Bora Bora has always been one of my favorite destinations, and on my most recent trip, I had the chance to stay at the newest resort in Bora Bora – The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa and I’m so excited to share all the details with you in this blog post! This stunning resort opened in September 2024, making it the first new resort on the island in over 7 years. Formerly Le Méridien, this property has been completely reimagined — and let me tell you, the transformation is incredible!

First Impressions

As we arrived, we were immediately greeted with panoramic views of Mount Otemanu and the sparkling turquoise lagoon. I quickly learned that location wise, The Westin sits facing the middle of the mountain and feels so close to the mountain! The views are beyond unreal.

The entire resort exudes modern elegance with a Polynesian soul — warm woods, natural textures, and serene, earthy tones that blend perfectly with the lush surroundings. It felt luxurious yet peaceful — a dreamy escape from the moment we stepped off the boat.

Stay

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa boasts the most overwater bungalows within any resort in Bora Bora! It has a total of 142 villas. Of these, 128 are overwater bungalows and 14 are beach villas.

The Overwater Bungalows have differnt categories. We stayed in one of their One Bedroom Mountain view overwater bungalows with pool , and it was such a dream! Inside, the design was bright, airy, and calming. The one thing that really stood out to me is how modern this villa felt compared to some of the other resorts in Bora Bora since this is the newest. But despite being modern it still had a traditional charm to it. I was obsessed with the vaulted ceiling and wide patio opening which took the indoor outdoor living space to another level. The bedroom and living area was spacious and there was a large bathroom and closet room behind the living space as well. I also loved the little touches like the lavender sleep balm by the nightstand — such a thoughtful amenity.

Stunning interiors of the villa

And the patio view? Just… WOW. Waking up to that endless stretch of aquamarine water with the silhouette of the mountain in the distance was unreal. We also had our own private saltwater plunge pool, an outdoor dining area and lounge chairs on the large patio.

Infinity pool overlooking the lagoon with mountain views

Dining

The Westin has 3 restaurants and 2 bars on property :

Tipanier

This is the all-day dining spot where we had breakfast each morning. Their buffet spread was amazing — tropical fruits, fresh-baked pastries, and island-inspired hot dishes. They are also open for dinner here. Don’t miss trying out their chocolate mousse here, it was spectacular!

Maere

Their signature restaurant was our favorite dinner spot. The menu changes often and highlights seasonal, local ingredients in creative ways. We got to try their Mediterranean prix fixe menu and the food was incredible!

Varavara

A toes in the sand beachfront casual all day dining spot. The prawn roll here is to die for.

Honu Tiki Bar

The vibe here is super laid-back with the swings by the beach. Great cocktails and the perfect spot to grab a frozen drink and snack by the beach.

‘O’a Bar

We loved coming here for sunset cocktails. The views of Mount Otemanu were spectacular and the drinks were beautifully crafted.

Specialty Dining

You can also book private dinners or canoe breakfasts with the concierge. We did a canoe brekfast one morning and it was soo amazing! This is one of my favorite Polynesian breakfast experiences and is an absolute must do if you stay at the Westin for the perfect room servive, island style.

 

Canoe Breakfast experience

Beach, Lagoon and around resort

The main beach area has a stunning unobstructed view of Mount Otemanu and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Beyond the relaxing, there’s plenty to do here — from snorkeling and paddleboarding to kayaking around the lagoon.

Main beach area

There are also other lagoon beaches around the property.

Lagoon side beach

Behind the main beach is the lagoonarium which is so pretty. While there were not too many fish/corals, its still a stunning place to spend an afternoon at for a swim or relaxing.

Lagoonarium area

The resort grounds are gorgeous and vast enough that you need bikes to get around. Love that the resort has bikes for guests to get around!

In and around the property

Pools, Spa & Wellness

The infinity pool at this resort is the largest in Bora Bora, and it’s such a showstopper! Complete with a swim-up bar, cascading waterfall, and private cabanas, it’s honestly hard to leave.

Main Pool area

 

We also made time to visit the Heavenly Spa and our couples massage was so relaxing — inspired by Polynesian techniques, using local oils and ingredients. Bliss! Also for those who like to stay active , the Westin Fitness Studio offers yoga, strength training equipment, and group classes as well. We loved working out at their gym every morning.

Spa pool

Other Activities

I also loved the resort’s emphasis on eco-conscious travel — they have an Eco Center that focuses on marine conservation, and we got to learn about local sea turtle preservation efforts. It added such depth to the experience knowing the resort is committed to sustainability.

Turtle feeding at the Eco Center

They also have daily classes to partake in like pareo making, flower crown making, rum tasting, shell crafting, etc. We tried the Flower crown class and it was so fun to learn the art of making a Hei Upo’o! Make sure to check with the concierge and book your classes in advance. The concierge can also help you to book outside tours.

Hei upo’o making class

Conclusion

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa blew me away — it’s modern and elegant, yet rooted in the beauty and culture of Bora Bora. Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a luxurious tropical escape, this resort offers a fresh new way to experience the island. It’s truly a slice of paradise and a must-visit if you’re heading to French Polynesia anytime soon. We can’t wait to be back soon enough!

If you are looking for more details on travel to Bora Bora, check out this travel guide for more.

Disclaimer : This stay was in collaboration with The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa but all thoughts and opinions are my own.