The classic view of Bora Bora accommodation is the luxurious thatched bungalow built on stilts over the turquoise water of the lagoon. While there are other cheaper accommodation options, overwater is definitely the way to go if you can afford it!
Overwater bungalows at Le Méridien, Bora Bora
We stayed at Le Méridien, Bora Bora in a Premium Overwater Bungalow. All Le Méridien overwater bungalows have a glass floor and a deck with steps down to the water, but the Premium ones have a larger deck and have direct views of Mt Otemanu.
Bungalow 335
Steps from the deck to the lagoon
Mt Otemanu from the deck
The bungalows are roomy inside, with a large bed, lounge, writing desk over the fridge – looking out a large window – walk-in wardrobe, bathroom with two vanities and a deep bath together with a separate shower and a separate toilet.
Bungalow bed, with writing desk to the left
Bathroom. Vanities to the left, bath straight ahead, shower behind
Glass floor
These bungalows are built off jetties that jut out into the lagoon and, except for those that are built close to the shore, all have access to deep parts of the lagoon.
Bungalows off jetty
Bora Bora tides only vary by about 30cm so there is not much difference in water depth between high and low water. We were unable to touch bottom at all off our deck and Peter was able to safely leap into the water from halfway up the steps.
Bungalow 335 from the lagoon
Peter leaping from the bungalow steps
Kerry swimming in the lagoon off our deck
Like all the resorts that are located on the motu (reef islets) that surround the lagoon, Le Méridien has everything for its guests and there is no need to leave the resort if you don’t want to. It can also be expensive to go across to the main island, with Le Méridien running boat shuttles to the main village Vaitape at a return cost of 2,570 XPF (French Pacific Francs) per person. This is about $37 Australian. However, some of the activities available do include this transfer cost – for example, the 4×4 tour included it, but parasailing didn’t.
The resort has two restaurants for guests. At lunchtime Te Ava is open behind the beach and has a wide range of options, from light snacks through burgers and pizzas to steaks. The atmosphere is casual, with sand under your feet and one of the pools a short distance away.
Te Ava restaurant kitchen
Each day we were presented with an appetiser before lunch at Te Ava
The Tahitian beer, Hinano, was very welcome in the midday heat
Traditionnel poisson cru a la tahitienne dans une noix de coco (Traditional raw fish salad marinated in lime and coconut milk)
In the evening Te Ava becomes La Trattoria for dinner, with pasta, pizzas and Italian style mains.
The main restaurant is Le Tipanié, situated on the edge of the private inner lagoon. It has an elegant a la carte menu on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and themed buffets on the other nights.
Le Tipanié Restaurant
There are enough menu items to provide a variety over a week and the food is tasty. It is also very well presented. The desserts are very attractive and quaint. For dinner we felt no need to try La Trattoria.
Carré d’agneau en croute d’ail noir, pomme de terre ratte et jus truffe et thym (Rack of lamb in a black garlic crust, roasted potatoes and truffle and thyme jus)
Ballotine de volaille de farcie à la banane Fei, fine ratatouille et navet confit (Poultry rolls filled with plantain banana, provencal ratatouille and preserved turnips)
Crème brulée au wasabi, tartare de fraise et sorbet chocolat blanc (Wasabi flavoured creme brulee, fresh strawberries tartar, white chocolate ice cream)
Coccinelle de fraise au coeur chocolat, glace pistache (Strawberry lady bug with heart of dark chocolate, pistachio ice cream
Bungalow de mangue sur pilotis de framboise (Your own overwater mango bungalow on raspberries)
Le Tipanié is also open for breakfast every day. This is a buffet with a very extensive range. It is possible to sit inside, along the inner lagoon, or to take a table outside looking over the main lagoon. We preferred to do this.
Breakfast at Le Tipanié
As well as the restaurants, there are two bars that also serve some snacks as well as drinks -the Pool Bar and the Miki Miki Bar.
Miki Miki Bar
The resort is located in a very pretty part of the lagoon and the shades of blue in the water at different times of the day have to be seen to be believed.
Looking across the inner lagoon to the beachfront bungalows. These are more a family option.
Le Méridien central buildings. The Pool Bar (far right) and Miki Miki Bar (right, under tall roof) with Te Ava restaurant (far left)
End of the inner lagoon
View across one pool to some of the overwater bungalows
Across the beach to Mt Otemanu
Looking across the lagoon to Paoaoa Point
Part of the resort’s motu, with the inner lagoon to the left
Across the beach to bungalows and Mt Otemanu. Water sports are at this end of the beach
View of main pool and beach
Le Méridien Bora Bora is also a picture at night.
Bungalow at night
Le Méridien dock
Resort main buildings from across the water
The Bora Bora Turtle Centre is located in Le Méridien’s private lagoon and cares for sick and injured green turtles This project started over ten years ago when an injured turtle was brought by a guest to the hotel as it needed care.
In the time since Le Méridien Bora Bora has involved guests in the care and protection of Bora Bora’s turtles and provided the opportunity to visit:
- Turtle sanctuary
- Turtle nursery
- Turtle observatory
- Coral nursery.
When we visited in 2010 guests were able to swim with the turtles in the inner lagoon, but it was later discovered that the sunscreen worn by guests damaged the shells and caused illness in the turtles so swimming with them is no longer possible.
Sick and injured turtles are kept isolated in tanks until they recover
A cutaway model showing the internal parts of a turtle. Note the huge muscle that powers the front flipper.
This was our second stay at Le Méridien Bora Bora. Some people think that the St Regis (shown in the movie Couples’ Retreat) and the Four Seasons are better, but they cost much more. Make no mistake, staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is expensive and there are cheaper options on the main island. However, if you want the classic luxurious Bora Bora experience we think Le Méridien Bora Bora offers great value. On our next trip to Bora Bora will definitely include a stay in this resort.
