Bora Bora’s Newest Resort Has the Most Overwater Bungalows and the Island’s Largest Infinity Pool

Since my first post-pandemic visit to Bora Bora, I have made it a point to return every year. I remember thinking on that first visit: where has this place been all my life? Where many destinations disappoint in real life, this place was shockingly beautiful. And the beauty of the island never gets old. I travel the world professionally, yet French Polynesia remains my favorite place, especially Bora Bora.

On this trip, I visited the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa for the first time. The newly renovated property reopened in September 2024 with 128 overwater villas, the most on the island, as well as 14 beach villas.

The aesthetic is high-end but effortless, think coastal California meets French Polynesia. Days are spent in swimsuits and light outfits; evenings call for tropical dresses and slightly fancier resort wear. Almost every couple I met was there for a honeymoon or anniversary.

Accommodations

Sixty-two of the Bora Bora resort’s overwater bungalows and villas feature private plunge pools, and each room is equipped with the famous and luxurious Westin Heavenly® 2.0 bed. I stayed in the Otemanu overwater villa with pool, a 441 square foot retreat.

The nightly turndown service included lavender and chamomile balm as a bedside amenity for relaxation. One detail I particularly appreciated was the large rectangular bay window which revealed the ocean below. Every evening, the staff carefully covered it with a rug and closed all the curtains to create total darkness. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors allowed for uninterrupted views of the lagoon, while wooden privacy walls on either side of the deck.

The bathroom had Noa Noa toiletries and sliding mirrors that could slide to the side for ocean views.

Guests can borrow free bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis, although many have opted to stroll the long, winding wooden dock connecting the overwater villas to the main property. I chose to walk most of the time to get my steps in. Strollers are always available, especially useful during Bora Bora’s sudden and rapid rain showers. On one of my walks I spotted a sea turtle passing my bungalow, as well as a stingray on another day and a small reef shark.

When I stay in an overwater villa, I tend to spend more time swimming around my room than at the pool or beach. There’s something surreal about walking straight from your deck into the lagoon. It’s better than a swimming pool every day; Plus, I had my own private plunge pool, which I made sure to use wisely.

Dining

I think the food in Bora Bora is often overlooked. I love that fresh tuna is available with every meal. The Westin does not disappoint. Tipanier is the resort’s French bistro with a Polynesian touch. I particularly liked the buffet breakfast, which included local specialties such as firi-firi (Polynesian fritters) and fresh tuna sashimi accompanied by homemade sauces. Some evenings, the restaurant organizes a Polynesian dinner show upon prior reservation. Seating is available indoors and on the outdoor patio.

Maere is the more formal signature restaurant, offering a nightly changing tasting menu. The night I had dinner, the theme was Italian. One of the standout dishes was a deconstructed mozzarella and tomato dish featuring airy, foamy mozzarella layered with tomato bisque. The cheese risotto was deeply rich in umami and I enjoyed the house-made shellfish ravioli and rack of lamb with olive breadcrumbs.

Vara Vara is the casual beachfront option. The menu includes pasta specialties, pizzas and a variety of protein dishes. I loved that there were always several preparations of tuna available, from sashimi to raw fish, Tahitian-style raw fish, tuna ceviche and poke bowls. One evening, I opted for a generously sized ribeye; another evening, rack of lamb with olive breadcrumbs.

Room service seemed to come largely from the Vara Vara menu. Delivery was thoughtful and always on time, around 30-40 minutes: the staff prepared the entire meal on my patio table, with my favorite views of the resort.

Activities

The resort has several white sand beaches that are never crowded. It was easy to find your own quiet patch of sand. The infinity pool, the largest on the island, overlooks the beach, lagoon and Mount Otemanu.

Scuba diving is available, as well as free non-motorized water sports and snorkeling equipment. Of course, the only time I didn’t take my Insta360 out on the water was the day I took my most epic dive. It was just me and the divemaster. About five minutes after jumping on board, two manta rays hovered above us. We were only a five minute boat ride from the manta spot, and for almost ten minutes we had them entirely to ourselves. Three unusually friendly turtles swam nearby, seemingly unbothered by our presence, and I even spotted a nudibranch.

The resort is also home to the island’s first ecological turtle rehabilitation center. Guests can attend an educational session that begins with a short film, followed by a lecture from a resident scientist on the center’s history and conservation efforts. Guests are also invited to help feed them. I loved learning that the turtles are taken out of their aquariums daily for supervised swims in the lagoon.

Cultural activities include coconut palm weaving, flower crown weaving and Tahitian dance lessons. I joined the flower crown workshop, where each participant was given a crown base and access to a selection of fresh flowers to design their own piece for later photo shoots.

Heavenly Spa offers treatment rooms with lagoon views and a Taurumi Polynesian massage. My therapist, Priscilla, was exceptional.

How to reach Bora Bora

I love Hawaii, but I often say that French Polynesia is only about two hours from the west coast, about eight hours total, and the even more beautiful waters alone justify the extra flight time. I prefer red-eye on Air Tahiti Nui, which consistently offers better in-flight meals than most U.S. carriers. Maybe it’s the French influence.

After landing at Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, you will transfer to a smaller plane for the 1-hour flight to Bora Bora with views of the incredibly electric blue water.

Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is small and easy to navigate. When I arrived, a Westin representative greeted me with a national flower necklace before escorting me to the resort’s private boat. Fifteen minutes later we were crossing the lagoon by boat towards the property. Be sure to request an early check-in if you have red eyes!