The Westin Bora Bora: Overlooked or Overrated?!

The Westin Bora Bora is a newly opened luxury resort in French Polynesia, built on the foundation of the former Le Méridien. It maintains the old resort's DNA while upgrading various elements. The property serves as the little sister to the flagship St. Regis, offering a more accessible but still luxurious experience.

After staying in Tahiti and successfully swimming with humpback whales, we flew to Bora Bora via Air Tahiti. Seats on the flight are not assigned, and I recommend sitting on the left side for the best island views upon arrival. The weather was a bit rainy, but it was still one of the most scenic flights.

Upon landing, there are multiple hotel stands. Instead of taking the free shuttle to town, we opted for a direct transfer to the resort. The check-in process differs from standard hotels—guests check in at desks at the airport itself, receive a water bottle, and then take a private boat transfer to the resort, which takes about 7-10 minutes. Our name wasn't initially on the list, but the staff still accommodated us.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed and taken to the main check-in area before being escorted to their room.

• Bonvoy Platinum Status: The resort provides free breakfast for elite members.
• Upgrade Potential: The base room is already an overwater bungalow, making it a great redemption for points.

We did get an upgrade to an overwater bungalow with a view of Mt. Otemanu.

We stayed in the Otemanu Bungalow with Pool, featuring:

• A saltwater plunge pool overlooking the lagoon
• A glass floor window inside the room, though we didn’t see many fish
• A bathtub with a perfect mountain view
• Double vanity and standard Westin amenities
• A comfortable bed that led to accidental micro-naps
• A layout that feels open, but luggage storage was limited, making the space feel a bit cramped

We later moved to the Premium Overwater Bungalow, which was significantly larger and included:

• A bigger plunge pool (about 33% larger)
• More privacy with fencing to block neighbors' views
• Better luggage storage—enough space to open multiple suitcases
• A larger bathroom with a better soaking tub

Overall, both bungalows were well-designed, but the premium version was a clear step up.

During our visit, some of the property was still under construction.

• Pools & Beach Areas: Guests can relax at the main pool, their private bungalow pool, or on the beach.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are available.
• Gym: A well-equipped fitness center with a great view of the turtle lagoon.
• Turtle Center: Currently under renovation, expected to reopen in 2025.
• Concierge & Gift Shop: Still being stocked, with empty shelves as of our visit.
• Lagoon Area: Not fully open yet, with construction materials still visible.
• Room-to-Bungalow Ratio: The resort flipped the typical model, offering 128 overwater bungalows and only 14 beach villas.

Food was hit-or-miss, depending on what you ordered.

Breakfast Buffet

• Hits: Excellent pastries (especially the croissant), fresh mango and pineapple, and a solid omelet station.
• Misses: Some Western items were average, and hashbrowns were soggy from being covered.

Dinner at Vara Vara Beach Bar

• Pasta dish: One of the best value meals ($30), with well-seasoned pork.
• Chicken dish: Crispy skin, fall-off-the-bone, full of flavor. Best dish.
• Steak: Lacked crust, uneven cook. Would not order again.
• Fries: McDonald’s-style, very solid.

Dinner at Maere (Fine Dining Restaurant)

• Appetizers:
• Crunchy vegetable and fruit roll: Good flavors but could be thinner.
• Lagoon fish tacos: Excellent.
• Tuna tartare with wasabi cream: Delicious.

• Main Courses:
• Dried swordfish with exotic fruit caviar: Unique but not something I’d order again.
• Blue shrimp with fresh coconut milk: Unexpected but enjoyable.
• Tuna steak with lemongrass salsa: Well-cooked but lacked seasoning.

• Desserts:
• Toasted coconut ice cream: Best item of the night.
• Vanilla tart: Sweet, but could use more balance.
• Dark Polynesian chocolate cream pot: Surprisingly not too sweet and very enjoyable.

• Transit Room: If you have a late departure, the resort offers a transit room to freshen up before leaving. Interestingly, we got assigned the exact same room we stayed in years ago when it was still Le Méridien.
• Excursions:
  • Manta ray snorkeling: Manta rays feed near the surface, making for an incredible experience.
  • Eagle ray snorkeling: These rays swim near the ocean floor in coordinated formations.
  • Coral snorkeling: A chance to explore and see smaller fish at your own pace.
• Boat Transfers: Unlike the Maldives, where transfers can cost $700+, the Westin Bora Bora includes them in the resort fee.

The Westin Bora Bora delivers great value, whether booked with cash or points. While still new and with areas under construction, the resort already provides:

• A great location
• Spacious rooms with fantastic views
• Friendly staff who enhance the experience
• Excellent amenities (though some are still being completed)

Pros:
✅ One of the best Westins ever
✅ Affordable redemption rates (compared to St. Regis)
✅ Every standard room is an overwater bungalow
✅ Elite breakfast benefits
✅ Good resort fee inclusions (airport transfers, activities)

Cons:
❌ Food is inconsistent (some dishes were excellent, others were underwhelming)
❌ Some resort areas still under construction
❌ Luggage storage in rooms could be improved

Overall Rating: 8/10
Westin Bora Bora punches above its weight class, especially given its current lower pricing. If you don’t mind a few unfinished areas, it’s a fantastic stay. However, if you’re sensitive to construction, waiting until 2025 might be better.

Would I return? Absolutely. Best Westin I’ve been to.