Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts : A luxurious yet authentic Polynesian escape
Anush and I can’t seem to stay away from an annual trip to French Polynesia, its without a doubt our favorite destination in the world. This time we started our trip back in Bora Bora as we were celebrating our 18 year dating anniversary.
Bora Bora is one of our favorite islands in the world! This idyllic South Pacific gem is an epitome of a luxurious island escape and is well known for it gorgeous views of the mountains, crystal clear lagoon, overwater villas and incredible marine life.
About Le Bora Bora by pearl Resorts and getting here :
Having stayed at Le Taha’a and Le Tikehau last year, we were in love with the vibe of the Pearl resorts of Tahiti brand. They have 5 beautiful luxury resorts across French Polynesia. Le Bora Bora is a beautiful luxury resort in Bora Bora that has the best of both worlds – luxury and authentic Polynesian hospitality. It is the only Relais and Châteaux property in Bora Bora and sits on Motu Tevairoa, only a ten-minute boat ride from the airport and fifteen minutes across the lagoon from the village of Vaitape. Location wise Le Bora Bora is amazing – both because of its proximity to the airport and mainland, but also due to its magnificent views of Mount Otemanu.
It sits in one of the most breathtaking areas of the lagoon where you see the stark contrast of the two shades of blue, personally my very favorite part of Bora Bora lagoon!
To get here you will have to take a short domestic flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora via Air Tahiti. The flight is absolutely scenic, make sure to sit on the left side of the aircraft (if you face the cockpit) to get the best views coming in! The hotel will help arrange your boat transfers from Bora Bora to the resort motu. Its a quick 15 minute scenic boat ride from the boat to the resort.
Stay
The resort has 108 rooms and villas and offers a range of accommodations – from iconic overwater bungalows to garden villas to beach villas. All of them boast authentic Polynesian style and architecture and have some of the most traditionally designed rooms and villas in Bora Bora. I have stayed across a few resorts in Bora Bora and what I loved most about Le Bora Bora is this authentic flair, while still being luxurious.
We stayed in a gorgeous Overwater Bungalow. This spacious villa has a bedroom area with an en-suite bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower, a furnished sundeck with gazebo and direct access to the lagoon, an opening glass panel at the end of the bed, as well as by the bathtub. The deck was my favorite part cos of the epic views we had of Mount Otemanu as well as direct access to the shallow lagoon! This is also the only resort where we had shallow waters right outside our villa and I absolutely loved it! Most other places in Bora Bora have deeper waters closer to the villas.
In and around the Overwater Bungalow
Bamboo screens for privacy
Shallow crystal clear lagoon right outside the deck
We also got the chance to visit few other villas – one was the gorgeous Pool Overwater Villa. This was very similar to our accomodation style but also had an infinity plunge pool at the outdoor deck.
Dreamy views around the Pool overwater villa
One of the most luxurious villas on property is the Royal Beach Villa with Pool. This beach villa would be the perfect choice for a large family or group of friends who want to stay together. The views of Mount Otemanu from the private beach front in front of this villa are truly unbeatable!
Private pool and private beach at the Royal Beach Villa with pool
Resort grounds and facilities :
We loved exploring all around the motu, the whole resort felt like an intimate luxurious island escape. The pontoon is an absolute dream, there were so many water access points right from it! There is even a coral nursery in the lagoon for the best snorkeling opportunities.
Stunning views all around the pontoon
Many lagoon access points all over
Le Bora Bora has a spectacular beachfront with sweeping views of Mount Otemanu from every corner! Whether you choose to lounge around under the umbrella, or go snorkeling or kayaking in the lagoon I guarantee this is going to be one of your favorite spots in the resort! The lagoon is so warm, clear and shallow you can walk so far out into it, we couldn’t get enough of it.
Beach area with epic views of Mount Otemanu
Even the interiors of the property are so gorgeous – the lush tropical flora all over is so rejuvenating. I also loved the art that was all over the resort. Sculptures, paintings, decoration or legends are placed all over the property and are all made by local artisans!
Lush interiors at the resort
The resort also has a beautiful pool in the main area. With th sparkling lagoon at a stone’s throw distance from the pool, you are spoilt for choice between the two! Other facilities at the resort include a spa, fitness center, water sports center, concierge and more! We used the gym everyday and it was well equipped with all the modern equipment. The water sports offers a variety of non-motorized water sport options such as stand up paddle boards, kayaks, outrigger canoes and snorkeling equipment.
The concierge is your one stop shop should you wish to book any tours and activities in Bora Bora. Don’t miss out on going on a lagoon tour where you can swim with sharks and rays, immerse yourself in Polynesian culture and explore the most beautiful lagoon in the world!
Lagoon tour is a must in Bora Bora!
Dining
Le Bora Bora has fantastic dining options – three restaurants offering international cuisine with a French – Polynesian touch and one bar. Outside of the restaurants, room service and special dining experiences like private dinners or canoe breakfasts can also be organized.
OTEMANU RESTAURANT
Breakfast at Otemanu restaurant
The highest elevation point at the resort, breakfast is served buffet style with peaceful views of the dazzling lagoon and Mount Otemanu. The spread at breakfast was incredible from fresh pastries to tropical fruit to local delicacies. For dinner the ambiance is so romantic, we loved dining on the outdoor patio area. Otemanu features international cuisine with a creative French-Polynesian touch.
MIKI MIKI RESTAURANT
UAINA BAR
Uaina Bar is an intimate wine bar, which also offers sushi and cheese plates.
POERAVA GOURMET RESTAURANT
This is their fine dining restaurant on property , it has an intimate and cozy setting and is perfect for a special date night in paradise!
Conclusion :
We absolutely loved our stay at Le Bora Bora and couldn’t have chosen a more special place to celebrate our anniverary in paradise! Le Bora Bora will make the most incredible destination for a honeymoon or special occassion or even a family vacation. What I absolutely loved noticing is how versatile the property is catering to differnt type of travelers – we saw a good mix of couples and friends/family all around. Le Bora Bora felt like a luxurious escape in paradise but it still retained the laidback and authentic Polynesian vibes, which is the reason we keep going back to all the Pearl Resorts of Tahiti! Overall we highly recommend Le Bora Bora and we can’t wait to be back at this beautiful property soon enough!
I have a detailed travel guide to Bora Bora as well as to French Polynesia in general if you are interested too.
