The Edit: This covers what it’s actually like staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora with kids, including villa setup, dining, activities, and on-property logistics. It includes real experiences like the lagoonarium, scavenger hunt, birthday perks, and kid specific amenities such as bikes, robes, and ice cream access. Designed to help families decide if the resort works beyond a honeymoon stay, with practical insights on safety, space, and daily flow.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details for Families
Kids’ Dining	Ages 0–6: Eat free from kids’ menu with an adult. Ages 7–12: 50% off regular menus.
Ice Cream Perk	“Scream for Ice Cream”: Unlimited ice cream and smoothies at Aparima Bar for kids.
Best Villa Type	Beachside Villa with Pool: Direct Lagoonarium access and safer for young kids.
Getting Around	Complimentary Bikes: Provided for all ages, including training wheels and child sizes.
Special Amenities	Child-sized robes, slippers, scavenger hunt booklets, and morning “hot chocolate” service.
Snorkeling	The Lagoonarium: A current-free, protected area perfect for kids (Home to Moana!).

Bora Bora has a reputation for being a honeymoon destination, so one of the biggest questions families have is whether a resort like the St. Regis actually works with kids.

After staying here as a family, the answer is yes! But not in the way people might expect.

This isn’t a “drop your kids at a kids club and disappear for the day” kind of resort. It’s more of a slower, experience based stay where everything is done together. And if you lean into that, it can actually be a really special place to travel with kids.

Birthday Surprises Set the Tone for the Entire Stay

We happened to be at the St. Regis Bora Bora during Audrey’s birthday, and that ended up shaping the entire experience in the best way.

The resort didn’t treat it like a generic add-on. It felt like they actually paid attention. She was welcomed with gifts, including a hat, and introduced to the “Scream for Ice Cream” perk right away, which instantly made the stay feel exciting for her.

When we arrived at the villa, there was a birthday cake waiting, handwritten notes, and details that made it feel personal instead of transactional.

Those are the moments kids remember. Not the resort name. Not the room category. The feeling that something was made just for them.

The Beachfront Villa Made a Huge Difference for Families

One of the biggest reasons this stay worked so well with a child was the Beachfront Villa with a private pool.

There’s so much focus on overwater bungalows in Bora Bora that I think families overlook how much easier the beach villas can be. The setup gave Audrey space to move between inside, outside, the plunge pool, and the beach without everything feeling contained.

It felt less like a hotel room and more like having our own space to settle into.

The airflow on this side of the resort also made a noticeable difference. It felt cooler, breezier, and had fewer mosquitoes than the overwater side, which made it easier to actually enjoy being outside with a child.

We also met another family who split their stay between a beachfront villa and an overwater bungalow, and they said both were workable with kids, but hearing that reinforced that families are absolutely staying in both. That said, for ease and comfort, the beachfront setup felt much more natural for us especially because it was located right next to the Lagoonarium.

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The Resort Quietly Does a Lot for Kids

The St. Regis doesn’t loudly position itself as a family resort, but it quietly does a lot of things that make traveling with kids feel easier.

The ice cream and smoothie perk at Aparima was one of the biggest ones. Audrey used it constantly, and it changed the rhythm of the day because we weren’t constantly stopping to order snacks or adding small charges to the bill.

But it was the smaller details that stood out the most.

When we arrived, she had her own child-sized robe and slippers, which instantly made the experience feel like it was designed for her too, not just adapted for kids. The butler team leaned into that in a way I didn’t expect. They brought hot chocolate out to the villa for her in the mornings, while we had our coffee, and it turned into one of those simple routines that made the stay feel more relaxed and personal.

She was also given a kids activity booklet, which ended up being way more engaging than expected. It included a scavenger hunt around the lagoon area, and once she completed it, she was able to pick a reward. She chose a bracelet-making kit, which made the whole thing feel interactive instead of just something to pass the time.

The Lagoonarium and Moana Were the Highlight for Her

If there was one part of the resort that really made this trip feel special for Audrey, it was the lagoonarium.

It’s a calm, protected area of the lagoon where you can swim, snorkel, and explore without worrying about currents or boat traffic. But what made it stand out wasn’t just that it felt safe. It was that it felt alive.

The scavenger hunt tied into this area, which gave her a reason to explore instead of just swim. There were learning elements around the coral and lagoon, so it felt more like discovering something than just being in the water.

And then there was Moana.

Audrey had been waiting to see her, and when we finally did, it completely lived up to it. Moana isn’t just a fish you might spot if you’re lucky. She’s recognizable, curious, and part of the experience. At one point I dropped a shell into the water, and she immediately moved toward it, followed by a cluster of other fish. It turned into this moment of movement and energy that felt exciting and real.

Those are the kinds of things that stick with kids long after the trip is over.

Getting Around the Resort Was Part of the Fun

The bikes ended up being one of the most important parts of making the stay work with a child.

Every villa is assigned bikes, and they brought one in Audrey’s size. They also had options like training wheels, which makes a big difference for younger kids.

The property is large, so without bikes, getting around can feel like a lot of walking. With them, it completely changes the experience. It turns moving around the resort into something fun instead of something that drains everyone’s energy halfway through the day.

The Pools, Fish, and Social Side of the Resort

The main pool ended up being one of the easiest places to just settle in as a family.

It was warm, spacious, and had a relaxed energy that didn’t make kids feel out of place. There were other families there too, which gave Audrey opportunities to interact naturally without needing a structured kids program.

The adult-only pool had a completely different feel and was much quieter (because, no kids allowed) and more tucked away, but the main pool was where things felt shared and comfortable for families.

Beyond that, there were fish everywhere. Around the docks, near the shops, along the shoreline. It turned into this constant thing of spotting fish as we moved through the property, which made even the in-between moments feel interesting.

Even the small island across from breakfast added to that. Crossing the bridge, seeing the hammock, spotting marine life, noticing the little coconut fairy house in the tree—it made the resort feel like something to explore instead of just somewhere to stay.

Activities That Actually Kept Her Engaged

The resort doesn’t overwhelm you with structured programming, but it offers enough that you don’t feel like you’re constantly trying to entertain your child.

We did things like Polynesian dance lessons, and there were other light cultural activities that made the stay feel more interactive. Nothing felt overly scheduled, which actually worked better for us.

It gave us options without making the day feel rigid.

Pro Tip: Flower crowns are tropical accessories that add a pop to any photo, and are a MUST have for a Bora Bora vacation. Luckily, we have a complete break down and guide on Where to get flower crowns in Bora Bora!

The Reality of Staying Here With Kids

The St. Regis Bora Bora is family friendly, but it’s important to understand what that actually means.

This is not a resort built around constant kid entertainment. There isn’t a large, all-day kids club or nonstop activities designed to keep children occupied independently.

Instead, it works best if your version of family travel is doing things together.

Swimming together. Exploring together. Slowing down and letting your child be part of the experience instead of trying to separate them from it.

For us, that ended up being what made the stay feel more meaningful.

Is St. Regis Bora Bora Worth It for Families?

If you’re expecting a high energy kids resort, this probably isn’t it.

But if you’re looking for a place where your child can experience Bora Bora in a way that feels safe, engaging, and included, it actually works really well.

For us, it wasn’t about keeping Audrey entertained every second. It was about letting her experience it with us.

And that’s what made it feel worth it.

Pro Tip: If you’re staying on the main island or another resort but still want to give your kids a day of snorkeling in the Lagoonarium and lunch at Aparima Bar, check out our Guide to the St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass

Should you book a beach villa or overwater bungalow with kids?

This is one of the biggest questions families ask, especially with younger kids.

A lot of parents worry about safety in overwater bungalows, specifically things like deck gaps or lower windows. We even saw other families mention moments where their child got a little too close to the edge, which can feel stressful.

For us, the Beachfront Villa felt like the easier and more relaxed option with a child.

It gave Audrey space to move freely between the indoor area, the private pool, and the beach without us constantly thinking about the water being right there. It honestly felt more like a private little compound than a hotel room, which made a big difference in how comfortable the stay felt as a family. Another huge advantage is that the villas are positioned around the lagoonarium, which means snorkeling access is basically immediate. You can grab your masks once, keep them in your room, and be right back in the water whenever you want. We were directly across from Moana, and there were consistently fish in that area, which made it way more engaging for a kid who’s actually excited about marine life.

That said, overwater bungalows have their own appeal, especially for families with older kids. Being able to jump straight off your private deck into the water is a huge plus, and a lot of families bring floaties or rope to tie off and just hang out in the water right outside their bungalow. That can be really fun and feel like the “Bora Bora experience” people picture.

But for younger kids, that same setup can feel a little stressful depending on your comfort level.

The resort does help with childproofing in both villa types. We met another family who had a full glass barrier installed around their private pool in the beachfront villa, and the staff will help adjust things to make the space feel safer for your setup.

So it’s not about one being right or wrong, it really comes down to what kind of experience you want and what level of stress you’re okay dealing with. For us, the beachfront villa felt easier. For other families, the overwater bungalow might be part of the fun.

How expensive is it to feed kids at St. Regis Bora Bora?

This is where a lot of families get nervous before arriving, and honestly, it’s a valid concern.

Food at the St. Regis is expensive across the board, but there are a few things that help specifically for kids.

Children under 6 typically eat free from the kids menu when dining with an adult, and ages 7–12 often receive reduced pricing or can order from the kids menu.

One of the most helpful perks during our stay was the “Scream for Ice Cream” setup at Aparima Bar, where kids have access to complimentary ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies during set hours.

It sounds small, but it actually made a big difference day-to-day. Instead of constantly ordering snacks or adding extra charges, Audrey always had something she could enjoy without it turning into another expense.

Is there enough for kids to do, or will they get bored?

This is probably the biggest hesitation parents have when looking at Bora Bora in general.

The St. Regis doesn’t have a large, all-day kids club like some Caribbean resorts, so if that’s what you’re expecting, this will feel different.

What it does have is a more experience-based setup.

For Audrey, the lagoonarium ended up being one of the biggest highlights. It felt safe, easy to explore, and full of marine life. The scavenger hunt tied into that area gave her something to actively look for, which made it more engaging than just swimming.

Seeing Moana was another huge moment for her. It turned something simple into something memorable, which is really what keeps kids interested.

There are also smaller activities like cultural experiences and dance lessons, but overall this is a resort where kids stay engaged by exploring, not by being constantly entertained.

How do you get around the resort with kids?

The resort is large, and this is something a lot of families underestimate.

The bikes are what make it work.

Each villa is assigned bikes, and they do provide child-sized bikes, including options like training wheels. That completely changes the experience. Instead of long walks turning into complaints or exhaustion, getting around becomes something kids actually enjoy.

Without the bikes, it would feel like a lot more effort. With them, it’s part of the fun.

For families with mobility concerns, the resort is happy to arrange transportation for you and this often is via golf cart to wherever you need to go on property.

Does St. Regis Bora Bora have a Kids Club?

If you’ve seen a ‘Kids Club’ mentioned on older travel sites or the resort’s legacy pages, you might be surprised to find, as we were, that there isn’t a traditional ‘drop-off’ center active on the property. We didn’t see one, and it was never mentioned during our stay. Instead, the resort focuses on ‘Family Traditions’ vibe. Meaning the activities (like the scavenger hunt and butler surprises) are designed for you to do with your kids. For our family, this felt more intentional, but it’s a big detail to know if you were expecting a Four Seasons Bora Bora style daycare setup.

Is St. Regis Bora Bora or Four Seasons better for families?

This is probably the most common comparison families make.

From what we’ve seen and heard, the Four Seasons tends to have a more traditional kids club setup with structured programming.

The St. Regis, on the other hand, feels more centered around shared experiences.

Things like the lagoonarium, biking around the property, exploring the fish, and just moving through the resort together are what make it work here.

So it really comes down to the kind of trip you want.

If you’re looking for a resort where kids are entertained separately, Four Seasons may feel like a better fit.

If you’re looking for a place where your kids are part of the experience with you, the St. Regis leans more in that direction.

Is St. Regis Bora Bora safe for kids?

Overall, yes, but like any resort in Bora Bora, it helps to understand the environment.

The lagoonarium is one of the safest areas for kids to be in the water because it’s calm and protected, and the resort provides things like life jackets when needed.

The main pool also felt very manageable for families, with shallow areas and attentive staff nearby.

Inside the villa, the resort can provide small things that make a difference, and the butler team is helpful if you need anything specific for your child.

Like most places in Bora Bora, it’s not a “set it and forget it” environment, but it’s very doable and comfortable when you’re aware of your surroundings.

More From Our St. Regis Bora Bora Guide

Planning a stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora? We spent two months slow traveling Bora Bora and stayed at multiple resorts on the island. These five posts cover everything you need to know before you book.

• St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Review: Every Detail You Need Before You Book
• St. Regis Bora Bora Boat Transfer Guide: Airport vs Mainland, Prices & Shuttle Schedule
• St. Regis Bora Bora Dining Guide: Restaurants, Real Prices and What to Expect
• Is St. Regis Bora Bora Actually Family Friendly? What It’s Really Like With Kids
• St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora for Free: Our Points and Loyalty Strategy