Bora Bora Lagoon Resort

French Polynesia
Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific

The Experience

Secluded on its own motu (small sandy island) on the outer edge of the reef, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort avoids hosting the crowds that have come to plague the South Pacific’s most photogenic island. Anyone who craves hustle and bustle should probably book elsewhere. On the other hand, the resort is tropical nirvana for those seeking a low-key but very comfortable Polynesian getaway. The beach isn’t much to write home about, but the views across the lagoon to iconic Mt. Otemanu are absolutely awesome.

The Rooms

The resort’s Tahitian-style overwater bungalows sprawl along four pontoons on either side of the main building. Rooms at the end of the piers offer the best views and the most privacy, but they are also more exposed and can get a little breezy. All of the bungalows come with snorkel equipment, direct lagoon access and glass-top coffee tables for gawking at the fish below. Landlubbers can opt for thatched-roof bungalows in the coconut grove behind the beach.

The Service

Considering the difficulty of getting good staff in Bora Bora (with so many top flight hotels poaching one another’s talent), the service here isn’t half bad. The restaurant, bar and water-sports crew are efficient and friendly, and the front desk is a wealth of information on the best ways to explore Bora Bora.

The Highlights

Polynesian health and beauty regimes (both ancient and modern) are the trademark of the resort’s Marú Spa, rendered in treehouse and beachfront treatment areas with lagoon views. The waterfront Otemanu Restaurant serves Polynesian and Asia-Pacific cuisine with drop-dead views of the eponymous peak. Aquatic options include scuba, sailing, kayaking and water-skiing. The hotel’s guided jet-ski tour is a great introduction to the lagoon as a whole.

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»