T+L’s hotel review of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

On a sunny Sunday afternoon I was sitting in my plunge-pool and listening to the sound of the waves lapping on the stilts. Below, a school of bright blue fish swam by, while directly in front of me stood Mount Otemanu—an extinct volcano and the highest point of the island of Bora BoraLooking like something straight out of Jurassic Park. It dawned upon me that Bora Bora was truly special as the sun started to set, changing the sky to a light yellowish rose.

This was one of many moments of idyllic reflection—and sensory overload—I experienced throughout my stay at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & SpaThe resort is the latest to open in French Polynesia since 2017. The hotel is the newest resort to open on French Polynesia since 2017. Travel + Leisure‘s 2025 It List. After nearly 24 hours on the East Coast, my mom and I finally arrived at this resort. After three flights, a short boat trip from the airport, and an eerie rainy-season thunderstorm, we pulled up to the welcome dock of the resort.

The resort’s buildings are not exactly new; Le Méridien Bora Bora used to sit on this plot of the atoll, but following an extensive renovation and rebrand, as of September 2024, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa offers a completely new experience. The 142 bungalows have their own terraces with direct access either to the crystal blue waters of the ocean or the lagoon. The 128 overwater villas are linked by a long boardwalk. The hotel has blue and pink bicycles that guests can use at any time of day or night.

The quality of the service is still there. The staff at Tipanier (one of the three restaurants that is the most popular breakfast spot) brought my coffee and my mother’s order immediately after we were seated. After I casually mentioned to a server that we had seen stingrays in our plunge pool, the staff left snorkeling gear outside our bungalow. My back sunburn was soothed by the massage therapist at the spa using a local soothing lotion. The chef at Maere, a signature restaurant of the resort, prepared raw seafood for my mother who is unable to eat raw fish.

Below, my full review of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.

The Rooms

The resort offers the largest selection of overwater villas in Bora Bora. Each one combines modern comforts, with a feel of nature that blends seamlessly into the outdoors. Each bungalow is different in size depending on its position along the boardwalk. Many have their own private plunge pools. The 14 family-friendly bungalows are located closer to the main hub. They overlook a private lagoon.

Our stay was in the Otemanu Overwater Bungalow, a premium bungalow with some of Bora Bora’s best views. There was also a transparent glass panel on floor, as well as a large balcony with a dining area, a private pool and a step-ladder that led directly into the water. A Bluetooth speaker outside was a nice addition, especially for sunset swims. The signature headboard is featured in the bedroom. Westin Heavenly Bed The design was outstanding. It was so good that my mom ordered the pillows as soon we got home.

Food and Drink

Three bars and restaurants are available, each with a different menu. We ate at Tipanier the most, which is named after French Polynesia’s fragrant Plumeria flowers. This French-inspired dining spot along the lagoon features a breakfast buffet with an abundance of dishes and a dinner menu featuring seasonal cuisine. Varavara offers a wide variety of food. poisson cru—a Tahitian dish prepared with raw tuna, coconut milk, and lime juice—was so fresh and delicious that I ordered it three times during my stay.

Maere is the signature restaurant of the hotel. It offers a rotating menu made from only local ingredients. A wine pairing option is available. The homemade dried tuna steak and the homemade coconut milk with fresh swordfish are two of the highlights.

More relaxed options—with excellent drink offerings—include the poolside restaurant Te Ava, ‘O’A on the second floor of the resort, and Honu Tiki. The latter is a beachside bar that serves daily happy hour—guests would flock from their poolside lounge chairs to the swinging beach chairs for a mudslide.

We stayed in the resort just before the holiday rush and the restaurants had alternating hours. We were able to dine with the same people and be served by the same staff, which added to the comfortable atmosphere of the resort.

Activities and Experiences

There are many activities and experiences to enjoy on-site. As a result guests become acquainted pretty quickly. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has the largest swimming pool in Bora Bora, complete with a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, and adjacent cabanas that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Stand-up paddle boards are available for rent all day along the private beach. Daily group activities include a shell-crafting class, a flower crown making session, and a coconut palm weave.

If you’re looking to get out of the hotel, and explore Tahitian culture further, the team at the resort can arrange a trip off-property, like scuba diving, snorkeling or a Jeep ride around the island. I went on a boat trip with my mom, which included a shark and an stingray encounter. The entire day was spent with a guide swimming with wildlife and taking in the sights. We also had lunch on a palm fringed beach. motu, A small island located in a lagoon.

The Spa

The Heavenly Spa at Westin is a peaceful space, located in the resort’s back. You can reach it by walking or biking. The treatments are based on holistic therapies and polynesian wellness practices. I booked a deep-tissue traditional massage, but I arrived with a severe sunburn. The masseuse was accommodating and used her experience to make sure that I still enjoyed a very relaxing, beneficial massage.

A well-equipped gym and various workout classes are also available, including sunrise yoga, Pilates or Tahitian dancing.

Offers for Families

Bora Bora’s reputation as a paradise island is not entirely true. honeymooners’ paradiseYou’ll find plenty of activities for the whole family here. The Eco Center Bora Bora was founded in 2000 and is a great way to educate young travelers. Locals and tourists can bring injured sea turtles to the center on site. The hotel provides guided tours and seminars. Guests can also watch the release of turtles each day into the lagoon. Two sea turtles were cared for by the Eco Center during my stay.

Accessibility and sustainability

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has ADA-compliant features. In the public areas, there is a wheelchair ramp. Four bungalows are accessible to guests with disabilities. Two overwater bungalows have a lagoon view and two beach bungalows come with a plunge-pool.

Location

Many resorts in Bora Bora are not located on the main island but rather on the atoll that surrounds it, and The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is no exception. The hotel will send a speed boat to pick you up at the airport and take you under 15 minutes to reach the resort. The setting is stunning, tranquil and unobstructed, with views of Mount Otemanu. A private lagoon flows throughout the property adding to its picturesque setting.

What to Expect from Your Stay

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is under the Marriott umbrella, so Marriott Bonvoy members can book a stay using points. The nightly rate ranges between 70,000 to 85,000 points. If you book four nights you will get the fifth free. Doubles starting at $1,000.

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.