalows, garden rooms
The most affordable option among the nine major resorts, without sacrificing the essentials. Maitai offers a real Polynesian atmosphere, a mix of overwater and beach bungalows, and immediate access to Matira Beach. It won’t compete on luxury with the motu resorts, but it delivers exactly what many travelers actually want: the Bora Bora experience without ultra-luxury pricing. Popular with families and couples on their first trip to French Polynesia.
⑤ Royal Bora Bora
Location: Main island near Matira Beach
Price range: $400 – $750 per night
Room types: Bungalows and rooms, boutique-style
A smaller boutique-style resort with a distinctly different feel from the international chains. Fewer rooms, more personal service, less “corporate hospitality” vibe. Suitable for travelers who want an intimate experience, a more authentic local atmosphere, or a lower-key alternative to the big names. Room styles vary — check specific room categories before booking.
Luxury resorts on the motu — the iconic Bora Bora experience
Six resorts are located on the motu — the small islets that ring Bora Bora’s lagoon. These are the properties that produce the postcard images: overwater bungalows extending into turquoise water, Mount Otemanu rising in the background, and a level of isolation that feels genuinely otherworldly. They’re also significantly more expensive.
① Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Location: Small motu in the northwest lagoon
Price range: $700 – $1,300 per night
Room types: Overwater bungalows, beach villas
A more intimate and less “corporate” alternative to the international chains, on a quieter motu with beautiful sunset views over the open ocean. Compact overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access. The Polynesian atmosphere is more pronounced here than at the American-branded resorts. Ideal for couples who want the motu experience without the ultra-luxury price ceiling.
② Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Location: Motu To’opua, west of the main island
Price range: $1,000 – $2,000 per night
Room types: Overwater villas, hilltop villas with pools
A distinctive resort built on the hillside of Motu To’opua, with dramatic elevation and two private beaches on either side of the motu. The location offers exceptional sunset views over the open ocean, plus a shorter shuttle to Vaitape than the eastern motu resorts (10-15 minutes). The hilltop villas with private pools are a signature offering — rare in Bora Bora. Very popular with honeymoon couples.
⑥ The Westin Bora Bora Resort
Location: Southern end of Motu Piti Aau (east)
Price range: $1,000 – $1,800 per night
Room types: Large overwater villas, beach villas
One of the most recent additions to Bora Bora’s luxury landscape, on the southern end of the largest eastern motu. The overwater villas are among the largest on the motu, with contemporary design and extensive lagoon frontage. Strong for travelers who want modern comfort and space rather than “old-world” Polynesian architecture. Views of Mount Otemanu across the lagoon are excellent.
⑦ InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
Location: Center of Motu Piti Aau (east)
Price range: $1,100 – $2,000 per night
Room types: Overwater bungalows with glass floors, beach villas
The reference in French Polynesia for thalassotherapy — saltwater-based wellness treatments delivered by a genuinely serious spa (not just a resort spa with a fancy name). All the overwater bungalows have glass floor panels for viewing the lagoon life below. The property is also known for its deep-water lagoon access, meaning the water directly under the bungalows is genuinely deep and clear, not just shallow lagoon shelf. The choice for travelers whose priority is wellness alongside the Bora Bora experience.
⑧ The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Location: Upper part of Motu Piti Aau (east)
Price range: $1,700 – $3,500 per night
Room types: Ultra-large villas (some among the largest in the Pacific)
Ultra-luxury standard with signature St. Regis butler service — each villa comes with a dedicated butler who handles unpacking, dining reservations, in-villa dining, spa bookings, and any special requests. The villas are exceptionally spacious (up to 3,300 sq ft), giving you a level of comfort closer to a private residence than a hotel room. Best for milestone trips (honeymoon, major anniversary) where the service and space justify the premium. The Royal Estate is a category above at $10,000+ per night.
⑨ Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Location: Northern end of Motu Piti Aau (east)
Price range: $1,800 – $3,500 per night
Room types: Large overwater bungalows, beach villas
The northernmost resort on Motu Piti Aau, with direct views of Mount Otemanu across the deepest, clearest part of the lagoon. Four Seasons delivers its signature standard: impeccable service, tasteful understated design, exceptional attention to detail. Slightly less flashy than the St. Regis but often preferred by travelers who value refinement over spectacle. The overwater bungalows are among the largest on the motu, and the private beach on the ocean side is exceptional.
Guesthouses (pensions de famille): the local alternative
Beyond the major resorts, Bora Bora hosts a network of guesthouses called pensions de famille — a French Polynesian institution roughly equivalent to a bed & breakfast, but with a distinctive local twist. Most are small (5-10 rooms), family-run, and located on the main island.
Price range: $80 to $250 per night, meals often included.
Guesthouses offer a radically different experience from the international resorts: you’ll share meals with a Polynesian family, get insider tips on the island, and typically save 80% versus a resort. The trade-off is comfort — rooms are simple, there’s no on-site restaurant beyond what the family serves, no spa, no water sports on demand. You’ll need to organize your own beach access, excursions, and boat transfers.
Who guesthouses work well for:
- Travelers with genuinely tight budgets who still want to see Bora Bora
- Solo travelers or backpackers looking for local immersion
- Couples on a longer French Polynesia trip who split their nights (a few nights in a resort for the “wow” moment, the rest in guesthouses)
- Repeat visitors who’ve already had the overwater bungalow experience
Who they don’t work for: honeymoon couples, travelers seeking the postcard experience, anyone who wants “resort amenities” like spas, multiple restaurants, or organized activities on-site.
The most reliable way to book a guesthouse is through direct contact or through consolidated booking platforms that list French Polynesian pensions. Availability changes frequently, so book several months ahead for peak season.
Practical advice for choosing your Bora Bora hotel
Book 4 to 8 months ahead
The best resorts and best room categories fill up months in advance, especially for peak seasons (July-August, Christmas holidays, Valentine’s Day, mid-summer). If you have specific dates and a specific hotel in mind, book at least 4-6 months ahead. For flexible travelers, 2-3 months is workable but selection narrows quickly.
Consider a two-hotel split
Many experienced travelers combine two hotels to balance experience and budget: 2-3 nights in an overwater bungalow on a motu (Four Seasons, Conrad, St. Regis, InterContinental Thalasso), then 3-4 nights on the main island (Le Moana, Maitai, Royal). You get the “wow” moment without paying luxury prices for the entire week. This is our most-recommended approach for first-time visitors on a moderate budget.
Ask about airport transfers
Most resorts include boat transfers from Bora Bora Airport (BOB) to the resort as part of the booking, but some don’t — always confirm. Transfers can otherwise cost $100-200 per person for a private option.
Meal plans: half board or à la carte?
Motu resorts often offer half-board packages (breakfast + dinner). At $80-150 per person per day, they can save significant money compared to à la carte if you plan to eat all meals at the resort — which you’ll likely do given the isolation. On the main island, à la carte is usually the better choice since you can walk to local restaurants.
Watch for “resort fees” and mandatory extras
Most Bora Bora resorts include amenities in the room rate, but some add mandatory service fees or “resort fees” (up to $50-100 per day) on top of the displayed rate. Always check the final total before booking, including all taxes and mandatory charges.
Consider the specific bungalow category
“Overwater bungalow” isn’t a monolithic category. Entry-level overwater bungalows are often on shallow lagoon zones (less impressive water color, less privacy), while premium categories (“Deluxe”, “Emerald”, “End of Pontoon”) face deeper water with better views. The price difference can be significant, and it’s usually worth the upgrade if you’re paying overwater bungalow rates already.
Peak vs shoulder seasons
July-August and Christmas holidays bring the highest prices and biggest crowds. May-June and September-October offer the same beautiful weather at 20-30% lower rates. If your dates are flexible, shoulder seasons are the sweet spot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hotel in Bora Bora?
There is no single “best” hotel — each of the nine major resorts targets a specific type of traveler. For ultra-luxury and space, the St. Regis Bora Bora and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora lead. For value on the main island, Maitai Polynesia offers the best price-to-experience ratio. For an intimate boutique feel, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts or Royal Bora Bora. For wellness, InterContinental Thalasso Spa. Match the hotel to your priorities.
Are all Bora Bora hotels on the beach?
All nine major resorts have beach or lagoon access, but the type varies significantly. Main island hotels (Le Moana, Maitai, Royal) offer walking access to Matira Beach — a public beach with a distinctly Polynesian atmosphere. Motu resorts have private beaches on their own islet. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui and Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts also have beaches on the ocean-facing side of their motu, with a different feel from the lagoon-side beaches.
How much does an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora cost?
Entry-level overwater bungalows at Maitai Polynesia start around $600-750 per night. Mid-tier resorts (Le Moana, Le Bora Bora by Pearl, Conrad) sit in the $900-1,500 range. The Four Seasons and St. Regis charge $2,000-3,500+ for their standard overwater villas, with premium categories reaching $6,000-10,000 per night. All prices are for two adults, low season.
Which hotel is best for honeymoon in Bora Bora?
The most popular honeymoon choices are typically Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, The St. Regis Bora Bora, and Conrad Bora Bora Nui — for their overwater bungalow experience, romantic atmosphere, and dedicated honeymoon packages. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts offers a more intimate alternative at a lower price point. Most resorts offer honeymoon add-ons: floating breakfasts, private beach dinners, spa treatments for two.
Can I stay in Bora Bora on a budget?
“Budget” is relative in Bora Bora. The cheapest option among major resorts is Maitai Polynesia at $380-700 per night. Below that, guesthouses on the main island start at $80-250 per night. Realistic minimum trip budget from the US, including flights, is $3,500-4,000 per person. Anyone hoping to spend less than that is likely better suited to other French Polynesian islands like Moorea or Huahine, or destinations like Fiji or Hawaii.
Are the resorts family-friendly?
Yes, but with nuance. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has the strongest family programming with dedicated kids’ clubs and family villas. InterContinental Le Moana and Maitai Polynesia are also family-friendly with beach access. The St. Regis and InterContinental Thalasso are more geared toward couples. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is adults-focused. Always check age policies and family amenities before booking.
How do I get from the airport to my resort?
Bora Bora Airport is located on Motu Mute, a separate islet north of the main island. All resorts arrange boat transfers, typically included in your booking. If your resort is on a motu, you’ll go directly there by private boat (10-25 minutes). If you’re staying on the main island, you’ll take a shared shuttle boat to Vaitape, then a short car transfer. Confirm transfer arrangements at booking.
Continue planning your Bora Bora trip
Bora Bora map — visualize where each resort is located on the island.
How to get to Bora Bora from the US — flights from LAX, SFO, and connecting airports.
Weather and best time to visit — dry season, wet season, month-by-month conditions.
Things to see and do — the essential activities and excursions on the island.
Where to eat — restaurants on the main island and dining at the resorts.
Tours and excursions — lagoon tours, snorkeling, cultural experiences.