Bora Bora, French PolynesiaMotu Ome'E
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Overwater bungalow village
Motu Ome'E Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Opened
2006
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort WellnessOutside the door
The house
MarriottOverwater bungalow village
Boardwalks link thatched villas raised over the lagoon, with cruiser bikes waiting outside each door.
“Spanning a private atoll with uninterrupted views of Mount Otemanu, The St. Regis Bora Bora delivers island luxury at its most expansive.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated butlers handle unpacking, garment pressing, and morning coffee delivered to overwater decks.
Remarkable
A protected coral Lagoonarium sanctuary shelters tropical fish across the forty-four-acre private motu.
Notable
A dedicated spa islet houses balneotherapy baths and traditional Polynesian Taurumi massage pavilions.
What they say
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Michelin and Condé Nast Traveler.
Villas and overwater thatched-roof bungalows, which originated in Bora Bora more than 50 years ago and ignited a trend in tropical accommodations, frame the property.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The outer motu looks straight across the water to Mount Otemanu, reached only by boat from the airport.
1 of 5
The rooms
Glass floor panels reveal reef fish swimming below, and private sundecks have ladders leading straight into the lagoon.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The Oasis pool curves around palm islands and shaded cabanas, set apart from the main beachfront pool.
The spa and gym
Treatment rooms open onto walled courtyards with outdoor soaking tubs, and the gym looks straight into the gardens.
At the table
Overwater tables face Mount Otemanu at sunset, and the circular Aparima Bar pours drinks from a swim-up counter.
The screensaver-meets-overwater bungalow fantasy is brought to life on a private motu (or islet) in French Polynesia’s most storied locale.
How it began
Architect Pierre Lacombe spent a year studying Polynesian traditions before modeling the grounds on a traditional island village.
Bora Bora
More like this
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Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
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Conrad Bora Bora Nui
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The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
“Overwater bungalow resort”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.