The Westin Bora Bora is now open

The highly anticipated Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa is now open in French Polynesia, one of the dreamiest destinations on earth.

Tucked away under Mount Otemanu, this Westin property is a remodeled and rebranded resort that’s been given a new life across its public spaces, with accommodations ranging from beach bungalows to overwater villas.

In fact, the resort has the largest collection of overwater bungalows in Bora Bora, as well as the largest swimming pool — featuring cabanas, a swim-up pool bar and a waterfall.

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

Six bars and restaurants make up the resort’s culinary experiences, including an all-day French Polynesian 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 is big on wellness — and the Bora Bora outpost is no different. Guests at the hotel can work out at the WestinWorkout Fitness Studio by joining a yoga or Pilates class or even a Tahitian dance class.

Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Spa, signature treatments like the Tupuna Polynesian Ritual incorporate local sea salt, coconut shells and coconut oils into full-body massages that help guests connect with the island and their inner spirits.

Beyond relaxing by the pool or splashing around your overwater bungalow, activities abound, like stand-up paddleboarding, learning local crafts like coconut palm weaving, snorkeling and chartering a boat for deep-sea fishing. Once a week, the resort has a traditional Polynesian evening with live music, dancing and a dinner buffet.

With an emphasis on ecological sustainability, the Eco Center Bora Bora offers guests the chance to learn about French Polynesia’s delicate ecosystem and even get involved by prepping meals for sea turtles and observing them during feeding.

How to book the Westin Bora Bora

Cash rates at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa start at around $1,000 per night but easily reach much higher during peak dates.

Marriott Bonvoy members can book award nights from a slightly erratic award calendar. Rates can be as low as 69,000 points on some dates but generally range between 70,000 and 85,000 points per night.

One great way to make a dream trip to Bora Bora a reality is to take advantage of Marriott Bonvoy’s “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” benefit. This benefit allows members to get a free night when redeeming points for five consecutive nights on reservations at the same hotel.

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

Expensive, sure. But still, it’s not bad, considering you’d be paying more than double that per night if booking with cash.

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

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