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Best Places to Stay in Bora Bora
Roughly halfway among Australia and America, still part of French Polynesia, Tahiti comprises five island groups consisting of one hundred and twenty islands. Portion of the largest cluster, the Society Islands, is Bora Bora, an adorable collection of islets and atolls approximately two hundred and sixty kilometers northwest of the Tahitian funds. Labeled the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ it offers the quintessential exotic paradise: curved bays of snow-white sand dotted with sloping palms facing a serene and shallow lagoon that sparkles with innumerable hues of blue and green. Indeed, the lagoon is three times larger than the combined land area of Bora Bora and is surrounded by a broad reef with just one opening to the Pacific Ocean.
Accounts about the beauty of Bora Bora, which means ‘first born’ in the local language, became legendary during WWII, when the Americans built an airport (which still functions) on a northern atoll. Mainly Protestant, and still substantially French in culture, cuisine and language, Bora Bora is not as developed as its Melanesian cousin, New Caledonia, but is probably the most expensive place in the South Pacific.
Almost the entire lodging infrastructure exists within 3 regions – Vaitape, Matira, and The Motus (atolls) – therefore anywhere else will offer limited beach access or none. The single town – which truly resembles more of a hamlet – is Vaitape on the key island. Despite housing a restricted selection of banks, supermarkets, stores and lodges, and serving as the terminal for the catamaran ferry to/from the airport, Vaitape overwhelmingly comprises the most developed area in Bora Bora.
Many guests opt to lodge at one of the dozen or more exclusive resorts scattered across the surrounding atolls. Travelers are transported there on speedboats from the airport and may never feel compelled to visit the main island. Additionally, Matira beach on the southern end of the primary island is a scenic destination with more low-key accommodations than upscale resorts. However, be forewarned: Matira and Bora Bora overall are considerably less developed than resort areas in places like Bali, Thailand, or even Fiji. Some visitors prefer this quality while others may become frustrated by limitations on activities and shopping options.
Best Places to Stay in Bora Bora
- Best Luxury Hotels in Bora Bora
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort • Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora • Sofitel Marara Beach Resort - Best Boutique/Honeymoon Hotels in Bora Bora
Rohutu Fare Lodge • Maitai Bora Bora - Best Budget Hotels in Bora Bora
Oa Oa Lodge • Sunset Hill Lodge
- Beaches
Less than 10% of the approximately 20km long shoreline surrounding the main island contains beaches, and any atoll with sand will have long been taken over by an upmarket resort. Beaches on the atolls are technically open to the public, but the only way to access them is on a resort speedboat (available solely to guests) or by chartering a watercraft at eye-watering rates. Thankfully, Matira along the southern end of the main island is ideal with white sand, turquoise waters and stunning views of the alluring atolls. It`s feasible enough to locate a reasonably quiet patch of sand at Matira, but facilities are very limited: 2 general stores, a handful of eateries, and no public transportation. - Diving & Snorkeling
Bora Bora features only 1 tiny island in the center of a lagoon surrounded by motus (atolls) and connected to the Pacific by a single narrow passageway. As such, the lagoon waters are calm, shallow, and rarely affected by tides, and the visibility is excellent – except when the trade winds are particularly strong (from June to August). Marine life present includes barracuda, manta rays, and harmless sharks, and much can be accessed by steps from a sundeck on an overwater bungalow, making it ideal for children and novices. But to explore coral reefs and gardens, join an organized dive trip or lagoon tour. Serious scuba divers can arrange deeper and more distant underwater adventures at one of the dive centers. - Outdoor Activities
Few visits Bora Bora for anything more lively than changing position on a lounge chair, but more sedate activities like paddling and stand-up paddle boarding can usually be prepared, often complimentary for guests at resorts and mid-range places to stay. More venturesome watersports are also accessible, like jet-skiing and parasailing, and some companies offer all-terrain vehicle trips and fishing outings. Check out the very informative Tahiti Islands Travel Guide, accessible in English and French at hotel lobbies. Hiking is too possible among mountains, caves and rainforests dotted with WWII relics, but guides are strongly recommended. And cycling is wonderful along the 20km-long coast roadway, which is level between Vaitape (the only town) and Matira (the key beach region). For surfboarding, rappelling, sky-diving, and kite-surfing, travel back to the principal island of Tahiti or the surrounding Moorea Island. - Boating
A few recreational boaters pass through Passe Te Ava Nui, the solitary passageway from the Pacific Ocean into the lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. Considered one of the better marinas on the primary island is the MaiKai Bora Bora Marina & Yacht Club. Situated approximately 1km north of Vaitape, the sole location on Bora Bora housing supermarkets, banks, and retailers offering boat repairs and supplies. The marina offers all a recreational boater could need: safe mooring, an upscale waterside eatery and bar, swimming pool, free wifi, and diverse marine services. - Shopping
Most resorts on the atolls offer a couple of boutiques, but as expected, prices are exceedingly high. Matira, the only seaside region on the main island, provides nothing more than a few provisioners, so the only real place to shop is the primary town, Vaitape. A few modest venues there sell traditional souvenirs, for instance pareaus (sarongs), ukuleles, baskets, and pottery, while higher-end boutiques offer pearls and jewellery, mostly intended for cruise ship passengers. A few stalls are also established along the route to sell more reasonably priced mementos, while a sizable marketplace is held near the ferry terminal on Sunday mornings.” - Food & Restaurants
The various resorts and most mid-range hotels generally offer at least one restaurant proposing a mouthwatering variety of predominantly French and Polynesian cuisine. Remaining at a resort on an atoll considerably restricts the choices of places to eat; this is not the case if based on the main island. Matira provides a suitable selection, from pizza joints to world-class seaside bistros, while Vaitape is home to a few cafés, a Chinese eatery, and some roulottes (food carts). And remember: some places on the main island offer complimentary transfers (mostly for dinner only); and numerous independent restaurants (i.e. not part of a hotel) are closed on Sundays. - Transport
The solely way to arrive at an atoll with a resort was by speedboat, regardless if provided by the hotel (for a fee), or chartered uniquely. There was no public transportation around the main island, so the only choices have been to organize a ‘taxi’ (merely an unmetered car with a driver charging whichever he likes), or to rent a scooter, bicycle or car (likewise a charming 2-seater buggy). However with minuscule to accomplish on Bora Bora apart from unwind on the beach, there wasn’t a giant requirement for transportation anyway – and request your resort/hotel, and any dining establishment you want to visit, about gratis transfers. - Nightlife
Most resorts across Bora Bora offer some kind of evening entertainment, usually on weekends, which may include groups of elderly men playing ukuleles, or more entertaining fire-and-dance shows. The latter are often combined with buffets, usually with Polynesian cuisine or seafood. Nothing else is available on the main island, except for a few bars. And note: nearly everything in Bora Bora outside of the resorts closes on Sundays. - For Families
Potentially, the exquisite natural splendor of Bora Bora appeals more to couples than families, and the cost and time required to visit the island, and the very high price of everything, discourages those with children from coming. Nonetheless, families do visit and enjoy the wonderful beaches, safe snorkeling, rainforest walks, and cycling along the coastal road. However, very few resorts offer family-friendly amenities such as a games area, or special rooms accommodating 2 adults and 2 children. In addition, the types of kids’ clubs regularly available in Fiji, Thailand and Bali are not found on Bora Bora. - Vibe & Culture
Of the around 10,000 residents on Bora Bora, most are French expatriates or workers from other parts of the Tahitian archipelagos, while many reminders from pre-colonial times were obliterated by Protestant missionary fervor 200 years ago. As a result, fewer traditions have survived the tourist influx on Bora Bora than elsewhere in Tahiti and the South Pacific. The best way to experience local culture is to walk the backstreets, visit the Sunday market, or attend a church service in the main town, Vaitape. - Romantic Holidays
Bora Bora simply oozes intimacy, so it’s reasonably well-liked with those on dreamy getaways, in particular honeymooners. The over-water bungalows provide serenity, seclusion, and privacy, with immediate sea views and steps from a sundeck to the lagoon below. Most resorts offer unique packages for honeymoons (and may even organize weddings), delivering secluded pleasures like candlelit meals on the beach with a personal butler, and massage rooms with side-by-side tables. And there`s no lack of beachside strolls, charming restaurants, and bars presenting cocktails at sunset.
The Best Areas in Bora Bora for Tourists
Vaitape
The lone town on this solitary island—which is a coral atoll rather than volcanic—amounts to a humble village. Compact and cordial, it provides several banks, decent eateries, well-stocked supermarkets, and an excess of boutiques predominantly selling pearls targeted at day-trippers from cruise liners. Vaitape is home to numerous amenities for locals like places of worship and recreation areas, and every visitor staying on the primary island will at minimum pass through its harbor from which free boats travel to and from the airport. A sparse selection of low-key lodgings cater to those seeking convenience near facilities and transport without the need for a resort-style experience.
- Best Hotel: Oa Oa Lodge
Matira
Situated along both edges of a slim peninsula at the southern end of the main island, Matira offers visitors two white-sand beaches for a single price. This region is home to resorts like the InterContinental and Sofitel (the only 2 upscale lodgings on the main island), yet astonishingly, most of Matira consists of shabby houses with million-dollar settings. A handful of mid-level resorts and low-cost lodges are also scattered along the roads, but with only a few dining spots, and 2 general stores, this location is far less developed than resort regions like Bali and Thailand.
- Koralli Restaurant: Friendly all-day eatery serving Greek staples and global favorites until midnight or later.
The Motus (Atolls)
Speedboats at the airport quickly transport most visitors to one of the dozen or so ultra-luxurious 5-star resorts surrounding the main island. Most resorts feature a picture-perfect beachfront landscape (which might have limited space or be man-made), but it’s all about the setting, with traditionally-designed bungalows perched above the lagoon and accessible via wooden walkways. These resorts – which thrive on being exclusive (so the general public are barred entry) – can feel quite isolated. The choice of locations for eating, drinking, and shopping is very confined, and transfers to the main island infrequent.
- Top Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Motu Mute
Those lodging on the main island still can explore a motu not assigned solely to a single resort. From the harbor in Vaitape, a catamaran ferry transports passengers every one and a half to two hours, timed for flights` arrivals and departures. The fifteen-minute trip goes to a northern atoll housing the airport free for all at any time without requests to verify airline tickets. No excellent beaches appear on the atoll, and parts are restricted, but visiting offers rewarding reasons like opportunities for snorkeling offshore, captivating perspectives back to the primary island, and the experience of the trip itself.
