15 of the Best Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia to Experience
Bora Bora is known for its luxury overwater bungalows. However, it’s not the only place in French Polynesia that offers great options. This beautiful tropical destination features crystal-clear blue waters and lush mountains. While overwater bungalows are not budget-friendly, the stunning views can make the expense worthwhile. If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, check out these top overwater bungalows.
Best Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia
Cost of French Polynesia Overwater Bungalows
Staying in an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia can be quite expensive. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may find deals on accommodations. However, these bungalows are truly magical and romantic. Expect to spend between $700 and $1500 per night, depending on the resort.
Society Islands
We will first cover the overwater bungalows located in the Society Islands: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, and Raiatea. These islands are popular among travelers to French Polynesia.
Tahiti Overwater Bungalows
On the main island of Tahiti, there is only one hotel that has overwater bungalows, and that is Intercontinental Resort Tahiti.
Intercontinental Resort Tahiti
Out of all the overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, this is one of the cheapest resorts, due to its location on the main island. The Intercontinental Resort Tahiti is the only overwater bungalow located in Papeete Tahiti. It’s located on 32 acres of lush property and faces the island of Moorea. Being only 1.3 miles from Papeete airport, you can enjoy your tropical paradise quickly when arriving!
Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows
Bora Bora is home to most of the overwater bungalows in French Polynesia, making it a popular honeymoon destination. Currently, eight resorts offer overwater bungalows in Bora Bora. Six of these resorts are located on the motus surrounding the main island, providing extra seclusion and privacy.
If you prefer to stay on the main island, your options are limited to Intercontinental Le Moana and Mai Tai Polynesia.
Note that if you stay at a Bora Bora resort not located on the main island, you will have to pay for the boat shuttle to and from the resort, including trips to explore the main island.
St Regis Bora Bora Resort
St Regis Bora Bora is renowned for its privacy and exceptional service. The resort features two swimming pools, two bars, four restaurants, and a luxurious day spa. Many celebrities choose to stay at St. Regis Bora Bora, which boasts some of the largest villas on the island, including iconic two and three-bedroom options.
Four Seasons Bora Bora
Four Seasons Bora Bora is highly recommended for families, featuring a children’s and teens club. It offers 100 overwater bungalows and 15 bungalows and villas with private pools and stunning views of Mount Otemanu. The resort provides numerous activities, including tennis, beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Many villas even have their own private plunge pools.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Le Bora Bora, located on a private motu just a ten-minute boat ride from Vaiatape, offers a serene atmosphere ideal for special occasions. Guests enjoy complimentary access to snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, a tennis court, ping-pong, basketball, pickleball, beach volleyball, and badminton.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The Conrad Bora Bora Nui (formerly Hilton Bora Bora Nui) is known for its luxurious accommodations. Featured on ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ and ‘The Golden Bachelorette’, the bungalows feature an open plan with retractable windows, and some include private pools. The decks are equipped with built-in overwater hammocks. For the ultimate luxury experience, book their three-bedroom villa, which is a two-story overwater bungalow with a private pool.
Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa
The Westin Bora Bora, the newest hotel with overwater bungalows, was previously known as Le Méridien Bora Bora. After an extensive renovation, it reopened in 2024. Known for its top-of-the-line villas, the Westin features an eco-center dedicated to protecting Polynesia’s marine life, including sea turtles.
Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa
Located on Motu Piti Aau, the Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa is the sister resort of Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora. It offers numerous cultural and recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and stargazing. With three restaurants and two bars, all overwater villas feature spacious shaded terraces, sun loungers, and large private pontoons for sunbathing in front of the pristine waters of the lagoon.
Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora
The Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora, located on the main island near Matira Beach, is the sister resort to Intercontinental Bora Bora and Thalasso Spa. Guests can take a boat shuttle to explore both resorts. The bungalows at Intercontinental Le Moana have a true Polynesian feel, featuring separate bedrooms and living rooms, along with a glass coffee table for viewing the fish below.
This resort is ideal for those who love snorkeling and want to explore Bora Bora beyond their villa. Because of the location on the main island of Bora Bora, Le Moana is cheaper than the sister resort Thalasso. This is the best overwater bungalow in Bora Bora if you want to explore more of what Bora Bora has to offer, rather than just sit in your villa. We loved being able to go into the main town of Bora Bora easily from our overwater bungalow.
Watch our full review of Intercontinental Le Moana
Mai Tai Polynesia
Mai Tai Polynesia is located on the mainland of Bora Bora near Matira Beach. While not as luxurious as some other overwater bungalows, these villas are among the most budget-friendly options in Bora Bora. Each villa includes a glass coffee table for viewing the fish below, making it a great choice for travelers who want the luxury of an overwater bungalow while still exploring the island.
Moorea Overwater Bungalows
Moorea currently has three resorts offering overwater bungalows. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy activities like ATV tours, snorkeling, and hiking. Moorea provides incredible scenery like Bora Bora but with more activities available.
If you’re not sure if you should visit Bora Bora or Moorea, then read this
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is situated on the eastern coast of Moorea, on Moorea’s longest private beach, offering stunning views of Tahiti. Recently updated in 2023, the Sofitel features 38 overwater bungalows. Guests particularly enjoy the beautiful beach, excellent snorkeling, and proximity to local attractions.
Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea
The Manava Beach Resort offers an authentic Polynesian atmosphere and a great location. This resort is an excellent option for those looking to save money while still experiencing an overwater bungalow in Moorea.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, located between Cooks Bay and ‘Opuno hu Bay, offers some of the best underwater life, making it a fantastic spot for snorkelers. The spacious overwater bungalows provide stunning views.
Raiatea and Taha’a Overwater Bungalows
Currently, Raiatea does not have any overwater bungalows, but Taha’a, its sister island, is just a 30-minute boat ride away. Taha’a does have one resort with overwater bungalows, accessible via a flight into Raiatea airport.
La Taha’a by Pearl Resorts
La Taha’a is a truly unforgettable five-star resort on Taha’a. All villas follow the pure Polynesian tradition, featuring thatched pandanus roofs, bamboo, exotic woods, stones, corals, Marquesan “tapa” cloths, and woven coconut ropes. The overwater bungalows offer breathtaking views of the turquoise waters, with Bora Bora visible in the distance.
Huahine Overwater Bungalows
Currently, Huahine does not have any overwater bungalows since Royal Huahine closed down a few years ago.
Tuamotu Islands
The Tuamotu archipelago includes Rangiroa, Tikehau, and Fakarava. These are remote islands and some of the most breathtaking places to visit in French Polynesia. Each island is an atoll, a ring-shaped coral reef enclosing a lagoon.
Rangiroa Overwater Bungalows
Hotel Kia Ora
Located on its own motu, Hotel Kia Ora feels like its own little paradise. The overwater bungalows have recently been renovated, making them feel very upscale and private, and have great snorkeling. All the overwater bungalows have a bedroom, a bathroom with separate shower and bathtub and a lounge with a glass-bottom floor to admire the fishes.
Tikehau Overwater Bungalows
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts
Le Tikehau just reopened after renovation in the fall of 2024. It’s a quick 15 minute boat ride from the Tikehau airport and set right on a gorgeous pink sand beach. Le Tikehau has a gorgeous infinity pool that blends right in with the ocean. This resort has 21 overwater bungalows to choose from, and plenty of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
RELATED: Tikehau is one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful island
French Polynesia Travel Tips
French Polynesia is a beautiful (and popular) destination. If you plan to stay at an overwater bungalow, we recommend booking way in advance, as the overwater bungalows can fill up quickly.
We recommend you spend at least a couple days at each island, and don’t try to fit in too many islands in one trip. If you need help planning your French Polynesia itinerary, you can use ours for guidance.
If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, check out these other posts:
