Conrad Bora Bora Review: Ultimate Luxury in French Polynesia

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Last updated: 21st April 2025

Believe it or not, we didn’t actually plan to stay at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. Due to an airport firefighter strike, we got stranded in Bora Bora for three more nights than we planned to! Yes, seriously, we were stuck in paradise! The only hotel we could check into was the Conrad, a five-star paradise resort that defines luxury. Was it worth the splurge? Absolutely! Let’s dive into our Conrad Bora Bora review!

 

Conrad Bora Bora Review

First Impressions – A Grand Welcome

From one extreme to another, we had just stayed at the budget friendly Hotel Royal Bora Bora all ready to head home, but an unexpected strike at Bora Bora airport meant we had to stay an extra 3 nights, how awful! Our travel agent Nassima, booked us a room at the 5* Conrad Bora Bora Nui. We were soon off there on a private speedboat! Talk about arriving in style! We felt like we were in a James Bond movie! From the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something special. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits on the private Motu To’opua, offering a secluded, luxurious and exclusive escape. As we approached their jetty dock, the sight of overwater villas stretching across the crystal-clear lagoon was breathtaking.

At the dock, we were greeted by Dian from guest relations who gave us a welcome drink and was incredibly helpful checking us in. Dian whisked us off on a full resort tour on her golf buggy – no walking required when you’re on island time!  In fact, all the staff here are incredibly friendly, they have heartfelt smiles and always say, “Ia ora na!” The Conrad team consistently go the extra mile to create an unforgettable experience.

 

 

Accommodation

The Overwater Villas – Next Level Luxury

Having stayed in an overwater bungalow at the Thalasso Bora Bora, we didn’t feel the need to splash out again (truth is we couldn’t afford to do it again!). However, we had a wander from the outside looking into the Conrad’s overwater villas, they look amazing, especially the ones with a lagoon pool, just wow!

At the far end of the resort we found the Presidential Villa, which is an absolutely huge villa and costs mega bucks per night! The Kardashians are said to have stayed here. The Conrad is often frequented by celebrities, influencers, and honeymooners.

 

 

King Tropical Beach View Villa with Pool

We stayed for 3 nights in a King Tropical Beach View Villa with Pool, which is basically a gorgeous garden villa with a small plunge pool and stunning open views looking out to the beach and the lagoon.

Our villa #407 was tucked away in the heart of Conrad’s lush coconut garden. It’s a dreamy villa and perfect for an island escape. The terrace is huge with a big sofa and 2 sun loungers, perfect for sunbathing and taking in the tranquil views. Phil loved having his own private plunge pool for the odd refreshing dip. Garth thought it was too cold! The wifi is a bit flaky on the outdoor deck, but the internet works fine indoors.

Inside, the villa is a tropical haven with a stylish Polynesian-inspired decor and plenty of space to unwind. With a separate sitting room area to kick back and a generously sized bathroom to freshen up after a day in the sun. And when it’s time to relax indoors, you’ve got everything you need – 2 x HD TVs, a bluetooth sound system, mini bar, and tea & coffee facilities to keep you cosy and entertained. The king-sized 4-poster bed is super comfortable and the best thing they have is the turn-down service with a menu of incense you’d burning, how cool is that! We chose sandalwood.

Want to discover more? Then watch Phil’s room tour video below of our King Tropical Beach View Villa with a private pool.

 

 

Resort Highlights – What makes the Conrad Bora Bora special?

The Beach & Lagoon

Unlike many resorts in Bora Bora, the Conrad boasts one of the longest stretches of a private white sand beach with direct access to the lagoon. The soft, powdery sand and calm lagoon make it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and romantic strolls. We spent lazy afternoons lounging under palm trees and floating in the warm, shallow waters. Paddle boarding and snorkelling are good, but we would say the marine life here is ok, it’s better further out into the Bora Bora lagoon on a day trip. There’s no wifi on the beaches, but it’s ok by the pool area.

 

 

The Pool Area

The Conrad pool is just WOW! It’s absolutely stunning and even boasts a swim-up bar. Set just steps from the beach, its tiered infinity design gives you front row views of the turquoise lagoon, blending seamlessly into the horizon. The upper level is calm and shallow, shaded by 5 elegant cabanas. We enjoyed these for some shade and relaxing with a cocktail or two. Down below, the deeper section invites a more social vibe, with in-water loungers and a swim-up bar that serves cocktails – all without leaving the water!

What elevates the experience are the attentive staff who circulate with chilled water, plush towels, and sunblock, so all you have to do is unwind. Whether you’re sipping a Mai Tai at the Tarava Pool Bar, watching the sun bounce off the ocean, or lounging in a cabana with views straight out of a screensaver, the pool at Conrad Bora Bora feels like a destination in itself.

 

 

Dining – A Culinary Paradise

Conrad Bora Bora has 4 restaurants and 2 bars, each offering something unique:

• Banyan Chinese Restaurant – Cantonese and Chinese dishes, featuring fresh seafood and traditional flavours with a Polynesian twist.
• Iriatai Restaurant & Bar– The fine dining experience. Think French-inspired dishes with a Polynesian twist.
• Tamure Beach Grill – Perfect for casual lunch and dinner with toes in the sand dining.
• Upa Upa Lounge Bar – An overwater bar with glass floors to watch marine life. They serve fresh sushi and artisan cocktails.

 

Banyan Chinese Restaurant

The Banyan Chinese Restaurant at Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers an elegant setting under a centuries-old banyan tree, serving Cantonese and Chinese dishes with a Polynesian twist. The menu features fresh seafood, Peking duck, and dim sum, complemented by a fine wine selection. We loved the ambience and managed to book the prime table in front of their famous banyan tree. We ordered the Peking Duck Menu banquet, consisting of 10 dishes, including dessert. We were so stuffed! So much food! and really delicious. Our only negative was the service, certainly not as attentive as the other restaurants in the resort.

 

 

Iriatai Restaurant & Bar

Iriatai Restaurant & Bar at the Conrad Bora Bora offers a stunning oceanfront setting with panoramic views of the lagoon. This is the main restaurant which serves an amazing and diverse buffet breakfast, there’s literally everything you would want and more, including a pancake and egg station. Garth loved the freshly baked croissants. Views from here at breakfast are especially lovely on the outdoor balcony, we loved looking out on the tropical Bora Bora landscape.

After breakfast, the restaurant offers à la carte lunch and dinner options, featuring a mix of international and Polynesian-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and flavourful local specialities in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

For one evening, we had their ‘Discovery’ 3-course menu. Garth chose smoked beef, potatoes, tarragon velvet to start, followed by lamb, onion textures, and grilled leeks for his main. Phil ordered white tuna tartare, yoghurt veil, basil and for his main slow slow-cooked duck breast, mushrooms, and orange tuiles. Phil said it was up there with one of the best meals he has ever eaten. Everything is super expensive in Bora Bora, to give you an idea of cost, it was £195 for the meal, 2 glasses of wine and 2 cocktails. Oh, and people really dress up for dinner at all the restaurants, so we made the effort too!

 

 

Tamure Beach Grill

Conrad Bora Bora’s beachside Tamure Beach Grill offers a laid-back, toes-in-the-sand dining experience right by the water’s edge. Enjoy a casual menu featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, and tropical salads, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The open-air setting provides a serene ambience with stunning views of the lagoon. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to savour delicious food while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.

 

 

Upa Upa Lounge Bar

Upa Upa Lounge Bar at Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a stylish spot to unwind, offering panoramic views of the lagoon. The bar serves a variety of cocktails, small plates, and fresh sushi, making it a perfect place for a sunset drink or a casual evening hangout. We loved the glass floors for looking down on the marine life, although we didn’t see that much! The laid-back atmosphere, nice lighting and it creates an ideal setting for the start of an evening. We didn’t try the sushi, but we did enjoy coming here for pre-dinner cocktails.

 

 

Activities

Hina Spa & Panoramic Views

If you’re here to unwind your body and soul, then the Hina Spa should be on your list. Perched on a hilltop, it offers spectacular views along with world-class treatments. We didn’t splash out on any treatments, instead, we just visited for the amazing panoramic views of both sides of the island. There are so many perfect photo opportunities from here. The Conrad is the only resort in Bora Bora that can provide such elevated views.

 

 

Cycling around the island

Conrad Bora Bora is a fairly big resort, so they provide lots of free bikes for you to get around. We loved exploring the resort on the bikes – visiting the Tiki Garden and seeing the fancy overwater villas on the other side of the island. Fun fact: the Conrad Bora Bora has the only floating helipad in French Polynesia, so you can arrive and leave the resort by private helicopter, maybe next time!

 

 

Practical Advice & Information staying at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui

 

Phil and Garth’s Top 5 Conrad Bora Bora Travel Tips

• Tip #1: If you don’t book directly with the hotel, you won’t earn Hilton points. We booked through a travel agent.
• Tip #2: For a special romantic experience, book a trip (exclusively for guests) to the Conrad’s private Motu Tapu island, 5 minutes away.
• Tip #3: You can book a romantic dinner for 2 at the top of the hill (next to the spa) with sunset skies over Mount Otemanu.
• Tip #4: The best photo spots are the infinity pool and the panoramic views from Hina Spa.
• Tip #5: Check-in is 3 pm, and check out is noon.

 

Map of Conrad Bora Bora Nui

 

Pros & Cons of Staying at Conrad Bora Bora Nui

✅ Stunning, secluded location with jaw-dropping views
✅ Spacious, luxurious overwater bungalows
✅ Private long white sand beach (a rarity in Bora Bora!)
✅ Good snorkelling and water activities
✅ Incredible food and dining experiences
✅ World-class spa and infinity pool

❌ Very pricey (but worth it!)
❌ The resort is quite spread out, so you’ll be using bicycles a lot!
❌ Limited nightlife – but hey, you’re here for the tranquillity.

 

Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic luxurious escape in Bora Bora, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui ticks all the boxes.  The resort is everything you imagine Bora Bora to be – and more! Impeccable service, jaw-dropping scenery, and a real sense of privacy, even at peak season. So whether it’s for a honeymoon, anniversary, or bucket-list trip, Conrad delivers an unforgettable experience. Would we stay here again? Yes! in a heartbeat!

 

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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post – just our honest thoughts as always!

Have you been to Conrad Bora Bora Nui? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think! 🌴✨