T+L’s Lodge Evaluation of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

As I sat in my plunge pool on a transparent Sunday afternoon, I took a second to hearken to the soothing sound of mild waves lapping towards the stilts of my overwater bungalow. Under, a college of brilliant blue fish swam by, whereas instantly in entrance of me stood Mount Otemanu—an extinct volcano and the best level of the island of Bora Bora, trying like a setting proper out of Jurassic Park. Proper then, because the solar was beginning to set, turning the sky a lightweight yellowish pink, it dawned on me simply how particular Bora Bora actually is.

This was one in every of many moments of idyllic reflection—and sensory overload—I skilled all through my keep at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, the latest resort to open on the French Polynesian island since 2017. My mother and I arrived right here after almost 24 hours of journey from the East Coast. However three flights and one brief boat journey from the airport later, we had been pulling as much as the resort’s welcome dock as a rainy-season storm started to subside, and the clouds slowly drifted away, unveiling towering Mount Otemanu.

The resort’s buildings should not precisely new; Le Méridien Bora Bora used to sit down on this plot of the atoll, however following an intensive renovation and rebrand, as of September 2024, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa presents a totally new expertise. There are 142 bungalows, every with its personal non-public terrace with direct entry to both the lagoon or the crystal-blue waters of the ocean. All 128 overwater bungalows are linked by a protracted, winding boardwalk. Company can journey alongside the pathway on the resort’s blue and pink bikes in any respect hours of the day and evening; the coverage is ‘go away a motorbike, take a motorbike,’ which provides to the laid-back vibe of this resort.

Nevertheless, the standard of service stays. After day two, the workers at Tipanier, one in every of six eating places and the go-to breakfast spot, introduced my and my mother’s espresso order as quickly as we had been seated. Snorkeling gear was left exterior the door of our bungalow following an off-hand remark I made to a waiter about seeing stingrays from our plunge pool. On the spa, the masseuse added an area soothing serum to help within the therapeutic of my again sunburn. And, on our closing evening, at Maere, the resort’s signature restaurant, the chef cooked the uncooked seafood programs for my mother, who doesn’t eat uncooked fish.

Under, my full overview of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.

The Rooms

The resort is house to the most important assortment of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, all mixing trendy comforts and a pure really feel that seamlessly integrates with the outside. Every varies in dimension, relying on its location alongside the boardwalk, and a few have non-public plunge swimming pools on the terrace. Nearer to the hub of the property, 14 family-friendly seaside bungalows overlook a non-public lagoon.

For our keep, we had been housed within the premium Otemanu overwater bungalow, which, because the identify suggests, has a number of the greatest views of Bora Bora’s well-known mountain. There was a see-through glass panel on the ground, a big terrace with a eating desk, a non-public plunge pool, and a step ladder that led proper into the water. The outside Bluetooth speaker was a pleasant contact, too, good for my night swims throughout sundown. Within the bed room, the signature Westin Heavenly Mattress was a standout. My mother beloved it a lot that she instantly ordered the pillows for our home as quickly as we flew again house.

Meals and Drink

There are six eating places to select from, all of which have a definite menu. The one we frequented essentially the most was Tipanier, named after French Polynesia’s aromatic Plumeria blooms. This French-inspired eatery alongside the lagoon serves an over-the-top breakfast buffet and dinner of seasonal dishes. At Varavara, the poisson cru—a Tahitian dish ready with uncooked tuna, coconut milk, and lime juice—was so recent and scrumptious that I ordered it thrice throughout my keep.

On our closing evening, we ate at Maere, the resort’s signature restaurant, providing a rotating tasting menu utilizing solely regionally sourced components. Wine pairing can also be obtainable. Right here, highlights embody the selfmade dried swordfish with recent coconut milk and grilled tuna steak with candy potatoes.

Extra relaxed choices—with wonderful drink choices—embody the poolside restaurant Te Ava, ‘O’A on the second flooring of the resort, and Honu Tiki. The latter is a beachside bar that serves every day joyful hour—friends would flock from their poolside lounge chairs to the swinging seaside chairs for a mudslide.

We stayed on the resort through the wet season, simply earlier than the vacation rush, and eating places had been alternating their hours of operation. So, we ended up eating alongside the identical friends and had been serviced by the identical workers members, which contributed to the resort’s snug environment.

Actions and Experiences

There are many actions and experiences on-site, and consequently, friends get to know one another fairly rapidly. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has the most important swimming pool in Bora Bora, full with a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, and adjoining cabanas which can be obtainable on a first-come, first-serve foundation. Alongside the non-public seaside, you’ll discover stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or Hydrofoil bikes obtainable all day lengthy. There are additionally every day group actions equivalent to a coconut palm weaving class, shell crafting, or a flower crown weaving session.

If you’re trying to go away the resort and dive deeper into Tahitian tradition, the resort’s crew can prepare an off-property tour like diving, snorkeling, or a Jeep tour of the island. My mother and I took half in a lagoon cruise with a shark and stingray exercise. We spent your complete day with an area information, swimming with wildlife, taking within the surroundings, and having fun with lunch on a palm-fringed motu, a small island, within the lagoon.

The Spa

The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a tranquil area situated towards the again of the resort, only a brief stroll or fast bike journey away. The spa therapies stem from Polynesian wellness traditions and holistic, Asian-inspired therapies. I had booked a standard deep-tissue therapeutic massage; nonetheless, I confirmed up with a dramatic sunburn. The accommodating masseuse used her experience to make sure I nonetheless had an especially stress-free and helpful expertise.

There’s additionally a well-equipped health heart and a wide range of exercise courses, equivalent to dawn yoga, Pilates, or Tahitian dance.

Household-friendly Choices

Whereas Bora Bora has a fame for being a honeymooners’ paradise, there are many family-friendly actions right here, too. The Eco Heart Bora Bora, initially based in 2000, offers a wonderful alternative to have interaction younger vacationers in an academic expertise. The on-site heart is the place locals and guests can flip in injured sea turtles discovered within the wild. The resort presents a guided tour and seminars, and permits friends to watch the every day launch of rescued turtles into the lagoon. Throughout my keep, two sea turtles had been being cared for on the Eco Heart.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has ADA-compliant options. There’s a ramp and wheelchair entry in the principle public areas. 4 bungalows accommodate friends with disabilities: two overwater bungalows with a view of the lagoon and two seaside bungalows geared up with a plunge pool.

Location

Many resorts in Bora Bora should not situated on the principle island however quite on the atoll that surrounds it, and The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa isn’t any exception. One of many resort’s pace boats will choose you up from the airport, and the journey to the resort is slightly below quarter-hour. Upon arrival, the setting is actually gorgeous and tranquil, with unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu as the principle promoting level. There’s a non-public lagoon that flows by means of your complete property, including to the picturesque setting.

Easy methods to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is underneath the Marriott umbrella, so Marriott Bonvoy members can ebook a keep utilizing factors. Nightly charges vary between 70,000 and 85,000 factors, and for those who ebook 4 nights, you may get the fifth one free. Doubles from $1,000.