T+L’s Lodge 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 vivid blue fish swam by, whereas instantly in entrance of me stood Mount Otemanu—an extinct volcano and the very best level of the island of Bora Bora, wanting 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 considered one 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 almost 24 hours of journey from the East Coast. However three flights and one brief boat experience 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 usually are 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 provides a totally new expertise. There are 142 bungalows, every with its personal personal 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 experience alongside the pathway on the lodge’s blue and pink bikes in any respect hours of the day and night time; the coverage is ‘go away a motorcycle, take a motorcycle,’ which provides to the laid-back vibe of this resort.

Nonetheless, the standard of service stays. After day two, the workers at Tipanier, considered one 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 assist within the therapeutic of my again sunburn. And, on our remaining night time, 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 fashionable comforts and a pure really feel that seamlessly integrates with the outside. Every varies in measurement, relying on its location alongside the boardwalk, and a few have personal 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 title 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 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 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 3 times throughout my keep.

On our remaining night time, we ate at Maere, the lodge’s signature restaurant, providing a rotating tasting menu utilizing solely domestically sourced elements. Wine pairing can also be out there. Right here, highlights embrace the home made dried swordfish with recent 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 day by day pleased hour—company would flock from their poolside lounge chairs to the swinging seaside chairs for a mudslide.

We stayed on the resort throughout 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 company 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, company 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 might be out there on a first-come, first-serve foundation. Alongside the personal seaside, you’ll discover stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, or Hydrofoil bikes out there all day lengthy. There are additionally day by day group actions similar to a coconut palm weaving class, shell crafting, or a flower crown weaving session.

In case you are trying to go away the lodge and dive deeper into Tahitian tradition, the resort’s staff 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 the 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 positioned towards the again of the resort, only a brief stroll or fast bike experience away. The spa remedies 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 a particularly stress-free and helpful expertise.

There may be additionally a well-equipped health middle and quite a lot of exercise lessons, similar to 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 superb alternative to have interaction younger vacationers in an academic expertise. The on-site middle is the place locals and guests can flip in injured sea turtles discovered within the wild. The lodge provides a guided tour and seminars, and permits company to look at the day by 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 company 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 usually are not positioned on the principle island however reasonably on the atoll that surrounds it, and The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is not any exception. One of many lodge’s pace boats will decide you up from the airport, and the experience to the resort is just below quarter-hour. Upon arrival, the setting is really gorgeous and tranquil, with unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu as the principle promoting level. There’s a personal lagoon that flows by means of the complete property, including to the picturesque setting.

Tips on how 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 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.