Bora Bora is the destination that defined the overwater bungalow — the iconic image of a thatched villa suspended above a turquoise lagoon with Mt Otemanu rising behind it has become the universal symbol of tropical luxury. French Polynesia's most famous island delivers on every element of that promise: water so clear you can watch sharks and rays from your glass-floored floor, snorkelling conditions among the world's finest, and a sunset light that turns everything golden.

There are no "neighbourhoods" in the traditional sense on Bora Bora — the island is encircled by a barrier reef and a lagoon, and the luxury resort hotels are distributed around the lagoon's motu (small coral islets) and the main island shoreline. The western motu (St Regis, Four Seasons, Conrad) offer the most iconic views of Mt Otemanu directly across the lagoon. The eastern side (Intercontinental Le Moana, Sofitel) has equally stunning lagoon access closer to the main village of Vaitape.

Bora Bora is exclusively a luxury destination — there is no budget travel here. Every Travorro-listed property meets our highest quality threshold. This is among the most expensive hotel destinations in the world, and every dollar pays for an experience that exists nowhere else on earth.