Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, a distinguished Two-Keys property by Michelin, consistently delivers an exceptional Polynesian luxury experience, drawing praise for its breathtaking views, authentic design, and attentive service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts generally garners overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "amazing," "pure paradise," and "magnificent". The resort holds an impressive overall rating of 9.4 on Booking.com and a 4.5 out of 5 from other reviewers. A strong sentiment among guests is the desire to return, highlighting the unforgettable nature of their visits.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Le Bora Bora:

• Location & Views: The resort offers stunning, panoramic views of Mount Otemanu from nearly every vantage point. Its location on a private motu provides a serene setting.
• Beach & Lagoon: It boasts one of Bora Bora's finest white-sand beaches, offering coral-free access to the pristine blue lagoon with shallow waters ideal for wading and swimming. The resort also features a coral nursery for snorkeling enthusiasts.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel showcases authentic Polynesian style and architecture, blending modern luxury with traditional elements. This creates a strong "sense of place" for guests.
• Service Excellence: The staff is frequently highlighted for being exceptionally friendly, kind, genuine, and accommodating, contributing significantly to a magical and cherished experience.
• Renovated Rooms: Recent renovations have significantly elevated room design and comfort.
• Amenities: A large outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, a spa, tennis courts, and a water sports center offering non-motorized activities like paddleboards and kayaks are all available.
• Michelin Keys Status: Le Bora Bora, along with Le Taha'a, proudly holds two Michelin Keys, signifying an "exceptional stay" that combines outstanding design, architecture, and Polynesian charm. The resort is also a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Le Bora Bora are completely renovated and feature a stunning design that blends authentic Polynesian aesthetics with modern comforts. Key features include:

• Polynesian Details: Walls, woodwork, and decor incorporate authentic Polynesian elements, including carvings and clever wallpaper.
• Views: Beds are often strategically placed to face the picturesque views.
• Unique Features: Many overwater bungalows boast a "hole in the floor" viewing panel, allowing guests to observe marine life below, with fish food available from the shop.
• Bathrooms: Spacious and beautifully designed, bathrooms typically include two vanities, a free-standing tub, a rain shower, and a separate toilet room. Some even have windows overlooking the water for an ethereal glow.
• Outdoor Spaces: Overwater bungalows come with furnished outdoor patios, complete with lounging hammocks, chaise lounges, dining sets, and a lower dock for direct lagoon access.
• Inclusions: Rooms are equipped with Nespresso machines (pods restocked daily), complimentary water bottles, and often a well-stocked mini-bar with soft drinks. Robes, slippers, and a beach bag are also provided.
• Variety: The resort offers 108 bungalows and villas, including overwater bungalows, as well as spacious Garden and Beach Villas, many of which feature private plunge pools.
• Considerations: Some guests have noted that closets can be small, and the rooms might feel slightly smaller compared to certain other high-end resorts in Bora Bora.

4. Dining Experience

Le Bora Bora offers three distinct dining venues: the main Otemanu Restaurant, the more casual Miki Miki poolside restaurant, and the gourmet Poerava Restaurant.

• Breakfast: A comprehensive buffet breakfast is typically included in most room rates and is highly praised for its variety, fresh fruits, cured meats, and fish options. Guests enjoy dining with views over the bay.
• Cuisine: The food quality is generally good, with an emphasis on local Polynesian cuisine, including dishes like parrotfish and wahoo.
• Dinner & Lunch: While breakfast is a highlight, some guests have expressed mixed feelings about lunch and dinner options, suggesting that the menu could be refined or that choices might become limited after a few days. The gourmet restaurant, Poerava, has received comments about its food being "overly fancy" or "over-complicated".
• Special Events: The resort hosts a weekly Polynesian show, which includes a buffet dinner. The show itself is often enjoyed, though the food at the buffet has received varied feedback. Dinner reservations are required at the restaurants.
• Pricing: Meal pricing is considered reasonable for a resort of this caliber. The pool bar is open throughout the day until 10:00 p.m..

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Le Bora Bora are frequently cited as a major strength and highlight of the guest experience.

• Exceptional Hospitality: French Polynesian staff are described as some of the kindest, most genuine, and accommodating people, embodying the essence of Polynesian hospitality.
• Personalized Welcome: The check-in process is seamless and personalized, starting with airport greetings, flower necklaces, and a dedicated staff member assisting from arrival to room tour.
• Attentiveness: Staff are attentive, friendly, and readily assist with requests, recommendations, and activity bookings. They have been noted for proactive service, such as offering complimentary drinks when entrees were forgotten.
• Problem Resolution: Any issues that arise are generally resolved quickly and effectively, showcasing good service recovery. Guests with dietary restrictions, like gluten allergies, have reported staff going out of their way to accommodate their needs.
• Areas for Improvement: While overall service is highly praised, some guests have noted inconsistencies, particularly with front desk management regarding celebrating special occasions like birthdays or honeymoons. There have also been occasional reports of slow or forgetful service in restaurants and at the pool bar, as well as inconsistent turndown service or towel replacement in rooms. Some guests also mentioned issues with luggage handling upon arrival/departure.

6. Location & Accessibility

Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is situated on Motu Tevairoa, a private islet, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Mount Otemanu.

• Access: It is approximately a 20-minute boat ride from Bora Bora's Motu Mute Airport. The resort provides complimentary boat transfers from the airport.
• Proximity to Mainland: The resort is conveniently located about 15 minutes by boat from Vaitape, the main village on Bora Bora, and offers a free shuttle service to and from the main island hourly.
• Views: The location is celebrated for its magnificent views of Mount Otemanu and the stark contrast of the lagoon's blue shades.
• Considerations: The resort faces east, meaning sunsets occur behind the resort, and sunrises are behind Mount Otemanu. Some guests have noted that the area can be windy, and depending on wind direction and bungalow location, music from a nearby nightclub might be audible at night.

7. Value & Pricing

Le Bora Bora is a luxurious property, and its pricing reflects its high-end status in Bora Bora.

• Price Range: The average price per room is around $1504, significantly higher than the average hotel room in Bora Bora, which is about $807. Daily rates can range from approximately $733 to $1830.
• Perceived Value: Despite the cost, many guests feel the experience is "worth every penny". Some consider it one of the "most affordable and best resorts" in Bora Bora for the quality offered.
• Additional Costs: While breakfast is often included, food and beverage costs outside of this can be "silly expensive".
• Discounts: The resort offers various savings, including discounts for booking in advance or for combining stays with other Pearl Resorts properties.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Inconsistent Service: Although staff are generally excellent, there have been reports of inconsistent service at the front desk, particularly concerning special occasion acknowledgments, and occasional slow or forgetful service in restaurants and at the pool bar.
• Limited Dining Variety: Some guests find the dining options become repetitive after a few days, and some dinner dishes, particularly at the gourmet restaurant, are considered "overly fancy" or lack consistency in quality.
• Mosquitoes: Some guests have experienced issues with mosquitoes on the property, suggesting a need for more repellent and control measures.
• Logistical Issues: A few complaints have surfaced regarding unclear communication about boat transfer fees and a lack of assistance with luggage handling during transfers.
• Noise & Wind: Depending on the wind direction and bungalow location, noise from a nightclub across the water can sometimes be an issue. The resort's location can also be prone to wind.
• No Direct Sunset Views: Due to the resort's eastward orientation, guests will not experience direct sunset views from the property.

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