The hype
Guests are blown away by the renovation and the views, but often disappointed by the limited and expensive food options.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
$750-1,500/ night
Book this if You want the bucket-list overwater bungalow experience without the $3,000/night price tag of the Four Seasons or St. Regis.
Why People Love It
- Stunning views of Mount Otemanu from the pool and many rooms
- Authentic Polynesian design that feels like a real island home, not a sterile hotel
- The coral nursery project which brings marine life right under your bungalow
Quick Take: A gorgeous 4.5-star resort that looks 5-star in photos but cuts corners on food variety and nickel-and-dimes you for boat transfers.
Reviewed by @Atravelingshoe1: I stayed in an overwater bungalow at Le Bora Bora and it was a total dream. The view of Mount Otemanu from my bed was unreal, and swimming with the sharks was the coolest thing I've ever done. If you want luxury mixed with adventure, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely get bored of the resort food by day 3, and the cost/hassle of taking the boat to the mainland for dinner is a major friction point.
- You are a couple looking for high-end romance on a 'moderate' luxury budget
- You prioritize snorkeling and marine life right off your deck
- You want a resort that feels traditionally Polynesian rather than modern-minimalist
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent daily service with turndown, though some reports of missed restocking (coffee pods, towels).
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Large soaking tubs and separate showers are well-maintained.
- Maintenance: The 2020 renovation still feels fresh, but wood decks show signs of weathering.
- Linens & towels: High quality, plush towels and crisp sheets.
- Odors & scents: Fresh ocean breeze, though some garden areas can smell of damp vegetation or stagnant water.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thumping bass from the mainland nightclub across the water (wind-dependent)
- Roosters crowing early in the morning near garden villas
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort is on a 'motu' (islet), so you must take a boat to go anywhere
- Daytime boat shuttles to the mainland base are free (Mon-Sat), but the bus from the base to Vaitape town costs extra
- Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
What to pack
- High-strength mosquito repellent (resort supply is often empty or ineffective)
- Inflatable pool floaties (expensive to buy on-site)
- Duty-free alcohol (cocktails are ~$21 USD each)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool Overwater Villas (end of pontoon) for maximum privacy and deep water swimming
- Royal Beach Villa for families needing space and a private pool
- Lagoon Overwater Bungalows (west-facing) for the best sunset views
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Overwater Bungalows near the shore (water is too shallow to swim and privacy is compromised by foot traffic)
- Garden Villas if you are sensitive to mosquito bites or rooster noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room as far out on the pontoon as possible to ensure deep water for swimming and privacy from the walkway. Please avoid bungalows directly facing the mainland nightclub to minimize noise disturbance.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the airport transfer included?
No, it is mandatory and costs approximately $75 USD (8,400 XPF) per person, round-trip.
Can I swim directly from the overwater bungalows?
Yes, but check the water depth. Bungalows near the shore have very shallow water (waist-deep or less), while those at the end of the pontoon have deep, swimmable water.
Is the shuttle to the main island free?
Only during the day (Mon-Sat) to the resort's base. Evening shuttles for dinner cost ~2,000-3,333 XPF ($18-$30 USD) round trip.
How much is food and drink?
Expensive. A 'Le Bora Rolls' sandwich is ~$32 USD (3,500 XPF), and cocktails are ~$21 USD (2,350 XPF). Buffet dinners can run $100+ per person.
Is there a resort fee?
No daily resort fee was found, but the 'service charge' on food and the paid boat transfers act as hidden costs.
Are there mosquitoes?
Yes, especially in the Garden Villas and open-air restaurants. It is a tropical island, but control measures here seem less effective than at ultra-luxe properties.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Buy alcohol at the duty-free shop in Tahiti airport before flying to Bora Bora to save hundreds on drinks.
- ✨
Walk to the 'Coral Nursery' near the overwater bungalows for some of the best snorkeling on the property without a boat trip.
- ✨
Book the 'Canoe Breakfast' at least 48 hours in advance; it sells out daily.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'free' shuttle only takes you to a dock; you still need a taxi or paid bus to get to actual restaurants in Vaitape.
💡The glass floor panels in the rooms are smaller than they look in wide-angle marketing photos.
💡Room service has a steep delivery surcharge on top of already high menu prices.
💡The 'fitness center' is basically a small room with a few cardio machines and dumbbells—don't plan a serious training camp here.
💡You can hear the music from the mainland nightclub clearly on Friday and Saturday nights if the wind blows the wrong way.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is located and what's nearby.