Autumn has come into its own, and it’s getting colder and rainier. It might be just the time to make a journey to tropical islands, such as Bora Bora, which has gained popularity due to overwater huts. These houses, standing on stilts above the azure water of the Pacific Ocean, attract well-heeled travellers from all over the globe. These tiny islands have become iconic for everyone striving towards luxury and picture-perfect landscapes. Imagine a place where your every wish comes true; our article helps you learn more about the concept — let’s find out what is special about Bora Bora overwater bungalows!
The most luxurious resort on Bora Bora has it all: lush gardens, clean lagoons, and a smashing view of Mount Otemanu. The whole complex is designed in Polynesian style so that you feel Bora Bora’s vibrant flavour. Sure, St. Regis is not for those who don’t like splurging out, yet it offers a nice free option for its guests: beachfront cabanas with sunbeds and umbrellas. The dining options are represented by two bars and many restaurants (Italian, Japanese, international, Asian Fusion), which are also perched over the water. The resort’s spa is beyond all praise with its luxurious skin treatments, hammam steam rooms, and various massages. All guests leave high remarks about the service in St. Regis, which is called exceptional and exceeds expectations. As for bungalows, they are all the same in being equally stunning. Each of them has a private terrace, sun loungers, and a dining gazebo. The only difference is the view — lagoon, island, or the iconic Mount Otemanu.
The 5-star resort, acclaimed as the 20th of the Top 20 resorts in Australia and the South Pacific according to Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards, is situated on the island of Motu Piti Aau. Trip Advisor rated InterContinental 18th of the Top 25 hotels in the South Pacific. Does it deserve the mentioned awards? Absolutely yes, with 84 heavenly beautiful water villas on stilts (and another four positioned inland) 1,022 sq ft in size. The villas feature separate bedrooms and living rooms; in front of the bed and the bathtub, there are floor-to-ceiling windows that are excellent viewing points of the lagoon. The bungalows have plenty of amenities that make you feel at home: a minibar, a desk, and two TV sets. Another fabulous feature is a large (323 sq ft) terrace overlooking the water, equipped with a freshwater shower and a shaded area for relaxation. The most splurgy option that InterContinental has is Brando suites with large plunge pools and state-of-the-art furnishings. Both in villas and in a spa, guests have an amazing opportunity to watch the marine creatures through glass bottoms. Moreover, the resort offers many free things to do, such as pool, ping pong, SUP boarding, themed nights, and so on.
The resort still can be deemed brand new since, in 2020, it was remodelled to the most lavish standards and has since claimed 12th in Trip Advisor’s Traveller Choice Awards (mentioned before). Le Bora Bora’s style can be described as contemporary meeting traditional Polynesian, which makes its designs truly exceptional. The resort has 108 bungalows and villas built over Bora Bora’s lagoon. Each building’s area is 850 sq ft, comprising a bedroom, a bathroom, and a furnished sundeck. A coffee table at the end of the bed serves as a hole in the lagoon’s water and allows you to watch and feed fish swimming. Some bungalows have private infinity pools — a feature rare to encounter. The resort boasts a world-class TAVAI Spa whose signature treatment is implementing coconut in hair mask, body polish, and full body massage. Another great thing is that unlike many other resorts offering overwater bungalows, Le Bora Bora isn’t set on a small distant island; it stands on the main island of Bora Bora (next to Vaitape village), which makes your entertainment and dining options much more diverse than in other, more secluded resorts. Le Bora Bora itself offers its guests complimentary activities, including kayaking, outrigger canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The 3-star Maitai was included in the list on purpose: this is the best budget option across Bora Bora (well, not exactly cheap, yet less than $1000 per night) featuring overwater huts. The resort’s territory is located on the main island, so it is easy to find anything, from a dining spot to shops and different recreational activities, like ATV excursions into the jungle or hiking. Every room and bungalow is equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, and minibars; the views differ. The best room at Maitai is the Premium Overwater Bungalow, which boasts the most spacious terrace and has a table opening into the lagoon. The bungalow is suitable for families because of the sofa bed, which accommodates one or two people in addition to the bed. Overall, the resort has 13 overwater bungalows, 13 beach bungalows, and 28 garden-view rooms. The detail highlighting this fairly modest stay is excellent snorkelling, allowing you to see beautiful corals, octopus, eels, rays, and other sea creatures. Some of Maitai’s drawbacks are the lack of a swimming pool (though there is still the magnificent ocean!) and water sports (though you still can swim to your heart’s content).
Staying in an overwater bungalow is a common bucket-list destination, and it is clear why. Many of us live in relatively cold climatic zones, so it is only natural we want to get away to somewhere warm and sunny. The sea or ocean is another magnet for tourists from all around the world. Discovering a new, exotic culture broadens your mind, and you may leave a different person since differences make us understand ourselves better. Come to Bora Bora to unveil the new world that is a real tropical paradise!