8 Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora: Pros and Cons
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There’s something deliciously sensual about drifting off to sleep to the splish-splash of waves beneath your bungalow…
Slipping straight from your deck into warm turquoise water for a morning swim. Sunning topless, French-style, with craggy Mount Otemanu rising in the distance…
Topless? Oops – don’t peek!
Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows are some of the world’s most romantic and luxurious places to stay.
We’ve slept over the water in Fiji and in Caribbean overwater bungalows. But nothing quite compares to the dreamy overwater escapes of Bora Bora.
A handful of overwater bungalow resorts sit on the necklace of motus (tiny islets) encircling the island’s famous crystal-clear lagoon.
And while you can feed stingrays, snorkel and explore the island by jeep, one of the very best things you can do in Bora Bora is simply soak up the magic of your own private overwater bungalow.
Here, we compare the eight best Bora bora resorts with overwater bungalows – complete with the pros, cons and insider tips to help you choose the perfect one.
Featured reader comments and questions
Contents: Bora Bora’s overwater villas and bungalows
How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora?
Best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora (pros and cons of 8 resorts)
1) Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
We bedded down at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, where 108 palm-thatched bungalows perch on stilts above bathtub-warm water. (Read all about our stay in our detailed review!)
The resort sits on its own private motu on the eastern side of Bora Bora’s lagoon, opposite iconic Mount Otemanu and next door to The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (#3 below).
If you’re drowning in reviews trying to decide where to stay in Bora Bora, know that you simply can’t go wrong with the Four Seasons – it’s one of the island’s very best resorts!
The bungalows
Even the entry-level overwater bungalows are huge, spanning 1,080 square feet, with separate sleeping and living areas.
Choose from beach-, lagoon- or mountain-view bungalows, all decorated with traditional teak furnishings, soaring pandanus ceilings and indigenous artwork. They come with espresso machines, complimentary snorkeling gear to use during your stay, and glass floor panels we could peek through to watch the fish life below.
We especially loved the enormous bathroom, with a double-size stone tub facing the lagoon though big windows that open.
Outside, each bungalow has a private deck with loungers, a dining table and steps leading straight into that glorious blue water.
What’s wow? Private plunge pool bungalows!
“Specialty” bungalows even sport private infinity-edge plunge pools on their decks! Yes, 27 have freshwater temperature-controlled pools (roughly 11 by 8 feet in size).
Available in one- and two-bedroom layouts, these villas range from 1,120 to 2,228 square feet.
A resort for everyone
While ideal for honeymooners (who account for about half of the guests), the Four Seasons is great for families too.
There’s a complimentary kids’ club and teen center, plus plenty to keep everyone entertained, from tennis lessons and jeep tours to outrigger canoeing, snorkel safaris, paddleboarding and kayaking.
Four Seasons pros and cons
The pros
- The overwater bungalows are ultra-luxe havens – we didn’t want to leave ours!
- All the bungalows are spaced far apart, so they feel more private than those at some other resorts on Bora Bora. (A little topless sun-tanning perhaps?)
- The resort is excellent for both couples and families, with activities for every age.
- Some bungalow near the shore perch above waist-deep water, making them ideal for families with children or anyone who’s less confident in the water.
The cons
- The resort offers a scheduled midday shuttle to Bora Bora’s main town of Vaitape, returning mid-afternoon. But to venture out for dinner is super expensive (you need a private boat transfer). So once you’re at the resort, you’re pleasantly “marooned.”
- The lagoon beneath the bungalows has a sandy bottom, so the snorkeling around them isn’t very good. (But there’s a fish-filled lagoon sanctuary for getting your snorkeling fix.)
Resort rating and to book
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 108
- Expedia guest rating – 9.6/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
2) Le Bora Bora
Say hello to Le Bora Bora!
After an extensive 2020 renovation, the Pearl Beach Resort was turned into Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts.
It’s a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection of unique independently-operated hotels. In 2025, it also received two MICHELIN Keys (for “an exceptional stay”).
Note: The resort tends to attract more younger couples and honeymooners than, say, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (see #3 below).
Located on a white-sand motu, Le Bora Bora is reasonably close to restaurants on the main island – they’re just a 10-minute boat ride away. (Boat transfers are complimentary during the day, but there’s a charge in the evening.)
Complimentary activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and outrigger canoeing.
You may be perfectly content, though, just to chill all day long – occasionally glancing at the close-up views of Mount Otemanu.
The bungalows
Of the resort’s 108 thatched-roof bungalows and villas, 50 are built on stilts over Bora Bora’s lagoon. Keep an eye out for the (harmless) sharks you can sometimes see swimming right by your deck!
The 850 sq. ft. bungalows each have a bedroom, bathroom (with separate tub and shower) and a furnished sundeck with a gazebo.
And don’t worry about the reno ruining the ambience.
There’s still that much-loved glass coffee table at the end of the bed (well, a new version). Just lift up the lid to feed the fish in the lagoon below.
Bonus: You’ll find another glass panel for peering into the lagoon by the bathtub.
Best of both worlds
You have the seclusion of a private island resort here. But you’re close enough to Vaitape village on Bora Bora to enjoy the island’s activities and restaurants.
Don’t miss bicycling around Bora Bora’s 18-mile quaint coastal road.
Be sure to stop at Bloody Mary’s for lunch, happy hour or dinner! It’s a Bora Bora institution – where the floors are sand and you sit on coconut stools.
And if you can snag reservations at Saint James for dinner, do it. It’s said to be the best restaurant in Bora Bora (and less expensive than most resort restaurants).
Le Bora Bora pros and cons
The pros
- Nestled in a garden, their Tavai Spa is amazing – recently reopened after months of painstaking renovation. Its signature treatment uses coconut in a hair mask, body polish and full body massage.
- Another hot new development: The onsite gourmet restaurant, The Poerava, is a gastronome’s dream.
- Le Bora Bora’s white sandy beach is as close to paradise as you can get.
The cons
- The WiFi strength isn’t consistent across the resort.
- The air conditioning in the bungalows could be cooler.
Resort rating and to book
- Le Bora Bora – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 50
- Expedia guest rating – 9.4/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
3) The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
This resort is almost too luxurious to be believed. (We walked quite close to it from the Four Seasons and could see it across a bit of water.)
Spread across three tiny private motus, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is all about privacy and unparalleled service.
Activities and dining options galore (five restaurants), tons of private spaces and being waited on hand and foot make St. Regis a tropical playground for well-heeled vacationers.
Celebrities – like Justin Bieber and Nicole Kidman (who honeymooned here with Keith Urban) – also love the place.
Mature and well-traveled couples will find more guests in the same age range here than at Le Bora Bora, which attracts mostly young couples.
Note: With blue-suited butlers to serve you, St. Regis has a sophisticated exclusive vibe. It’s not as laid-back as Le Bora Bora (#2) or the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (#5).
The resort was honored with a 2025 Global Recognition Award and was named one of the six “Best Resorts Worldwide” in the 2025 Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.
The bungalows
Of the total number of 90 bungalows or villas, 77 are set on stilts.
They’re some of the largest in Bora Bora – with the smallest being a whopping 1,550 sq. ft. in size.
You can also choose from different types of bungalows.
The Overwater Deluxe has a separate bedroom with a king-size bed, marble bathroom and a glass panel in the living room to view fish below in the lagoon.
Traveling with another couple?
The Overwater Royal Otemanu has two bedrooms (each with a king-bed) and two bathrooms.
Some bungalows also have their own pools.
The villas were all “refreshed” in 2019 and 2020, so you’ll find new parquet floors and furniture, along with new decks and pandanus roofs, as needed.
Size is everything
With the amount of size and space you get at these overwater villas, you have all the room you need to fully relax.
You’re given so much private space, you can really stretch out and enjoy the 24/7 food and drinks room service. (You can even get your breakfast delivered by canoe!)
The St. Regis pros and cons
The pros
- Complimentary butler service is available around the clock to satisfy your every need.
- The resort’s signature Lagoon restaurant has an Asian-fusion menu designed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Hmmm, what to choose? Thai chili crusted lamb chops with green pea puree or mahi mahi with a celeriac puree and maple syrup?
The cons
- The resort is so huge you can’t get from A to B quickly. Forgot your sunglasses in your villa? You might need a golf cart ride to go back to retrieve them.
- You need serious change jingling in your pocket, otherwise you might suffer heart palpitations every time you look at the menu and drinks prices!
Resort rating and to book
- The St. Regis Bora Bora – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 77
- Expedia guest rating – 9.6/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
4) The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
The Westin Bora Bora (formerly Le Meridien Bora Bora) opened in late 2024.
Its overwater bungalows boast the largest glass floor panels of any resort in the area. And you get unparalleled close-up views of Mt. Otemanu here.
Those are the above-water perks.
The unique underwater perk?
With the supervision of a marine biologist, you can swim with sea turtles near the resort.
The bungalows
Now, what about that glass panel in the floor?
No mere panel, it’s a full-on underwater window through which you can easily observe fish and turtles swimming in the tranquil azure water below.
Note: Every overwater bungalow is the same. They only differ in terms of the views offered (the more expensive have Mount Otemanu views).
To infinity
On the beach side of the resort, two infinity pools look out across the lagoon and to Mt. Otemanu and beyond.
And if swimming in these pools or the sea doesn’t give you enough exercise, there’s also a state-of-the-art fitness center.
The Westin pros and cons
The pros
- Those glass floors make for a unique experience. You can see something intriguing right beneath your feet almost every time you look.
- The views of Mt. Otemanu, especially from the infinity pools, are unsurpassed.
- The turtle sanctuary connected with the resort is a remarkable place – you can learn so much from the marine biologists there and even be a “healer” for the day, caring for the sea turtles.
The cons
- Food options are limited if you have dietary restrictions (especially for vegans).
- These over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora have disappointing decks – they’re too small to comfortably stretch out and relax on them.
Resort rating and to book
- The Westin Bora Bora – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 85
- Expedia guest rating – 9.8/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
5) InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa*
*Note: The resort closed on June 1, 2026, for a complete top-to-bottom renovation and is expected to reopen in 2027.
Located on the long narrow crescent-shaped island of Motu Piti Aau, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is 5-star.
The IC Thalasso’s overwater bungalows are lovely – some of the most appealing of all the resorts. The resort grounds are very well maintained too, matching the luxury of the overwater bungalows.
With three restaurants and two bars, as well as themed nights, you’ll also find a good variety of dining options.
The bungalows
It’s all about the bungalows here. There are 88 in total, 84 of which are classic Bora Bora water villas on stilts.
They have separate bedrooms and living rooms (nice if you want to sleep in but your partner is an early riser).
The bed also faces a floor-to-ceiling window, so you wake up to fabulous views of the lagoon.
And the bathtub sits by a picture window.
The bungalows also come with a lot of amenities that make them feel like a home away from home. This includes a minibar and work desk, along with two TVs for each bungalow.
As well, you’ll find a 323 sq. ft. terrace that overlooks the water. It comes complete with an outdoor freshwater shower and a shaded area to relax.
All the bungalows (1,022 sq. ft. in size) have the same layout inside, only differing in terms of view and position.
Some kick it up several notches, however, with private attached pools.
Cool feature: The resort pioneered and uses a unique sustainable air-conditioning system called Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC). This system uses cold deep-sea salt water to cool the resort – no need to feel guilty using the air con!
Over-the-top Brando suites
If you want to really splurge, splash out on one of the four new overwater Brando Suites.
They’re located at the ends of the two outstretched arms of bungalows.
With upstairs decks, large private plunge pools and gorgeous art and furnishings, these Brando Suites are some of the swankiest overwater villas in Bora Bora.
IC Bora Bora Thalasso pros and cons
The cons
- You can lift the lid of the glass coffee table in the living room and feed the fish in the water below.
- The spa has glass bottom cabins, so you get views of fish swimming beneath you when indulging in a massage.
- There are lots of free things to do, like playing pool and ping pong, SUP boarding and feeding the tropical fish.
- Wild stingrays come to be fed at the beach every day – it’s quite wondrous to pet their silky soft skin and help feed them.
The cons
- Some guests complain that the food is bland.
- The bungalows are perched over a busyish stretch of water.
- While the Brando Suites are fancy and modern, they’re not as private as other overwater bungalows at the resort. And you could be bothered by the noise of jet skis passing quite close by. (The villas are soundproof inside, however.)
- The shuttle service to the sister resort on Bora Bora (#6 below) isn’t complimentary (unless you’re booked in a Brando Suite).
Resort rating and to book
- IC Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 84
- Expedia guest rating – 9.4/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
6) InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana
Most of the Bora Bora resorts covered here are on their own private motus. Not so with the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana.
It’s located on the southern tip of the main Bora Bora island – right on Matira Point by beautiful Matira Beach (considered by some to be one of the prettiest beaches in the world).
Being on the main island means you feel more connected to the life and atmosphere of Bora Bora, rather than having a sense of disconnected privacy.
The bungalows
The comfortable wooden bungalows (61 in total; 49 overwater) are very Polynesian in feel.
They feature pointy thatch roofs, walls covered in textured paper (that looks like straw matting), polished wooden countertops in the bathrooms and wooden louvers.
The bedroom is separate from the living room, which has a glass coffee table through which you can glimpse fish swimming underneath.
Wooden decks have wood sun loungers covered in cushions, along with a rustic table and chairs.
Great value resort
If you’re trying to choose between the InterContinental Thalasso resort (#5 above) and this one, most people say go to Thalasso. The reason is that Le Moana isn’t as fancy.
Perhaps “fancy” isn’t the be all and end all, though.
The IC Le Moana is less expensive. It offers great value too. And the service is very friendly and helpful.
In fact, it has a 2025 TripAdvisor “Travelers’ Choice Award” (meaning it’s ranked within the top 10% of properties on TripAdvisor).
And if you want the ability to try different local restaurants and easily explore Bora Bora’s attractions (like jeep tours and bicycling around the island) – a big plus – then Le Moana trumps Thalasso.
IC Le Moana pros and cons
The pros
- The snorkeling right under the bungalows and out in the lagoon is great (see if you can spot the stingrays).
- Kayaks, SUP boards and snorkeling equipment are free to use. There’s even an outrigger canoe that you can take out.
- The front desk hands out a list of local restaurants, most of which offer free roundtrip transportation. Go to the Bora Bora Yacht Club for fresh seafood and a heart-stopping setting overlooking the water. The Lucky House turns out yummy pizza. And La Matira Beach Restaurant serves up great sushi. (You can walk to both the Lucky House and La Matira.)
The cons
- Because this resort isn’t set on a private motu, it feels less private.
- The resort isn’t as luxurious as some of the other resorts. (As one of Bora Bora’s older overwater bungalow hotels, it’s a little outdated.)
- The lagoon water isn’t very deep (maybe chest-high) by the overwater bungalows – so you shouldn’t dive from your deck.
Resort rating and to book
- IC Bora Bora Le Moana – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 49
- Expedia guest rating – 9.6/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
7) Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Set on the private island of Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui fronts a seemingly endless stretch of soft white sand (the longest stretch of beach in Bora Bora).
And with a coral reef at the resort’s doorstep, the snorkeling is better here than at the Four Seasons or St. Regis.
With six different restaurants (from French and Chinese restaurants to a Polynesian beach grill), you’re also not likely to get bored with the food.
The bungalows
The Conrad was completely renovated within the past couple of years. So its 86 overwater bungalows (1,249 sq. ft.) feel fresh and new.
There are also 29 beach and tropical garden villas.
Kitted out with granite countertops, modern furnishings and in-suite coffee facilities, the bungalows have an open plan (so there’s no separate bedroom and living area).
We really like their fully retractable windows, which bring the outside in. Push back the windows when you wake up, and you can lie in bed and gaze out over the water while feeling the fresh air.
About a third of the overwater bungalows have private pools.
But all bungalows have smashing views of the lagoon and its ever-changing hues of aqua, emerald and blue.
You’ll also find bicycles on the walkways (as the property is large), so you can bike to the beach or restaurant from your bungalow.
Tip: Those in the know say the best snorkeling is from the overwater bungalows in the 300 wing.
Hammocks over the water
What’s better than a mere deck?
An additional hammock floor.
Every bungalow deck has a built-in overwater hammock – like a catamaran net. It makes a perfect day bed for lounging around.
You might even want to sleep outside there under the stars one night!
This is possibly just one of the reasons why Rolling Stone featured this Bora Bora overwater resort on their “Most Relaxing Travel Destinations of 2023” roundup. The other reasons probably include the 16 acres of lush hillside and half a mile of pristine white-sand beach to lap up.
Conrad pros and cons
The pros
- Revel in lots of privacy! While most resorts (e.g., the Four Seasons, St. Regis and InterContinental Thalasso) are on the east side of Bora Bora island, the Conrad is on the opposite (secluded) southwest side. There’s little boat traffic and it’s very peaceful.
- There’s decent snorkeling right from your bungalow.
- Sunset, mountain and lagoon views offer an endless treat for the eyes.
- The infinity pool is unbeatable.
The cons
- The resort faces the open ocean (not the inner lagoon), so the water is sometimes not as calm as you’d wish.
- While free, the WiFi is slow.
Resort rating and to book
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 86
- Expedia guest rating – 9.6/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
8) Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
What makes the Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora stand out is the resort’s setting, surrounded by swaying palms and lush tropical gardens – right on Bora Bora.
The bungalows
Let’s call Maitai’s overwater bungalows what they are – huts. Nice ones though!
At the Maitai (considered 3-star), they’re not as fancy as other overwater digs. But they’re very clean.
The Maitai is among the more affordable hotels in Bora Bora on the water, so you can get that dazzling overwater stay without spending an eye-watering amount of money.
In addition to the overwater bungalows, there are also 28 garden-view rooms and 13 beach bungalows.
The sweetest touch is discovering your bed sprinkled with local flowers (a charming way to welcome you).
Also cool: Each overwater hut comes with a glass coffee table, essentially turning your bungalow into a private aquarium of sorts.
Location, location, location
If you want the freedom to easily leave your resort, you’ll love Maitai Polynesia.
Like the IC Bora Bora Le Moana (#6 above), the Maitai is located right on the mainland of Bora Bora island.
It’s just a 7-minute stroll from two small grocery stores, several restaurants and picture-perfect Matira Beach.
Matai pros and cons
The pros
- These Bora Bora huts on the water won’t break the bank (they’re probably the cheapest in Bora Bora).
- Having access to nearby stores for water, beer, wine and snacks is convenient (and helps with the budget).
- You can spy all the little fishies, rays and other sea creatures in the waters below through the glass coffee table.
- The snorkeling right at the resort is excellent – you’ll see octopus, eels and beautiful corals.
The cons
- A lack of water sports and other resort activities means there’s not a lot of entertainment at the resort – but maybe that’s just fine if all you want to do is relax. (And you have the activities right on Bora Bora at your fingertips.)
- There’s no swimming pool (a downside if you don’t like swimming in salt water).
Resort rating and to book
- Matai Polynesia Bora Bora – Official website
- Overwater bungalows – 13
- Expedia guest rating – 8.8/10
- Rates, availability and more reviews – on Expedia | on Booking.com
How much do overwater bungalows cost in Bora Bora?
There’s no denying it – Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows are a splurge.
Prices vary by resort, villa category and season. As a general guide, these are the approximate starting rates for June:
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – From about US$2,000 per night
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – From about US$1,900 per night
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui – From about US$1,400 per night
- The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa – From about US$1,400 per night
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa – From about US$1,200 per night (following its planned reopening)
- Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts – From about US$1,200 per night
- InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort – From about US$900 per night
- Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora – From about US$700 per night
The most expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora
The Four Seasons and The St. Regis generally command the highest rates. They’re also among the island’s most luxurious resorts, making them top choices for honeymoons and milestone celebrations.
- Four Seasons Resort – A standard overwater bungalow typically starts at about US$2,000 per night in June. Specialty villas with private pools or prime Mount Otemanu views can easily top US$4,000 per night.
- The St. Regis – It’s only slightly less expensive. Expect to pay from about US$1,900 per night, with its largest and most exclusive overwater villas often exceeding US$3,000 per night.
Other luxury resorts
The Conrad, The Westin and IC’s Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa also sit firmly in Bora Bora’s luxury category. They offer stunning overwater villas and exceptional service, but typically at lower starting prices than the Four Seasons and St. Regis.
Mid-range accommodations
Le Bora Bora and IC’s Le Moana offer a more affordable way to enjoy the classic Bora Bora overwater bungalow experience, without sacrificing the postcard-perfect setting.
Choosing one of these resorts instead of the Four Seasons or St. Regis could save you several thousand dollars over a week-long stay.
The cheapest overwater bungalows
There are no true budget places to stay over the water in this paradise.
That said, Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is one of the island’s most affordable options. You can often book an overwater bungalow here for a fraction of what you’d pay at the Four Seasons or St. Regis.
Planning your Bora Bora overwater bungalow stay: Tips
Pack a floatie
Bring a blow-up floating mat or inner tube plus a rope, so you can attach it to the deck of your bungalow and float on the water (without floating away).
Split your stay
Most Bora Bora resorts offer both overwater and beach bungalows. Save money by spending a few nights in a beach bungalow before splurging on an overwater one.
Better yet, stay at two different resorts – in a beach bungalow at one resort and in an overwater bungalow at the other. You’ll experience two sides of Bora Bora while stretching your budget further.
Bring your own wine
Alcohol is ridiculously expensive in Bora Bora. Cocktails average $25 to $35 USD each at overwater bungalow resorts, so it’s worth bringing your duty-free allowance.
French Polynesia allows each adult to bring in two bottles of wine – you’ll save money while sipping your favorite vintages on your deck.
Pack snacks
Bring non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, crackers and/or trail mix. It might sound silly, but you’ll be thankful you packed these when hunger strikes and you don’t feel like paying high resort prices for a light bite.
Spend a night in Tahiti
Most visitors fly into Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, then connect on a 50-minute Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora.
To get over jet lag after your long international flight, we suggest you spend a night in Tahiti first, before continuing on to Bora Bora. We enjoyed our stay at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, just a 5-minute drive from the airport.
Visit during the shoulder season
The driest, sunniest weather is generally from May to October, with temperatures around 82°F (28°C).
- July and August – Expect gorgeous weather. But these are the two busiest and most expensive months.
- Early May or late October – This is a great time to visit! You’ll enjoy the best balance of sunshine, low humidity and more affordable hotel rates.
- November – This month is another excellent option if you don’t mind the occasional brief shower. Expect warm days (around 85 F (29 C), bath-like lagoon temperatures and good hotel rates. On one November visit, we found the weather beautiful, with just a few short showers and some passing clouds.
If saving money is your top priority, January and February usually have the lowest hotel rates. Just be prepared for hotter, more humid weather and a greater chance of tropical showers.
Are over-the-water bungalows in Bora Bora worth it?
Only a handful of places in the world have true overwater bungalows, and Bora Bora is arguably the most spectacular.
With plenty to do beyond enjoying your bungalow – from snorkeling with rays and sharks to sunset cruises, private motu picnics and ATV adventures – you’ll never be bored.
But some of our favorite moments were the simplest: chilling on our deck, slipping into the lagoon whenever we felt like it, watching fish drift beneath the glass floor panel…
If staying in an overwater bungalow has always been on your bucket list, Bora Bora is one place where the experience truly lives up to the dream.
Discover more overwater bungalows
- Caribbean Overwater Bungalows for Your Bucket List
- Stay in a Dreamy Overwater Bungalow in Fiji!
- You’ll Love Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge’s Huts on the Water
Pin this post on Bora Bora’s hotels on the water
Our top travel tips and resources
→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, with loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking.com’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find excellent discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the best flights, we search on Google Flights first. Expedia and Kayak are then perfect for snagging the cheapest tickets. (They’re often non-refundable, though, so for more flexibility, we book directly with the airline, even if it costs more.)
→ Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car can be a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies for the lowest rates.
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Photo credits: 3, 5, 46 to 48 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | Remaining images courtesy the respective Bora Bora resorts
About the authors
We have stayed at over-the-water bungalows twice with Sandals in Jamaica and St. Lucia. We’re finding it hard to step down to just a beach room now that we’ve tasted the OWB experience. We LOVE it!!!
We live in the US so it’s kind of hard to justify flying all the way to Bora Bora.
Just curious. Are there any other places in the general area that are worth seeing besides going to Bora Bora? Most flights from USA go LAX to Tahiti.
We just came back from Thailand and spent 5 days in Koh Phi Phi. Perfect vacation for combining the amazing sights of Thailand with 5 days on the beach.
So I’m curious if you can think of tying in another location with, say, 7 days at an OWB.
Appreciate your thoughts and found your site really useful!
Yes, we know. Overwater bungalows can spoil you!
For French Polynesia, you could combine Bora Bora with Moorea. There’s lots of great snorkeling on Moorea. But overall, it’s still a tropical sand-and-sea vacation.
You could consider Panama and combine the Panama Canal, historic sights in Panama City and an overwater bungalow experience in Bocas del Toro.
Or perhaps look at Fiji. Stay in an overwater bungalow in Fiji and mix it up with adventures like river rafting.
Have fun planning your next OWB trip :-).
We are going to Bora Bora for our 25th Anniversary next year and I’m having a very difficult time choosing a resort as I like different aspects of each one. Any advice?
Choices, choices! That’s the problem with choices, eh? It’s sometime hard to make a decision :-).
Maybe first look at your budget and compare the rates of each. That might rule out some.
Or if price is no object, then look at if seeing fish while snorkeling from your bungalow is really important (or is it okay just to be able to swim?)
Do you have a favorite resort brand? St. Regis? Or Four Seasons?
Since it’s your 25th anniversary, and you’re not young honeymooners, would you prefer to be in the company of other guests of a similar age? Then you can rule out the resorts which tend to attract younger guests.
Anyway, it’s a very nice decision you have to make :-).
Have a wonderful anniversary vacation!
I am from Ghana and I’ve been watching Bora Bora on TV, when the Kardashians went there on vacation. It’s a very nice and beautiful place to be. I would like to go there with my boyfriend. How can I get there?
Yes, Bora Bora in the island nation of French Polynesia (an overseas “country” belonging to France) is definitely celeb-worthy!
Your best bet would probably be to talk with a travel agent.
The resort you’re interested in may also be able to help you with flights — they’ll also know the latest entry rules (e.g., vaccinations, visas, etc.)
Crossing fingers you get there one day :-).
Excellent post here! Thank you.
What would you recommend if these are important to us: 1) private enough to go topless, 2) organic grocery shopping nearby, 3) calm water for swimming, 4) feels secluded.
Small rooms are fine. Does not need to be luxurious, just clean. Need to go on the cheap side.
We live in The western United States, so I think Fiji and Tahiti are our best bets for overwater bungalows.
Thanks for the kind commment on our blog!
Hmmm… Tahiti isn’t cheap; it’s just an expensive destination. But if you can swing it, it’s very special.
On Bora Bora, for access to a grocery store, then you need to stay close to the main island – meaning Le Bora Bora (boat shuttle to the island), InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana or Maitai.
You can walk to the convenience store, Tiare Market, from both the IC Le Moana and Maitai (which are the only two resorts with overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island). Tiare Market has cheese, milk, crackers, yogurt, cereals, etc., and some fruits and veggies. Organic? Sorry, don’t know :-). And these two resorts happen to be the two least expensive resorts with overwater bungalows too :-).
As for calm swimming water, depending on the weather gods, it can be windy and the water choppy sometimes. Regular trade winds blow from the south-east between May and October (strongest June to September); June to August is winter in Bora Bora. If you stay at the IC Le Moana or Maitai then, you’re exposed to these trade winds if they’re strong. The saving grace is that Matira Beach at the tip of the island (across the road from the IC Le Moana) faces west and is sheltered from these trade winds, so you can always go and hang out there.
Le Bora Bora is also on the windy side.
The InterContinental Thalasso is more protected from the wind, but it’s more expensive.
Unfortunately, though, if the wind is strong, all resorts will be affected to some degree.
The overwater bungalows at Likuliku Lagoon Resort in Fiji are beautiful and secluded, but they’re not inexpensive. Strong winds are uncommon (most likely June to November).
I hope this helps a little :-).
Bora Bora is absolutely stunning! Your photos are beautiful :) My wife and I were in Fiji back in the late 80’s. Hope to visit this tropical paradise in the very near future. Thanks for sharing this great post and inspiration!
We’d love to go back to Bora Bora too :-). And sleep in another overwater villa, of course… Sending you good wishes for when you visit!
These images are so inspirational! Can’t help but dream myself away!
Ok, I now have this place on my radar!!
What a dream to visit Bora Bora! I read an article from a grumpy travel writer not long ago who claimed it was one of the most boring and overrated places on earth. Not sure how someone could become so jaded after relaxing among those views. C’mon! Sleeping in a beach bungalow. Over a crystal-clear ocean. How could anyone complain about that? :)
OMG – how anyone could say Bora Bora is boring is beyond us. Maybe if you don’t like swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving in gorgeous warm lagoons, petting sting rays, exciting jeep rides, visiting pearl farms, bedding down in luxury, or gazing out at scenery like paradise, you might not like Bora Bora. But sounds like that travel writer was really, as you say, just a very grumpy writer – one who has probably lost their zest for discovering and enjoying new places.
I am so incredibly green with envy!! Great photos!
This has been on my bucket list for a loooong time now! These overwater bungalows look so incredibly relaxing. What I wouldn’t give to spend a week (or month…) sitting on one of those balconies and taking in those views! :)
No matter the reason, I need to do this for at least one night during my life … just outstanding!
I’ve always wondered if it was “worth it” to splurge on the overwater bungalow experience. I just haven’t been able to get past the price tag…yet. I’m sure we’ll get there eventually, though as Bora Bora does look beautiful, that’s for sure!
I am very very jealous. I have always wanted to visit Bora Bora but it’s so far from home in the UK and obscenely expensive.
One day I hope to be able to go it looks so beautiful.
We hope you make it there too some day :-).
These places look like a fantasy! How lucky you were to have visited and stayed here~
I definitely dream of sleeping in places like this. Unfortunately, it’s way out of my budget. Hope someday I get the chance to do so. Bora Bora looks unbelievably beautiful!