Where To Stay In Bora Bora For Any Budget
Bora Bora is a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and one of the most famous paradise destinations in the world.
Think luxurious overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and romantic dinners overlooking the ocean. It’s incredible!
Mike and I have spent over three months in French Polynesia, so we know all the ins and outs of where to stay, whether you’re keeping it budget-friendly or going all out.
MY Top Recommendations
– Four Seasons Bora Bora – $$$$
– St Regis Bora Bora – $$$$
– Anaiva Lodge Bora – $$
overview
Where To stay In Bora Bora
(Overwater Bungalows + Fancy Resorts)
Choosing where to stay in Bora Bora is crucial since your overall experience will heavily depend on which resort you choose and its location.
You see, Bora Bora has one large island, surrounded by several motus. Motu is the Tahitian word for ‘small islands.’ There are tons of places to stay on the main island, but the most coveted resorts sit on the surrounding islets.
Here’s a rundown of our top picks for places to stay in Bora Bora, each offering a unique experience.
1. Four Seasons Bora Bora – $$$$
➡️ Typical price per night: $1,100 – $5,000+
While spending over a month in Bora Bora, our favorite place we stayed was the Four Seasons Bora Bora. It may be the most expensive, but it’s hands down the best resort in Bora Bora!
It’s a massive resort with multiple wings, so it never felt like we were tied down to just one section of the beach/resort.
There are so many lounging areas and ample space to find your own spot and relax for the day. We also noticed they had kayak, SUP rentals, and a dedicated ‘kid’s club’ for people traveling with children.
The downside here was the food. It was just alright, but that’s the case for most resorts around Bora Bora. Breakfast was also super expensive and not included in the room’s price.
Despite the lack of great food, there were wonderful amenities at the Four Seasons. Mike and I loved the personal touches all over the resort, from random hammocks to swings on the beach, floating docks, and a private lagoon with great snorkeling.
💡Pro Tip: You can even book a free tour with a marine biologist here to learn more about the coral gardens and fish in the area! 🐠
There’s also super fast wifi, which is essential for us, and you could rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, and book exclusive romantic dinners on a small private island directly in front of the Four Seasons!
Room Recommendation: One-Bedroom Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suite With Plunge Pool
They upgraded our room to one with a plunge pool, which was excellent, and we could see tons of marine life, like manta rays, right from our deck!
The luxurious overwater bungalows are the most magical Bora Bora experience you can have.
The mini-fridge had a lot of drink options, and the first round of which was complimentary!
We also thought the bungalows were spacious and found the beds cozy. The only problem with our room was the shutters, which were damaged and let in too much morning light.
2. St Regis Bora Bora – $$$$
Typical price per night: $
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is the second-best resort in Bora Bora. We also stayed here for a few nights and found it was almost as luxurious as the Four Seasons but with a slightly lower price tag.
They offer an exceptional experience, especially for honeymooners in Bora Bora. The entire staff was very attentive and warm. Honestly, they treated us more like friends than customers.
This personalized approach made us feel more at home at St. Regis than at the Four Seasons.
We found the amenities top-notch, too!
There are multiple pools, but we spent most of our time at one called “The Oasis.”
It’s an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar, and most of the time, we had the entire pool area to ourselves. It was super private, and we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.
Each bungalow at St. Regis also came with complimentary bicycles, sunscreen, flavored waters, and fresh fruit throughout our stay.
You’ll also find multiple restaurants on-site, serving everything from sushi to Italian cuisine. The food is pretty good here, but it was easy to look forward to dinner when you watch the sunset from an overwater dining area each evening.
The only downside to the St. Regis resort was the mosquitoes, which we noticed more than at the Four Seasons. But that’s kind of to be expected in French Polynesia.
Room Recommendation: Overwater Premier Otemanu
All of the rooms at St. Regis are wonderful. They’re all pretty spacious, but you’ll definitely want to opt for one with a view of Mt. Otemanu.
Some of the bungalows had some not so great views, so if you decide to stay in one of the cheaper villas, be aware that the view might not be quite what you’re hoping for.
Additionally, the resort’s attention to detail and touch of romance is evident in the design of the bungalows. All of the bungalows have heart-shaped bathtubs (perfect for a honeymoon!) and rain showers, while some even have an outdoor whirlpool next to the sunbeds!
3. Conrad Bora Bora – $$$
Typical price per night: $
Conrad Bora Bora is another of the most famous resorts in Bora Bora. It sits on its own separate motu, so it feels even more secluded than the other resorts on this list!
We thought the resort here was pretty spacious. Like St. Regis, they also offered free bikes with each bungalow. However, if you didn’t feel like riding or walking, you could call a golf cart to take you from your room to other parts of the resort.
But the facilities, rooms, and amenities weren’t quite as nice as the two resorts above, so it is the 3rd best resort in Bora Bora.
One aspect that did stand out above the rest, though, is the food. There are three restaurants with pretty good food, and breakfast has a WAY bigger selection than the Four Seasons.
Snorkeling was incredible, too. Conrad Bora Bora sits on a reef surrounding the To’opua Motu. This was our favorite reef for snorkeling on the island, and the resort had free kayaks and paddleboards so that we could explore beyond our bungalow.
💡Pro Tip: Conrad Bora Bora is super kid-friendly. There’s a special kid’s club with an enclosed playground and a supervisor.
Room Recommendation: Overwater Pool Villa with Sunset View
The bungalows here weren’t quite as expensive as those we booked at the Four Seasons Bora Bora and St. Regis, but it’s still a high price point compared to most islands worldwide.
The best room to book is the overwater pool villa with a sunset view. This room is guaranteed to have an uninterrupted view of the lagoon and the sunset.
It also has a spacious deck and a private infinite pool overlooking the ocean!
Mid-range places to stay in Bora Bora
4. Anaiva Lodge Bora – $$
Typical price per night: $190
While spending a month in Bora Bora, we wanted to make sure we stayed on the main island for at least a portion of our trip. So, we stayed for a few nights at Anaiva Lodge Bora.
It’s super close to Vaitape (the main town) and had excellent reviews across the board.
As we mentioned, we didn’t find the main island quite as beautiful as the motus, but if you want to save a little money and stay at the heart of Bora Bora, this homestay is an excellent choice.
We paid a little less than $200/night, and it has everything you could ask for in a basic guest house, including free drinking water and A/C (a non-negotiable in French Polynesia).
The hosts at Aniava Lodge are wonderful, too. They’re SUPER accommodating, willing to help us wherever needed, and even offered free transportation to and from the dock. The host checked on us multiple times during our stay to ensure nothing was missed!
Some of the negatives of staying here were the basic amenities, slow wifi, and bugs, but these are all things that are difficult to avoid in Bora Bora unless you’re willing to shell out $600-1000/night.
Room Recommendation: Apartment with Mountain View
We stayed in the Apartment with a Mountain view, which is the best room on the property. It has a private hot tub in the backyard with a fantastic view of Mont Mata Pupu.
💡Pro Tip: If you stay here, you will need a car or transportation. But I would say that for anywhere on the main island. They offer bikes, but nowhere is close enough to bike comfortably.
There’s also a full kitchen with a stove, oven, fridge, and microwave. This is perfect for people trying to save visit Bora Bora on a budget by cooking some of their own meals and saving the great restaurants for a treat.
Chin Lee Supermarket is right down the street if you need a reasonably priced grocery store with a good selection!
5. Matira Beach House – $$
Typical price per night: $469 (sleeps six, meaning it could cost as little ast $156 per couple, or $78 per person per night)
This is one of my personal favorites, and truthfully, we haven’t even gotten to stay here yet.
Why have I been eyeing it like a hawk ever since I’ve discovered it?
Because Matira Beach House is a REALLY great option for those who are traveling with a group and want something a bit more upscale.
This is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a gorgeous outdoor patio that overlooks the ocean.
You’ll also find a full kitchen, perfect for making meals and keeping costs relatively low while visiting the island.
Spend your days snorkeling just steps from your doorstep, and when the sun gets too hot, cool off inside with the refreshing air conditioning.
Room Recommendation
With Matira Beach House, you will rent the entire unit.
Since it’s a 3-bedroom vacation home, consider inviting two other couples to join you and split the cost.
Budget-Friendly Stays In Bora Bora
6. Lokai House – $$
Typical price per night: $127+
Lokai House is another budget-friendly yet comfortable option on Bora Bora’s main island. It’s more of a vacation home, so you’ll book the entire place for yourself.
And the best part? It can sleep up to FOUR people.
That means you can bring some friends and split the cost for an even more affordable place to stay during your holiday.
Its proximity to Vaitape and the main dock in Bora Bora makes it an ideal base for exploring the island, too. You can easily reach restaurants nearby, like Bora Bora Beach Club.
Given its location on the main island, we highly recommend renting a car if you stay here.
Room Recommendation
Lokai House is more of a private vacation home that comes with a private pool, offering a serene retreat after a day exploring the islands.
Similar to the Anaiva Lodge, it has a full kitchen where you can cook your own meals and a lovely garden with a view of the mountains.
7. Alaroots Bora Bora Camp – $
Typical price per night: $27
This is another accommodation option that I’ve heard great things about, but haven’t stayed personally.
Alaroots Bora Bora Camp is exactly how it sounds… it is literally camping on the beach. And I get it; camping might not be EVERYONE’S cup of tea, but we’re talking about Bora Bora for crying out loud!
And what’s better is everything that’s included with this stay. You’ll have access to a full kitchen (shared), a lounge area with nightly entertainment, free wifi, and the best part… a private beach area specifically for guests of Alaroots.
Room Recommendation
Choose between the following options:
Staying On Bora Bora vs Staying On a Motu
There are pros and cons to each area, but we highly recommend staying in a resort on a motu. The main island is pretty, but not quite as beautiful as the motus. In our opinion, they are the most beautiful part of the island.
However, you’ll find that they are very secluded, so it’s challenging to explore outside of your resort.
Staying on a Motu
The motus offer the quintessential Bora Bora experience, so that’s where we personally prefer to stay.
Each of these islets offers a slice of paradise, with overwater bungalows, better snorkeling opportunities, and a sense of exclusivity.
Motu Piti Aau is the largest Motu, and it’s home to a few of Bora Bora’s most stunning resorts, including St. Regis Bora Bora Resort and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
But you can also find even more exclusive resorts like Conrad Bora Bora Nui, which have the entire motu to themselves!
💡Pro Tip: Everything in Bora Bora closes on Sundays except the resorts. If you stay at a resort on the motus, you can still visit the restaurants, go to the convenience store, and rent water sports equipment.
Furthermore, this is the most ‘all-inclusive’ experience in Bora Bora. Only the room and breakfast are included in the price, but everything you need is on site.
The downside is that they are very touristy, much more expensive, and staying on the motus limits your ability to explore the area.
There are no roads, and you must take a boat to other resorts or the main island if you want to go anywhere, but there are plenty of tours (like ATV day trips) to help you explore..
It’s possible to coordinate boat transfers, but honestly, it’s kind of a pain.
Most of the boats shut down in the evening, so you’d have to plan ahead for any excursions and hiking trips. This made us feel bound to the resorts and their (very limited) dining options.
Staying on the Main Island
While we recommend staying in a resort on one of the motus, the main island offers more flexibility, more restaurant options, affordable accommodations, and you’ll be closer to the hiking trails, nightlife, and activities on Bora Bora.
You get a more authentic taste of local life, which has always been one of our favorite parts about traveling.
However, the main island lacks the extraordinary views of the motus. In full transparency, it wasn’t much different from any other tropical destination we’ve visited.
There’s only one public beach, and you must get transportation to the shops, restaurants, and snorkeling/scuba diving spots.
PRO-TIP: Day trip to the motus/resorts
How To Get Around Bora Bora
As you’re planning your trip, you’ll likely want to know how you’re going to get around this island, right?
Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as most people think. There are two approaches to this depending on where you decide to stay.
How to Get Around The Main Island
If you stay on the main island, you’ll need transportation to get to restaurants, beaches, shops, etc.
Start by asking your accommodation hosts for their recommendations on getting around the island. Many offer their own private options, like airport pickups or rides to nearby attractions for a fee, which can be super convenient.
You can also rent a car or a motorbike to get around the island.
We rented our motorbike through MRC Rent Bora Bora and it was about $46 USD per day. This included two helmets. Reach out to them via Facebook here!
How To Get Around Bora Bora’s Motus
If you’re staying at a private resort on one of Bora Bora’s motus, keep in mind you’ll mostly be limited to that area. Reaching the main island requires a boat ride, which your resort can arrange, though it’s not always the most convenient option.
Most resorts are quite large, but many offer golf cart rides to help you get around more easily within the property.
Cost of Getting To Bora Bora
Typical cost for roundtrip airfare (from Los Angeles, USA): $1,000 – $2,300 roundtrip
To get to Bora Bora, you must first fly into the island of Tahiti.
If you’re flying from the USA, you can catch a direct flight from Los Angeles, which was really surprising to us the first time we went.
Your roundtrip flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti (Papeete) will cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500 depending on the time of year.
Here are some examples I found on Google Flights:
December 2024 to January 2025
February 2025 to March 2025
A flight sample for March 4th to March 15th, 2025
When I first saw the price of these flights, I was floored. I assumed it would cost a LOT more to fly there.
But here’s the thing…
Once you get to Tahiti, you must then fly over to Bora Bora. This is where prices start to increase.
Expect flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora to cost anywhere from $200 to $800+ roundtrip depending on the season and when you decide to book.
We’ve found that the best time to book your flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora is 2-3 months in advance.
As I mentioned, your flight from Los Angeles will land in Tahiti first, and here’s the catch…
Most travelers end up spending at least one night in Tahiti before catching a short flight to Bora Bora the next day.
Why does this matter?
Because this layover isn’t just a time commitment, it’s also an unexpected expense. Whether it’s booking a hotel in Tahiti, grabbing a meal, or just arranging transportation, it all adds up.
Where To Stay In Tahiti
If you do end up spending the night in Tahiti before going to Bora Bora, I can confidently recommend a few hotels and vacation homes that we’ve stayed in and loved:
FAQs
Planning a trip to Bora Bora is a big project, so we wanted to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions we get as Bora Bora travel experts!
Can you walk everywhere in Bora Bora?
While Bora Bora is a small, safe island, you won’t be able to walk everywhere. If you’re staying on the main island, you should rent a car or motorbike, and if you are on the motus, you’ll need a boat to get to other resorts or the main island.
How many days should you spend in Bora Bora?
You should spend about 5 to 7 days in Bora Bora for the optimal experience. This allows enough time to relax, explore the island, enjoy water activities, and experience the unique culture without feeling rushed.
A final note
If you’re planning a trip to Bora Bora this year, you won’t regret it no matter where you stay, but it’s certainly a better experience if you choose to splurge a little.
The resorts on the motus are way more luxurious and offer the one-of-a-kind, remote experience that Bora Bora has become famous for!
We stayed at four different resorts on the island, and Four Seasons Bora Bora was definitely our favorite. If you have the budget, you should consider staying here, too!
