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

As I sat in my plunge pool on a transparent Sunday afternoon, I took a second to take heed to the soothing sound of light waves lapping in opposition to the stilts of my overwater bungalow. Under, a college of vibrant blue fish swam by, whereas straight 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 light-weight 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 most recent resort to open on the French Polynesian island since 2017. My mother and I arrived right here after practically 24 hours of journey from the East Coast. However three flights and one brief boat experience from the airport later, we have 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 take a seat on this plot of the atoll, however following an intensive renovation and rebrand, as of September 2024, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa gives a very 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. Friends can experience 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 have 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 a neighborhood soothing serum to assist within the therapeutic of my again sunburn. And, on our last 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 assessment of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.

The Rooms

The resort is house to the biggest 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 seashore bungalows overlook a personal lagoon.

For our keep, we have been housed within the premium Otemanu overwater bungalow, which, because the identify suggests, has a number of the finest 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 personal plunge pool, and a step ladder that led proper into the water. The out of doors 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 cherished 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 uncooked fisha Tahitian dish ready with uncooked tuna, coconut milk, and lime juice—was so contemporary and scrumptious that I ordered it 3 times throughout my keep.

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

Extra relaxed choices—with glorious drink choices—embrace 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 comfortable hour—company would flock from their poolside lounge chairs to the swinging seashore chairs for a mudslide.

We stayed on the resort throughout the wet season, simply earlier than the vacation rush, and eating places have been alternating their hours of operation. So, we ended up eating alongside the identical company and have 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 because of this, company get to know one another fairly rapidly. The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has the biggest swimming pool in Bora Bora, full with a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, and adjoining cabanas which are obtainable on a first-come, first-serve foundation. Alongside the non-public seashore, you’ll discover stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or Hydrofoil bikes obtainable all day lengthy. There are additionally every day group actions reminiscent of a coconut palm weaving class, shell crafting, or a flower crown weaving session.

If you’re seeking to go away the resort and dive deeper into Tahitian tradition, the resort’s staff can organize 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 the whole day with a neighborhood information, swimming with wildlife, taking within the surroundings, and having fun with lunch on a palm-fringed island, a small island, within the lagoon.

The Spa

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

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

Household-friendly Choices

Whereas Bora Bora has a status 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 interact 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 gives a guided tour and seminars, and permits company to look at the every day launch of rescued turtles into the lagoon. Throughout my keep, two sea turtles have 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 primary public areas. 4 bungalows accommodate company with disabilities: two overwater bungalows with a view of the lagoon and two seashore bungalows outfitted with a plunge pool.

Location

Many resorts in Bora Bora should not positioned on the primary island however somewhat 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 decide you up from the airport, and the experience 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 primary promoting level. There’s a non-public lagoon that flows by the whole property, including to the picturesque setting.

How you can Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is beneath the Marriott umbrella, so Marriott Bonvoy members can guide a keep utilizing factors. Nightly charges vary between 70,000 and 85,000 factors, and should you guide 4 nights, you will get the fifth one free. Doubles from $1,000.