T+L’s Hotel Review of Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French Polynesia

I Hunger-Gamed my way onto the small plane from Tahiti to Bora Bora and plopped down in a window seat: I was told to sit on the left side for the best views of the notoriously photogenic French Polynesian island. The advice was solid, as turquoise waters and sand bars appeared out of nowhere, giving me a glimpse of the beauty I was about to immerse myself in.

Within 15 minutes of deplaning, I was on a boat headed to a private cove on Motu To’opua, a small islet in Bora Bora. As we approached land, I caught a glimpse of the overwater bungalows at Conrad Bora Bora Nui sitting in the turquoise lagoon.

A warm welcome and a swift check-in later, I was on a golf cart en route to my luxurious one-bedroom villa, which, with its thatched roof and wooden interiors, blended harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Roger Godin, the resort’s general manager, described the hotel as a combination of modern luxury and Polynesian charm.

During my stay, I was often surprised by how intimate and private the resort felt. It was only at breakfast that I got an inkling that it might be fully booked. And this illusion is a highlight of the guest experience. “Conrad Bora Bora Nui is designed to provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Bora Bora,” Godin told Travel + Leisure. “Our resort offers a unique position and shape that provides 100 percent privacy, making guests feel as though they are nearly the only ones here, far from the mass tourism experience.”

Bora Bora has a reputation as a honeymoon destination, but after a few days here, I realized that the island—and the resort—are worth visiting, whether or not you’re celebrating a life milestone.

“We create unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re honeymooners seeking a romantic escape, families in search of luxury and adventure, or friends on a getaway, our resort has it all,” Godin said.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

The Rooms

The hotel offers 114 suites and villas divided into multiple categories, including lagoon view suites, garden villas, beach villas, overwater villas, and the presidential overwater villas.

“Each type provides unique features such as direct lagoon access, private pools, and stunning views,” Godin said, adding that lagoon view suites with their spacious living areas are a good option for families, while the garden villas and beach villas offer more privacy within a secluded, lush environment.

I stayed in an overwater villa, which Godin described as the “quintessential Bora Bora experience.” Inside the bungalow were all the modern conveniences I could want: air conditioning, a massive bathroom with a tub, a closet, and ample seating. Outside, I had a private deck with an infinity pool and stunning views of the lagoon.

A ladder on the side of the deck allowed me to dip into the ocean and snorkel whenever I pleased, while the coral reef under my bungalow ensured an array of colorful fish were swimming at all times. One of the most special moments during my visit was an early morning when I watched sharks, rays, and a school of fish swim by as I sat on the deck.

Another highlight is the two-story presidential overwater villa, which offers guests 3,229 square feet of space, lagoon views, an infinity pool, and a dedicated butler.

Regardless of the room category, guests have access to an island host, the resort’s take on a butler. “This ensures that every guest’s stay is tailored to their needs, making each visit truly unforgettable,” Godin explained.

Food and Drink

Conrad Bora Bora Nui has five restaurants and bars: Iriatai, a fine-dining French restaurant; Banyan, a modern seafood and Chinese restaurant; Tamure Beach Grill, an open-air kitchen serving Mediterranean and Polynesian fare; the Tarava Pool Bar, where guests can order drinks by the pool; and The Upa Upa Lounge Bar, which offers cocktails and light bites. Godin told T+L that the chefs at each restaurant use local ingredients to whip up dishes that showcase the flavors of Polynesia.

“Guests can enjoy themed dining experiences, private beach dinners, and a variety of international cuisines,” Godin added. One example is the weekly Ahi Ma’a, a Polynesian dinner and show that takes place every Friday. The evening features live entertainment, including local dancers and a fire show, along with a buffet of Polynesian dishes prepared in an underground oven. Guests can also jet off to the private islet of Motu Tapu for a picnic in the water. (And by picnic, we don’t mean finger sandwiches—think lobster and champagne at sunset.)

But one of the coolest dining experiences was having my breakfast (fresh fruit, bread, and poisson cru) delivered by canoe and set up on my deck, and then enjoying my meal while taking in the view of the endless blue waters.

Activities and Experiences

The resort has an infinity pool with in-water chaise lounges and cabanas, as well as the swim-up Tarava Pool Bar. There are also activities with local experts—you can learn how to open a coconut, dabble in weaving banana leaves into bags, learn how to tie a pareo in various ways, or take a ukulele class.

And, of course, water adventures abound. Guests can check out kayaks, snorkel equipment, and paddleboards. Other activities, such as jet-skiing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, and outrigger canoe rides, can be coordinated upon request. (During my visit, the hotel arranged a snorkeling trip to a nearby site, along with swimming with sharks and rays.)

The Spa

The hotel’s hilltop spa boasts scenery so stunning that I was a few minutes late checking in for my treatment. The upward path is lined with fragrant tropical blooms of every color imaginable, while the panoramic views that unveil with every step are jaw-dropping. Entering Hina Spa—the name pays tribute to the Polynesian moon goddess—immediately sets the tone for sheer relaxation with earthy tones and views of the sea.

Each serene treatment suite looks out to the lagoon, while the opulent double treatment villas also feature whirlpools.

The resort has partnered with French skincare brand Biologique Recherche to offer a range of therapies, from a Polynesian body scrub to a Detoxifying Algae Wrap. (Godin shared that one of the signature treatments is the Face Sculpting Massage.) I booked the Tahitian massage, a medium-pressure Polynesian-style massage, that left me so relaxed I wished there were on-site nap pods.

Family-friendly Offerings

The hotel offers a dedicated kids club featuring activities such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, babysitting services, and a children’s playground. Additionally, there are family-friendly accommodations, including the Lagoon View Suites and Beach Villas.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The hotel has accessible facilities, including ramps and pathways, and guest rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and amenities placed at a lower height.

As for sustainability, Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s eco-friendly efforts include the installation of solar panels, recycling initiatives, sourcing sustainable ingredients and products for its restaurants, and implementing energy-efficient practices. The resort also works with marine biologists to protect and restore the local reef. “We actively participate in coral reef preservation and support local artisans by showcasing their crafts in our boutique,” Godin said.

Location

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is situated on a secluded private island in the Bora Bora lagoon. To get here, you have to fly to Tahiti’s Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) and then take a 45-minute interisland flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). Here, the resort’s team will usher you onto a yacht that will deliver you to the resort’s dock, where a welcome team greets you with a refreshing drink.

Pro-tip: I recommend giving yourself a few days on Tahiti to explore its many local offerings. And if you’re looking for a quality stay close to the airport, Hilton Hotel Tahiti is an excellent option with fantastic food, service, and the island’s largest pool.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Guests can save up to 40 percent by booking in advance and earn double Hilton Honors points for each night of stay. AARP members can save up to 10 percent. For the latest information on resort deals and discounts, visit the “Offers” page on the hotel’s website. Nightly rates start at $1,000.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.