Quick Facts

Airport Transfers vs Island Transfers

One thing to keep in mind: the boats used for airport shuttle transfers at Bora Bora resorts tend to be nicer and more polished than the ones used for island transfers. So if you are arriving from the airport for the first time, that experience will be more elevated than what we are describing here. For a full breakdown of how to get to the Westin including pricing and the Anau base shuttle schedule, read our companion guide on how to get to the Westin Bora Bora.

Direct Pool Access from the Bungalow

One thing we did not see at any other Bora Bora resort: the Westin overwater bungalows step directly into the pool. The pool runs along part of the bungalow walkway, so you can step off your bungalow deck and straight into the saltwater pool without going through the main pool gate. It adds a layer of privacy and convenience to the bungalow experience that you do not get at properties where the pool and the bungalows are completely separated.

The Cabana Situation

Poolside cabanas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. There are three on each side of the pool. By 8:30 to 8:45am some are already claimed, so if a cabana is important to you, make it your first stop of the morning.

The resort enforces a 45-minute inactivity rule. If your belongings sit unattended for more than 45 minutes, staff will move them to the bar so other guests can use the space. It is a fair policy but worth knowing so you do not come back to find your spot gone.

Sunscreen Options

Sunscreen is available poolside in three options: SPF 30, SPF 50, and an aloe gel, with educational signage at each station explaining the difference. That is more variety than we have seen at any other Bora Bora resort. Worth packing light on sunscreen for that reason alone.

Food & Drinks at the Westin

Poolside lunch runs daily with a discounted special that changes each day. It is worth asking your server what the special is when you sit down because the discount is a genuine one, not just a small markdown. We ordered the smash burger during our stay and it was exactly what you want after a morning in the lagoon.

To give you a realistic sense of pricing, here is what we actually paid at Te Ava Bar during our stay. A pepperoni pizza ran 3,900 XPF (approximately $35 USD) and a Miami Vice cocktail was 3,000 XPF (approximately $27 USD). A draft beer came in at 1,000 XPF (approximately $9 USD). All receipts showed a zero gratuity line, which is consistent with French Polynesian service culture. Tipping is not expected here and you will not be made to feel awkward for not leaving one.

Happy Hour & The Hidden Bar

The Westin runs two happy hours daily: 5 to 6pm at the O’A Bar and a late happy hour from 7 to 8pm. The discount is genuinely good, around half price on participating drinks. It is worth timing a sunset cocktail around the first window.

Worth knowing: unlike some other Bora Bora resort bars that offer drink discounts throughout the day, the Westin happy hour is limited to these two windows only with no additional discounts outside of them.

One of our favorite discoveries on the property was the hidden bar tucked away on the left side of the resort, accessible from the bungalow side of the property. It has bar swings instead of stools and a completely different vibe from the main pool bar.

If your bungalow is on the right side of the property you will not stumble across it naturally, so make a point of seeking it out. We ordered drinks there and watched an octopus come right up to the dock below us, which was one of the more unexpected highlights of the trip.

Dinner Reservations & Using the App

For dinner, reservations are made through the resort app, which is easy to use and does not require you to speak to anyone. We would strongly suggest using the app over trying to call concierge.

The dial 9 line for concierge frequently goes unanswered. We tried four or five times before giving up entirely and just used the app, which worked perfectly. Set the expectation accordingly so it does not frustrate you mid-trip.

The OA tapas bar sits upstairs and is the best spot on the property to watch the sunset. Worth building into your evening routine.

The Six Restaurants on Property

Here is a full breakdown of every dining option on the property:

Tipanier is the main breakfast and dinner restaurant, open daily from 6:30am to 10:30am for breakfast and 6:00pm to 10:00pm for dinner. French cuisine with a carefully curated menu using fresh ingredients. Dress code is smart casual.

Maere is the signature fine dining restaurant, open Tuesday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday from 5:30pm to 10:00pm. Closed Monday and Thursday. The head chef builds an ever-changing menu around locally sourced ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine list. This is the elevated dinner experience on property. Dress code is smart casual.

Varavara is the beach grill, open daily from 12:00pm to 10:00pm. International menu covering steaks, seafood, and lighter fare in a relaxed setting where you can literally put your toes in the sand. This is where we ordered the smash burger and the pizza and chef salad. Dress code is casual.

Honu Tiki is the beachside cocktail bar, open daily from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Frozen cocktails with a direct view of Mount Otemanu. Casual dress code. A great afternoon stop between swims.

Te Ava is the swim-up pool bar, open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Vibrant dishes and beverages served poolside and directly in the infinity pool. Casual dress code.

O’A is the sunset bar, open daily from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. This is the OA tapas bar referenced above, sitting upstairs with an epic view of Mount Otemanu. Craft cocktails from the in-house mixologists and a vibrant musical atmosphere as the evening develops. Smart casual dress code.

As a general rule, smart casual applies for Tipanier, Maere, and O’A. Casual is fine for Varavara, Honu Tiki, and Te Ava. If you are heading to Maere for dinner, dress the part.

Activities & Included Amenities

The daily destination fee covers the full slate of included activities at the Westin. Every activity on the weekly program is included with the exception of Turtle Discovery, which carries an extra charge of 7,000 XPF (~$63 USD) per person.

All activities are booked by dialing 9 or through the resort app. For the boat shuttle specifically, plan to call concierge 10 to 15 minutes ahead of when you actually need to leave so the boat has time to position. The shuttle is reliable when booked properly, but it is not a tap-and-go situation.

Our Weekly Bora Bora Activity Schedule

Here is the full breakdown of everything we did during our stay this past March.

Turtle Discovery requires an extra charge of 7,000 XPF (~$63 USD). All other activities included in destination fee.

Wine & Rum Tastings: What to Expect

The wine tasting is one of the quieter, more enjoyable inclusions. The focus is on local French Polynesian labels, which come with genuinely beautiful label art and a short history of each wine. Two varieties are poured and everyone gets a sample glass. It is a relaxed hour that gives you a taste of something you probably would not seek out otherwise.

The rum tasting is a different energy entirely. This one draws a crowd and fills up fast. Get there 10 to 15 minutes early to secure a good spot. We had a frustrating moment where Alex had positioned himself in the middle of the line and a multi-generational family pushed in to try to skip ahead. He held his spot and the tasting still went smoothly, but it is worth knowing that this activity attracts a packed group and not everyone is polite about queuing.

Once you have your spot, the experience itself is fun. The session covers white and dark rum and walks you through making your own simple cocktail using lime and sugar. Personal note: I left my purse at the rum tasting and did not realize until we were back at the bungalow. The staff called us, held the bag behind the bar, and we were able to pick it up on our next pass through the property. A small thing, but it says a lot about the attentiveness of the team.

Cultural Activities & Daily Programming

Cultural activities at 3:15pm daily rotate depending on the week. During our stay the programming included hula lessons. Check with concierge when you arrive to find out what is scheduled during your visit, as it changes seasonally.

The Turtle Rehabilitation Center

The turtle rehabilitation center, officially called the Eco Center Bora Bora, is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and run by a team of on-site biologists dedicated to caring for injured and sick sea turtles. From the outside you can access a touch pond with coral and sea creatures, an education center housing turtle bones, shells, and detailed information about the local reef ecosystem, and viewing windows into the active rehabilitation tanks. All of this is accessible at no cost.

If you want to participate hands-on in the actual turtle program, it is 7,000 XPF, approximately $63 USD per person. It is an intimate experience that would be extraordinary if it is your first time working with sea turtles, though we chose not to add it to our stay. There is also a glass viewing panel on the lagoon side where you can look directly into the water and see live coral up close, similar to an aquarium viewing window.

The Resident Lagoon Turtle & Snorkeling

The resident lagoon turtle has lived on the Westin property for six years. Between 12pm and 2pm each day it is typically visible in the lagoon. Note that the lagoon section near the turtle center is off-limits for swimming since it serves as the turtle’s habitat and rehabilitation zone. You can, however, swim in the water beneath the chapel area nearby, which gives you access to the lagoon without disturbing the turtle’s space.

Snorkel gear is available for guests and you can hold onto your gear between uses rather than returning it each time. If you plan to get in the water multiple times throughout your stay, this is a convenience worth knowing about. For a full guide to snorkeling in Bora Bora, read our post: Snorkeling in Bora Bora: Don’t Book a Lagoon Tour Until You Read This.

The Gym & WestinWORKOUT

The gym is clean, well-equipped, and virtually empty during every visit. Free fruit, cold water, and towels are stocked inside. If you are someone who maintains a workout routine on vacation, this is one of the better resort gym setups we have seen in French Polynesia.

The Westin also offers WestinWORKOUT Gear Lending Kits at the Fitness Studio, and has partnered with Strava to provide suggested running routes around the resort. You can find those routes at strava.com/athletes/westinborabora.

Bicycles are available for navigating the property at your own risk.

Heavenly Spa by Westin

The spa at the Westin is called Heavenly Spa by Westin, the branded spa experience found across Westin properties worldwide. We did not book any services during our stay but walked through and it is a genuinely beautiful space worth seeing even if you do not have anything scheduled.

During our stay in March the featured special was a 75-minute package combining a 60-minute Polynesian Taurumi Massage with either a 15-minute Scalp Massage or a 15-minute Foot Reflexology session, priced at 22,000 XPF (~$198 USD). Seasonal specials rotate so pricing will vary depending on when you visit. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

The Vibe: Who This Resort Is Actually For

The Westin is a couples and multi-generational adult resort. That is not a marketing label, that is what we observed during our entire stay. Music plays softly throughout the property, the energy is calm and tranquil, and the pool is full of couples leaning on each other rather than kids splashing around.

We saw exactly one child during our entire stay. Multi-generational families were present but they skewed adult, with grandparents traveling with their adult children, not young grandkids.

If you are coming for a honeymoon, an anniversary, a vow renewal, or just a peaceful adult vacation, the Westin delivers exactly what it promises. If you are bringing kids, we genuinely think you will be happier elsewhere on the island, and we will explain why in the families section below.

Is The Westin Good for Families?

The short answer: not really. The Westin is built around a couples and adult vibe, and while there are kid-friendly elements on the property, the overall experience is better suited to adults. Here is the honest breakdown.

What Kids Would Actually Enjoy

The Eco Center is genuinely interesting for kids. The touch pond, the education area with turtle bones and shells, and the live coral viewing window where you can watch fish and the resident turtle without getting in the water are all built like a small aquarium experience. If your child is curious about marine life, this would be a real highlight.

Where The Westin Falls Short for Families

The lagoon snorkeling on property is poor. Visibility is limited because the lagoon is murky from boat traffic, sediment, and freshwater flow from the other side of the island. You will see fish and you might spot an octopus or a stingray (we saw both), but it is not the crystal clear snorkeling that resort photos suggest.

The turtle area is off-limits for swimming, which makes sense for the rehabilitation work but does mean the most interesting part of the lagoon is roped off.

Daily activity programming is lighter than other Bora Bora resorts. The Westin runs one main daily activity. The St. Regis runs multiple, including a kids scavenger hunt and snacks brought out for kids during the day. The IHG Thalasso has an overwater swing that is a kid magnet and stronger family programming overall.

We saw exactly one child during our entire stay. If you bring your kid here, they may not have anyone their age to play with.

The Room Category Limitation for Families

The Westin overwater bungalows max out at three guests. That makes a family of four difficult to book in a single room without upgrading to a Suite Master category, which may accommodate larger groups. Worth confirming directly with the resort if you are considering this route.

For families using Marriott Bonvoy points, this is where the math gets interesting. At the St. Regis, the lowest base category on points is a beach villa that comfortably sleeps four. The St. Regis overwater bungalows can also accommodate extra guests with advance notice, even when the booking interface suggests otherwise. If you are a family of four trying to use Bonvoy points, the St. Regis is the more practical option.

What We Would Actually Recommend for Families

Based on our research and personal experience across multiple Bora Bora resorts, we would point families to the St. Regis Bora Bora first for the best overall family experience with active programming, scavenger hunts, kid amenities, and larger room options on points.

Second choice would be the InterContinental Thalasso for a strong family-friendly setup including the iconic overwater swing. Third would be the Four Seasons Bora Bora, which is highly regarded for families based on our research.

The Westin is not a bad property for families, it is just not optimized for them. If you book it expecting a kids paradise, you will likely be disappointed. If you book it knowing it is a couples-leaning resort and you are bringing your kids anyway, manage expectations and plan to do most of your kid activities off property through tours and excursions.

The Lagoon Reality: Setting Expectations

Worth being honest about something that affects every overwater bungalow resort on Bora Bora, not just the Westin. The lagoon water around the motu resorts is not the crystal clear water you see in promotional photos. It is murky. The blue color comes from the sandy bottom, not from clarity.

There are a few reasons. Constant boat traffic from morning shuttles, jet skis, and lagoon tours churns up sediment. Fresh water flows in from the other side of the island, bringing additional silt. The wind keeps the water moving constantly. The result is a beautiful turquoise lagoon with limited visibility for snorkeling.

You will still see things. We saw an octopus right at the beach bar, a spotted stingray under our bungalow, and the resident turtle in its protected area. But if you came to Bora Bora expecting reef-quality snorkeling right off your bungalow ladder, you will be disappointed.

For the best snorkeling on Bora Bora, book a lagoon tour that takes you to the deeper, clearer spots in the lagoon. We have a full guide on this: Snorkeling in Bora Bora: Don’t Book a Lagoon Tour Until You Read This.

For genuinely crystal clear water, the snorkeling in Moorea and Tahiti was significantly better than anything we experienced on the Bora Bora motu lagoons.

Mornings on the Lagoon

The lagoon around the Westin is active early. Boat shuttles from surrounding resorts begin running at around 6 to 6:30am, picking up guests for snorkel excursions and morning activities, and that activity means the water outside your bungalow will rarely be completely still and glassy, even on a calm day. If you are hoping for mirror-flat water for sunrise photos, it is a realistic expectation to manage.

That said, mornings here have their own kind of magic. If you are up early enough, you will likely catch outrigger canoe paddlers on the water. Paddling is one of the most deeply rooted cultural sports in French Polynesia and is also a major competitive discipline in Hawaii, with professional races held in both regions.

Watching the paddlers move through the lagoon in the early morning light, and again in the evenings, is one of those quietly memorable Bora Bora experiences that no one tells you about before you arrive.

Turndown & Special Occasion Treatment

If you are visiting for an anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday, the Westin delivers on the details. Our room was filled with hibiscus flowers for our anniversary, paired with a small handwritten note and chocolate during turndown.

Worth knowing: we had pre-requested the anniversary celebration via email a few weeks before arrival, so plan to do the same if you want the full treatment. The setup is not something the resort guesses at, it is something they prepare for when they know about your occasion in advance.

What we did with the flowers afterward became one of the best moments of the trip. We gathered all the petals into the bathtub overnight, and the next morning had a Bali-style flower bath with a glass of champagne. If you get a similar floral turndown treatment, do not let those petals go to waste.

The Dock & Walkway Experience

This is something we feel strongly about flagging because it affects the quality of your stay in a way that is easy to overlook when you are booking.

The elevated walkways connecting the overwater bungalows to the main resort are a shared space, and when someone runs or speeds a cart down them, the vibration travels through the entire structure including into your bungalow. We noticed resort carts running as late as 6:17pm in the evening, which is prime relaxation time for guests who are on their decks or winding down for dinner. We also saw guests running on the walkways at various points throughout the day.

To be fair, this is not a Westin-specific problem. It is something we observed across all overwater bungalow properties we visited in Bora Bora. The walkways are elevated and connected, which means they transmit movement and vibration by design. It is worth being mentally prepared for it, and if walkway-side noise and movement is something that would bother you, consider whether a far-side bungalow might give you a little more distance from the main foot traffic.

Hotel & Resort Amenity Specifications

Is It Worth The Points?

Short answer: YES. We redeemed Marriott Bonvoy points for our one-night stay and did not come out of pocket for the room itself. When you factor in that the cash rate for a Lagoon View Beach Villa starts at 105,220 XPF per night (~$945 USD) and goes up from there, a points redemption that covers that cost entirely is a win with no real downside. There was no harm to our bank account and we still got the full experience.

What You Actually Pay Out of Pocket on a Points Stay

Here is where it gets interesting and where most points travel content falls short. The room being free does not mean your stay is free. Based on our actual checkout folio, here is what we paid in cash on top of the points redemption for a one-night stay:

Two things stand out from this receipt. First, the City Tax at 11,000 XPF (~$99 USD) is a government-mandated charge that cannot be covered by points. Budget for it no matter how you book.

Second, and this is the detail most points travel guides miss entirely: the destination fee on our points stay came out to just 550 XPF (~$5 USD), compared to the 11,550 XPF (~$104 USD) listed for cash bookings on Marriott.com. That is a saving of over $99 USD per night on the destination fee alone, simply by booking on points.

Verify the destination fee structure at the time of your booking as policies can change, but our March 2026 experience suggests points redemptions carry a dramatically reduced destination fee.

Points destination fee based on our March 2026 stay. Verify at time of booking as fee structures may change.

The Rainy Season Advantage

We deliberately planned our stay during the rainy season and it paid off in two ways. Points requirements are lower during off-peak periods, meaning you stretch your points further. But the bigger benefit we did not fully anticipate was the crowd level.

The resort was noticeably quieter, cabanas were easier to secure, and the property felt relaxed in a way that peak season might not deliver. If your schedule is flexible, shoulder season and rainy season redemptions offer real quality-of-life improvements beyond just the points math.

Westin vs St. Regis on Points

Both the Westin and the St. Regis are Marriott properties and both accept Bonvoy points. The Westin is generally a lower category redemption than the St. Regis, making it the more accessible option for travelers building up their points.

The St. Regis is the better value if you are a family of four because the lowest points-eligible category at the St. Regis is a beach villa that sleeps four, whereas the Westin overwater bungalow caps at three guests. For couples on a flexible budget, the Westin offers a more affordable redemption with a fresher property since the 2024 renovation. We have a full comparison post coming on the two properties side by side.

The Westin Bora Bora Day Pass

We broke down every Bora Bora resort day pass in one place. Prices, what’s included, their email, and which ones are actually worth it. The Westin is the only tiered option on the island, so you can calibrate the experience to your budget , with the Honu tier adding the Turtle Discovery program at the Eco Center. See info on the Westin Bora Bora Day Pass here.

What to Pack for The Westin Bora Bora

Clothing & Outfits

You are going halfway across the world. Dress like it. Something we noticed immediately at the Westin compared to other properties is that guests here genuinely put in the effort. Couples arrived coordinated with matching or complementary color palettes. Women wore nice dresses to dinner and tastings. Men showed up to the rum tasting and pool in outfits that actually looked intentional. It was a refreshing change and it set a tone across the whole property.

The Westin attracts couples who are celebrating something and that energy shows in how people show up. If you want your photos to reflect that same level, the planning starts before you even pack your bag. Pick two or three tones that work together and build your outfits around them.

Everything mixes, nothing clashes, and your photos look cohesive from day one to checkout. Matching sets for beach and pool days, a resort-casual outfit for the O’A Bar at sunset, and something smart casual for dinner at Tipanier or Maere will cover everything. A pareo is one of the most versatile things you can pack. It works as a beach coverup, a sarong for walking the property, and a photo prop. Lightweight and takes up almost no space.

Gear & Practical Items

An Aloha wet bag is essential at the Westin specifically. With early check-in possible on the first boat shuttle, you may be in the water before your room is ready. A wet bag means your wet swimsuit goes straight back into your luggage without soaking everything else. It also works for late checkout days when you want one last swim before the ferry.

The plugs at the Westin are universal fit so most devices will charge without an adapter, but bringing a French to American adapter as a backup is still recommended just to be safe. The bungalow has Bluetooth speakers both inside and outside so a curated playlist goes a long way toward setting the mood on your deck.

Flower Crown

Arrange your flower crown before you arrive. Other guests will ask where you got yours and you will want an answer ready. We had multiple women come up to us at lunch asking where ours came from. Read our full guide on where to get flower crowns in Bora Bora before you leave home.

A Few Final Notes

Mosquitoes are present on the property, particularly in the evening. The bungalow side tends to be breezier and less buggy than main island areas. Pack a small insect repellent or pick up local monoi vanilla oil on the island, which works as a natural deterrent.

Dress code for dinner at Tipanier and Maere is smart casual. Think resort elegant, not flip flops and a coverup. The walkways and dock can get slippery when wet so sandals with grip are worth having. Chacos or similar styles work well.

Checkout & Luggage Storage

Silver Elite Marriott Bonvoy members receive a 4pm late checkout, though it is granted based on availability rather than guaranteed at the time of check-in. You will receive a notification through the in-room TV screen letting you know if the extension has been approved. From there, you need to visit the front desk in person to get your room keys updated to reflect the new checkout time.

Our honest take: if availability clearly exists, this process should be handled proactively at check-in rather than requiring a separate trip to the front desk on your last day. It is a minor friction point in an otherwise smooth stay, but it is worth flagging because it can feel a little disruptive when you are in full vacation mode and just want to enjoy your last morning.

Wristbands are collected back at checkout, so do not plan on keeping them as a souvenir. The gift shop carries solid standard resort offerings. The spa is beautiful. We did not book any services during our stay but walked through and it is worth a look even if you do not have anything scheduled.

After You Check Out

After checking out of your room, bell service holds your luggage for you. That part is seamless. You are free to enjoy the pool, beach, and resort amenities until your boat departure.

The Westin operates complimentary boat transfers to both the main island dock and the airport, running on a set timetable throughout the day. This is how all motu resorts in Bora Bora operate, but the key detail here is that the Westin airport transfers are free, included in the destination fee.

There is no per-ride charge on airport boats unlike some other properties on the island that bill you for each boat trip. Plan your departure around the timetable and factor in that the airport is on a separate island, so a boat transfer is part of any departure regardless of which resort you are staying at. That is just how Bora Bora works.

Our checkout was at 4pm and we waited for the 6pm ferry, so we had two extra hours enjoying the pool with our luggage safely stored. It turned into a nice bonus stretch at the resort rather than a frustrating wait. For the full shuttle timetable and how the Anau base transfer system works, read our companion guide on how to get to the Westin Bora Bora.

Westin Bora Bora FAQ

Would We Stay Again

The Westin Bora Bora earns its reputation. The property is polished and well-maintained, the staff are consistently warm and attentive, and the 2024 renovation puts the bungalows among the most modern and comfortable on the island. The saltwater pool with its direct sightline to Mount Otemanu is one of the most beautiful pool settings in French Polynesia, and the all-in daily destination fee makes budgeting your stay genuinely simple in a destination where costs can spiral fast.

The things worth knowing going in: concierge by phone is unreliable so use the app, the coffee cups are not quite as luxurious as the setting deserves, morning boat traffic means the lagoon is rarely fully still, and the checkout key extension process could be smoother. None of it diminishes what was an exceptional anniversary stay.

If you are planning a romantic trip to Bora Bora, the Westin belongs on your shortlist. If you are bringing kids, look at the St. Regis, IHG Thalasso, or Four Seasons instead. And if you are weighing the Westin against the St. Regis specifically for a Marriott Bonvoy points redemption, keep an eye out for our full Westin vs St. Regis comparison post coming soon.

Planning your look for the trip? Read our guide on where to get flower crowns in Bora Bora and French Polynesia before you arrive. You will want to sort this before you get on the plane.

Have questions about the Westin or Bora Bora trip planning? Drop them in the comments. We are happy to help.