Are you looking for an honest Westin Bora Bora Review?
You’ve come to the right place. After years of dreaming of travelling to French Polynesia, our dreams came true, and we checked in at the Westin Bora Bora resort. In this article, I’m going to share all of our experiences, the amazing and the not-so-ideal, to help you plan your own epic, amazing, life-changing trip to Bora Bora. Let’s dig in…
The Arrival That Set A New Standard
There’s a moment that defines a trip before you even set foot on the property. For us, it happened the second our traditional Polynesian canoe pulled through the two main buoys into the private lagoon of The Westin Bora Bora.
We could see the sign. “The Westin Bora Bora.” We could see the beautiful luxury boats tied up on the dock. And then we heard it — a deep, resonant blow from a conch shell that echoed across the lagoon. A grandios Tahitian man stood waiting, the shell still in his hands, signaling our official welcome.
In all my years of travel, I’d never experienced anything like it.
What made this moment truly special wasn’t the production of it all. It was the unexpectedness. When you travel as a mom, especially for a trip you’ve been planning and researching for years, you think you know what to expect. You’ve done your homework. You’ve pinned things on Pinterest, scoured websites, and read reviews. You anticipate. You prepare.
But that moment — hearing the conch shell, looking up to see a Tahitian ready to welcome us — that was unscripted. That was genuine surprise in a world where there truly aren’t many surprises. And in that unscripted moment, all of us were taken aback. Our smiles widened across our cheeks, and that “is this really happening” moment as it unfolded before our eyes.
As soon as we stepped off our boat, our guide unloaded our bags into a golf cart, then traded his conch shell for a ukulele. He hopped into the back seat and was serenaded with traditional Tahitian songs as we rode down the overwater boardwalk toward check-in.
What a way to make an entrance!
At the reception, I handled all of the logistics — the paperwork, the details, all the things you have to do when you arrive — while my family jutted off to check out the views. I could see the three of them soaking in the sights. The infinity pool, the white sand beach, the lagoon, the mountain. Watching them take it all in while I worked through the formalities was one of the proudest, most grateful moments I’ve had as a mom. They were living a dream we’d all worked toward for so many years. And I got to watch it unfold in real time.
The Westin Bora Bora Review – What to Expect During Your Stay
After check-in, they take you on a full property tour via golf cart. This is a great way to get oriented to the property and see all of the amenities. From the 2 restaurants and the overwater bar to the fitness studio, spa, and Turtle sanctuary, to discovering all the different beaches, I loved being toured around in the golf cart, which added anticipation and showcased all the fun things we were going to be able to do that week.
Checking Into our Overwater Bungalow
When we finally pulled up to our overwater bungalow, the excitement was palpable in a “this is almost too good to be true” kinda way.
We’d splurged big — my husband and I in one bungalow, our kids in the one right next door. When they found out they’d be getting their own overwater bungalow, the look on their faces was everything. They knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and were in that unique space of “is this actually happening” and pure “wow, it really is!” After six years of anticipation and all that research we’d done and photos we’d seen, The Westin Bora Bora lived up to the hype. That’s rare.
The Overwater Bungalows At the Westin Bora Bora
The space is exactly what you’d expect from a newly renovated Westin property — clean, modern, luxurious – but with a distinct Tahitian flair. White marble mixed with teal, natural fabrics, and textures that feel both contemporary and rooted in place.
The king bed sits anchored in the center of the room, facing out over the water and Mount Otemanu. The bathroom has two sinks and two mirrors — a small but practical detail that matters when two people are getting ready. There’s a walk-in shower with a privacy screen, plus a living room space with a fridge, coffee maker, ice bucket, couch, and TV.
On arrival, they’d left us a beautiful bottle of champagne with glasses, handwritten welcome letters from the staff, and a customized itinerary for the week — our booked activities lay out alongside optional additions like morning yoga and fitness classes.
But the deck. The deck deserves its own moment.
Plush lounger chairs. Table and chairs. And the ability to cannonball directly into the ocean from your room? That’s what we came for and was the first thing we did after we threw our bags in our room.
Then there’s the detail I didn’t expect: an open window built into the floor. Not a skylight — a sea light. You can lie on the floor and watch the marine life moving beneath you.
One night, we did exactly that — with about eight of us total. We’d made friends at the pool earlier that day. We were all out on the boardwalk when we spotted a turtle, then a shark, moving through the water toward our room. Suddenly, all eight of us were lying on the floor, looking down through that window, watching them pass directly beneath us. When they moved to the next bungalow, we followed. We spent two hours like that — rotating between rooms, spotting sea life beneath the bungalows.
It’s one of those moments that reminds you why overwater bungalows are worth it. You’re not observing Bora Bora from a distance. You’re living in it.
The Infinity Pool and Swim-Up Bar
The pool at The Westin Bora Bora is an elevated luxury complete with private cabanas and a swim-up bar. The infinity pool is nestled into the white sand beach, the lagoon, with Mount Otemanu looking down over us. The view was something so special that no matter how many pictures we took, we often just found ourselves sitting on the pool’s edge, soaking it all in. Unforgettable!
If you look up from the pool, you’ll discover one of the resort’s most unique design features — a suspended bar that you access via a small bridge. You step out over the bar, lower yourself into this incredible vantage point, and look out over the pool and the 180-degree views out over the lagoon. I’ve never seen a bar designed quite like it, and that’s exactly what you get with a brand new resort, design elements that haven’t existed anywhere else before.
The people around the pool added something equally special. Everyone there carried the same mix of pride, humility, and gratitude — that “is this real?” feeling you get when you’re somewhere that exceeds your imagination. The drinks are expensive (we joked about it, everyone jokes about it), and those jokes broke the ice every single time. Travel has a way of connecting you with people you’d never otherwise meet — people with completely different lives who share the same values. Some of the people we met at that pool, I could genuinely see us planning future trips with.
Free Water Activities At The Westin Bora Bora
The resort offers a wide variety of complimentary activities for guests. Snorkeling gear, single and double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, bike rentals, and a beach volleyball court that became a natural gathering spot during the day.
For guests who want more, there are paid options too — Sea-Doo rentals, scuba diving, and a variety of excursions on land and in the water that you can add to your trip. We will share more about the excursions below.
Cultural Activities at the Westin Bora Bora
The Westin offers regular cultural programming for guests to participate in during their stay. Their schedule includes coconut palm weaving, Tahitian dance classes, and our favourite, flower crown weaving.
One of our favourite cultural activities took place on a day trip with Bora Bora Cultural Tours, where you get to head to the host’s private motu and eat a traditional Tahitian meal, learn about coconuts, make some Tahitian crafts, including crowns and bracelets, and even paddle a traditional Tahitian canoe. This was one of our favorite activities during our 2-week stay in French Polynesia, and we think everyone should invest in experiencing Tahitian culture with this hands-on experience. Note: this is also a great tour to do on a rainy day as the weather wouldn’t adversely affect your activities too much.
The Eco Center at the Westin Bora Bora
The Eco Center was one of the reasons we chose to stay at The Westin Bora Bora in the first place.
We wanted to support a resort that invests in the environment — one that doesn’t just sit atop the beauty of Bora Bora but actively works to protect it and the animals that call French Polynesia home.
The Eco Center is a sea turtle hospital and rehabilitation program on-site at the Westin Bora Bora. As guests, we got to book a tour, and it was definitely one of the highlights of our stay.
During our tour, we got to listen to a very educational and visual presentation teaching us about sea turtles, the eco center, and the work that we can all do to create a better planet for these beautiful creatures.
We got to meet the resident turtles, learn about how many have been rescued, rehabilitated, and released, and understand the broader conservation mission behind it all. It was a genuinely high-quality educational experience — one that mattered especially to our kids.
We loved it so much that we’re dedicating an entire article to it. If you want to read more about the Eco Center and what it’s like to visit, you can find that here: The Westin Bora Bora Eco Center — A Turtle Sanctuary Worth Your Visit
Westin Bora Bora Spa
I’ll be honest — we didn’t make it to the spa during our stay. With so much happening between the bungalow, the pool, the Eco Center, and our excursions, it just didn’t happen. But it’s absolutely on the list for next time.
The Heavenly Spa by Westin is its own world within the resort — two relaxation areas (one open-air, one air-conditioned), waterfront treatment rooms, a private lagoon-facing infinity pool, steam room, and a full menu of massages, facials, and body treatments. What makes it distinctly Westin is their signature Three Stones Ritual, built around the principles of hope, gratitude, and love — which honestly feels perfectly aligned with the spirit of being in Bora Bora in the first place. Treatments incorporate local Polynesian techniques and oils, so even the spa experience is rooted in the culture of the islands.
If wellness is a priority for your stay, build this into your itinerary from day one so that you don’t make the same mistake I do and miss this experience.
The Westin Fitness Studio & Classes
For anyone who likes to keep moving on vacation — this one’s for you. I had good intentions but never actually made good on that promise! The Westin fitness Studio is open 24 hours a day and fully equipped with cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, and balance equipment. The resort also partners with Strava to offer guided running routes around the property if you prefer your workouts with a view.
The Westin also offers amazing fitness classes, the perfect way to start the day. How about sunrise yoga, pilates on the lagoon, or singing bowl classes? Wellness is a priority for the Westin, and you can see it through their well-thought-out fitness facility and classes.
On it!Great — got solid detail on all four restaurants and three bars. Here are the paragraphs, written in your voice with an honest note about the dining experience woven in:
Dining at The Westin Bora Bora
Before we dig into the resort and dining options, I want to share with you an insight that is easy to miss… the staff’s nametags! When you are welcomed by the hostess or served at your table, be sure to notice not only your staff member’s name, but spot their passion that is listed on their nametag.
This small gesture was a great conversation opener for our family. We met a host who was an avid fisherwoman and showed us photos of 7-foot-tall tuna! She explained the ecosystem of how local fisherman work and sell their fish, and it was clear that she was excited to share her story.
Through these introductions, we met bracelet makers and proud Moms, florists and travellers. I’ve never seen the word “Passion” on a nametag, and I loved how much we learned about the Tahitian people and their culture. I feel like I made so many new friends!
Dinning Options
The resort has four dining options, each with its own vibe and purpose. Here’s what to know before you sit down.
Tipanier
The French bistro with a Polynesian twist, and it’s where we started each day. Breakfast here runs as a buffet with a la carte options — fresh juices, pastries, local fruit, sashimi, an omelet station, and both Western and locally inspired hot dishes. It also opens for dinner, and on Mondays and Thursdays hosts a traditional Polynesian cultural show alongside a buffet dinner. If you’re going to pick one evening to dine here, make it a show night, as the show is intimate and fun, being that it happens right in the middle of the restaurant rather than on a disconnected stage.
Maire
The resort’s signature fine dining restaurant. The executive chef creates a completely new themed tasting menu every evening — one night it might be an Asian market spread, the next a Mediterranean mezze, the next a celebration of the local fisherman’s catch. It’s the kind of dining experience where you don’t choose the menu, you surrender to it. If you’re celebrating something special, this is the table to book.
Varavara
The beachfront option — casual, relaxed, toes in the sand if you want them there. Open for lunch and dinner with direct views of Mount Otemanu, it serves an international menu of steaks, seafood, burgers, and lighter fare. It’s the most laid-back dining experience on the property and the one most guests end up returning to regularly. Honest note: if you’re craving deeply authentic Tahitian cuisine, plan at least one meal in Vaitape — the dining here leans more international than local. But for a beautiful setting and a relaxed meal, Varavara delivers.
Te Ava
The poolside option — casual bites and refreshing drinks right at the water’s edge, with the infinity pool and Mount Otemanu as your backdrop. Perfect for a light lunch between water activities without breaking the flow of your day. (Our favourite was the nachos!)
The Bars
The resort has three bars worth knowing about. The ‘O’A Bar in the lobby lounge area is the go-to for sunset cocktails with a direct view of Mount Otemanu — arrive early, grab a seat outside, and stay until the sky turns. Honu Tiki is the beachside option for iced cocktails and snacks in a more relaxed setting. And Te Ava doubles as a swim-up bar at the pool, which is exactly as good as it sounds.
Excursions Worth Adding to Your Stay
While The Westin Bora Bora offers plenty to keep you busy on the property, you’d miss out on a lot if you just stayed at the resort as the surrounding lagoon and island is worth exploring. Here are the excursions we’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
The Bora Bora Cultural Tour
This was the experience that started our time in Bora Bora — and we honestly can’t recommend it enough. The Bora Bora Cultural Tour picked us up at the airport and transported us to their private motu. Through a variety of activities, they taught us about the Tahitian history and culture of these islands, connecting us to the people and stories behind the places we were visiting. From making crafts to learning how to crack open coconuts, to sitting down at a long table for a traditional Tahitian meal, this should be a mandatory experience for anyone visiting Bora Bora.
Visit Vaitape — Bora Bora’s Main Town
If you have an afternoon free, take a boat over to Vaitape, Bora Bora’s main town on the western side of the island. It’s worth a few hours of your time for local restaurants, pearl shops, art galleries, and a craft market. It’s a chance to step outside the resort bubble and experience a more authentic side of island life.
Hiking Mount Otemanu
We didn’t get to go hiking in Bora Bora as it was raining too hard on the day we were scheduled to explore. This made me super sad as I LOVE hiking, but it means that I now have something on the top of my list for next time I’m there! Mount Otemanu is Bora Bora’s iconic extinct volcano, rising to 2,385 feet above the lagoon, and its hiking trails are known to be challenging but worth the effort due to their epic views.
I look forward to sharing those with you someday!
What I Would Change About The Westin Bora Bora
The resort is stunning and with an abundance of luxury and a plethora of amenities, it seems greedy to request change, but stay with me. The Westin Bora Bora has the most amazing staff, and I think it would be really neat to connect with them on a deeper level. The name tags showcasing their passions started really great conversations, but what I learned was that many staff members are artisans. What if on the main grass area, outside the lobby, they held a weekly local market, where local artisans could come and show off their work, sell it to visitors, and connect with them one-on-one? It could be staff members or locals from the Island.
Is The Westin Bora Bora Worth It?
Staying at The Westin Bora Bora is a splurge as it is one of the newest and most luxurious hotels in the world. Many people around the pool shared stories about how they had either saved for years, saved points, or a combination of both. The food and drinks are expensive, the dining leans more toward familiar comfort food than authentic Tahitian cuisine and the final bill at checkout is, well, a lot!
But here’s what I know: we saved for six years for this trip. We researched it from every possible angle. We built up six years’ worth of expectations. And it exceeded all of them.
The conch shell welcome nobody warned us about. The sealight in the floor of our bungalow. Two hours chasing turtles and sharks between bungalows at midnight with people we’d just met. The infinity pool at golden hour with Mount Otemanu glowing in the distance. The pride of watching my family live a dream we’d worked so hard to make real.
That’s what The Westin Bora Bora gave us. Not just a luxury hotel stay. An experience we will carry for the rest of our lives. And that is worth more than anything.
