“That’s fake,” my husband said when I texted him a photo from The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa.
He clearly knew I hadn’t sent him some AI-generated image, but the shock and awe of his reaction perfectly captured the feeling I’d had from the moment I arrived at the property. Namely: How could a scene this stunning be real?
The new Westin Bora Bora opened in September 2024 (the first new resort to open on the island since 2017) following a rebrand and a property-wide renovation of the former Le Meridien Bora Bora. Of its 142 bungalows, an impressive 128 are overwater, the most of any resort on the island, according to its team. The other 14 are one- and two-bedroom lagoon-view beach bungalows, most of which are currently being updated and are not yet available to book.
Standout Overwater Accommodations
Upon entering my own overwater bungalow, I was immediately struck by the room’s fresh, modern aesthetic of clean white hues and wood furnishings thoughtfully accented with island-inspired touches. A helpful staff member gave me a tour, pointing out all the various lighting controls, as well as Bluetooth tech to connect my phone to the television and the room’s speakers. I also had a closet area/changing room; a sitting area; and a spacious, contemporary bathroom with a double vanity, a large shower and a deep soaking tub.
Overwater bungalows are spacious and modern, featuring the largest glass floor panels on the island.
Credit: 2025 The Westin Bora Bora Resort & SpaBut I was most excited by the elements that connected me to the striking landscape visible through the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. A huge patio beckoned me with its lounge chairs, a ladder leading to the ocean and a private plunge pool (52 of the overwater bungalows have them). I’ll admit that I initially assumed the pool wouldn’t get much use, what with the sparkling Pacific Ocean so accessible and inviting, but I found myself ending each snorkeling session with a dip in its waters, staring peacefully out at the myriad blues of the lagoon.
Notably, the bungalows also feature exceptionally large glass floor windows (reportedly the largest on the island). I’m not ashamed to say that on the first evening of my stay, I sat myself squarely on the floor, watching the underwater scene with rapt attention. While the relatively deep water and sandy bottom beneath my room didn’t attract a ton of marine activity (worth noting for clients who are avid snorkelers), my patience was rewarded when a stingray eventually appeared, gliding gracefully beneath me to my utter delight.
On-Site Eats
I did periodically tear myself away from my room to enjoy the rest of the lovely resort. The Westin holds a prime location on Bora Bora’s lagoon that affords striking views of Mount Otemanu from its sprawling beach and pool area, bars and other common spaces.
Public spaces around the resort offer stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
Credit: 2025 The Westin Bora Bora Resort & SpaI took full advantage of that view during lunch each day at Varavara restaurant, trying traditional Tahitian poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk), an artfully presented Caesar salad or a fresh fish burger. Tipanier, meanwhile, offers a breakfast buffet in the morning and a bistro-style dinner menu featuring French Polynesian fare. (Pro tip: Don't miss the fresh fruit juices at breakfast; passionfruit and mango were two of my favorite options.)
But Maere is the real dinner treat, serving a rotating set menu with a variety of themes. After sitting down, my waiter brought over the night’s menu, but suggested that I embrace the element of surprise for my meal. Taking his advice, I learned about each of my five courses — themed to “street food along Asian markets” — as they arrived, from mahi mahi with spicy kimchi and banana chutney to steamed root vegetable dumplings with an accompanying bowl of pho and a trio of desserts (infused fruit, Japanese cheesecake and guava granita). Other nights' themes range from "Bora Bora fisherman's catch" to Italian classics, Mediterranean flavors and more.
An Asian-inspired meal at Maere began with a selection of sushi and sashimi bites.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldAdditional Amenities
I was seriously impressed by the size and scope of the Westin's beachfront, which is liberally dotted with a variety of loungers and umbrellas for all manner of relaxation. The same area is home to an infinity-edge pool with plenty of cabanas and other comfortable seating options, plus a swim-up bar. Guests will also find complimentary sunscreen (two different SPF options) and aloe on hand, and can pick up snorkel masks and flippers to use throughout their stay. Other available activities range from kayaking and paddleboarding to cultural opportunities, such as flower-crown weaving or learning Tahitian dance.
The Westin also, of course, offers the brand's signature wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art WestinWorkout Fitness Center and The Heavenly Spa.
Guests who book the daily turtle feeding and other activities at the on-site Eco Center can visit recovering sea turtles.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldBut a more unique offering is the on-site Eco Center Bora Bora, dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Established in 2000, the center focuses on conservation, education and awareness and the rehabilitation of sick or injured animals. Guests can pop by the center’s viewing area to see if any turtles are out for a swim, or book activities such as the daily feeding, during which I learned about the team’s important work before watching the turtles enjoy a meal.
Seeing the care and attention paid to these marine residents reminded me of the dedicated service I, too, was experiencing all over the property. And though our circumstances were vastly different, I could only hope the turtles were enjoying their time at The Westin Bora Bora nearly as much as I was.
