Westin Bora Bora is now open

The highly anticipated Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open at French Polynesiaone of the most dream destinations on earth.

Nestled at the foot of Mount Otemanu, this Westin resort is a renovated and rebranded resort, reborn in many public spaces, with accommodations ranging from beach bungalows to overwater villas.

In fact, this resort has the most overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, as well as the largest pool — complete with cabanas, a swim-up bar, and a waterfall.

In the resort’s 128 overwater bungalows and 14 beach bungalows, guests will find Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed, along with the Westin Sleep Well Menu of sleep-enhancing superfoods, as well as rooms with private pools and stunning views; there are even multi-room options for guests who need more space.

The resort features six bars and restaurants that make up the dining experience, including an all-day French Polynesian-style bistro with a breakfast buffet; a signature restaurant focusing on seasonal and sustainable foods, like lacquered mahi-mahi; a beachfront steakhouse and seafood restaurant; a tiki-themed beach bar; a poolside restaurant and bar; and an outdoor lobby bar and lounge.

Of course, Westin takes wellness seriously—and its Bora Bora outpost is no exception. Guests staying at the hotel can work out at the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio by taking a yoga or Pilates class, or even a Tahitian dance class.

Meanwhile, at Heavenly Spa, signature treatments like the Polynesian Tupuna Ritual incorporate local sea salt, coconut shells and coconut oil into a full-body massage that helps guests connect with the island and their inner spirit.

In addition to relaxing by the pool or splashing around the overwater bungalow, there are plenty of activities to do, including stand-up paddle boarding, learning local crafts like coconut weaving, snorkeling and chartering boats for deep-sea fishing. Once a week, the resort hosts a traditional Polynesian evening with live music, dancing and a buffet dinner.

With a focus on ecological sustainability, the Bora Bora Ecology Center offers visitors the opportunity to learn about French Polynesia’s fragile ecosystem and even participate in preparing a meal for sea turtles and observe them while they eat.

How to book a room at Westin Bora Bora

Cash room rates at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa start at around $1,000 a night but can go much higher during peak seasons.

Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Members can book reward nights from the somewhat erratic reward calendar. Prices can be as low as 69,000 points on some days, but generally range from 70,000 to 85,000 points per night.

A great way to make your dream trip to Bora Bora come true is to take advantage of Marriott Bonvoy “Stay 5, Pay 4” benefitThis benefit allows members to receive one free night when redeeming points for five consecutive nights when booking at the same hotel.

But even if you find a great price with points, be prepared to offset some of those savings with some pretty hefty taxes and fees. For example, taking advantage of the fifth night free, TPG found that a five-night stay in November booked with points would still cost 59,750 French Pacific francs ($560) in taxes and fees.

Expensive, sure. But not bad, considering you’d pay more than double that. every night if booking by cash.

With Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardYou can actually win two free nights at the Westin Bora Bora by earning 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after using the card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.

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