The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

At dawn, a guest steps onto their private overwater villa terrace, watching black-tip sharks glide silently beneath glass floor panels. At the same time, Mount Otemanu’s jagged peaks emerge from morning mist across the crystalline lagoon. This scene captures the essence of The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, where Polynesian heritage meets French luxury in balanced harmony. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort has been honored with a 2025 Global Recognition Award, recognizing notable properties in the global hospitality industry. This recognition is significant in today’s competitive luxury travel market, where discerning guests seek authenticity alongside comfort. The resort’s achievement is highlighted by its recent recognition as Oceania’s Leading Resort 2024 by the World Travel Awards, placing it among well-regarded destinations.

The award reflects The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort’s ability to deliver experiences that consistently enhance traditional luxury hospitality. Located on 44 acres across three motus (islets) surrounded by clear lagoon waters, the property offers privacy and cultural connection. The resort’s approach to hospitality extends beyond its physical setting to include practical sustainability practices, quality dining, and service standards that effectively respond to guests’ needs. This thoughtful approach has established The St. Regis Bora Bora as a destination representing French Polynesia’s character.

What distinguishes this property is its position as a luxury resort and a cultural representative of French Polynesia. The resort’s 90 villas include spacious overwater accommodations in the South Pacific, with the Royal Estate Villa measuring 13,000 square feet. These features represent more than just numbers; they reflect a property that balances scale with intimacy, comfort with authenticity, and modern amenities with respect for local traditions. The 2025 Global Recognition Award acknowledges this effective combination across all aspects of the guest experience.

Signature Experiences and Distinguished Features

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort’s notable strength comes from its “cultural connection point”—integrating authentic Polynesian experiences with attentive service. The property’s signature St. Regis Butler Service, a tradition with a long history, has been adapted to include local customs. Butlers address guest needs by arranging traditional flower lei greetings upon arrival, coordinating sunrise coffee service on private terraces, and organizing cultural demonstrations based on interests expressed during conversations. This personalized approach includes pre-arrival communications, where butler teams note guest preferences and prepare welcome amenities that reflect individual tastes and local traditions.

The resort’s Lagoonarium represents a practical approach to marine conservation and guest education. This private saltwater area houses over 120 species of tropical fish, providing guests with safe snorkeling opportunities while supporting marine research. The facility serves two purposes: offering guests close encounters with marine life, including Napoleon fish, moray eels, and tropical species, while contributing to coral restoration through the resort’s Natura Ora sustainability program. Educational information around the Lagoonarium informs guests about traditional Polynesian fishing methods and the significance of overwater architecture, combining recreation with cultural learning.

Technology at the resort enhances the natural experience without overwhelming it. Each villa includes 42-inch plasma televisions with sound systems, Wi-Fi, and climate control systems that maintain comfort while conserving energy. The resort’s mobile butler service allows guests to send requests via email or text, ensuring prompt response without disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. These technological elements support the property’s commitment to responsive service while preserving the authentic island setting that characterizes Bora Bora.

Accommodations and Culinary Options

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers spacious overwater accommodations in the South Pacific, with standard villas measuring 1,550 square feet compared to typical industry sizes of approximately 1,100 square feet. The Royal Estate Villa, at 13,000 square feet, features three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a central courtyard with a pool, and a private beach. This accommodation includes a kitchen, office space, solarium, and master bedroom area with sauna, whirlpool, and steam room. Design elements feature exotic woods, handwoven fabrics, and regional art reflecting French and Polynesian influences. Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass floor sections in selected areas allow guests to view marine life while maintaining privacy.

Guest feedback consistently mentions the quality of the accommodation experience. One recent visitor noted, “We had a beach villa which was in a fantastic location with the lagoon on one side and the beach on the other. Truly a spectacular setting”. Another guest commented on the service: “We had a very friendly and kind butler named Chloé who met us daily for breakfast to discuss our daily requirements. She was very kind and helped organize a birthday surprise for my wife”. These comments reflect the property’s success in creating personalized experiences through physical accommodations and service.

The resort’s dining program features Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges, designed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This overwater venue includes glass floor panels showing marine life while guests enjoy French-Asian fusion cuisine. The restaurant sources ingredients from local fishermen and farmers, supporting community partnerships while ensuring freshness. Other dining options include Bamboo Restaurant for Asian cuisine, Farniente Ristorante for Italian dishes, Te Pahu for Polynesian breakfast, and Aparima Bar for poolside dining. The resort’s local sourcing connects to its sustainability program, which focuses on reducing environmental impact while featuring regional culinary traditions.

Wellness, Recreation, and Cultural Connection

The St. Regis Spa Bora Bora occupies a 13,000-square-meter island within the resort’s Lagoonarium, creating a distinctive wellness area. The spa includes five treatment rooms with private bathrooms and steam showers to maximize natural light and water views. Treatments incorporate Polynesian-inspired therapies using Sothys products and local botanicals, including vinotherapy and seasonal rituals that reflect the island’s natural cycles. The spa offers couples massages with champagne service on the private beach, creating romantic settings with Mount Otemanu as a backdrop. Wellness options extend beyond traditional spa services, including yoga, crystal singing bowl meditation, and breathwork sessions on the spa beach.

Recreation facilities include three pools, an adults-only Oasis pool for couples, and a main pool with a swim-up bar. The resort’s fitness center operates 24 hours daily with Technogym equipment and complimentary yoga and cardio training classes. Water activities include kayaking, outrigger canoeing, sailing, and snorkeling in the lagoon and the Lagoonarium. The property provides bicycles for exploring the 44-acre grounds, with stops that inform guests about traditional Polynesian architecture and marine conservation. These options showcase Bora Bora’s natural setting while providing opportunities for active and relaxed engagement with the environment.

The resort’s location offers access to Bora Bora’s cultural and natural attractions through partnerships with local operators. Cultural activities include outdoor canoe tours with music performances, hiking with Polynesian guides who share historical knowledge, and visiting family-owned motus for authentic island experiences. The resort’s Natura Ora sustainability program started in 2022 and includes five initiatives: waste management, local produce markets, coral planting, environmental education, and Earth Hour celebrations. These programs demonstrate the property’s ecological responsibility while providing guests with opportunities to participate in conservation efforts and local culture.

Award Recognition and Future Development

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort’s 2025 Global Recognition Award represents consistent quality across all aspects of hospitality. This recognition follows the property’s 2024 designation as Oceania’s Leading Resort by the World Travel Awards, showing steady performance in the competitive luxury travel sector. The resort’s success comes from its balance of cultural experiences with good service standards, creating a destination that appeals to travelers seeking comfort and meaningful engagement with local traditions. The property’s sustainability through the Natura Ora program ensures that its environmental and cultural approach matches its service quality.

Looking ahead, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort continues to develop its offerings while maintaining its focus on quality and authenticity. The resort’s ongoing sustainability work includes coral restoration, partnerships with local communities, and responsible luxury travel practices. Plans may include expanded wellness programs, additional cultural education opportunities, and refinements to the butler service program associated with St. Regis. These initiatives help the property remain relevant to changing guest expectations while preserving the Polynesian character that defines its appeal.

For travelers seeking a quality luxury experience in one of the most beautiful destinations, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural connection, and attentive service. The 2025 Global Recognition Award confirms what guests have experienced: this property represents quality South Pacific hospitality. Whether guests seek relaxation in overwater villas, dining with recognized chefs, or cultural exploration through traditional activities, The St. Regis Bora Bora provides experiences that create memories while honoring the heritage of French Polynesia. This recognition acknowledges past achievements and suggests continued quality for future guests seeking memorable travel experiences.