Last year we did a call-out to Irish couples asking them about the destinations on their honeymoon bucket list. A honeymoon in Bora Bora was high on the list and it's pretty easy to see why. A French Polynesian island in the South Pacific, it might be far away (the quickest route I could find will get you door to door in about 30 hours), but once you arrive, it's non-stop luxury in a picture postcard paradise.
A honeymoon in Bora Bora is all about unabashed romance and relaxation. And it has the honeymoon resorts to match.
If you're looking for independent boutique resorts, you won't find many on Bora Bora. But if you want to splash out on a trip of a lifetime, (or skip the wedding and opt for an exotic elopement) this is the place to do it. Overwater bungalows where your breakfast is delivered by canoe, secluded rainforest lodges with private plunge pools, fine dining, snorkelling, divine spas, and the most breathtaking desert island views imaginable.
We've rounded up some of the most incredible honeymoon resorts in Bora Bora - a warning though, this post will give you serious wanderlust. (I've already started Googling the flights!)
1. Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
There are two Intercontinental Resorts in Bora Bora, but this one is the more luxurious of the pair. A five star eco-friendly resort, with stunning views of Mount Otemanu across the lagoon - luxe overwater villas, lush tropical gardens, a broad selection of water sports and a spectacular seawater therapy spa, this romantic resort is a slice of heaven in the South Pacific.
Overwater villas from €681 per night | For more information, visit thalasso.intercontinental.com
2. Le Meridien
The perfect Bora Bora resort if you want to get up close with the local wildlife, Le Meridien Bora Bora has its very own on-site ecological centre and turtle sanctuary. One of the bigger resorts in Bora Bora, Le Meridien has five bars and restaurants, a choice of overwater bungalows and beach villas, and an array of water sports and activities. A good option for a honeymoon in Bora Bora that's slightly more on the lively side.
Beach bungalow from €649 per night | For more information, visit lemeridien-borabora.com
3. St Regis Bora Bora Resort
With 44 acres of landscaped grounds, St Regis Bora Bora has a prime location on a breathtaking lagoon, in the shadow of Mount Otemanu. There are the ubiquitous overwater villas (some with their own private pools!), along with pool beach villas, or if you want to go all out, stay at the Royal Estate (a 13,000- square-foot private home). The resort boasts its own private island with a Clarins spa, a fine dining restaurant and an immaculate stretch of beach. I can feel myself relaxing already.
Beachside pool villas from €969 per night | For more information, visit stregisborabora.com
4. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Stylish, secluded, and exclusive, Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora is as relaxing - and luxurious - as it gets. This five star resort offers overwater villas with private plunge pools, snorkelling over exotic coral on the lagoon, and glowing sunsets that lead into a night of star-gazing from your own private deck. And that's before we talk about the spa, the restaurant, and the cocktails. Take me there now please.
Overwater villas from €1,250 per night | For more information, visit fourseasons.com
5. Pearl Beach Resort
Paradise is not the word. Pearl Beach Resort has to be one of the most beautiful backdrops for a honeymoon in Bora Bora. Every morning your breakfast is brought to you by canoe, to your overwater bungalow that sits in a pristine lagoon - or you could choose to say in a garden pool villa, with your own secluded spot in the rainforest. With a lavish spa, a sushi bar, (and two other restaurants), a coral nursery, a fabulous pool, lots of activities, oh, and a tattoo parlour, you certainly won't be stuck for something to do, although you may just want to wile away the day in a hammock taking in those Bora Bora views.
Garden Pool Villas from €617 per night | For more information, visit boraborapearlbeachresort.com
6. Vahine Island
If Robinson Crusoe castaway vibes are what you're after for your honeymoon, this is the place. Vahine Island is a boutique private island resort with just nine bungalows. This one is actually located near Taha’a, about 40km away from Bora Bora but if privacy and barefoot luxury are high on your wishlist, it's worth travelling that little bit further.
Double rooms from €427 per night | For more information, visit mrandmrssmith.com
7. Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Remember the episode of the Kardashians in Bora Bora when Kim lost her diamond earring in the sea? Rumour has it, they were staying in the Conrad Bora Bora Nui! Located in its own private cove, this resort is all about the luxury, with breathtaking views, six bars and restaurants, 24 hour in-villa dining, a spa with an outdoor treatment deck, and a stunning oversized infinity pool. If it's good enough for the Kardashians...
Lagoon view suites from €822 per night | For more information, visit conradhotels3.hilton.com
8. Sofitel Private Island Bora Bora
We're closing out our round-up on a high, with the spectacular Sofitel Private Island Resort - one of two Sofitel resorts on Bora Bora, if you're looking for sheer escapism, tranquil turquoise waters, breezy overwater bungalows, lodges among the trees, and a slice of island culture, this is the place. A short private boat ride from Bora Bora's main island, this intimate resort has its own on-site bar and restaurant, with massage, water sports, bike hire and a nearby pool.
Island luxury lodge, from €481 per night | For more information, visit accorhotels.com
Still looking for honeymoon inspiration? Visit our travel section for lots of ideas.