Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
bora bora, french polynesia · ★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort sits on Motu Toopua, a small island across the lagoon from the main island, giving it genuine seclusion and some of the best unobstructed Mount Otemanu views in Bora Bora. Book here if you want a quieter, more intimate experience at a slightly lower price point than the big five-star names. The overwater bungalows on the eastern side of the property face the iconic peak directly — request one of these and the view alone justifies the trip. Skip it if brand prestige matters to you: this is a solid four-star property, not a luxury flagbearer. Service is warm but can be stretched thin at peak times. The lagoon-access snorkeling directly from your bungalow deck is genuinely good — blacktip reef sharks are common. Trade-off: the motu location means a short boat transfer to Vaitape village for any off-property shopping or dining, which adds logistical friction. For couples who want Mount Otemanu views, great snorkeling, and real seclusion without the St. Regis price tag, this is a serious contender.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- ✓Dream of overwater villas
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
55/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book an Overwater Bungalow on the eastern row facing Mount Otemanu — these offer the signature volcano backdrop that defines Bora Bora. The bungalows include a glass floor panel for reef viewing, an overwater deck with steps into the lagoon, and an outdoor shower. Request bungalow numbers in the 200s for the most direct Otemanu sightline. If budget allows, upgrade to an Overwater Suite for a separate living area and larger deck with two sun loungers.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 7 nights overwater bungalow | $2,800–$8,400 |
| Boat transfer (per couple, round trip) | $40–$80 |
| Domestic flights Papeete–Bora Bora (per couple) | $400–$600 |
| Dining (7 days × $380/day) | $2,660 |
| Couples spa treatment | $280–$400 |
| Sunset sailing excursion | $150–$250 |
| Shark & ray snorkel excursion | $120–$180 |
| Total (estimated) | $6,450–$12,570 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Bora Bora across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival by Boat Shuttle
Fly into Bora Bora Airport on a domestic Air Tahiti flight from Papeete. The resort's private boat shuttle meets you at the main pier — the 10-minute crossing gives your first lagoon perspective. Arrive by 3pm to catch sunset from your deck. Order the poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk) from in-villa dining and watch Mount Otemanu turn pink at dusk.
Lagoon Snorkel & Spa Morning
Step off your bungalow deck at dawn — the lagoon is calmest before 8am and visibility is best. Blacktip reef sharks patrol the shallows routinely. Book a 90-minute couples massage at the overwater spa for 10am. Afternoons are windiest, so retreat to the freshwater pool or the shaded beach area. Sundowners at the bar overlooking the lagoon at 5:30pm.
Shark & Ray Feeding Excursion
The resort's most popular activity departs at 9am by outrigger canoe to a dedicated feeding site in the lagoon. You'll snorkel alongside lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and stingrays in shallow, crystal-clear water — genuinely thrilling and safe. Return by noon. Afternoon free for villa time. Pre-book this excursion before arrival as it fills quickly in peak season.
Motu Tapu Private Island Picnic
Arrange through the concierge a half-day visit to Motu Tapu — the small uninhabited islet made famous by Marlon Brando films. The resort organizes transfers. Bring snorkel gear; the coral garden on the lagoon side is excellent. The hotel can pack a picnic basket. Return by 2pm and spend the late afternoon in complete stillness on your deck.
Vaitape Village & Local Life
Take the morning boat transfer to Vaitape, the main village on Bora Bora island. Browse the pearl shops on the main street — Tahitian black pearls are priced more fairly here than at hotel boutiques. Try lunch at one of the roulottes (food trucks) near the quay for fresh grilled fish and poisson cru for a fraction of resort prices. Return by 3pm.
Sunset Sailing & Private Dinner
Book the resort's sunset catamaran sail for 4:30pm — the circuit around the motu gives classic Otemanu-from-the-water views in golden light. Return at 7pm. Tonight, request the private overwater dinner setup from the concierge: a table on a dedicated pier, decorated with tiare flowers, torchlit, with a set Polynesian menu. This is the evening you'll remember most.
Final Morning Dive & Departure
Check-out is 11am but request a late checkout to noon. Spend the last morning doing a final snorkel from your deck — morning light on the coral is spectacular. Pack while the sun is up, then take the boat shuttle to the pier. Domestic flights back to Papeete run throughout the day; book a late afternoon flight to maximize your final hours.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
The motu location requires a boat transfer every time you want to go to the main island — this costs extra and adds 15-20 minutes each way, which limits spontaneous off-property evenings.
This is a four-star property, not five-star: rooms are clean and well-maintained but the furnishings and in-room amenities won't match the Conrad, Four Seasons, or St. Regis.
Peak season (July–August) is genuinely crowded — the shared areas feel less intimate and bungalows are booked solid. The shoulder seasons of April–June and September–October offer better value and a noticeably quieter property.
Dining is limited to one main restaurant and in-villa dining — variety is restricted, and restaurant prices are high even by Bora Bora standards. Budget $350–450 per day for food and drinks.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon Stay – [Your Names] – Arriving [Check-in Date] Dear Bora Bora Lagoon Resort Reservations Team, My partner and I are honeymooning at your resort from [check-in date] to [check-out date] (Booking reference: [XXXXXX]). This is our honeymoon and we are very much looking forward to our stay. We have a couple of specific requests we hope you can help with: 1. We would love an Overwater Bungalow on the eastern row with a direct Mount Otemanu view — if possible, one of the more private end-row bungalows away from the main walkway. 2. Could you arrange the private overwater dinner experience for our sixth evening (approximately [date])? We'd love tiare flower decoration and the full set menu. 3. If there are any complimentary honeymoon touches you are able to arrange — a flower arrangement, champagne on arrival, or similar — they would mean a great deal to us. Please let us know if you need any additional information. We are so excited to celebrate with you. Warm regards, [Your Names] [Phone/WhatsApp if applicable]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Bora Bora Lagoon Resort worth it for a honeymoon?
Yes, especially if budget is a consideration within the Bora Bora market. You get genuine overwater bungalows, Mount Otemanu views, great snorkeling, and real seclusion at a noticeably lower price than the St. Regis or Four Seasons. The trade-off is a four-star (not five-star) service level.
What overwater bungalow category should we book?
Book the Overwater Bungalow and specifically request the eastern row facing Mount Otemanu. For a meaningful upgrade, the Overwater Suite adds a separate lounge and a larger deck. Avoid west-facing rooms unless a sunset view matters more to you than the iconic volcano backdrop.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
April to June and September to October are the sweet spots: dry, warm, fewer crowds, and rates 20–30% below peak. July and August are peak season — crowded and expensive. November to March is wetter, though rain is typically short tropical bursts rather than all-day grey.
How do you get to Bora Bora Lagoon Resort?
Fly to Papeete (Tahiti), then take a 50-minute domestic Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora Airport. The resort's complimentary boat shuttle meets you at Vaitape pier for the 10-minute crossing to Motu Toopua. Allow 2–3 hours total connection time from Papeete.
What does the honeymoon package include?
The standard honeymoon package typically includes a flower arrangement and fruit platter on arrival, one complimentary couples massage, and a private dinner. Confirm current inclusions at booking as they vary by season — the private overwater dinner setup is usually available as an add-on.
One insider tip for honeymooners at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort?
Request a bungalow in the 200-number range on the eastern arm — these are furthest from the reception area, quietest, and have the clearest Otemanu sightline with no other bungalows in your line of sight. Email this request two weeks before arrival; don't wait until check-in.
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