Conrad Bora Bora Nui

We recommend the Conrad to couples on honeymoon or anniversary who want the Bora Bora postcard without compromise (and the budget that comes with it). It is a hotel for travellers who accept to pay for the isolation, the view of Otemanu, the attentive service without being obsequious. Families with children over 8 years old find their place (snorkelling, kayak, paddle), yet the clientele remains mainly couples in their thirties to fifties in search of displayed romance.

The resort opened in 2002, contemporary Polynesian architecture by WATG: pandanus roofs, exotic wood stilts, suspended walkways over the lagoon. Villas range from 80 to 220 m², interiors in teak and volcanic stone, sliding glass bays on three sides. Partial renovation in 2018 (bedding, bathrooms), yet some villas show their age (grout lines, exterior woodwork). The whole remains coherent, without ostentation, designed to blend into the landscape.

Two tables at the Conrad: the Tamure, feet in the sand, revisited French cuisine with local produce (raw fish in coconut milk, half-cooked red tuna, Tahaa vanilla), and the Iriatai, panoramic restaurant for grills and themed buffets. The Tarava, floating bar in driftwood, serves Mana'o rum cocktails and champagne until 23h, sunset view over Otemanu. Continental breakfast served in villa or at the Tamure (tropical fruit, pastries correct without being remarkable). Room service until 22h, reduced yet efficient menu.

The Conrad stands on a private motu south of Bora Bora, facing Mount Otemanu (727 m), accessible only by boat shuttle from Vaitape quay (10-minute crossing, departures every 30 minutes from 6h to midnight, then on request). Bora Bora airport (BOB) is 20 minutes by water taxi (included in the room rate). No shops, restaurants or services in immediate proximity: we are on an isolated islet, that is the principle. The lagoon around the motu is a marine reserve, underwater visibility up to 30 metres, corals and tropical fish 50 m from the villas.