In French Polynesia, hotel accommodation is 90% in individual bungalows. All the bungalows have a thatched roof and an upscale modern or Polynesian decor with natural woods and materials, a private deck and all the amenities. All the resorts are located on properties bordering the lagoon.

These are not "huts", but upscale and spacious private villas. Bungalows feature king-size bed, with separate bathrooms with bath and shower, fridges, and very upscale amenities on par with similarly classed hotels anywhere in the world.  They all have a private deck with lounge chair/table.

All the bungalows also have a day-bed for a child or third person. But there are very few hotels offering accommodation for more than 3 people in 1 bungalow.

Some OverWater, Beach and Garden bungalows have their own private splash pool at some resorts.

Here are the different types of rooms and bungalows, starting with the least expensive:

• Lagoon/Garden View Room or Lanai Room: located in a 2 or 3 story building with a balcony or terrace, overlooking the garden and/or the water.
• Garden Bungalow: on the property bordering the beach, but behind the Beach Bungalows. May not have a view of the water a short distance away.
• Beach or Beachfront Bungalow: at the edge of the garden, the first row of bungalows from the beach.
• Overwater Bungalow: built on stilts in the lagoon, accessed via a gangway. Often more luxuriously appointed than Beach Bungalows.
• Deep Overwater , Horizon Overwater, Premium Overwater: same or larger layout and amenities as the Overwater, but with a better view and more privacy. Usually at the end of the walkways. These are the most expensive accommodation, from US$ 950 up to $3500 per night at the St Regis (2 bedroom suite with pool)

All the resorts in Bora Bora and the other islands offer a variety of Over Water accommodation, from the super-luxurious  over water villas at the  St Regis with 2 bedrooms and a private pool on deck, or the Four Seasons also with private pool, to the Le Maitai which has the least expensive overwater bungalows in Bora Bora.

Over Water Bungalow prices range from $750 per night to over $5500 (Royal OverWater Villa with pool at the St Regis).

To help you select your resort and over water bungalow, please consult our Resort Review page.

Please use our Request form to tell us what you want or ask for our expert advice. We will respond promptly.

If you are looking for Romance and Seclusion:
4/5 nights in Bora Bora
2/3 nights at Tahaa's Private Island Resort and Spa
2/3 nights at Vahine Island Resort in Tahaa

If you want the Best Diving:
3/5 nights in Rangiroa
and/or 3/4 nights in Bora Bora

If you want the best 5 star Resorts in Bora Bora:
#1 - The St Regis Bora Bora
#2 - The Four Seasons
#3 - The Thalasso-Spa Intercontinental
#4 - The Hilton Bora Nui Resort
#5 - The Sofitel Motu (intimate)

If you want the best Resorts in Moorea:
#1 - The Sofitel Moorea Resort
#2 - The Moorea Hilton Resort
#3 - The Moorea Intercontinental Resort and Spa
#4 - The Moorea Pearl Resort

If you are looking for the most Beautiful Islands:
3/5 nights in Bora Bora
and/or 3/5 nights in Moorea
and/or 3/4 nights in Huahine

If you are looking for Variety in Island Geography:
3/5 nights in Bora Bora
and/or 3/4 nights in Huahine
and/or Rangiroa atoll
or Manihi atoll

If you are looking for an excellent way to sample these islands:
Take a cruise for a few days and  spend a few nights in a resort in any of the islands.

If you are looking for Lots of Activities:
Same as above, plus Rangiroa for exceptional diving 

If you are looking for Off-the-Beaten-Track excitement:
A few days in the atoll of Tikehau
or A cruise on the Aranui to the Marquesas
or A sailing cruise with Archipels

Please use our Request form to tell us what you want or ask for our expert advice. We will respond promptly.