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7 Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora: Pros & Cons List

Right at the top of most people’s bucket lists, you’ll find ‘stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora’.

I actually visited Bora Bora recently and ended up staying in overwater bungalows at 2 different resorts.

I spent hours researching all the options beforehand so today I’d love to share all of that research with you as well as my thoughts on the 2 resorts I stayed at.

This ultimate guide includes the overall best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, the pros and cons of each, the prices and which is the cheapest.

Best Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora

Image courtesy of St Regis Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora just ooze luxury as they promise stunning views, high-end service and crystalline waters right at your doorstep.

I absolutely adored falling asleep at night, listening to the water splashing beneath me and then waking up and being able to take a dip into the lagoon right from my deck.

There are actually several hotels in Bora Bora with overwater bungalows so I’ve compiled a list with the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is right for you.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary of the absolute best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora:

Keep reading for all the details on Bora Bora’s best resorts and my money saving tips (including how you can save over $6,000 on your Bora Bora vacation!).

My Thoughts

I ended up splitting my trip between the Four Seasons and the St Regis as I just couldn’t choose between them after my initial research.

I ended up loving both resorts but I’d say that the Four Seasons was overall my favorite as it felt a bit newer than the St Regis.

Both were super luxurious and came with a private butler which was another huge selling point for me.

All of Bora Bora’s incredible resorts encircle the iconic turquoise lagoon with Mount Otemanu (an extinct volcano) standing tall in the center.

Many of Bora Bora’s resorts sit on the main island however some sit on their own private island. I’ve included both on this list.

To help you decide which is the best overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, I’ve summarized 7 different options below including the pros and cons, what makes them different and how much they cost.

1. Four Seasons Bora Bora

Four Seasons overwater bungalow Bora Bora

Rating: 10/10

Best for: anyone looking for the ultimate luxury experience. Ideal for honeymooners & families.

Price range: $1,500 – $3,000 per night for a standard overwater villa.

Pros:

  • Everything at Four Seasons Bora Bora is ultra-luxury from the overwater bungalows to the restaurants to the pool. You’ll literally never want to leave.
  • The resort is family-friendly as there is a kid’s club and tons of activities to do day and night.
  • The bungalows are super luxurious and have a lot of privacy (ideal for honeymooners). They’re spaced further apart than bungalows at other resorts.
  • Impressive lagoonarium with an on-site marine biologist.
  • Your own personal concierge and a 24/7 app to ask for just about anything you need.
  • One of the best views of Mt Otemanu and the fish-filled lagoon.

Cons:

  • The Four Seasons is one of the most expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.
  • You have to pay for the shuttle to the main island ($37 per person each way!). Most other resorts offer this service for free at certain times.

The overall best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora are at the Four Seasons Resort. In fact, the Four Seasons is regularly voted as Bora Bora’s number 1 resort and it’s not hard to see why.

I stayed here for 3 nights and absolutely loved it! I’m not gonna lie, I almost shed a tear when it was time to leave.

The grounds were immaculate, the lagoon was stunning and the overwater bungalows themselves were really charming and well kept.

Private beach area at Four Seasons

This place was eye-wateringly expensive but I had the best experience so I’d personally say that it was worth it.

I think that honeymooners in particular would adore this resort due to the super private bungalows and the top-notch service. 

As the overwater villas here are spaced further apart than the ones at other resorts in Bora Bora, it feels much more private. This is ideal for romance as you’re not too close to your neighbors.

Not only do the Four Seasons assign you your own personal concierge they also have an app which you can use 24/7 for any requests.

From excursion bookings, restaurant recommendations or even to order a flower crown. Nothing is too big or too small.

I personally really loved using the app as I hate making phone calls so the app was a super easy way to communicate with my concierge with minimal effort.

The Four Seasons is also ideal for families as the resort has a kid’s club with different activities each day. There are plenty of activities to do here which will keep both kids and adults entertained.

This place is super luxurious so expect high-end service, swanky villas and upmarket finishing touches.

The Four Seasons have literally thought of everything from having sunscreen and aloe vera available for free by the pool to having well-placed sun loungers with clean, fitted towels on the beach. 

Anything you can think of, the Four Seasons Bora Bora resort has it.

Extra: Four Seasons is currently the highest-rated five-star resort in Bora Bora on Tripadvisor.

Overwater Bungalows at Four Seasons Bora Bora

Overwater bungalows at Four Seasons Bora Bora

Number of bungalows: 108

Size of bungalows: 1,076 ft sq to 1,572 sq ft

The Four Seasons Resort has 108 overwater bungalows which stretch out into Bora Bora’s stunning lagoon.

Each bungalow has a bedroom, a separate living room which opens out onto the deck and a spacious bathroom. You’ll also get a large window that looks out over the water.

I loved that the rooms had a real Polynesian feel to them with indigenous artwork, traditional wooden furnishings and a huge stone bathtub that looks out onto the lagoon.

Four Seasons also have all the modern necessities you could need like 2 flat-screen TVs, WiFi and a bluetooth speaker.

My favorite part was the glass panels in the floor so you can look at the fish beneath you.

Of course, each room also has a large deck with a stepladder that leads down into the lagoon. I used this pretty much everyday to go for a morning swim – sometimes I’d even jump off the deck!

For an extra fee, you can grab a room with mountain views or a private pool.

Book Your Stay at Four Seasons Bora Bora Now

2. St Regis Bora Bora

Overwater bungalow at St Regis

Rating: 9/10

Best for: Honeymooners or people celebrating a special occasion. 

Price range: $1,700 to $3,000 per night for a standard overwater villa.

Pros:

  • Each guest gets their own personal butler who will take care of literally anything you can think of including restaurant reservations, spa appointments, flower crowns…they’ll even unpack and repack your luggage.
  • St Regis has the largest overwater bungalows in the whole of Bora Bora so there’s plenty of room to relax.
  • Free bikes to ride around the resort.
  • Free shuttle service to the main island at certain times of day.
  • The overwater bungalows are much more private than other resorts due to the layout. They don’t face other bungalows so are ideal for honeymooners.

Cons:

  • Some elements of the hotel are a little outdated and in need of a refresh e.g. some of the bikes are getting a little old.
  • The resort is huge! This means it isn’t very walkable and it can take a while to get from one place to another (annoying if you’ve forgotten something in your villa).
  • One of the most expensive resorts in Bora Bora (pricey but worth it!).

Catch a glimpse of St Regis in the video below:

The St Regis was the second resort I stayed at after the Four Seasons and I also really loved my stay here. It really did feel like a dream come true.

My personal butler really made the stay extra special and genuinely couldn’t do enough for me.

The main reason that I’d rate this slightly lower than the Four Seasons is because the St Regis felt slightly outdated in certain areas. In particular, I noticed a lot of the bikes looks old, dented and rusty.

If you choose to stay at St Regis Bora Bora then be prepared for extreme luxury (but also expect to pay prices to match).

You’ll get personalized VIP treatment from the moment you arrive right up until the moment you leave.

Every villa comes with a personal butler who will do pretty much anything you want and is available 24/7.

One of the main downsides is the size of the property. If you struggle with mobility issues then this could be an issue for you as you’ll have to call a golf cart to pick you up constantly.

For everyone else, you can take a long walk or get on one of the free bicycles to get around quicker. I used to bicycles and really enjoyed riding around on them to be honest.

The size of the property is also a plus because it means that there is lots to explore and sometimes it feels like you have the whole place to yourself.

St Regis also has their own private lagoonarium which I loved. Grab some complimentary snorkeling gear and jump in to meet tropical fish, rays and blacktip reef sharks.

Swimming with sharks in Bora Bora is actually one of the most unique things you can do here and it was really the highlight of my trip so be sure to add it to your itinerary.

Overwater Bungalows at St Regis Bora Bora

St Regis

Number of bungalows: 48

Size of bungalows: 1,550 sq ft – 3,455 sq ft

The smallest overwater bungalow at St Regis is still 1,550 sq ft which is bigger than any other resort in Bora Bora.

They have a range of different bungalow sizes to suit different travelers. 

The overwater deluxe villa has a bedroom with a king-sized bed, a separate living area, a marble bathroom and a glass-panel in the floor of the living room.

Each villa also has an outdoor deck with a stepladder that leads straight into the lagoon which was, of course, my favorite part.

They also have some overwater bungalows with 2 bedrooms (ideal if you’re a larger group or family). 

The water surrounding the bungalows at St Regis is around 3 meters deep so if you’re not a strong swimmer then you may not feel comfortable jumping straight into the lagoon.

This can be a plus though if you want to dive straight into the lagoon like me. Diving at most other resorts isn’t possible as the water tends to be too shallow.

To compare the depths at other resorts, check out my guide on how deep the water is in Bora Bora.

Book Your Stay at St Regis Bora Bora Now

Related Post: Is St Regis Bora Bora All Inclusive?

3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Image courtesy of Conrad

Rating: 9/10

Best for: Honeymooners due to its secluded location. Anyone who wants peace and quiet away from the crowds.

Price range: $1,500 to $2,250 per night for a standard overwater bungalow.

Pros:

  • More private than other resorts. Whilst most resorts are on the eastern side of Bora Bora, Conrad sits to the southwest.
  • Hilton’s Conrad hotel has the longest stretch of beach in the whole of Bora Bora.
  • The best place for resort snorkeling as it has a natural coral reef growing around the overwater bungalows.
  • As this resort is western facing, it’s one of the best resorts for sunset views.
  • Top-notch service with a dedicated island host.

Cons:

  • The property is huge so it isn’t very walkable and takes a while to get from one place to another (they do have free bikes though!).
  • The resort faces the open ocean rather than the lagoon meaning there are no views of the famous Mt Otemanu.
  • Unlike most other Bora Bora resorts, there is no glass flooring in the overwater bungalows.

The best thing about Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the privacy. As the resort is tucked away down at the southwestern end of Bora Bora, there are no other resorts in the area.

There’s also not much noisy boat traffic so you’re left with stunning, serene ocean views. It’s super peaceful and perfect for those on a romantic getaway (I’m looking at you honeymooners!).

All of the other resorts sit on the eastern side so look out onto Mt Otemanu but as Conrad is on the western side, it doesn’t have any views of Mt Otemanu.

To be honest, this was the main reason I personally didn’t pick the Conrad as I really wanted those iconic views.

A plus is that the sunsets at Conrad are insane! As it’s western facing, you’ll get mesmerizing sunset views which are perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries.

Conrad also has some of the best snorkeling in Bora Bora as there is a huge abundance of coral near to the overwater villas.

The bungalows are also close to a black lava rock which is a favorite hang-out spot for lots of tropical fish.

My favorite thing to do in Bora Bora was jump into the water right from my bungalow and swim with the fish and Conrad seems like it would be one of the best for this.

Quick Tip: If you love snorkeling, then request a bungalow in the 300 wing as these have more coral so are much better for snorkeling.

Of course, everything at Conrad is super luxurious. The Kardashians even stayed here once with the resort being featured on their reality show.

The main downside is that due to the size of the resort, it isn’t very walkable so you’ll have to get on your bicycle or order a golf cart to get around.

Overwater Bungalows at Conrad Bora Bora

Number of bungalows: 86

Size of bungalows: 1,249 sq ft – 3,229 sq ft

The bungalows at Conrad Bora Bora have been recently renovated so they feel very modern and fresh.

Inside you’ll find granite countertops and modern furniture. The bungalows here are open-plan so there’s no separate bedroom and living area. They do have a lovely homely feel.

The huge glass-sliding doors (which open out onto the outdoor deck) are fully retractable so you can easily let the warm, ocean breeze into your villa. I love doing this first thing in the morning.

Some of the bungalows also come with a private pool and an overwater hammock which is built into the floor (they’re ridiculously comfortable). Just grab a book and sit out here all evening, I promise you won’t regret it.

One downside to the bungalows at Conrad is that they don’t feature any glass flooring. Most of the other resorts in Bora Bora feature this so you can look down and watch the fish swimming beneath you.

If you’ve got some extra money to spend, then book their presidential overwater villa (photo above) which is actually one of the largest overwater villa stays in the whole world!

This 2-storey villa has 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 dressing rooms, a living room, a private pool, a whirlpool hot tub, a sauna, a sundeck and a bar area.

Book Your Stay at Conrad Bora Bora Nui Now

4. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Rating: 8/10

Best for: People looking for a luxury, intimate resort or anyone getting married.

Price range: $1,250 to $1,600 per night in a standard overwater villa.

Pros:

  • Glass-bottomed spa so you can get a massage and watch the fish swimming below you.
  • Free stingray feeding session each day at 2PM.
  • Top-rated overwater spa.
  • More environmentally friendly than other resorts in Bora Bora.
  • Overwater wedding chapel (a perfect place to get married).

Cons:

  • Some guests have complained that the food is bland.
  • Less privacy than other resorts. Many of the overwater bungalows face other bungalows.
  • This resort is located on a busy stretch of water so feels less peaceful compared to other resorts.
  • Snorkeling at InterContinental Thalasso isn’t as good as other resorts.

Tip: If you choose to stay at InterContinental Thalasso then book one of their diamond villas. You pay a little more but you’ll get more privacy as they don’t face other villas. In addition, you’ll also be treated to Mt Otemanu views.

One of the great things about InterContinental Thalasso is that they have overwater bungalows available at different depths. Some are deeper and some are more shallow.

If you’re not a strong swimmer then request one of the shallower bungalows where the water only comes up to about chest-level.

My favorite thing about InterContinental Thalasso is their emphasis on being sustainable and environmentally friendly.

You don’t ever have to feel bad about using the aircon 24/7 here as they have installed a unique system called Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) which is a sustainable technology that uses cold deep-sea saltwater to cool your room.

One thing you can’t miss if you stay here is the award winning spa. The treatment rooms have glass panels in the floor so you can gaze at the tropical fish swimming beneath you whilst you get a relaxing massage.

Check out my guide on massage prices in Bora Bora to budget for this.

If you’re looking for a place to get married in Bora Bora, then InterContinental Thalasso is a perfect choice as they have an overwater wedding chapel with glass floors. 

My main reason for not choosing InterContinental Thalasso was the lack of privacy. Most of their bungalows face other bungalows and are quite close together.

Compare Bora Bora’s best wedding packages.

Overwater Bungalows at InterContinental Thalasso

Number of bungalows: 84

Size of bungalows: 1,023 sq ft to 3,466 sq ft

InterContinental Thalasso features some of the best over the water bungalows in Bora Bora.

The bungalows at InterContinental Thalasso have a bedroom and a separate living room as well as a large bathroom with double sinks and a tub looking out into the lagoon.

One of my favorite features is that the bed faces a floor-to-ceiling window so you’ll wake up every morning to incredible views of the lagoon.

Each bungalow also has an outdoor deck which overlooks the lagoon and an outdoor freshwater shower.

If you want to splurge then book one of their Teremoana Pool Villas. These are located at the end of the lines of bungalows (so you get the most privacy). You’ll get the best views in the whole resort from here.

The Teremoana Pool Villas have 2 levels with an upstairs sundeck, a large private plunge pool, modern furnishings and so much more.

Book Your Stay at InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa Now

5. Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

Rating: 7/10

Best for: Anyone wanting to save a bit of money and anyone wanting to stay on a private island but still be close to the main island.

Price range: $1,017 to $1,502 per night for a standard overwater villa.

Pros:

  • Le Bora Bora is close to the main island (just a 10 minute boat ride away). The resort offers free transfers during the daytime (you do have to pay for the shuttle during the evening though).
  • The resort is located on a private island so feels secluded and out of the way (whilst still being super close to the main island).
  • All bungalows were fully renovated in 2020.
  • Just 10 minutes away from the airport.
  • Good value for money. Much cheaper than other resorts during the high season.

Cons:

  • The WiFi strength can be poor in some areas of the resort.
  • Overwater bungalows are smaller than at some other resorts.

Grab one of Le Bora Bora’s complimentary kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and explore the lagoon.

One of the main pros of this resort is that it’s located on its own island so you get that serene, private island feel but it’s also super close to the main island.

Le Bora Bora will even shuttle you over to the main island on their boat (takes 10 minutes) for free in the daytime. They do charge in the evening though.

Every building and restaurant on the property is angled towards Bora Bora’s extinct volcano, Mt Otemanu, so you get spectacular views from all over the resort.

There’s lots to do at the resort including a free daily activity at 11am. These range from flower crown making classes and cooking classes to basket weaving classes.

Overwater Bungalows at Le Bora Bora

Number of bungalows: 50

Size of bungalows: 851 sq ft

The overwater bungalows at Le Bora Bora all feature a bedroom with a living area, a bathroom with 2 sinks and a free-standing tub and a deck with a hammock and sun loungers.

As every bungalow was renovated in 2020, they all feel super new and modern. Rooms have a nice blend of modern decor whilst still including some authentic Polynesian features like wood carvings.

The bed faces a view of the lagoon and next to it is a glass panel where you can see the fish swimming in the lagoon below. This glass panel even opens so you can feed the fish.

Their ‘pool overwater villa’ features a private plunge pool which is suspended over the lagoon.

The main downside is that the villas are a lot smaller than the ones at other resorts and don’t have a separate bedroom and living area.

Book Your Stay at Le Bora Bora Now

6. InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana

Le Moana Bora Bora Resort

Rating: 6/10

Best for: Those looking to save a bit of money and anyone wanting to be close to lots of amenities.

Price range: $876 to $1,182 per night for a standard overwater bungalow.

Pros:

  • Le Moana is located on the main island so you’re close to all of Bora Bora’s best restaurants and attractions.
  • Better value for money than other resorts (you won’t have to sell your kidney to stay here).
  • Great snorkeling opportunities in the lagoon around the overwater bungalows (just jump straight in from your deck).

Cons:

  • As the hotel is on the main island, you don’t get as much privacy, it’s not as quiet as other resorts and you don’t get that luxurious private island feel.
  • Le Moana isn’t as fancy and luxurious as other Bora Bora resorts (but that does mean it’s cheaper).
  • It’s one of the older hotels in Bora Bora which means it feels a little old and outdated.
  • The overwater bungalows are smaller than at other resorts.

InterContinental Le Moana is located on the main island (this could be a pro or a con depending on who you are).

This gives the benefit of being close to lots of attractions, restaurants and shops. You’ll be more connected to everything and less secluded.

You also don’t have to worry about getting a shuttle every time you want to leave your resort. This can be expensive (*cough* Four Seasons *cough*) and annoying so Le Moana wins in this aspect.

You do miss out on that peaceful, private island feel though. At other resorts, it truly feels like a blessing to wake up on a private motu and feel like you’re on your own deserted island.

This resort is located right by Matira Beach which is often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also one of the best snorkeling spots in Bora Bora.

InterContinental Le Moana is much more affordable than other resorts with overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. This does mean it’s less lavish though.

Quick Tip: Le Moana is the sister resort of the pricier InterContinental Thalasso. Guests of Le Moana have access to many of the amenities at InterContinental Thalasso including the spa.

Catch a glimpse of InterContinental Le Moana in the video below:

Overwater Bungalows at InterContinental Le Moana

Number of bungalows: 50

Size of bungalows: 678 sq ft

The bungalows at InterContinental Le Moana have a strong Polynesian feel with thatched roofs, textured wallpaper and wood furnishings. 

They do feel a little dated though and some of the amenities are very old e.g. the flat-screen TVs.

Each villa has a bedroom, a separate living room, a decent bathroom and a glass coffee table where you can see the fish in the lagoon below.

Of course, you’ll also get a wooden deck with sun loungers where you can jump straight into the water.

One thing to note is that the overwater villas here are smaller than the villas at some of the more expensive resorts. 

All of Le Moana’s villas are 678 sq ft whereas the villas at most other resorts are at least 1,000 sq ft (often more).

Book Your Stay at InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Now

7. Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Rating: 5/10

Best for: Anyone on a tight budget.

Price range: $644 to $748 per night for a standard overwater villa.

Pros:

  • Located on Bora Bora’s main island so you’re close to a wide range of restaurants, shops and attractions. You can easily leave your resort and not worry about transport.
  • You can save money further by grabbing snacks and drinks from the local grocery store.

Cons:

  • Not as luxurious as other resorts. This only has a 3-star rating.
  • The overwater bungalows are very small.
  • As the hotel is located on the main island, you get less privacy than other resorts and you don’t get that ‘private island feel’.
  • There’s not many water sports or other resort activities available so there’s little to do here other than relaxing in your hut.
  • There’s also no swimming pool at this resort (you can jump straight into the lagoon from your hut though).
  • No spa or fitness center.

If budget is a concern for you then Maitai Polynesia is definitely the best choice as it features the cheapest overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.

Whilst it doesn’t sit on its own private island like some other resorts, Maitai is located on the main island close to lots of amenities, restaurants and shops.

Maitai does lack some amenities. For example, it doesn’t have a pool, a spa or a fitness center which may be a deal-breaker for some guests.

You do however have easy access to the lagoon and Matira Beach at this resort. They also have free kayaks and snorkeling equipment too.

If you’re looking for cheap Bora Bora overwater bungalows then Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora might be the one.

Tip: As Maitai only has 13 overwater bungalows they book up fast so I’d recommend reserving yours as early as possible so you don’t miss out.

Overwater Bungalows at Maitai Bora Bora

Number of bungalows: 13

Size of bungalows: 291 sq ft

The rooms at Maitai are less overwater bungalows and more like little huts on water (they’re way less spacious compared with other resorts).

The huts are very small at just 291 sq ft. Most of the luxury resorts have at least 1,000 sq ft per bungalow.

Although the huts here are fairly basic, they do have everything you’ll need including the all important deck with a stepladder leading into the lagoon.

The main draw to this resort is the convenient location and the price. 

It’s not super fancy like the other resorts, but it’s definitely more affordable and you can still say that you stayed in an overwater villa in Bora Bora right!?

Book Your Stay at Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora Now

Note: Le Meridien Bora Bora hasn’t been included in this list as it is currently undergoing renovations and isn’t currently bookable.

Bora Bora Prices: Overwater Bungalows

St Regis Bora Bora

Staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is very expensive. I’ve never ever spent anywhere close to what I spent on my accommodation in Bora Bora.

I spent around $1,700 per night at the St Regis and around $2,000 per night at the Four Seasons.

If the cost of an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora could be an issue for you, then keep reading for my tips on saving money and the absolute cheapest overwater bungalow in Bora Bora.

Whilst some bungalows are more expensive than others (I’m looking at you Four Seasons), as a whole they are still extremely expensive.

  • The most expensive overwater villas in Bora Bora will cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per night.

For example, a night at St Regis Bora Bora in a standard overwater bungalow will cost between $1,700 and $3,000. For the same at the Four Seasons, it will cost between $1,500 and $3,000.

  • A high-end overwater villa in Bora Bora will cost between $1,250 and $2,250.

For example, a night at InterContinental Thalasso in a standard overwater villa will cost between $1,250 and $1,600. For the same at Conrad Bora Bora, you’ll pay between $1,500 and $2,250.

  • A mid-range overwater bungalow in Bora Bora will cost between $876 and $1,502 per night.

For example, a night in a standard overwater villa at InterContinental Le Moana will cost between $876 and $1,182. For the same at Le Bora Bora, it will cost between $1,017 and $1,502.

Tip: If you choose to stay at a mid-range hotel for 7 days versus one of the more expensive resorts like the Four Seasons, you could save a few thousand dollars overall.

  • The cheapest overwater bungalow in Bora Bora will cost between $644 and $748 per night (see below for more info).
  • For additional extras like a mountain view or a private pool, expect to pay an additional $500 to $1,000 per night at the top resorts.

Don’t forget that as well as your nightly rate, you’ll also have to pay for all of your food and drinks (which is also super expensive).

To give you an idea of what to expect, I wrote an entire guide on the average food prices in Bora Bora. It’s also got lots of handy tips on how to cut costs if you’re on a budget.

Cheap Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows

If you’re looking for the best value overwater bungalows in Bora Bora then Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is the best option.

The nightly rate at Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora is between $644 and $748.

The absolute cheapest rate you’ll get is $644 but this is during the off-season so you may experience some bad weather (just a bit of rain, it’s over quick and dries instantly).

Whilst there are not really any cheap or affordable overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, Maitai is by far the cheapest and best value for money.

You do also have to consider that the overwater villas at Maitai aren’t super luxurious and are very small compared with the more expensive resorts. 

They are clean, comfortable and have everything you need though.

Having said that, it can be worth it though to save some money. At Maitai, you’ll spend more than half as much as you’d spend if you stayed at St Regis or the Four Seasons.

Why Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora?

Overwater bungalows in Bora Bora

If you’re unsure whether it’s worth staying in an overwater bungalow or not, then here’s some reasons why you should (and shouldn’t).

I personally really loved staying in an overwater bungalow and I would absolutely do it again. It really felt like a dream the entire time I was there.

Overwater bungalows are the definition of luxury, making them ideal for special occasions.

Pros:

  • The views from an overwater bungalow are surreal and are probably the best views you’ll ever see.
  • You’ll be surrounded by a gentle ocean breeze and a turquoise lagoon. You can even jump into the water from the comfort of your own private deck.
  • Ideal for honeymoons and other special occasions like wedding anniversaries or birthdays. Staying in an overwater bungalow makes your occasion super special and memorable.
  • Provides a luxury experience that you’ll find in few other places.

Cons:

  • Staying in an overwater bungalow is usually the most expensive option.

One common misconception of these overwater villas in Bora Bora is that the entire hotel is on the water, however it’s actually just the villas.

How to Save Money in Bora Bora

If your dream is to vacation in Bora Bora but your budget isn’t allowing it then here’s some ways that you can save some money.

Visit during off-season

Low season in Bora Bora runs from December to March. This is the rainy season in Bora Bora and during this time the weather is less predictable so fewer people choose to visit.

You may experience the occasional rainstorm if you choose to visit during this time however it’s not rainy all the time. 

When it rains, you’ll usually get a heavy burst for 20 minutes or so. The rain usually dries up pretty quickly though afterwards due to the heat. 

Visit during low season or during the shoulder season to save some money. I even wrote a list of things to do in Bora Bora when it rains to keep you busy.

High season runs from May to October so avoid these months to get a discount.

April and November are also great months as they are considered the ‘shoulder season’. They’re not really part of the low season or high season so it’s the best of both worlds.

Split your stay over different hotels

You can save money by splitting your stay across 2 different hotels.

Why not spend a couple of nights in one of the fancy resorts like St Regis then spend the rest of your stay in a slightly cheaper resort.

Example: 2 nights at St Regis Bora Bora then 5 nights at InterContinental Le Moana will cost approximately $10,375. 7 nights at St Regis would have cost $16,730 so that’s a $6,355 saving!

*These estimates assume that you travel during July (high season). Rates are lower at different times of the year.

Spend some time in a beach villa

Similar to the above tip, instead of moving resorts in the middle of your stay, just stay at the same resort but move rooms.

Quick Tip: In general, accommodation on land is always cheaper than an overwater bungalow. Most resorts also offer these options.

By splitting your stay between an overwater villa and a cheaper room (on land), you can save quite a bit of money.

Example: 2 nights in an overwater bungalow at Conrad Bora Bora then 5 nights in one of their beach villas would cost around $9,962 but 7 nights in the overwater villa would have cost $12,957 so that’s a $2,995 saving!

*These estimates assume that you travel during July (high season). Rates are lower at different times of the year.

Save money on food by visiting the grocery store

As I discussed in my post on food and restaurant prices in Bora Bora, overall food and drinks are super expensive in Bora Bora.

Some restaurants charge as much as $150 per person (and sometimes more!). When I dined at the main restaurant at the St Regis, we spent $300 between us on dinner one night.

To save some money, grab some snacks from the local grocery store.

You can fill up at the buffet breakfast, eat some snacks from the grocery store for lunch then eat out in a restaurant for dinner.

Bring some food and drinks with you

Another great way to save money on food and drinks is to bring it with you in your suitcase.

Pack non-perishable snacks like cereal bars, nuts, dried fruit snacks etc.

Drinks, like cocktails, can also be very expensive in Bora Bora (I’m talking $20+ per cocktail) so bring some drinks with you.

Each person traveling to Bora Bora is allowed to bring 2L of wine with them (that’s around 3 bottles). You could also bring liquor instead if you prefer.


And that’s it!

This post includes the best overwater bungalows in Bora Bora to help you choose which is right for you.

My personal favorite has to be the Four Seasons resort as there’s literally nothing they’ve missed.

Need more help planning your Bora Bora trip:

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Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. Megan's travel tips been featured in numerous media outlets including Metro, Timeout, Thrillist and more.

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