To the point
A dream come true! What better way to experience this paradise than with the Marriott program? Accumulating our points over the past few years, we were able to take full advantage of the iconic sunshine and turquoise waters at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa. Here's my review of this hotel in the heart of French Polynesia.
- Idyllic location on a private motu
- Over water villa with breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu
- Warm, attentive service
- Expensive restaurants
- Reputation to build (very calm atmosphere, which can also be an advantage!)
During my stay at the Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa, every moment was filled with magic and luxury, thanks to the Marriott Bonvoy program. Nestled on a private motu, this resort offers breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu and villas on stilts with private pools, guaranteeing an unforgettable immersion in the turquoise waters of French Polynesia. With warm, attentive service, this resort harmoniously combines relaxation with casual elegance.
Booking
The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa is a luxury property with an average rate of USD 1,200 per night for a standard overwater villa. However, Marriott Bonvoy members can aim to accumulate between 90,000 to 120,000 points per night to enjoy this experience of a lifetime!
By paying in points, members can take advantage of the 5-night rate for the price of 4, so they can reach their goal more quickly. Personally, I took advantage of the hotel’s opening promotions to book this 5-night stay for as little as 240,000 points.
Arrival
Location
Located on a private motu to the east of the island of Bora Bora, this luxury establishment offers total Polynesian immersion on the edge of the crystal-clear lagoon that surrounds the island. Accessible only by boat from Bora Bora airport, the transfer takes around 20 minutes and offers a first glimpse of the bewitching beauty of this dream destination.
Check-In and Lobby
A few minutes after landing at Bora Bora’s chic airport, the experience begins immediately with a traditional Polynesian welcome, including a flower necklace, tropical refreshments and a reusable water bottle bearing the hotel’s logo.
Following the boat transfer, a stroll from the pontoon to the lobby, accompanied by a hostess, is all it takes to discover this heavenly setting. With its contemporary wooden design and panoramic view of Mount Otemanu, the lobby is like a daydream.
The staff at the Westin Bora Bora are warm and friendly, and make sure to personalize the experience right from the start. Thanks to my Titanium status, I had the great pleasure of being upgraded to a luxurious overwater villa with a private pool overlooking Mount Otemanu. When you consider that the price of this room hovers around $4,000 per night, the upgrade automatically puts you on cloud nine!
Rooms - Villas on stilts with private pool
The overwater villa with a private pool and a view of Mount Otemanu is an invitation to a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that so many people dream of. Upon entering, the space is impressive with its elegant design, blending exotic wood and modern touches. The floor features a glass section that allows you to observe the marine life swimming freely beneath the villa.
As for the bathroom, it offers considerable space with two vanities. The mirrors are cleverly integrated into sliding walls, allowing you to choose between privacy or a view of the lagoon from the bathroom.
The centerpiece of this villa? A large bay window (which can be opened) overlooking the lagoon, with private access to the turquoise water. The outdoor terrace is a real charmer, with its infinity pool, perfect for admiring the sunset every day.
Inside, everything is designed for comfort: ultra-soft king-size bed, storage space and wardrobe near the bathroom, which features a rain shower and spacious bathtub. Not to mention amenities such as Bluetooth speakers integrated into the bedroom, bathroom and terrace, as well as a Nespresso coffee machine.
In short, this overwater villa offers the pinnacle of what you can expect from a stay at the Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa.
Restaurant
The culinary offering at the Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa is divided into several (obviously rather expensive!) options:
Breakfast
Tipanier
Morning: A hearty breakfast is offered for free to Platinum members and above at the Tipanier restaurant. For non-members, the price is about USD 60. You can enjoy this feast by the lagoon, with the chance to spot fish and rays (we even spotted two blacktip sharks!). The all-you-can-eat buffet is delicious and abundant, with an emphasis on fresh, local products. The Tahitian salad and tropical fruits were particular favorites. The staff is courteous and warm, adding a nice touch to the morning experience.
Varavara
Afternoon: Vacationers have several options: enjoy lunch in a cabana by the pool at Te Ava, or choose to dine at the Varavara restaurant with your feet in the sand and a direct view of the stunning Mount Otemanu. The menu features steak, fish, and seafood, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Maere
Evenings: Restaurants open on alternate evenings, offering a wide variety of choices. A special mention goes to the Maere gourmet restaurant, which offers sophisticated dishes highlighting the culinary wealth of Polynesia.
In short, while quality and diversity are the order of the day, prices remain high, especially in the evenings!
Other Services
The Westin Bora Bora offers a full range of activities and facilities to make the most of your stay:
- Infinity pool overlooking Mount Otemanu;
- Overwater Spa, offering treatments inspired by Polynesian traditions;
- Nautical center with snorkeling, paddle boards and kayaks included;
- Group or private excursions recommended by the attentive concierge service: stingray diving, sunset cruises, island tours by car;
- Well-equipped fitness center and an over water yoga platform.
Please note that the hotel also applies a resort fee of XPF 11,550 per room per night with the following inclusions:
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Traditional welcome with a flower necklace
- Complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival
- Daily cultural activities: wine tasting, necklace making, etc.
- Yoga classes
- Access to non-motorized water sports equipment
Overall Impression
My stay at the Westin Bora Bora was nothing short of magical: I literally pinched myself a few times! The location, between the private motu and translucent lagoon, is simply perfect for a romantic getaway or a luxury stay in search of paradise on earth. Upgrading to an overwater villa with a private pool had a major positive impact on my experience; the view was mesmerizing!
Having also spent time in St. Regis Bora Bora (read Milesopedia’s review here), the hotel next door, I can say that the Westin Bora Bora offers a more local experience, with great closeness to the staff. The atmosphere is relaxed yet luxurious, making for a particularly pleasant stay. I even had a preference for the Westin: less posh, sophisticated and formal than the St-Regis, it offers a completely new infrastructure and a more relaxed, authentic elegance, just like Bora Bora.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card). You can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn all about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, follow our guides:
