🌺 St. Regis Bora Bora

When most people picture Bora Bora, they imagine overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and Mount Otemanu in the background. And if there’s one resort that captures that postcard-perfect vision, it’s the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.

This 5-star property is pure luxury: sprawling overwater villas, butler service, multiple fine dining restaurants, and one of the best spa settings in the South Pacific. But with nightly rates often topping $1,500–$3,000, is it really worth the splurge?

Here’s everything you need to know before booking the St. Regis Bora Bora.

Credit to marriott.com

🏝 The Resort at a Glance

Location: On its own private motu (islet) with direct views of Mount Otemanu.
Size: 44 acres—one of the largest resorts in Bora Bora.
Style: Ultra-luxury, with Polynesian-inspired design and modern elegance.
Famous For: Overwater villas (some of the biggest in Bora Bora), celebrity stays, and scenes from the movie Couples Retreat.

Getting around:

Bicycles: each villa is supplied with 2 bicycles. There is even a bike doctor that will attend to the bicycles if there are any issues
Golf Cart: call your butler to arrange a golf cart transfer. Request at least 15 minutes in advance to ensure timely pickup
Walk: enjoy a leisurely walk around the resort and take in the sights

🛏 The Villas

The St. Regis Bora Bora is known for having some of the largest and most luxurious villas in French Polynesia—whether over the water or tucked into lush gardens.

🌊 Overwater Villas

Size: Starting at 1,500 sq. ft.—among the largest in Bora Bora.
Features: Spacious living room, private terrace, glass floor panels, direct lagoon access.
Upgrades:
- Otemanu View Villas (unbeatable views of the mountain).
- Overwater Deluxe Villas with plunge pools.
- The Royal Estate Villa (13,000 sq. ft., private pool, spa, chef, and butler—$15,000+/night).

💡 Insider Tip: The Otemanu-facing villas are the most coveted—book early for those iconic views.

🌺 Garden Villas

While overwater villas get all the attention, the Garden Villas are a hidden gem. Surrounded by tropical greenery, these villas offer a private, serene retreat.

Size: Around 1,500–2,500 sq. ft.—even larger than many overwater bungalows.
Features: Private walled garden, large outdoor terrace, private pool, spacious living area, and indoor/outdoor showers.
Best For: Families, guests seeking extra privacy, or anyone wanting a private pool at a lower cost than an overwater villa with pool.
Atmosphere: Instead of lagoon views, you’ll enjoy lush landscaping and complete tranquility.

💡 Insider Tip: Garden Villas often provide the best value—offering more space and a pool, while still delivering St. Regis luxury.

Full video tour of the Garden villa below:

🍽 Restaurants & Dining

The resort has four restaurants plus in-villa dining:

Lagoon by Jean-Georges: The signature fine dining restaurant built over the water with glass floors—you might spot reef sharks swimming below.
Te Pahu Restaurant: Beachside dining with a focus on Polynesian flavors and international dishes.
Bamboo Restaurant: Asian-inspired cuisine in a stylish, open-air setting.
Aparima Bar: Swim-up bar with cocktails, snacks, and light meals.

💡 Pro Tip: Try the tasting menu at Lagoon by Jean-Georges for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

🧘 Amenities & Experiences

The Lagoonarium: A private protected lagoon filled with tropical fish—great for snorkeling right at the resort.
Spa Miri Miri by Clarins: Located on its own private lagoon island with overwater treatment rooms. You have access to pools and the lagoon from the spa.
Pools: Multiple infinity pools + private plunge pools in some villas.

🌺 Complimentary Services at St. Regis Bora Bora

Snorkeling in the Lagoonarium: Swim among tropical fish in the resort’s private lagoon sanctuary.

Non-Motorized Water Sports: Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear are free to use.
Bicycles: Cruise around the sprawling resort on two wheels.
Fitness Center: Fully equipped gym with lagoon views. Tennis courts + rackets are available for free - reservation needed (just ask your butler)
Cultural Activities: Some complimentary events, like Polynesian dance shows or local craft demonstrations.
Kids’ Club: Activities for younger guests (varies by season).

Complimentary Wi-Fi: Across the resort and in villas (this was a little spotty during my stay in 2025).
Excursions: Jet-ski tours, shark & ray snorkeling, romantic lagoon cruises.

👑 Butler Service

One of the signature highlights of staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora is the personal butler service—a hallmark of the St. Regis brand. Every villa, whether overwater or garden, comes with a dedicated butler team trained to anticipate your needs and make your stay seamless.

Here’s what the butlers can do for you:

Morning Rituals: Freshly brewed coffee or tea delivered to your villa each morning, exactly how you like it.
Unpacking & Packing: They’ll carefully unpack your luggage upon arrival and repack it before departure.
Turn-Down Service: Evening room refresh with thoughtful touches—dimmed lighting, soft music, slippers placed bedside.
Handwritten Notes & Personal Touches: Whether it’s a welcome note, anniversary wishes, or a reminder about your excursion, the butlers add personalized details throughout your stay.
In-Villa Dining Arrangements: From champagne and canapés on your deck to a romantic multi-course dinner under the stars.
Activity & Excursion Planning: Booking tours, spa treatments, water sports, or arranging private experiences.
Transportation: Calling a golf cart to take you around the resort (recommended to request ~15 minutes in advance).
Special Requests: Bubble baths waiting after a long day, celebratory surprises, or even helping with last-minute errands. If you want to explore other areas of Bora Bora, your butler will help arrange boat transfer and taxi (for a fee).

💡 Insider Tip: Don’t be shy about using the butler service—it’s included in your stay and designed to elevate your experience. They do call a lot to ensure your stay is perfect but if you like to be left alone you may need to specify times you would like peace and quiet.

💰 Cost: How Much Does It Really Cost to Stay Here?

Nightly Rates: $1,500–$3,000+ depending on season and villa type.
Meals: Expect $100–$150 per person for dinner at signature restaurants.
Transfers: Boat transfer from Bora Bora Airport is around $130 per person (round-trip).

👉 All-inclusive packages aren’t common—you’ll be paying separately for most meals and activities. Researching excursions outside of St. Regis may save you money and boat transfers are usually included.

🌅 Best Time to Visit

High Season (May–October): Dry, sunny weather, peak prices.
Shoulder Season (April, November): Great weather, fewer crowds, lower rates.
Low Season (Dec–March): Rainy season, more affordable, but less predictable.

💡 For the best mix of value + weather, book in April or November.

🛫 How to Get There

Fly to Tahiti (PPT) from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or other international hubs.
Take a 50-minute domestic flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB).
St. Regis provides private boat transfers from the airport to the resort dock (~$130 per person round trip) - will need to reserve ahead of time. Once at the airport there will be a stand for the St. Regis - you will check in there. All checked luggage will be already brought on the boat.

🌟 Is the St. Regis Bora Bora Worth It?

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate luxury escape—yes. Between the massive overwater villas, world-class dining, personal butler service, and unbeatable views of Mount Otemanu, the St. Regis delivers the Bora Bora fantasy.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While the St. Regis Bora Bora is an island dream come true, there are a couple of small things to be aware of! The Wi-Fi can be a bit touch-and-go at times, and you might find yourself re-signing in now and then—though with views like these, a little digital detox isn’t the worst thing.

If you're someone who treasures uninterrupted quiet in the mornings, the daily check-in calls from your butler might catch you off guard. But rest assured—they’re simply making sure everything is perfect for you (which, honestly, is kind of sweet).

Lastly, when it comes to booking excursions, the concierge works with a select group of providers. While they’re excellent, spots can fill up fast, so it’s worth doing a little extra research or booking ahead if there’s something specific on your bucket list.

But if you’re traveling on a tighter budget, other resorts (like InterContinental Le Moana or Conrad Bora Bora) offer stunning overwater bungalows at a lower price point.

For honeymooners, once-in-a-lifetime trips, or bucket-list splurges? The St. Regis Bora Bora is worth every penny. ✨

🧳 Packing Tips

Light tropical clothing.
Reef-safe sunscreen + rash guard.
Snorkel gear if you prefer your own.
Drone or GoPro for those lagoon shots.
Something nice for Lagoon by Jean-Georges.

✨ Final Thoughts

The St. Regis Bora Bora isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience. From waking up to Mount Otemanu views to snorkeling with reef sharks at sunset, every detail is designed to be unforgettable. Definitely a place I will be returning to hopefully each year.

It’s the kind of place you’ll remember for a lifetime—and the kind of trip that makes Bora Bora one of the most romantic destinations in the world. 🌴💍

Search This Blog

Jet. Set. Glow.