The postcard images of Bora Bora’s crystalline turquoise waters and thatched-roofed over-water bungalows come to life at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.
Following its significant renovation and rebrand, the property has emerged as a stylishly understated and thoroughly contemporary antidote to the island’s more traditional resorts.
Set on a pristine motu or islet with a direct view of the iconic silhouette of Mount Otemanu, the Westin manages to feel both luxurious and laid back.
The revamped resort, which was previously a Méridien property, reopened in September 2024. It is currently the island’s newest luxury hotel, featuring extensive upgrades, sleek, modern rooms and a focus on wellness.
The resort offers 142 bungalows, including the island’s largest collection of overwater villas at 128, many of which are equipped with private terraces and plunge pools.
The property also boasts the largest swimming pool on the island, as well as a private lagoon and an Eco Center that helps protect and rehabilitate injured sea turtles.
There are also three main restaurants, a poolside bar, a beach bar and a sunset lounge – as well as a five-star spa and fitness center.
In short, this is not your mother’s Westin.
But the real gem of the property are the overwater bungalows. Unlike the majority of bungalows at rival hotels, which are constructed from dark wood, the Westin makes use of natural wood, giving it a light, beachy vibe.
The most distinctive touch to the rooms is the addition of expansive glass floor panels, which allow guests to look into the ocean and observe the sea life that surrounds them.
Beach-facing rooms start at $600 but expect overwater villas to range between $1,000 to over $4000 a night depending on the season.
While there are loads of on-site activities such as paddleboarding, snorkeling, yoga and Tahitian dance and craft classes, the most memorable moments happen off property and on the water.
If you’re in Bora Bora during the humpback whale migration season (July – October), you must book an excursion with Tohora Bora Bora tours to swim with the whales.
There are only two places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants– and French Polynesia is one of them.
The tour– helmed by Captain Simon, a salty French expat, who can ferret out the whales like Captain Ahab–is recommended for experienced swimmers only.
Guests are taken out to the middle of the ocean and dropped in the general vicinity of the whale. Simon, who swims with you, barks orders like a line cook, to move faster, towards an area where he knows the whale will emerge.
After a strenuous swim which is sometimes 100 feet or more, the choppy water appears oddly smooth and calm. “Get ready!,” Simon yells. “Look down now!”
Below the surface of the ocean, suddenly you are enveloped by the presence of a giant, whose mere sight, takes your breath away and makes you wonder if you’ve just seen a ghost.
Luckily, Simon will have you back on the boat chasing another whale and you’ll get to experience it all over again.
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