T+L’s Lodge Assessment 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 mild waves lapping in opposition to the stilts of my overwater bungalow. Under, a faculty of shiny 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 latest 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 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 should not precisely new; Le Méridien Bora Bora used to sit down on this plot of the atoll, however following an in depth renovation and rebrand, as of September 2024, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa presents a totally 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 related by a protracted, winding boardwalk. Company can experience alongside the pathway on the resort’s blue and pink bikes in any respect hours of the day and night time; the coverage is ‘depart a motorbike, take a motorbike,’ which provides to the laid-back vibe of this resort.

Nonetheless, the standard of service stays. After day two, the employees 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 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 help within the therapeutic of my again sunburn. And, on our closing 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 evaluation of The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.

The Rooms

The resort is residence to the most important 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 measurement, 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 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 few 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, excellent 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 residence.

Meals and Drink

There are six eating places to select from, all of which have a definite menu. The one we frequented probably 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 contemporary and scrumptious that I ordered it thrice throughout my keep.

On our closing night time, we ate at Maere, the resort’s signature restaurant, providing a rotating tasting menu utilizing solely regionally sourced components. Wine pairing can be obtainable. Right here, highlights embody the do-it-yourself dried swordfish with contemporary coconut milk and grilled tuna steak with candy potatoes.

Extra relaxed choices—with glorious drink choices—embody the poolside restaurant Te Ava, ‘O’A on the second ground of the resort, and Honu Tiki. The latter is a beachside bar that serves every day glad hour—company would flock from their poolside lounge chairs to the swinging seaside chairs for a mudslide.

We stayed on the resort in the course of 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 employees members, which contributed to the resort’s snug ambiance.

Actions and Experiences

There are many actions and experiences on-site, and because of this, company get to know one another fairly shortly. 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 obtainable on a first-come, first-serve foundation. Alongside the non-public seaside, 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 depart the resort and dive deeper into Tahitian tradition, the resort’s crew 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 your 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 therapies 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 an especially enjoyable and useful expertise.

There’s additionally a well-equipped health heart and quite a lot of exercise lessons, reminiscent of dawn yoga, Pilates, or Tahitian dance.

Household-friendly Choices

Whereas Bora Bora has a fame for being a honeymooners’ paradise, there are many family-friendly actions right here, too. The Eco Middle Bora Bora, initially based in 2000, gives a superb 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 presents a guided tour and seminars, and permits company to watch the every day launch of rescued turtles into the lagoon. Throughout my keep, two sea turtles had been being cared for on the Eco Middle.

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 seaside bungalows outfitted with a plunge pool.

Location

Many resorts in Bora Bora should not positioned on the primary island however slightly 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 really gorgeous and tranquil, with unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu as the primary promoting level. There’s a non-public lagoon that flows by way of your complete property, including to the picturesque setting.

The best way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

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