These Are the Best Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia to Book in 2026

Why We Like It: There may be a lot of competition in overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and indeed in the broader region of French Polynesia, but we think the 5-star InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora is really quite a place. It is located on its own private island, a 20-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Motu Mute Airport, and it is hard to overemphasize the extraordinary setting, with the craggy peak of Mount Otemanu towering above and the most beautifully clear turquoise waters you could imagine swaying gently all around. It also has consistently high levels of service, great facilities, and a laudable commitment to eco-friendly and sustainability principles, all of which, for us, make it stand out somewhat from the rest and lend the place an extra exclusive feel. It is very much a once-in-a-lifetime vacation venue, and smoothly manages to be both family-friendly and ideal for honeymoons.   Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The overwater bungalows and villas are in a choice position to enjoy the setting with their boardwalk jutting out right in the middle of the bay. They are also all exceptionally spacious; the smallest covers a minimum of 1020 ft² while the largest, the ‘Marlon Brando Suite’, comes in at a whopping 3465 ft². As you will see there is a great range of accommodation to choose from, most, but not all, of which are overwater. Of those that are overwater, they come with glass floor coffee tables from where you can peer down into the coral reef and see all manner of exotic creatures. Many also have their own private, on-deck, infinity swimming pools. We found the design and interior decoration a pleasing mix of modern and traditional Polynesian and they have all the modern facilities and comforts you would expect from a luxury hotel: air-con, WiFi, cable TV, music system, refrigerator, coffee maker, mini bar, some lovely bathrooms with bathtubs and rainfall showers, as well as plenty of lounging and dining furniture both inside and out. Room service is 24 hours and you can expect the absolute best in service throughout the resort. As mentioned above InterContinental Thalasso makes great efforts to be sustainable and not adversely affect the delicate ecosystem that surrounds it. It was for example a pioneer of revolutionary technology that draws cool water from the deep ocean to power its air conditioning system.   Overwater Bungalow Prices: Enter dates and check prices at Booking.com here or at the hotel’s own website here   Resort Facilities & Things to Do: There are three main restaurants at the resort; the elegant Reef Restaurant which serves French and international food, the more informal beachside Sands Restaurant which does a particularly nice line Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: Maitai Polynesia is a charming little overwater bungalow resort in the south of Bora Bora, by Matira Point Beach, and just below the InterContinental Le Moana. It offers the cheapest luxury overwater bungalow experience in Bora Bora. This might be possible because they seem to have pared back some of the more expensive, but maybe unnecessary for many people frills. By that we mean things such as a swimming pool, private airport transfer to the resort (though there is a private transfer from Vaitape, and you can get there easily, and cheaply, by public ferry from the airport) and an excess of choice in terms of restaurants, bars, and other facilities. For a lot of people, including us, this is a decent trade-off, especially seeing that guests at Maitai have complimentary access to the facilities of the InterContinental just a few minutes walk away. Note: Maitai is placed in our adults-only category as, though children can stay in some other parts of the resort, the overwater bungalows are adults-only. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a nice range of options here – overwater bungalows, bungalows on the beach or in the gardens of the resort, and some rooms farther back and higher up which have lovely ocean views. All are stylish, spacious, and super comfortable and include air conditioning, satellite TV, and a minibar plus the overwater bungalows have a glass table and floor to allow guests to watch the sea life below their feet. The overwater bungalows are great value but they might now have the same wow factor as the other resorts in Bora Bora, being quite close to the shore and relatively close to one other. But, they are much cheaper and again, for what they offer, we think they are very good value. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details on the booking page here. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: The resort is relatively small but has two bars and two high-quality (and good value) restaurants serving Tahitian, French, and international cuisine. One of them – the Fare Tama’a Maitai restaurant has a lovely setting right on the beachfront and you can also enjoy cocktails at the Verandah Bar which has stunning views over the lagoon. We have no spa here but guests at Maitai have free access to all the facilities of the neighboring larger resort of InterContinental Le Moana, and the Intercontinental Thalasso, the latter having an award-winning spa a short boat ride away. The staff at Maitai are consistently helpful and friendly and they have a tour desk with a whole range of trips and excursions on offer – scuba diving, hiking, and island cruises for Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The family-friendly Four Seasons overwater bungalow resort forms an exclusive enclave by the coral reefs to the northeast of Bora Bora. We found their overwater bungalows more modernist than most and they have the feel of luxury design apartments where everything feels crisp, clean, and new. All come with tremendous views over Mount Otemanu and the lagoon, the overwater bungalows particularly, and the resort itself is a pleasure to stroll around with plenty to do and see, and a cozy, friendly, atmosphere throughout. Though the vibe is, this being Bora Bora, generally one of romantic indulgence, We think the Four Seasons takes care of children better than most with a kid’s club and plenty of organized activities. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has one hundred overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas to choose from, ranging in size from 1070 ft² to over 3200 ft², with a maximum occupancy of 6 for the larger units. We think you’ll find them extremely comfortable, spacious, and beautifully styled with teak woods and pastel-shaded soft furnishings. The outside spaces are expansive and kitted out, with the overwater bungalows having private access to the water as well as outdoor showers, chaise lounges, circular daybeds, and dining tables. All the overwaters have internal glass floor panels to watch the sea life in the lagoon below too and some also have plunge pools on the deck. You can expect king-size beds as standard in all of the units as well as plasma screen satellite TVs, coffee machines, mini-fridges, music stations, etc. in the lounge areas. All the bathrooms come with nice, large, and deep baths with some opening out to the sea via sliding doors. Room service is 24 hours and the service throughout the resort, which also provides concierge and business services, is of the highest quality. Prices: Check availability & prices here at Expedia or here at Booking.com Resort Facilities & Things to Do: You can enjoy some tremendous food at the Four Seasons, where you have a choice of four venues from casual to fine dining. We love the seafood-centric French-Polynesian Arii Moana Restaurant. It is one of Bora Bora’s most heralded, and definitely worth trying out at least one evening. Private dining can also be arranged, with a particularly nice experience being to have a gourmet meal delivered to your villa by traditional canoe, and set up on your deck, for a relaxed, romantic evening in. The infinity swimming pool which blends beautifully out with the sea also has a swim-up bar and some fine cocktails, which can also be enjoyed into the early hours at the casual chic Fare Hoa Bar which has live Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The tropical gardens of the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa lie just five minutes from Tahiti Airport and not much more than ten from downtown Papeete. The super convenient location means it’s a place where many people get their very first experience of a classic Polynesian resort and an overwater bungalow stay. It is a large, fairly busy resort and you’ll find it more lively, both day and night (it’s got a 24-hour bar for example), than any similar resort on the likes of Bora Bora and Moorea. The overwater bungalows section though is more quiet and peaceful, relatively speaking, and so in some ways, you can have a romantic getaway or honeymoon while still being able to enjoy the buzz of a lively resort. You’ll find lots to do here with shops, fine restaurants, fun bars, a fabulous spa, and plenty of water sports and other activities to pass the time with. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: They have a range of accommodations at the Intercontinental, mainly rooms at the main hotel building which come in various sizes and have balconies with garden and sea views, but also overwater bungalows with outdoor terraces and lovely views of Moorea Island just across the water. These overwater bungalows are in two sections. Eight 400 square feet/37 square meter units surround the resort’s motu (islet) where the lagoonarium and the main pool are situated, while the others are down a coast with a wooden walkway placing them a little farther out on the ocean. The latter are referred to as Overwater Motu Bungalows on the booking page and come with 400 square feet/37 square meters of internal space and an impressive 344 square feet/ 32 square meter terrace. The Lagoon Bungalows come in two sizes – the standard models are larger internally than the Motu Bungalows but smaller externally – 414 square feet/39 square meters indoors with a 129 square feet/12 square meter terrace. The Superior Bungalows, the pick of the bunch at this resort, are a similar size indoors but come with a 183 square feet/17 square meter terrace. The majority of the accommodation choices, but in particular the overwater bungalows, are tastefully designed and decorated, displaying a nice, subtle fusion between modern conveniences and traditional Polynesian styling. Though the overwaters are certainly cozy and romantic, the resort itself is busy and developed (as is the island of Tahiti in general) so compared to resorts on Moorea or in particular Bora Bora, some may find it not so ideal for an intimate getaway. Others though may prefer the buzz of a livelier resort, and island. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details  at Booking.com here. or at Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The 5-star, St. Regis Bora Bora was the setting for the 2009 comedy ‘Couple’s Retreat,’ starring Vince Vaughan, an extra publicity boost that such a confident, sophisticated resort really had very little need for. Its overwater bungalows are stunning and we’re sure you’ll be extremely impressed with almost everything this resort has to offer. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The resort is spread out over 44 acres which includes a private lagoon and various beach areas. The accommodation is a mixture of overwater bungalows and beach villas, all of which are extremely spacious; the largest overwater bungalows and villas in Bora Bora in fact. The very smallest on offer at the St. Regis are 1550 ft² for example, with the very largest being a quite magnificent 3960 ft². The design and decor are mostly traditional Polynesian; airy and with lots of wood. You will have a large bedroom(s) with a super comfortable king-size bed, seating, closet space, and a giant flat-screen TV. The lounge areas have comfy sofas, another TV, and a minibar, and outside there is lots of deck space with lounging, seating and dining furniture, outdoor showers, and, in the case of the overwater bungalows, private access to the water. The bathrooms are suitably luxurious, and large, too. There you have a rainfall shower, a deep bath to sink into, and a choice of exotic bath salts and other pampering products. For us another nice touch is of course the glass floor paneling. Many, if not most, luxury overwater bungalows will have them, but usually just in one room. Here they have them in the hallway, the living room, and the bathroom. The overwaters come in various levels and prices as you will see on the booking page with the top of the range being their Royal Villas which are really quite magnificent and, surprisingly enough, are the only ones that have private pools on the deck. You have a private butler service at your disposal at the St. Regis and one of the best concierge teams around. They are particularly adept at arranging grand romantic gestures, for honeymoons or otherwise, via their ‘Romantic Concierge’ service, and they organize weddings too with a bridal boutique also on the premises where you can rent wedding dresses, groom suits, etc. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details here at Booking.com or on the resort’s own website (Marriott). Resort Facilities & Things to Do: The resort has two swimming pools one of which has a swim-up bar and there is a private lagoon teeming with water life; coral, exotic fish, stingrays, and turtles. There is a resident biologist at the St. Regis too, and he is on Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The 5-star celebrity haunt that is the Conrad Bora Bora Nui has perhaps the most opulent overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. The setting is beautiful – a private cove on Motu To’opua – it is secluded and thoroughly romantic, and for us the resort really has an extra touch of class, even by Bora Bora’s high standards. We think it also has a strong candidate for the world’s finest overwater bungalow, and that is the incredibly impressive Presidential Overwater Villa. Their hilltop Hina Spa has soothing treatments and tremendous panoramic views, there are four excellent dining options, a large infinity pool and pool bar, and some lovely stretches of the purest of white sands. The Conrad is family-friendly; it has its own Kid’s Club, but overall we think you’ll find the atmosphere is one of romance and indulgent tranquility. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a total of 114 accommodation units at the Conrad, with a choice between overwater, beach, and garden. The Conrad, in its previous incarnation as a Hilton, was the first resort in Bora Bora to offer the now ubiquitous overwater bungalows and these are of course as plush and opulent as you may imagine. They all offer lots of space too, with the smallest on offer covering around 1200 ft². They have sleek and stylish interiors, king-size beds, and wall-to-wall sliding doors opening out to a large deck where you have direct access to the sea, lounging, and dining furniture, and an outdoor shower. Some, the ‘Pool Villas’, also come with an infinity plunge pool and overwater catamaran-style hammock nets to sink into. For us the crème de la crème of the overwater bungalows are certainly the two Presidential Overwater Villas. They are absolutely stunning two-story overwater palaces, probably the finest in Bora Bora. These are where A-list celebs stay when they’re in town. Feast your eyes here. The Conrad’s Beach Villas though are also quite special and compare well to the overwaters. Sitting on the beach, just feet from the water, they boast the same luxurious qualities and come with infinity-style plunge pools as standard, overlooking the sand and the sea. Then there are the Garden Suites. They are situated in the garden area just behind the beach. They are spacious and equally beautifully designed and decorated, though the ‘Garden View’ choices don’t have much of a view. The pick of them therefore are the ‘Horizon View Villas’ which are higher up on the hill and have terrific views over the resort and the ocean beyond. Throughout the accommodation choices, you can expect modern facilities worthy of The Conrad’s 5 Star status; A/C, mini bar, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The 5-star Le Taha’a Island’s overwater bungalows sit neatly off of a secluded private islet between Bora Bora and the famous vanilla island of Taha’a from where it gets its name. We find it offers pretty much the same tranquil, laid-back luxury as Bora Bora island but at cheaper prices. Cheaper prices or not, we think many may find Le Taha’a preferable to resorts on Bora Bora’s main island anyway in that it has an even more remote, paradise island feel. And it is a small, intimate resort that for us feels more personable and less corporate than many others. This is reflected too in its architecture and interior design – the accommodation, and the resort in general feels more traditionally Polynesian than most. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: Le Taha’a has 45 romantic, old-style wood and thatch overwater bungalows above the islet’s crystal clear waters, plus a range of cozy beach villas with private gardens and plunge pools steps away from the beach. This is 5-star luxury accommodations with all the conveniences we have come to expect but the decor is traditional Polynesian. It displays native woodcraft and some lovely examples of Tapa barkcloth – and so we find it has a more exotic feel than many other resorts in the region. The overwater bungalows are all 969 square feet/90 square meters, in size and broadly similar but priced slightly differently according to the view they offer, with a view of the iconic Mount Otemanu being the most expensive. There is also a small extra premium for the extra privacy of an End of Pontoon Overwater Bungalow which we feel is relatively good value. The beach villas are similarly priced to the overwaters but they are at least twice the size and so are worth a look. Their Royal Pool Villa is the most expensive accommodation in the whole resort but it is really quite special with roughly 2,800 square feet/260 square meters of space surrounded by its own private walled garden. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Enter dates and check out all the details  at Booking.com here or at Expedia here. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: Le Taha’a Island Resort has three restaurants and two friendly laid-back bars with regular live entertainment – traditional Polynesian fire shows, dancing, and singing for example. Le Vanille is the main restaurant and starts its day with a fantastic breakfast. Choices are wide with a variety of international, French, and Polynesian food, and an impressive array of exotic fresh fruit. Later throughout the day, you can sample incredibly good native seafood amongst other things. Le Vanille is a chic-looking venue but relatively informal, for more fine dining check out Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: Just a ten-minute shuttle boat ride from Motu Mute Airport, and fifteen minutes across the lagoon from the town of Vaitape, lies the little island of Tevairoa – the wondrous setting for the 4-star Le Bora Bora Pearl Resort’s overwater bungalows. We have a total of 80 accommodation units here, comprising overwater bungalows, beach villas, and garden villas, but feels rather small and like a boutique resort. I also think it feels more traditionally Polynesian than other resorts around Bora Bora, in terms of architecture, style, and general laid-back atmosphere. It is family-friendly, and has activities for children, but wouldn’t really define itself as such. I think it maintains well the tricky balance between keeping children content and offering the last word in a romantic experience. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: We have a choice between garden suites, beachfront suites, or classic overwater bungalows at Le Bora Pearl. The suites are nestled among tropical plants, have their own private pool, and, being able to sleep up to five, are the most suitable for families. The beachfront suites have a private hot tub/jacuzzi and some lovely views across the sands. For us of course the overwater bungalows have that extra romantic feel, plus direct access to the water and the resort’s coral nurseries. All the accommodation is top luxury hotel standard, boasting all modern facilities, while the design and decor generally display even more Polynesian influence than other Bora Bora resorts and lots of sleek wood paneling and traditional art pieces. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details here at Booking .com Resort Facilities & Things to Do: There are limited dining and drinking choices here but they are of the highest quality. The Tevairoa Restaurant & Bar serves up international food with Polynesian influences and has native music and dance performances on most evenings. The Miki Miki Bar & Restaurant serves up snacks and dishes throughout the day and has a great selection of drinks, from fancy cocktails to old ports and rums. At the Tavai Spa, nestled away in tropical foliage and surrounded by lily ponds, we have all sorts of health and beauty treatments: Vichy body scrubs, traditional ‘Taurumi’ massages, hot stone massages with fragrant monoi oil, and more. Fairly unusually for a spa it also has a resident tattoo artist, for the ultimate traditional Polynesian souvenir. A variety of non-motorized water sports are available and complimentary; out-rigger canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, etc. Other activities like jet skiing, catamaran trips, and deep sea fishing for example can also be arranged and the resort has its own scuba diving center. Concierge services are available and they can arrange all sorts of extras Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: Formerly Le Méridien The Westin is a new Marriott overwater bungalow resort that was fully renovated and rebranded in May ’24. Even after this fine renovation for us it doesn’t have the same show-stopping sense of opulence and scale as some other nearby resorts; the St. Regis or The Four Seasons for example. But, though the largest overwater bungalows at The Westin cover not much more than 540 ft², they are certainly luxurious, stylish and well-equipped. So we think if you feel having acres of extra space is not worth the extra premium price then The Westin will be for you. The resort is family-friendly, but sees mainly couples, and is generally very relaxed and quiet. We find it noticeably quieter in the evening than most other Bora Bora resorts. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The Westin won’t have the same breadth of accommodation choices as some other resorts but we do very much like their overwater bungalows, for being are cozy and intimate, and for nicelt blending traditional Polynesian design with modern features including glass floor panels. The resort also offers similarly pleasant beach villas and suites. All the accommodations have some outside space with seating and lounging furniture, and in the case of the overwater bungalows – direct access to the water. King-size beds are standard at The Westin and all of the accommodations will be kitted out with modern necessities; AC, WiFi, mini bar, flat-screen satellite TVs, etc. Room service is 24 hours, there are also concierge and business services available, and the service throughout the resort is particularly friendly and personable. Prices: Check out all the details at the hotel website (Marriott) here Resort Facilities & Things to Do: The Westin is well known in French Polynesia for its turtle sanctuary, which has been rescuing, and looking after, sick and injured turtles for years now. Guests are welcome to visit, they can help feed the turtles and also join guided educational tours with the resident biologist. There is a fitness center at the resort and The Heavenly Spa offers a range of reflexology, deep tissue, and full body massages, with spa products made fresh daily from fruit enzymes, essential oils, and sea salt minerals. Various classes can be arranged too, in yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi for example. Food and drink choices include The Te Ava pool bar – a relaxed place serving a variety of sandwiches and salads plus a full range of drinks. The more dressy Otemanu Lobby Lounge and Bar serves up a similar menu. Of the restaurants, Makau does Japanese and Japanese-Korean Fusion. Varavara is a grill restaurant right on the beach. Mãere does multiple cuisines – every Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The InterContinental Le Moana’s overwater bungalows lie off Matira Point at the southern end of Bora Bora’s main island. The hotel is, as the name suggests, a sister of the InterContinental Thalasso across the lagoon which has a greater range of facilities, all of which guests at this InterContinental can access via shuttle boat. We think it doesn’t have the same broad choice of accommodation as its sister hotel and we think many will also consider the Thalasso branch as having a more scenic location, as it looks directly across the lagoon at the towering Mount Otemanu. Intercontinental Le Moana also has an extremely idyllic location though we must admit, nestling snugly as it does between the gorgeous white sands of Matira Point and the lush tropical hills behind. It also offers equal amounts of luxury, service, and style, and has an understated charm that may be lacking in the larger resort. We think its smaller size, more convivial atmosphere, greater access to the main island, and lower prices may just make it preferable for many guests. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: The Le Moana, as mentioned, doesn’t have the same range of accommodation on offer as the Thalasso, nor are the bungalows and villas on offer as large. Their standard size is 560 ft² with the largest being only a tad larger at 670 ft². That being said we think they are just as luxurious and beautifully designed and decorated, and have a more intimate, cozy feel. So, if you don’t feel like paying premium prices just for extra space they will work out to a much better value. The choices are overwater bungalows and beach villas both of which are stylish and sleek, and filled with modern comforts, with the overwaters all coming with a glass-bottomed coffee table through which you can peer down into the coral reef. They also have gorgeous views out over the lagoon and the nearby islands of Raiatea and Taha’a, a positive also shared by the beach villas which sit right at the edge of the powder-like white sands. All luxury hotel standard facilities are here: air-con, WiFi, cable TVs, music system, coffee makers, refrigerators & minibars, and the bathrooms are all equipped with a spa-bath. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out all the details at the resort’s own website (IHG) here or at Booking.com here. Resort Facilities & Things to Do: Noa Noa, the main restaurant, serves French cuisine with a Polynesian twist in a semi al-fresco setting by the beach and has live evening entertainment on some evenings. The Vini Vini Bar and Terrace is a casual poolside venue that does good lunches and, until late, various snacks, Deep Dive: Read the Review…

Why We Like It: The 5-star, Sofitel Moorea Kia Ora Resort is a private enclave surrounded by crystal clear waters and pure white sands near both Moorea Airport and the island’s main ferry dock which has regular ferries running the hour-long journey to and from Tahiti. It is a beautiful place, and if you’re coming, as most people are, straight from busy Tahiti both it and the island of Moorea in general will offer the wow factor. The setting ticks all the boxes for a classic Polynesian island stay; balmy turquoise waters, powdery white sands (the beach alongside is consistently rated one of the best in Polynesia), and lush green tropical foliage, while the resort itself is small, intimate and oozes romantic indulgence. Sofitel is family friendly but it doesn’t have much in the way of specific facilities for kids. In general, though they will be well looked after by the helpful, cheerful staff. Babysitting/child minding services are also available. Overwater Bungalows & Other Accommodation: They have a range of bungalows and villas, mainly overwater but with a few beach and garden villas too, ranging in size from 450 to 800 square feet. All are sleek and modern in style with lots of polished wood, soft lighting, and pastel-colored fabrics, though also with that classic, traditional Polynesian look externally. The overwater bungalows at the Sofitel Moorea feel the most traditional in style internally and as such are cozy and romantic. They all come with outside terraces with lounging furniture and direct access to the water. They are the most popular accommodation choice and, though almost double the price of the cheapest, garden-based bungalows, we have to say they are worth the extra. You’ll find all the usual 5-star hotel facilities at the Sofitel, there is a concierge service here and in general, throughout the resort we think you’ll find the service is outstanding. Overwater Bungalow Prices: Check out availability & prices at Booking.com Resort Facilities & Things to Do: We have two acclaimed restaurants here; Pure, which offers quality international and local dishes, both buffet and a la carte, and has live entertainment on some evenings. It is also where their huge buffet breakfast is served in the morning. Then there is the simply titled Le K, which is a smaller venue with a sand floor and traditional Polynesian decor. It is more for fine dining in an intimate, romantic atmosphere though it also has some low-key live entertainment on some evenings too. Our choice of bars at Sofitel Moorea are Vue, which is known for having the largest selection of liquors in French Polynesia, and also does some inventive cocktails, and the Beach Bar, on the edge of the Deep Dive: Read the Review…