Overview

Here at Places With Palms we regularly visit French Polynesia and regard it as one of the best luxury island destinations in the world. We have spent a considerable amount of time at all the 5-star hotels in Bora Bora including Four Seasons, St Regis, and Le Meridien (now the Westin), and we consider the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort to be the best value luxury hotel in the Society Islands.

Don’t have time to read our full review? We’ll give you a quick summary as to why this stunning resort tops our list time and time again.

First off, Bora Bora is absolutely beautiful so you’ll be happy to stay almost anywhere on the island if you are there for the crystal clear lagoon. However, if you are like us and want to lap up the view in style;

The overwater bungalows have the most modern design of all the top 5-star hotels in Bora Bora. If you want true luxury, book the renowned Presidential Overwater Villa (we go into detail on the Overwater bungalows below).
If you like to explore the water, you’ll find this resort offers the best snorkeling straight out from your overwater hut and is very close to the famous lagoon area full of small reef sharks.
While St Regis has the most picturesque spa location, Conrad Bora Bora offers the best spa amenities and products (see more on the spa below).
We found the food offering to be more extensive than the other resorts with 5 different restaurant areas that include Chinese, formal French dining, Traditional Island Food, and a casual Mediterranean-style restaurant as well as great in-room dining.
While all the 5-star resorts in Bora Bora offer a high level of service, we think that Conrad Bora Bora Nui resort provided the best luxury offering for the best value.
Already sold? You can book directly with Conrad Hilton Here

Location

Bora Bora is found in the Society Island chain of French Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. The best way to reach Bora Bora is via a 50-minute flight from Tahiti. Tahiti has an international airport called Faa’a International Airport that offers regular direct flights from Auckland New Zealand, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and Honolulu.

For a smooth trip, we recommend planning a quick one or two-day stopover in Tahiti on your way to Bora Bora as the flight times often don’t line up well, and can be scheduled at very inconvenient times. Intercontinental Tahiti is the closest hotel to the airport and provides options for late check-in, late check-out, and airport transfers. They are very competent at helping with flight arrangements and will provide airport updates regularly.

After flying into Bora Bora you will land at Motu Mute Airport. The airport is located on its own Motu, so a boat transfer is required to get to your hotel. The Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui hotel is located on its own private Motu, To’opua which can be found just off the main island of Bora Bora, Viatape.

Almost all of the 5-star hotels in Bora Bora are located off the main island on their own private Motu’s surrounding the beautiful lagoon so that they can take advantage of the breathtaking views looking into Viatape at Mount Onemana. All of the high-end hotels can arrange boat transfers direct to their location from the airport. Alternatively, there is also a helipad available at the Conrad Hotel if you want to organize a private helicopter transfer.

The image below is the view of Mount Onemana from Conrad Hilton’s Hinu Spa. You can see the small main township at the edge of the water in the distance. Bora Bora has a population of just over 10,000 people. The town is small with limited shops, if you plan on picking anything up for your trip, we would recommend shopping in Tahiti prior to flying to Bora Bora.

Overwater Bungalows

The first overwater huts in the world were originally developed in French Polynesia. Bora Bora quickly became recognized as an iconic go-to destination for overwater accommodation. High-flying jet-setters flock to Bora Bora to lap up the exquisite turquoise water directly from their balconies while taking in sweeping views of Mount Onemana.

At Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui there are 7 different types of overwater bungalows available with varying options of views and amenities. The top 4 overwater villas that we recommend are:

The Presidential Overwater Villa
The Presidential Overwater Villa at Conrad gained notoriety when it was featured on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. While staying at the villa for a family holiday, Kim Kardashian lost her pearl earring while being thrown off the balcony into the ocean.
The Presidential Villa is the most prestigious accommodation available at the resort offering multi-level opulence. Amenities include a private sauna, a sunset infinity pool, a whirlpool, and a personal host. There are two rooms, a spacious outdoor entertaining area, and 3 bathrooms. We recommend booking this villa for intimate
celebrations such as a small wedding or vowel renewal. Book Here
Royal Pool Overwater Villa
The second-largest villa available at the resort, the Royal Pool Overwater Villa also comes with a personal host. Comparatively this villa is 151 sq. m/1,625 sq. ft. and only a single level versus the Presidential Overwater Villa at 300 sq. m/3,229 sq. ft with two levels.
The benefit of the Royal Villa over the Presidential Villa is that it has a view of Mount Onemana from the infinity pool. The Royal Pool Villa is equipped with a private infinity pool and can sleep up to 4 guests.
Be aware that this villa is quite far from the main hotel pool & restaurants, however, it offers a good level of privacy and is situated close to the chapel and Hina spa. If you are a photographer or content creator who wants a jaw-dropping backdrop and some seclusion, then this is a great option for you. Book Here

3. King Otemanu View Pool Overwater Villa

The King Otemanu Overwater Villa is smaller than the Royal Pool Overwater Villa at 121 sq. m/1,302 sq. ft but still delivers striking views of Mount Onemana from a private infinity pool on the balcony. While there is no personal host, these bungalows are still highly coveted with only 4 available resort-wide.

Rooms are well-appointed and at the quieter end of the resort. We recommend this overwater option for anyone looking to propose as the view of Mount Onemana from the balcony provides a romantic vista with minimal distractions. Book Here

4. King Overwater Pool Villa

The King Overwater Pool Villa is the same size and layout as the King Otemanu View Pool Villa but looks out to the outer edge of the lagoon reef instead of inward into a view of Viatape.

If you consider yourself a bit of a water buff, these rooms are perfect for paddle boarding and snorkeling straight out from your bungalow. Or you can relax watching the waves break on the reef on the horizon directly out from your private infinity pool.

With a spacious bathtub and in-room mini-bar, this barefoot luxury bungalow is an idyllic retreat for couples on a honeymoon. Ready to put your feet up and soak up the sunset together on the outdoor loungers? Book Here

Spa

Perched near the highest point of Motu To’opua the Hina spa at Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui is located on one of the most extraordinary sites in the entire resort. Nestled into the hills with wide open frontage showcasing the jaw-dropping 180-degree view of Bora Bora lagoon, Maupiti Island, and Mount Onemana.

The aesthetics of the spa are cozy and comforting. Soft natural design features create a calming atmosphere with glass water features, a dreamscape relaxation room draped in white linens, and a well-equipped sauna and steam area.

However The pièce de résistance of the spa is the Biologique Recherche range of treatments offered. Skincare enthusiasts will rejoice at hunting down the exclusive Biologique Recherche range in such a remote destination. Soothe your sun-drenched skin with the Hina Ultimate Indulgence signature ritual. This 150-minute spa package includes a 60 min Biologique Recherche customized facial, 60 min full body massage, and 30 min scrub.

Upon request, the inviting staff will let you linger a little longer to soak up the tranquil hilltop spa setting over a bottle of wine and a grazing plate. Ideal for reaching peak bliss post-massage while taking in the sunset.

Dining

The resort caters to all tastes with a total of 5 restaurants and bars, ranging from fine dining to buffet.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui will occasionally have an all-inclusive option for food or a half-board breakfast and dinner option under their offers section when booking. While dining prices are high at the resort, we’ve done the maths on these offers and usually, the price of paying outright for the room & food will deliver better value than the all-inclusive offers.

Iriatai Restaurant

Iriatai is the most formal of the restaurants available at the resort. Classic French fare is on offer, accompanied by an extensive wine menu and impeccable service. Warm wood and low amber lighting create an intimate ambiance, inevitably the view of the lagoon ahead remains the star of the show.

Banyan

Travelers looking for Asian-influenced cuisine for dinner will want to dine at Banyan. The varied menu at Banyan incorporates casual dim sum style dishes like shrimp dumplings with more premium wok-fried plates of lobster with sweet spicy sauce. This restaurant is suitable for larger groups and families as most dishes are designed for sharing and private rooms can be organized.

Tamure Beach Grill

Holidaymakers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture will want to try the Tamure beach grill. Many of the ingredients used at the Tamure grill are harvested by local farmers. The passionate executive chef at Tamure Grill takes great pride in using only the best quality produce and creating healthy, fresh traditional food. If you want a specific dish that is not available it can be requested.

Upa Upa Lounge Bar

Upa Upa lounge bar is the best spot on the island to take in the sunset over cocktails. A selective menu of fresh sushi & nigiri is also available from 3pm - 11pm at Upa Upa, where gourmands can indulge in unique creations like the Boef Foie Gras roll. Who doesn’t like to drink for a good cause? At Upa Upa they’ll donate 500xpf to the local Manta Trust every time a Manta Ava or Manta Inu cocktail is ordered. I’ll take two, please.

Best Time To Go

Perhaps one of our favorite things about this tropical paradise, is that it’s always a good idea to visit Bora Bora. Granted, there are some seasonal highs when tourism picks up from May to November but the beauty of Bora Bora is that it never feels busy. Queues and crowds rarely exist due to the small population and sparsely developed nature of the island.

Weather

The weather in Bora Bora is fairly consistent with warm balmy days and the occasional evening shower, however, the level of precipitation increases over December & January. If you are staying on a Motu on the outer side of the lagoon you will often find that the rain passes over quickly and lingers on the main island without ruining your plans for the day. If you are going for a special occasion and want picture-perfect weather then opt for July - September.

What To Do

The landscape of Bora Bora will leave you speechless, tempting you to laze away the day poolside, but it’s the marine life here that will have you mesmerized. Don’t miss getting out on the water and exploring the abundant marine life in the lagoon. We’ve listed a few of our favorite things to do from this hotel, but for a full list of things to do in Bora Bora read our top 10 excursions article.

Water Activities

With water so clear you feel like you are floating in a fishbowl, snorkeling is a must. For die-hard marine enthusiasts make sure you book a private tour with Simon Cencier from Tohora Bora Bora well in advance. A passionate diver and snorkeler the french native treats the ocean with respect and knows exactly where to go and when. On our trip with Simon, we saw Manta-rays, turtles on the outer reef, eagle rays, and an abundance of tropical fish and coral. He has a specialized boat that allows you to reach some of the best snorkeling spots in the lagoon that aren’t possible with other private guides.

If you are looking for some high-end adventure, we recommend the Shark & Ray, Coral Garden Snorkel Private Safari tour with Moana adventures, make sure you request the more premium Jeanneau Cap Camarat boat. This 3-hour private tour will have you cruising around the lagoon in style.

The reef shark portion of this trip is an absolute must. Surround yourself with black-tip reef sharks in an unforgettable bucket list experience that will leave you awestruck. The Moana personal tour guides are very professional, and you’ll feel comforted knowing that you are in good hands while being circled by dozens of these majestic creatures.

High Flying

For those of you who want to see it all, take a private helicopter tour and get up close and personal with the dramatically sheer peaks of Mount Onemana. You’ll find yourself gliding over a kaleidoscope of blues from above the lagoon, while the remarkable outcrops of jetties mounted with bungalows make whimsical patterns in the water below. We recommend the Pearl of The Pacific flight path that will take you to close into the mountain and over the lagoon. Book Here

Hotel Highlights

There’s a lot to love about this resort but the location that we kept finding ourselves gravitating towards was the pool bar. And not just for the fiery Bloody Marys. There was a convivial, unpretentious atmosphere here, with afternoons spent cooling ourselves down to travel tales from around the world. Maybe we were lucky on this particular trip, that the crowd at the pool bar was charming, well-traveled, and interesting. There was more warmth and vibrance to this area of the resort than there was in some of the other upscale resorts in Bora Bora. Perhaps it was the people we met, perhaps it was the staff or the open well-designed layout. Whatever it was, it was part of the magic of this hotel that made us desperately want to come back.

Final Thoughts

Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the tropical island getaway you dreamt of escaping to while cooped up over covid. It has that 5-star je ne sais quoi that leaves you wanting more. It's hard to put a finger on what’s so great about it because it’s, well, everything. Get there quickly, splash out on the biggest overwater bungalow you can book, and spend your days lapping up the best life has to offer in this elysian locale.

Planning a trip to French Polynesia? Read more...

Read our Four Seasons Bora Bora Review to compare it with Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
Read our list of the Top 10 Things To do in Bora Bora
Read our Bora Bora travel guide
Read our Hilton Tahiti Hotel review

Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Hotel Review: A Masterclass In Luxury