The best hotels in French Polynesia: eight places to stay on Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti

The view of Otemanu

Four Seasons sits on a motu on the eastern side of the lagoon, with overwater bungalows that look straight at Otemanu. The resort has its own coral lagoon full of fish, a marine biology centre and a large pool facing the sea.

This is our honeymoon pick, for the view and the service. It is among the most expensive hotels in the Pacific. Book a bungalow facing the mountain, and snorkel in the hotel's lagoon early in the morning.

Big villas over the water

The St. Regis sits on a motu in the south-east and has some of the largest overwater villas in French Polynesia, several with a private pool. Every villa comes with butler service, and the resort has its own lagoon for snorkelling.

It suits you if you want space and privacy. The style is traditional luxury rather than contemporary. Take a kayak out on the lagoon at sunset, when the mountain turns pink.

Villas on the hillside and over the lagoon

Conrad sits on Motu To'opua in the south-west of the lagoon, with villas both up on the hillside and over the water. It has its own beach in a small cove, several pools and a spa at the top of the hill.

It suits couples and families who want a choice of rooms and a proper beach. It is some way from Otemanu, so the view is out to sea and the sunset. Follow the path up to the spa for the view across the lagoon.

Freshly renovated bungalows

The Westin reopened after a major renovation in 2024 and has overwater bungalows facing Otemanu, a beach, a pool with a swim-up bar and a spa. It is not far from Matira Point in the south.

It suits you if you want a modern hotel at slightly lower prices than the best-known names. It is a large resort, so ask for a bungalow at the far end. The hotel runs a free boat to the airport.

By Matira beach

Le Moana is on the main island at Matira Point, right next to Bora Bora's finest public beach. The resort has overwater bungalows, a pool looking out over the lagoon and beach bungalows in the garden.

This is our main island pick, if you want to walk to the beach, restaurants and shops without a boat. The view of Otemanu is not as good as from the motus. Hire a bike and cycle around the island in a day.

Bungalows between the bays

Hilton sits on the north coast between Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, with overwater bungalows, a pool and a beach. The mountains rise right behind the resort.

This is our Moorea pick, if you want an overwater bungalow for less than on Bora Bora. It is a long way from the ferry, so plan on a hire car or taxi. Drive up to the Belvédère lookout for the view over both bays.

The beach facing Tahiti

Sofitel stands at Temae on the east side of Moorea, on one of the island's best beaches and with views across the channel to Tahiti. The resort has overwater and beach bungalows and a restaurant by the lagoon.

It suits you if you want to be close to the ferry and the airport, with a good beach. The bungalows are simpler than on Bora Bora. Snorkel in the lagoon in front of the hotel, where rays and small reef sharks are common.

The first and last night

The InterContinental is a few minutes from the airport at Faa'a, with a pool looking out towards Moorea and its own lagoon full of fish. It also has overwater bungalows.

This is our pick for the first or last night, as most flights land and leave in the middle of the night. It is a large hotel with lots of guests. Watch the sunset over Moorea from the pool bar.