The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

In wanting to choose a hotel for my stay in Bora Bora, I wanted something that would be aesthetically pleasing, modern and comfortable. After two nights at a Airbnb in Tahiti – I wanted the full jaw dropping experience of French Polynesia.

I wanted to replace my memories of Conrad Maldives.

I wanted everything I desired.

The Westin Bora Bora was everything I dreamed it would be – and more.

Check In: Welcome to the Westin Bora Bora

Upon arriving at the airport, the process was seamless.

I easily collected my bag from my flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora and made my way to the Westin Bora Bora check-in station. There, I was warmly greeted, offered my choice of bottled water container colors, gifted a fragrant flower lei, and informed that the boat transporting us to the resort would be arriving shortly.

After a brief wait while the boat was cleared of departing passengers, we were invited on board.

The 15-minute ride to the resort moved me in a way I didn’t expect. The beauty was beyond words. It was so vivid, so breathtaking, that only photographs could begin to capture it. As the boat glided across the incredible luminescent blue water, I found myself tearing up and silently crying.

I felt an overwhelming sense of connection to my mother. In that quiet, sacred moment, I felt like I was living the life she had once dreamed for me – the life she couldn’t have for herself. I imagined her arms around me and I silently acknowledged her presence. This was for my mother, my grandmother and every woman in my lineage that dared to dream big and mark their place in the world.

Back in Tahiti, while walking with Sefora, I had spoken of our ancestors and how I feel they cleared the path for us while giving slight silent nudges as guidance toward the person we are meant to be. During this journey to the Westin Bora Bora, I felt that ancestral embrace more deeply than ever before.

Upon arrival at the resort, we disembarked and Mount Otemanu loomed in the distance.

We were walked by a singing host to the reception area. There, I was welcomed with a refreshing cool towel and a glass of passion fruit juice. This small gesture instantly made me feel cared for.

While my room was being prepared, I delighted in walking around and exploring the property.

Room and Stay

My overwater bungalow  was absolutely fucking perfect.

It exceeded every expectation. It was even more stunning than the photos. I felt truly grateful that I chose the Westin Bora Bora instead of every single other hotel in Bora Bora I considered.

The bungalow also featured Bluetooth connectivity, allowing me to stream music from my phone through the room’s speakers. It also had multiple USB charging ports and plenty of outlets points for adapters.

I sipped French champagne while topless, watching the ocean waves gently lap against the stairs of my bungalow.

When I grew restless, I swam in the South Pacific Ocean and captured moments with my GoPro as the sun set.

As Ziwe would say – I felt like an iconic guest – in my own life.

Restaurants

While at the Westin Bora Bora, I dinned at Varavara and Tipanier.

I also took a boat to the St Regis Bora Bora and dined at Blossom.

Activities

Theo at the concierge center was an absolute delight. I booked dinner at the St. Regis, the Eco Center Turtle Experience and the Bora Bora 4X4 Island Safari Tour with Tupuna Safari Bora Bora with him. He handled everything with professionalism and grace, in flawless French and English.

I also did a complimentary wine tasting flight of three Tahitian wines at ‘O’A Bar.

The Ants in the Bed

There were a few minor hiccups during my stay. First, my key card didn’t work, but the staff quickly replaced it with a wristband.

Later, while trying to relax before dinner, I noticed ants in my bed. One turned into several, which definitely disrupted the peaceful vibe I had hoped for. I contacted the front desk and received a response that, while not entirely helpful, was unintentionally funny:

Ahhh the French.

I laughed, took a screenshot, and shared it with friends. But it still dampened my mood during dinner at Tipanier, especially considering the price I was paying per night. If the bed was freshly made before I checked into the room – HOW did the ants get in the sheets? Deep questions…..

Thankfully, when I returned, the bed was freshly made with clean sheets, the ants were gone. With that, rest of my stay went smoothly.

While checking out, I chatted with a staff member who asked me to rate my experience. I gave it a 9, citing the ant issue. He listened thoughtfully and explained that ants are common in tropical climates. He shared stories of far worse pests, including hand-sized flying cockroaches that he’d seen and experienced, and I decided to change the subject. With what I paid per night for an overwater bungalow, I did not need to compare proverbial dick sizes regarding which was worse – ants in the bed or cockroaches.

The bottom line? Every concern or annoyance was immediately fixed with speed. That, was most important to me.

Overall

The Westin Bora Bora created such a welcoming and peaceful environment that I was able to fully unwind and creatively be in the moment. From swimming in the ocean with my GoPro, sunbathing topless on the deck, and truly relaxing for the first time in a long while – this was perfection.

That rare feeling of presence in a chaotic world? Priceless.

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