Bora Bora, French PolynesiaMotu Tape
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Overwater bungalow resort
Motu Tape Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Resort Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
MarriottOverwater bungalow resort
The resort spreads across an outer motu facing Mount Otemanu, with thatched villas fanning into the lagoon and boat-only arrivals.
What it’s good at
Listed
Polynesian Taurumi massages pair with Phytocéane marine skincare in four treatment suites.
What they say
Also in AFAR.
The Westin Bora Bora delivers the postcard version of French Polynesia with overwater bungalows, glass floor panels, and direct access to the lagoon.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Motu Tape borders the outer reef facing Mount Otemanu, with boat shuttles running across the lagoon to the village of Vaitape.
The rooms
Pitched pandanus ceilings, pale timber, and stone frame beds facing the water, while deep bathtubs open onto private sun decks.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The freeform freshwater pool curves along the white sand. On the spa terrace, a separate plunge pool faces the lagoon.
The spa
Treatment suites look out over lagoon waters through broad picture windows, and relaxation lounges open directly onto a pond.
The gym
The 24-hour gym sits under vaulted timber rafters, with Technogym equipment and daily classes in Tahitian dance.
Restaurant
Varavara
Dining tables sit right in the sand under a covered terrace, serving fresh catch and steaks facing Mount Otemanu.
At the table
Decks curve over the lagoon for rotating dinners at Maere, and beach bars serve sundowners from suspended swing seats.
How it began
The property opened in 1998 as Le Méridien, where staff established an on-site sea turtle clinic that still operates beside the lagoon.
Bora Bora
More like this
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
“Overwater motu hideaway”
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
“Overwater bungalow village”
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
“Thatched motu villas”
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
“Overwater lagoon roost”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.