| See our List of:
Favorite Overall Resorts |
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| Our FAVORITE RESORTS for: |
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| BEACHES |
| SPAS |
| SERVICE |
| ROOMS |
| GOLF |
| SNORKELING |
| DINING |
| SHOPPING |
| NIGHTLIFE |
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
Bora Bora is a spectacular island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, located in the center of the famed South Pacific Ocean. This enchanted island and lagoon attract honeymooners and tourists from all over the world who are looking for the ultimate in romance and tropical relaxation. From the moment you arrive at the airport and are ferried to the resort through the crystal clear water of Bora Bora lagoon, you know you are in a special place. Bora Bora is so beautiful; you may think it is a dream. You become almost hypnotized by the crystal clear water of the fabled lagoon or the palm covered motu (small islands) that encircle the lagoon. But Bora Bora is no dream. This is the experience of a lifetime ... and one you will not soon forget!
The Bora Bora Pearl Resort & Spa is located on the island Motu Tevairoa, only a short 10 minute boat ride from the airport. The Pearl is the only resort on this motu and you get a feeling of seclusion when you are at the resort. The resort offers a free shuttle to the main island that runs periodically throughout the day. This shuttle allows you to go to the main island and explore to your heart's content. But if you choose to stay at the resort ... no worries ... you will find plenty to do. The Bora Bora Pearl has snorkeling, a beautiful beach and pool, spa and restaurants to keep you busy. Or you can just choose to lounge in the warm Tahitian sun at your own private overwater bungalow. Whatever you choose, you will feel as if you have found paradise in the South Pacific!
Here's our lowdown on the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
- Our Favorites -
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| Overwater Bungalow |
ROOM - We stayed in an Overwater Bungalow and I highly recommend you choose this category of accommodation. The room had a large soaking tub which is very important to me. The room was very comfortable and the fit and finish was good. The bungalows have a glass coffee table that allows you to look right down into the lagoon under your bungalow and even remove the top and feed the fish right from your living room! There is a large outdoor deck with lounge chairs and a private sheltered sitting area, which is nice if you want to get some shade while sitting on your deck. You have a lower deck that allows you to swim in the lagoon right in front of you bungalow. The Overwater bungalow is a unique experience in Bora Bora and adds to the once in a lifetime experience.
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| Bora Bora |
ISLAND / LAGOON - For all the great reasons to visit Bora Bora, the best reason has to be the island of Bora Bora itself and the surrounding lagoon. Bora Bora is truly a magical, majestic place that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. To be in the middle of the famous South Pacific Ocean and experiencing the island and lagoon is really breathtaking. There is just something about traveling on the lagoon and staying in the middle of the lagoon that is hard to describe. There are many beautiful islands in the world, but Bora Bora has a feeling (or vibe or whatever you want to call it) that is truly unique.
BEACH - The beach at Bora Bora Pearl is amazing. Powdery white sand and crystal clear water that is only waist high in most places around the resort. We could walk from our Overwater Bungalow to the beach (about a hundred yards) and the water was never over our waist. We did not use the beach as much as usual because we spent all of our time lounging on our private deck on our Overwater Bungalow. But if you want to get some beach time, not to worry, there's a beautiful beach with plenty of sand, sun and seclusion.
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| The Beach at the Bora Bora Pearl |
SPA - We found the Manea Spa at the Bora Bora Pearl to be excellent. The spa is in its own private section of the resort, set on stilts above a small lake. You get a feeling of calm and tranquility as you prepare for your treatment. The decor is traditional Tahitian with exotic woods, bamboo and lava rock. There is an excellent choice of services, most with a Tahitian flare. The prices are expensive, but the treatments are awesome and the ambiance of the spa is very serene. The Manea Spa is a great way to get relaxed and in touch with the spirit of the Tahitian Islands.
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| Bloody Mary's |
DON'T MISS
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Dinner at Bloody Mary's - Ok, some people might think that it's too touristy, but we really enjoyed our dinner at Blood Mary's. It's a cool place with sand floors and lots of local flavor. Before you are seated, you are shown all the fresh fish and you choose your dinner right there. You are then seated and your meal is served. We thought it was the best meal we had in Bora Bora. It does not have the French flair that you get at other places, but the fish was good and fresh and served in a fun environment.
- Other Good Stuff -
Snorkeling - At the Bora Bora Pearl, the best place to snorkel is in an area called the Coral nursery, which is located right in the middle of the Overwater bungalows. The artificial reefs attract many colorful fish and makes for a good snorkeling experience. There is no snorkeling off your bungalow (unless you are near the Coral nursery), but you have waist deep, perfectly clear water to swim and lounge in. If you are looking for more snorkeling than provided by the Coral nursery, there are many excursions that can be arranged through the resort.
Pool - The pool at Bora Bora Pearl was very relaxing with plenty of lounge chairs and good service. We were helped with our set up and the service was very pleasant. The pool is good sized, well maintained and has a beautiful view of the beach and lagoon. It didn't get that crowded so we were not fighting for space; making for a very good experience. Located next to the pool is a restaurant and bar that provides lunch and tropical drinks. There is nothing better than sipping a Tahitian cocktail at the pool all the while gazing at the Bora Bora lagoon.
Service - We found the service to be quite good at the Pearl Resort. We were picked up at the airport promptly and the check in was efficient and welcoming. Housekeeping service was good and the overall service was good from everyone we came in contact with. You do get some island time and that may be a bit of a turnoff for some people. If you are really into service, you may be a bit disappointed, but overall we had no complaints. If your drink or lunch takes a little extra time, just take a moment to look around and you will quickly realize you are in Paradise. Once you do this, all the little things melt away.
Activities - The resort does a good job with providing many activities for people who like to get out and do things. There are some free activities like kayaks, outriggers and snorkel equipment which was a nice touch. The paying activities provide a great variety of things to do and see. One thing we did was rent a "bugster" which is a very, very small dune buggy like vehicle. Once you get over the smallness and figure out how to drive it (it has no reverse!), it's a blast to tool around in. It's a great way to see the island of Bora Bora. If you like to be active and have a lot of things to choose from, you will find plenty of excursions that can be provided through the resort. Click to see Activities
- And Our Not So Favorite Things -
Cost - Be prepared, the price of everything in Bora Bora (and all of French Polynesia) is VERY expensive. While you will know the room prices, everything else will shock you unless you are prepared. We remember paying approx. $30 for a sandwich and $20+ for a tropical drink. A good value is the Hinano beer, great local beer and reasonably priced. I know you are in paradise and that comes with a cost, but I must say that after awhile, especially with food and drink at the resort, it really starts to get a little old paying so much.
A couple suggestions to keep costs down:
1. We always bring our own snacks (granola bars, nuts, etc.). Or you can always buy things in town, but they will be more expensive than at home.
2. We go into town and load up on things like fresh baguettes, water and beer. Many times we would just eat these and our snacks. Since we are not foodies, this was not a big deal. This is just a way we control costs.
3. Check for happy hour at the hotel. We found a 2 for 1 drink special which took a little of the sting out to the price.
Everyone has heard about the cost in Tahiti. Just be prepared and you can take some steps to save a little money. But you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world, so focus on that. Remember it may be a while before you get back, so enjoy everything while you can and let nothing bring you down.
Food - We were a little disappointed in the food. We have already discussed the price of the food above, so no need to revisit. But if you are looking for world class cuisine, you might be a little let down. We ate out a couple times and Bloody Mary's was the most reasonable. We ate at a French restaurant recommended by the resort and we were underwhelmed. The resort dining was good, but nothing spectacular. This is not a problem for us because we are more interested in the beach, island and lagoon, but it is something you should definitely be prepared for.
Shopping - There are shops in the town, but besides shirts and souvenirs, we did not see anything that wowed us. Most people don't come to Bora Bora for shopping, but if you were planning on "hitting the stores", you will probably be disappointed.
Resort Information
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa - [Link to Hotel Website]
Hotel Photos
Bungalows
Resort Room Prices
OK, Bora Bora (and all of French Polynesia) is very expensive. But the Bora Bora Pearl does have very competitive rates when compared to other Bora Bora luxury properties. They also have a free water shuttle that takes you to the main island which can be a big money saver.
ADVICE: Get the Overwater Bungalow !!!!!!!!!!!!
I know they are expensive and you can save money with a garden room just steps from the beach, but I am here to tell you the overwater bungalow is worth it!
There is nothing like the overwater bungalow. They are romantic. They are fun. They are unique. They give you the feeling that you can't get at any other luxury properties.
When you are looking at what room class to book, you may be tempted to save some $, but I strongly suggest splurging for the overwater experience. It will be an experience you will never forget.
When we travel, we always look for the best deal and do not mind traveling during the off season to get the lower prices. This means you may not get to travel at the optimal times based on Temperatures and Rainfall (see charts below).
At the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, we find the prices to be divided into two seasons:
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Dry | June 1 - November 1 |
| Wet | November 2 - May 31 |
You will pay more if you travel during the dry season, but you do get the benefit of less rain.
Map of the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
View Larger MapWeather on Bora Bora in French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a stunning volcanic island in French Polynesia that is home to one of the most breathtaking lagoons in the entire world. The weather in Bora Bora is awesome with warm temperatures year round. You get rain in Bora Bora, but the showers tend to be relatively short, even during the wet season. The weather is just part of the overall experience. You get some rain, but this is just part of nature that is bringing you the stunning lagoon, unbelievable marine life and breathtaking views.
While the temperatures are very consistent year round, you will get more rain from November through May. During the wet season, the rain usually lasts for a short period of time. Even during the dry season you can expect to get showers, but they are less frequent. During the wet season, you will also get more humidity, so this is something to keep in mind when planning your vacation.
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| Click to See Larger Chart |
Rainfall - Whenever we go on vacation, trying to avoid rain is always high on our list. My husband is especially fanatical about this. Now rain is common in Bora Bora, with an average of over 76 in. per year. You can lessen your chance for rain by traveling in the "dry" season which runs from roughly June through November. The challenge is that the cost is more during this time. So you need to do the cost/benefit in your head and see if the extra $ is worth less chance of rain. Another way to handle the chance of rain is to just go with the flow. You are in the tropics. It rains. Be prepared to deal with it. Just remember that you are in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Remember to enjoy all the beauty, even if it includes a little rain.
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| Click to See Larger Chart |
Temperature - The chart at the right shows the average temperatures for Bora Bora. The temperatures in Bora Bora are very consistent, so you are going to get beautiful, warm weather no matter when you travel. The trade winds are present in Bora Bora no matter what the season. The trade winds bring relief from the heat and are usually quite welcomed. Make sure you pack your sunscreen, because you can count on warm weather and lots of sunshine the year round in Bora Bora.
Check out the latest weather for Bora Bora:
To get more information including weather forecasts, check out the following link for Papeete the capital of Tahiti (closest for detail forecast information):
The South Pacific Cyclone (Hurricane) season runs from approximately November 1 through April 30 and coincides with the hot, wet summer season. January and February are the 2 months when tropical cyclones are most likely to form. Cyclones (Hurricanes) are not common for Le Taha'a or French Polynesia in general, but they do occur, so make sure you take them into account when planning your South Pacific Vacation. It's always prudent to check for tropical storms around Bora Bora and the Central Pacific, please click the following link for great cyclone (hurricane) information: Hurricane Center.
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