Review: St. Regis Bora Bora

Room Type
Beachside Villa
Elite Status
Marriott Titanium
Date
February 2023
Rating

After commencing our “pre-honeymoon” in Bora Bora with five nights at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, we then proceeded to the renowned St. Regis Bora Bora for our next stay.

The St. Regis Bora Bora is nestled in one of the most serene enclaves of the island, with stunning views of Mount Otemanu and a pristine crystal-clear lagoon.

Compared to the intimate charm and relatively compact size of the Conrad, the St. Regis Bora Bora is known for its sprawling estate, and I was looking forward to seeing how it stacked up.

In This Post

St. Regis Bora Bora – Booking

I booked this two-night escapade for a total of 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, along with an additional 44,400 XPF ($400 USD, $530 CAD) cash supplement per night for a Beachside Villa. This room type stands one tier above the base-level Reef Villa.

These days, the prices at the property have seen an increase, and now reach a maximum of 150,000 points per night.

For a base-level villa, cash rates tend to fall in the range of 280,000–400,000 XPF ($2,530–3,620 USD, $3,400–4,800 CAD), while overwater villas can climb to 800,000 XPF ($7,240 USD, $9,800 CAD).

We value Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point (CAD), and despite the price increase, there’s still a strong argument for value to be found from redeeming points.

In this regard, Marriott Bonvoy’s Fifth Night Free benefit is indeed even more enticing, as you’ll only need to pay for four nights with points. Based on my personal experience, I can confidently assert that a five-night stay would certainly be worthwhile.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Aerial view

However, it’s worth noting that securing availability for base-level rooms can be challenging. Therefore, be prepared to allocate 44,000 XPF ($400 USD, $530 CAD) or even more for the nightly supplement when opting for higher-level rooms.

Nevertheless, this approach would guarantee you a superior room category without relying on the prospect of an upgrade. If you decide to pursue an upgrade, it’s certainly beneficial to have Marriott Bonvoy elite status, as it enhances the likelihood of an upgrade upon check-in.

Additionally, property management proactively communicates with you before your arrival, letting you know of any paid upgrade alternatives at your disposal.

If booking a paid rate, keep in mind that the St. Regis Bora Bora participates in Marriott STARS, Marriott’s preferred partner program for luxury hotels. 

By booking your stay through an authorized travel advisor, you’ll pay the same as the best-available flexible rate, but you’ll enjoy a suite of perks, including complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 (USD) property credit, and more.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Location

Situated on the eastern side of Bora Bora, the St. Regis Bora Bora is nestled on one of the islets facing inland towards the main island, with exceptional views of Mount Otemanu – arguably the best of any resort in Bora Bora.

In order to access the island of Bora Bora, you’ll first need to fly to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia.

From there, you have two options to continue. Firstly, you can take a domestic flight with either Air Tahiti or Air Moana to Motu Mute Airport (BOB) in Bora Bora, which is the most convenient and efficient way to reach the island.

Alternatively, for a more scenic experience, there’s a ferry service available a few times a week – although it’s slower and not significantly cheaper compared to flying.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Aerial view

The island of Bora Bora is a part of Tahiti’s Leeward Islands, located on the western side of French Polynesia. The central island features the remnants of an extinct volcano with two imposing peaks, Mount Pahia and the iconic Mount Otemanu, and is encompassed by a magnificent lagoon, a barrier reef, and numerous islets.

It’s worth noting that the St. Regis Bora Bora is located relatively close to Bora Bora’s main airport, which makes for a convenient journey to the resort, but you may also occasionally hear airplanes passing overhead.

Lastly, the resort operates a port on the eastern side of the main island of Bora Bora, in addition to a bus service that can take you to the main town of Vaitape, situated on the western side.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Check-in

As the St. Regis is located on a secluded coral islet, it’s only accessible by boat, which adds to its sense of exclusivity and privacy.

While most guests will be coming and going by way of the airport, our arrival to the resort took on a slightly unconventional character, as we had recently checked out from the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. We first headed to the town of Vaitape, and then took a 15-minute taxi ride to the St. Regis’s base on the eastern side of the island. 

St. Regis Bora Bora – Base on Bora Bora island

As a result, in a rather distinctive twist, we found ourselves sharing a boat with a group of resort staff members who were also travelling from the main island. The boat, though modest in size, embraced a no-frills aesthetic and an open-air design, with bench seating for both us and the staff.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Boat transfer

Given the relatively short duration of the journey, such straightforward arrangements proved to be more than adequate. I’d note that there wasn’t a formal welcome committee to greet us, though this was somewhat understandable given the unique circumstances of our arrival.

From the moment we set foot on the arrival dock, we were treated to breathtaking vistas of Mount Otemanu standing majestically in the distance. The sight of this iconic natural wonder served as a magnificent backdrop to our arrival experience, setting the stage for the two days that awaited us.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Welcome sign
St. Regis Bora Bora – Mount Otemanu view

The resort uses locally sourced materials such as coconut wood, palm trees, and pandanus leaves, which are reminiscent of traditional Polynesian fishing huts.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Covered walkway

We eventually made our way to the main check-in area. A staircase ascends to the lobby, where the check-in desk and several seating areas are thoughtfully placed throughout.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lobby lounge
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lobby lounge
St. Regis Bora Bora – Check-in desks

Unfortunately, our check-in experience at the St. Regis Bora Bora lacked the personalized and attentive touch that one might expect at a luxury resort of this calibre. We simply checked in at the counter without being invited to sit down, unlike at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui where we’d previously stayed.

Nevertheless, a small gesture of hospitality was extended to us upon our arrival: refreshing mango juice and water as welcome drinks.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Welcome drinks

Following our check-in, we were promptly introduced to our butler, who invited us on a buggy tour of the resort. Although the offer was tempting, we decided to proceed directly to our accommodations, as we were eager to settle in and begin our St. Regis Bora Bora experience.

For this particular trip, we had deliberately opted for a Beachside Villa, as we were seeking out a new experience following our previous stays in overwater villas during trips to the Maldives. Once we completed our check-in, we were escorted directly to our Beachside Villa. 

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa

The Beachside Villas at the St. Regis Bora Bora are an impressive size of 1,808 square feet. In fact, these villas rank among the largest in the entire South Pacific.

You’ll find these room types located on the northeastern side of the resort, near the main building and opposite from the Garden Villas. What’s more, they’re exclusive in number, with only five available.

The layout of the villa follows a traditional room design, featuring distinct areas that include a separate living area, bedroom, and bathroom. Upon entering the villa, a welcoming hallway leads directly to the spacious living area, and adjacent to it, the bedroom awaits.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa foyer

Both the living area and the bedroom lead out to an inviting outdoor courtyard, which then extends to a private pool and an expansive beachfront area.

The villa’s décor reflects a Polynesian theme and a bungalow-inspired design, featuring elements and motifs that evoke the tropical ambiance of Bora Bora. The Beachside Villa incorporates natural and simple materials throughout, including pandanus along the ceilings and hardwood flooring, as well as rugs, draperies, and upholstery that add to the overall comfort and aesthetic.

The bedroom features a king bed with pink coral touches, which serves as the central focal point of the room. The two doors behind the bed lead to the bathroom.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa bedroom
St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa bed

The living room, situated at the end of the foyer, is well appointed with a full-sized sofa, dining table, and seating for two. A desk is also present, although it notably lacks a chair.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa living room
St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa living room

Additionally, a flat-screen TV stands atop an entertainment console, which is tucked into the corner of the living room.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa flat-screen TV & living room

In the bedroom and living room, expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors provide direct access to and stunning views of the lagoon and beachfront

In our villa, as part of the resort’s initiative to minimize single-use plastic, we were provided with a Natura Ora water dispenser, allowing us to conveniently access both cold and hot water.

The resort is currently conducting a trial by installing automatic water dispensers in every room, and fortunately, our room was equipped with one. This amenity was an absolute godsend, as it eliminated the need to repeatedly request bottled water and provided us with unlimited access to water.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa Natura Ora water dispenser

Heading into the bathroom, you’re greeted by double granite finished vanities and an oversized sunken bathtub, which is accompanied by an adjacent rain shower. Located on one side of the bathroom is a toilet.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa bathroom
St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa bathtub

However, the bathroom layout presents a puzzling issue: there’s a raised platform that’s open-air to the rest of the bathroom, resulting in a rather chilly experience when showering.

This is a pretty noteworthy design flaw that needs immediate attention to address the lack of practicality. As the hotel plans for the next round of renovations, I’d say that it’s essential to prioritize resolving this issue to ensure a more functional and comfortable bathroom space.

Lastly, there’s a large walk-in closet adjacent to the bathroom.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa walk-in closet

There’s also an outdoor shower available, which is accessible via a glass sliding door in the bathroom. The door is somewhat hidden, though, and we didn’t find it until later in the evening on the night of our arrival.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa outdoor shower

Stepping through the sliding doors of the villas, you’re transported to the true highlight of the Beachside Villas: your own private tropical outdoor space, with ample yard space.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa outdoor space

A pair of comfortable recliners look out over the views of the lagoon and of Mount Otemanu. Fronting the recliners is your own private plunge pool.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa recliners
St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa plunge pool

To the left of the outdoor deck is a small table with seating for four.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa outdoor seating

Continuing along the beachfront, there’s direct access to the sandy shores of Bora Bora, with additional seating options, such as chairs and a hammock, thoughtfully placed for relaxation.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa outdoor seating
St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa hammock

One of the standout features of the villa was the abundance of personal space available to us. From the expansive outdoor deck to the private pool and beachfront, we had ample room to unwind and bask in our surroundings.

Throughout the resort, several areas offered iconic views of Mount Otemanu. Fortunately, our villa was positioned to provide us with sweeping views of the mountain, particularly during the sunset hours. The beauty of the scenery added an extra layer of magic to our stay.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa view

While we found many aspects of the villa to be exceptional, I’d note that the blue chair covers appeared somewhat cheap, detracting slightly from the overall aesthetic.

Overall, I found that the villa wasn’t the most modern or lavish by any means; however, it was well maintained and in good condition. It’s worth noting that some previous reviews I’ve read of the St. Regis Bora Bora had mentioned poor conditions in the rooms, but during my stay, I didn’t encounter any issues of that nature.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a generous welcome amenity consisting of Champagne and a box of chocolates. We took pleasure in savouring the Champagne on the beach during the sunset of our first day.

Of course, a highlight of a St. Regis stay is the signature butler service, with the option to have coffee, tea, or hot chocolate delivered directly to our villa – a level of personalized service that’s always deeply appreciated.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa coffee 

Furthermore, each night, a turndown service was provided, accompanied by a thoughtful gesture such as a postcard or body oil.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beachside Villa turndown gifts

St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa

During our stay, I also had a chance to tour one of the east-facing villas in the reef area at the St. Regis Bora Bora.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa entrance

These villas offer a much different perspective, as they face outwards towards the reef and open ocean, rather than inwards towards the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.

This orientation provides views of jagged rocks and expansive ocean views, but there may not be as much usable beach space compared to other villa locations.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa view

However, the Two Bedroom Reef Villas compensate for this with their spaciousness, offering a generous size of 3,961 square feet. They also feature central lounges situated between two bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa bedroom
St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa seating area
St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa dining area

The bedrooms open up to an enclosed garden area and terrace, which includes open-air showers, dining gazebos, and a large private plunge pool.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa outdoor area
St. Regis Bora Bora – Two Bedroom Reef Villa plunge pool

Note that the base-level villa bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points is the one-bedroom version of the Two Bedroom Reef Villa I had toured, which is very similar in its layout, just with a single bedroom.

It’s also important to mention that the reef location is generally considered the least desirable on the property. If feasible, I’d recommend exploring options for upgrading to a Beachside or Overwater Villa, either using points or as a paid upgrade.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa

The overwater villas at the St. Regis Bora Bora are regarded as the most sought-after accommodations at the property. Situated on either side of a lengthy jetty, you’ll have views of either the island or the iconic Mount Otemanu, depending on which side your villa is located.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa jetty
St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa entrance

These villas have a size of 1,550 square feet, and feature a separate lounge and bedroom with an adjoining bathroom. One distinctive feature of the overwater villas is the presence of glass viewing panels throughout the villa for glimpses into the turquoise waters below.

Internally, the overwater villas are quite similar to the Beachside Villas. However, there are a couple of notable differences aside from the impressive glass floor.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa bedroom
St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa living room
St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa bathroom

Unlike the Beachside Villa, the overwater villas don’t have an outdoor shower, and the outdoor deck space in the overwater villas is quite small compared to the Beachside Villa. On the other hand, a ladder provides direct access into the ocean, which is of course a key feature of staying in an overwater villa anywhere in the world.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa ladder

Lastly, some other room types within the overwater villa category may feature additional amenities, such as whirlpools or plunge pools on the outdoor deck.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa outdoor deck
St. Regis Bora Bora – Overwater Deluxe Villa outdoor deck dining area

St. Regis Bora Bora – Resort Layout

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort encompasses a total of 44 stunning acres, sprawled across multiple islands that form two wings flanking the main building and island.

Each island is surrounded by picturesque stretches of beach, enhanced by the presence of a “Lagoonarium” that provides a marvellous opportunity for snorkelling. This unique feature is created by the gentle flow of the ocean into the inner parts of some of the islands, forming a tranquil haven for underwater exploration.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoonarium
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoonarium

The main area of the resort houses the lobby, main pool, beach, and all the restaurants. The beach villas are located on the eastern side of the main building, while the overwater villas are found on the western side.

Keep in mind, while the overwater bungalows are typically the most desirable room types, the downside is that they might be positioned farther away from the beach and the main resort area.

I have to say, the resort grounds are truly a sight to behold, boasting an awe-inspiring and visually stunning landscape. All of the paths, gardens, facilities, and bodies of water seamlessly blend together, following elegant flowing curves.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Resort grounds
St. Regis Bora Bora – Resort grounds

Throughout my stay, I found myself constantly awestruck by the landscape before my eyes, and I’ll long remember the vibrant tapestries of colour and towering palm trees swaying gracefully in the gentle breeze as I strolled or biked along the winding paths.

Everywhere you turn, you’re captivated by the sight of crystal-clear South Pacific waters that gently lap against the shore, adorned with lush green grass and abundant foliage and the towering peak of Mount Otemanu piercing the sky in the distance.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Resort grounds

One interesting novelty about the resort is the presence of a neighbouring island where a local Polynesian family resides – the island is so close that it’s quite possible to accidentally snorkel over.

This unique arrangement adds a touch of intrigue to staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora, but hey, more power to the family for holding onto their land even with a large resort encroaching nearby. Indeed, from speaking to the staff, the family and the resort enjoy a good relationship, with the family often inviting the resort staff for barbecues.

St. Regis Bora Bora – View of nearby local island

To facilitate easy transportation within the resort, buggy service is available, allowing you to navigate the expansive grounds with ease.

Additionally, each villa is equipped with its own set of bikes, marked with the corresponding villa number to ensure they aren’t misplaced. While the condition of the bikes may not be flawless, they’re generally better than the bikes at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui where we stayed previously.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Breakfast

Te Pahu restaurant is situated near the main beach of the resort. Breakfast is served daily from 6:30–10:30am, and consists of a small buffet selection accompanied by an “on request” menu with a variety of à la carte dishes. For Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members and above, all of the above at Te Pahu are complimentary.

The restaurant features an open-air kitchen with ample outdoor seating, and is relatively large in size.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Te Pahu breakfast buffet area
St. Regis Bora Bora – Te Pahu seating
St. Regis Bora Bora – Te Pahu seating

However, it’s important to note that the à la carte menu at Te Pahu offers a rather limited selection, and only features various egg dishes, porridge, and sweet or savoury “tartine” (toast).

The hot buffet selection included Western staples, as well as some more interesting international items such as dumplings.

The range of cold buffet items was a bit more diverse, and you can choose from a salad station, cold cuts, Tahitian raw fish, pastries, yogurt, and a juice and coffee station.

It’s worth mentioning that while the quality of the food is considered good, it may not reach the exceptional standards found at other resorts around the world, like the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli.

Over the course of our stay we sampled a little bit of everything, and overall, we were quite satisfied with the breakfast offerings, though not quite blown away.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Breakfast spread

St. Regis Bora Bora – Dining

The St. Regis Bora Bora has a wide variety of dining establishments, consisting of a total of five restaurants, with each offering its own unique dining experience. Throughout our time here, we had the opportunity to sample a few of these venues, and found them all to be quite enjoyable and one in particular to be outstanding.

It’s important to note that not every restaurant is open each day, so it’s worth planning and making reservations in advance.

On our inaugural evening, we had the pleasure of savouring the offerings at Lagoon by Jean-Georges, an elegant French restaurant, and the hotel’s signature dining venue.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges

Lagoon by Jean-Georges operates six days a week from 6:30–10:30pm, and is nestled adjacent to the hotel’s dock. The restaurant is the only fully indoor restaurant on the property, with glass flooring through which you can watch the sea life swim by.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges glass flooring

The restaurant’s esteemed chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, has rightfully earned global acclaim and solidified his reputation at Lagoon by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis Bora Bora.

This was an amazing meal, on par with some of the best food we’ve had anywhere in the world. We relished our meal suspended over the tranquil waters, all while basking in breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu.

What’s more, the prices weren’t even marked up too much, and dinner came to about 20,000 XPF ($180 USD, $240 CAD) for the two of us. I felt the meal would’ve been great value for money anywhere in the world, and even more so here in Bora Bora.

Indeed, across the three resorts in Bora Bora we stayed at during this trip, this was by far the best meal we had. The attention to detail was evident from the beginning of the meal.

The appetizers weren’t only delicious but also beautifully plated, showcasing the chef’s artistic flair. Each dish was meticulously garnished and presented with utmost precision, and one of the appetizers even came served in a coconut half, adding a touch of tropical charm to the experience.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges appetizer
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges appetizer
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges appetizer

As for the main courses, each dish consisted of two “steps” or components. My lamb main course, for example, was really two mini-courses: a rack of lamb followed by lamb spring rolls. Meanwhile, Jessy had the tuna tartare followed by the tom yum soup with tuna.

The presentation was impeccable, and the dishware itself was a work of art, with unique shapes and curves that added to the overall aesthetic.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges tuna tartare
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges tom yum soup with tuna

The lamb chops, which the restaurant is renowned for, were served tender and succulent. The lamb was expertly prepared, trimmed to perfection, and marinated with a carefully crafted blend of herbs, spices, and seasonings, resulting in a truly decadent taste.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges rack of lamb
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges lamb spring roll

To end the evening on a sweet note, we enjoyed a selection of desserts that were once again beautifully plated. The presentation of the sweets matched the overall attention to detail throughout the meal, leaving a lasting impression on our palates and our memories.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges dessert
St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoon by Jean-Georges sorbets

Connected to Lagoon by Jean-Georges is 727 Bar, an expansive terrace that serves as an ideal location to enjoy delightful sunset cocktails before dinner. The deck directly overlooks the majestic Mount Otemanu, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the entire island chain.

St. Regis Bora Bora – 727 bar outdoor seating
St. Regis Bora Bora – 727 bar outdoor seating
St. Regis Bora Bora – Drinks at 727 bar

This bar is newly established, having just opened its doors in 2022, and its name pays tribute to the towering height of Mount Otemanu, which stands at an impressive 727 metres (2,385 feet).

St. Regis Bora Bora – 727 bar sunset view

Additionally, every evening, the bar hosts the Champagne sabering ceremony, a signature ritual at St. Regis hotels worldwide.

On the second night, we dined at Bamboo, the pan-Asian restaurant nestled beside the picturesque gardens of the resort.

While the experience was satisfactory, it fell short compared to the exceptional quality of Lagoon. Additionally, Bamboo had similar prices as Lagoon, so I’d probably recommend indulging in Lagoon multiple times and opting to skip Bamboo altogether for a more memorable dining experience.

There’s also Farniente, an Italian restaurant, which shares the outdoor dining space with Bamboo. Farniente offers a diverse menu that showcases Italian cuisine, including classics and seafood options. During our stay, we didn’t get a chance to eat here.

Aparima Bar is located between the main beach and main pool, next to Te Pahu, the only venue open for lunch. The restaurant serves casual international fare throughout the day, consisting of light meals, tasty snacks, and refreshing cocktails.

Additionally, the restaurant has a swim-up bar in the main pool area.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Aparima Bar
St. Regis Bora Bora – Drinks at Aparima Bar

Lastly, in addition to breakfast, Te Pahu also occasionally hosts Polynesian dinner shows during dinner, with excellent views of the stunning lagoon and Mount Otemanu as a backdrop.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Pools & Beach

The St. Regis Bora Bora has a set of two outdoor pools, including the main pool and an adults-only pool.

The main pool has a peaceful atmosphere, with its generous size and a picturesque view overlooking the beach.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Main pool
St. Regis Bora Bora – Main pool

This lagoon-style pool, adorned with lush greenery and featuring comfortable lounge chairs in the water, also includes a convenient swim-up bar.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Pool lounge chairs
St. Regis Bora Bora – Swim-up bar

Regrettably, the adults-only pool known as Oasis was closed during our visit, although its tranquil setting seemed highly appealing. Nestled on a slender strip of land near the overwater villas, this snakelike pool offers a serene ambiance along with private day-beds.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Oasis pool

Just a few steps away from the main pool lies the resort’s private beach, an expansive stretch of pristine white sand that provides breathtaking views of Bora Bora’s remarkably crystal-clear lagoon.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Beach

The beach area also grants guests complimentary access to non-motorized water sports equipment.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Non-motorized water sports equipment

As mentioned above, resort offers an exclusive attraction called the Lagoonarium, a body of water within the resort that houses a diverse array of fish, which provides an ideal setting for snorkelling. Snorkelling gear is available for rent on a complimentary basis, allowing guests to conveniently keep their equipment in their rooms.

However, it’s worth noting that snorkelling in the Lagoonarium feels quite difference from snorkelling in Bora Bora’s open lagoon, as the water is much calmer and the marine life feels a little more “curated” compared to the sharks and rays that you might find out in the wild. 

St. Regis Bora Bora – Lagoonarium

Still, while exploring the Lagoonarium, we had the pleasure of observing a wide variety of fascinating fish, including massive schools of small fish and uniquely shaped species that I’d never encountered before.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa

The St. Regis Bora Bora’s Iridium Spa is perched on a small island, with excellent views of the Lagoonarium.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa welcome pavilion
St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa

There are both outdoor and indoor treatment rooms, and a wide range of treatments available, including Polynesian, Balneotherapy, and other therapeutic options.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa relaxation room
St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa guest amenities

During our stay, we joined a CrossFit class in the mornings, which was a fantastic way to start the day. And just before we departed the resort, I took some time to enjoy the spa facilities and unwind.

St. Regis Bora Bora – CrossFit class

As part of the spa facilities, you’ll find private whirlpools and steam rooms, and while there is a jacuzzi available, it’s far too hot for use during the day. Additionally, there are a series of comfortable daybeds to relax in prior to or after your treatment.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa jacuzzi
St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa daybed
St. Regis Bora Bora – Iridium Spa hanging chairs

The resort’s fitness centre is open 24 hours a day, and is located in a standalone building at the heart of the grounds. It features a spacious room with a good range of facilities and well-maintained equipment, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and free weights.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Fitness centre
St. Regis Bora Bora – Fitness centre
St. Regis Bora Bora – Fitness centre

For those who enjoy sports or working up a sweat outside, there’s also a tennis court in close proximity.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Tennis court

St. Regis Bora Bora – Activities

The St. Regis Bora Bora provides a wide range of leisure and sports facilities. The resort offers complimentary access to non-motorized water sports equipment such as Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, and paddle boats, which may be arranged in on the main beach.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Kayaks & stand-up paddleboards

If you’re looking for more water sports options, the St. Regis Bora Bora offers a paid watersports menu as well.

To assist you in planning and organizing activities beyond the resort, you can head to the Concierge desk adjacent to the lobby, aptly named “The Exploration Room”. This is also a convenient space to retreat to if you need to get some work done at the workstations, play a round of pool, or simply cool down in some air-conditioning in the middle of a hot day. 

St. Regis Bora Bora – Exploration Room concierge desks
St. Regis Bora Bora – Exploration Room workstations
St. Regis Bora Bora – Exploration Room pool table

Here, you can find not only general assistance, but also recreational options. Whether you want to arrange snorkelling tours, fishing excursions, sightseeing trips, or other adventures in Bora Bora, the knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations and assist with bookings.

For those wishing to explore the main island, the St. Regis Bora Bora provides a once-daily complimentary boat shuttle. This convenient service transports guests to the main island, while a bus service is also available to take you to Vaitape, the main settlement.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Boat transfer to the main island

If you’d like to visit Vaitape and do some shopping at the supermarket, there are a few additional departures throughout the day at a cost of 2,750 XPF ($25 USD, $30 CAD) round-trip per person.

St. Regis Bora Bora – Service

Service at the St. Regis very much exceeded our expectations, and surpassed the level of enthusiasm we had encountered at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

Compared to the Conrad, the staff at the St. Regis demonstrated a higher degree of training in hospitality, and it seemed that a larger proportion of the staff hailed from France rather than local French Polynesians.

In particular, the service at Lagoon by Jean-Georges was truly exceptional, as every “thank you” was met with a gracious and sincere response of “with pleasure”.

This was one of the finest meals we’ve had in a long time, and the excellent service certainly added an extra layer – especially in a far-flung locale where I wasn’t necessarily expecting to be blown away by service as a whole. 

Conclusion

My stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora transcended expectations. I was truly impressed by the exceptional quality of the resort, and I’d love to visit again in the future without hesitation.

Our Beachside Villa offered unrivalled privacy, and seamlessly blended into the idyllic paradise. Despite some confusing elements of the room layout, I was pleased with the generous amount of outdoor space in the Beachside Villa, which we made sure to enjoy to the maximum.

The best thing about the St. Regis Bora Bora, however, would have to be the beauty of the resort’s landscape itself – arguably the most visually beautiful resort grounds I’ve ever laid eyes on. 

Walking or cycling through the pathways of the St. Regis Bora Bora was nothing short of a sensory feast for the eyes, with Mount Otemanu standing proudly in the distance and adding a touch of awe-inspiring grandeur to the already breathtaking scenery. Make no mistake, this property is truly a testament to the wonders of when nature and human craftsmanship come together. 

A top-notch dinner at Lagoon by Jean-Georges added a great deal to the experience. From the first bite to the last, every morsel was a masterpiece – meticulously prepared and artistically presented, accompanied by outstanding service that left a lasting impression, all at a very reasonable price point!

Overall, while there’s no denying that the St. Regis Bora Bora doesn’t come cheap in either cash or points, it’s no doubt a worthwhile aspirational property to check off your Bora Bora bucket list if you can swing it.

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