You might have heard that Bora Bora and other islands in the South Pacific can be exclusive and expensive and that they’re only for the jet set. Well, that’s not completely true. After all, thousands of locals live on these islands and don’t have that kind of money.
Here’s how to enjoy what’s exclusive, see how the jet-set live & experience one of the most beautiful spots on earth — all while on a budget in Bora Bora!
These tips and tricks can help you save money if you’re on a budget without giving up on anything that the island has to offer.
Best Luxury Resorts in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is the epitome of a romantic island getaway; it is personally one of our favorite places in the world. We are grateful to have visited a few times in the past and have stayed at a few properties across Bora Bora.
I have a detailed travel guide to bora bora, but I also wanted to share this quick blog post on the 6 best luxury resorts in Bora Bora and what we loved about each of them. They are all absolutely gorgeous, and you really can’t go wrong with any of these resorts.
My favorite resorts in Bora Bora, in no particular order:
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Another bucket list stay was the iconic St Regis Bora Bora! The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a luxurious and picturesque resort located on its own private motu in Bora Bora.
It is the only Forbes 5-star resort in Bora Bora and is renowned for its exceptional service, stunning natural beauty, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush tropical landscapes, and breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Le Bora Bora is a beautiful luxury resort in Bora Bora that has the best of both worlds: luxury and authentic Polynesian hospitality. It is the only Relais and Châteaux property in Bora Bora and sits on Motu Tevairoa, only a ten-minute boat ride from the airport and fifteen minutes across the lagoon from the village of Vaitape.
Location-wise, Le Bora Bora is amazing – both because of its proximity to the airport and mainland, and also due to its magnificent views of Mount Otemanu.
Other Top-Rated Luxury Picks
Several other properties consistently rank among Bora Bora’s best luxury hotels, each offering their own take on the overwater bungalow experience, from private plunge pools to swim-up bars and dedicated snorkeling lagoons.
When comparing options, pay close attention to location on the atoll, as it directly affects your sunset views and proximity to the best snorkeling spots.
Budget Accommodation in Bora Bora: What Actually Exists
The overwater bungalow is the image everyone has of Bora Bora. It is also the single largest cost driver. Choosing to stay in alternative accommodation is the most powerful budget decision you can make — it reduces your daily cost by 80% or more compared to a luxury resort, while keeping you in the same lagoon, on the same island, with access to the same experiences.
Pensions de famille — the honest choice
Pensions are small family-run guesthouses, almost all located on the main island. Rooms run from €50 to €130 per night, typically with breakfast included.
The difference from a resort is real — smaller rooms, no pool, no butler, shared or modest facilities. But the experience of waking up in a Polynesian family home, eating breakfast on a terrace above the lagoon, and being sent off in the morning by a host who knows every boat captain and guide on the island is something that a resort, by definition, cannot replicate. Several pensions have their own overwater or overlagoon bungalows at €150–250 per night — meaningfully cheaper than any resort equivalent.
The hybrid approach — my most recommended strategy
One to two nights in a mid-range or luxury resort for the overwater bungalow experience, followed by four to five nights in a pension. You get the photograph, the memory, the lagoon access from the deck — and then you spend the rest of your trip at a fraction of the cost, with more freedom and a more authentic experience of the island.
For a couple, this approach can save €3,000–5,000 compared to staying in a resort for the entire trip, without sacrificing the experience that brought you to Bora Bora in the first place.
The Maitai — entry-level overwater at scale
For travellers who want the full overwater bungalow experience but cannot stretch to the St. Regis or Four Seasons, the Maitai Polynesia offers overwater units from around €1,000 per night in peak season — roughly a quarter of the St. Regis rate. It is a genuine trade-down in service and facilities, but the lagoon beneath the bungalow is the same lagoon. Garden bungalows at the Maitai start from €300 per night, making it accessible to a much wider range of budgets.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
There are many things to do, see, and undertake in Bora Bora. This website is full of detailed & comprehensive trip reports outlining exceptional adventures you can undertake.
You can go climb the famous Mount Otemanu, swim and feed sharks and stingrays, snorkel along the lively waters, enjoy a relaxing day at Matira Beach, and much more.
Staying on the main island gives you the chance to deal directly with local guides & other activity providers.
This helps avoid paying any extra commissions added to the price you would otherwise pay.
While you might need to pay money for tours, they’re truly the best way to give back to the local community and learn in-depth about the island’s culture and history.
Let the dream come true and visit Bora Bora!
Want More Smart Ways to Travel on a Budget?
Saving money in high-end destinations doesn’t mean compromising on the experience. Head over to our Tropical Budget Travel Guide for actionable tips on finding cheap flights, scoring affordable stays, and cutting local transport costs.
