Review: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Our time on the small South Pacific island of Bora Bora began with an indulgent five-night stay at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui.

Formerly known as the Hilton Bora Bora Nui, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui was completely refurbished and reopened in April 2017.

Five nights at the Conrad would the stage for a fulfilling fortnight in French Polynesia, and as our arrival date approached, I was brimming with anticipation at the thought of checking another major aspirational resort off my bucket list. 

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Booking

I booked this five-night stay for a total of 356,000 Hilton Honors points, taking advantage of Hilton’s Fifth Night Free benefit, and allowing me to finally redeem a big chunk of the Hilton Honors points I’d been diligently accumulating for years.

It’s worth noting that we booked our stay a year in advance, back when this property cost just 89,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Nowadays, expect to redeem 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night, which is quite a significant increase. Still, the Fifth Night Free benefit can be very helpful in scoring the best value when redeeming Hilton Honors points here.

One further complication is that availability for 120,000 points can be quite challenging to find. You’ll just want to keep a close eye on the availability, or use a tool such as MaxMyPoint to set alerts.

Despite the cost and constraints with availability, it’s still a great deal compared to the cash rate, which starts around 140,000 XPF ($1,500 CAD) and goes up from there.

Keep in mind that points bookings will automatically be for the King Lagoon View Suite, which is one of the less desirable room types. As a Hilton Diamond member, I knew that my breakfast would be covered, and I could most likely count on an automatic upgrade upon arrival.

Elite status greatly increases your chances of receiving an upgrade to an overwater or beach villa at this property. However, it’s also possible to secure an upgrade by paying an additional fee during the weeks leading up to the stay.

If you plan on booking a cash rate at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, keep in mind that this property participates in Hilton Impresario, a preferred partner program.

By booking your stay through an authorized travel advisor, you’ll enjoy a suite of extra perks, such as free breakfast, a $100 (USD) hotel credit, and more, all while paying the same as the best available flexible rate.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Location

Renowned for its remarkable setting, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is nestled within its own exclusive islet called Motu To-opua. This area is distinct from the bustling main island of Bora Bora, and is one of the main draws to the property.

To reach the hotel, you’ll first need to fly into Papeete (PPT), the capital of French Polynesia. From there, you can embark on a domestic flight with either Air Tahiti or Air Moana, whisking you away to the stunning island of Bora Bora.

Bora Bora itself is a mesmerizing archipelago that originated from an extinct volcano at its core. It’s encircled by a crystal-clear lagoon adorned with picturesque islets along its outer reef.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is perfectly situated on one of the southern islets, offering breathtaking vistas that extend beyond the island itself. 

This strategic location strikes a nice balance, as it’s still relatively close to the main town of Vaitape on the central island, yet comfortably distant from the Bora Bora Airport situated in the northern part of the archipelago.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Check-in

Perched on its own islet, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is accessible exclusively by boat – a novelty that adds an extra touch of allure to the hotel.

Upon touchdown at Bora Bora Airport, we were warmly welcomed by a representative from Conrad Bora Bora Nui, who graciously took charge of our belongings.

Following our warm welcome, we were beckoned to board the resort’s private boat, which served as our means of transportation to our dreamy five-day retreat.

(It’s worth noting that boat transfers between the airport and the Conrad are an additional cost at 7,500 XPF ($90 CAD) per direction per person.)

Although it’s only a 15-minute journey, the private boat transfer from Bora Bora Airport to the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is an experience in itself. Gliding across the turquoise waters, we were treated to awe-inspiring views that left us awestruck.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui has a fleet of boats that cater to various needs, including airport transfers and shuttles to Vaitape, the main town. Among these vessels, we had found ourselves on one of the larger boats for this initial journey.

Soon, we began to approach the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and the beauty of our surroundings struck us with sheer amazement.

The clear-blue waters and breathtaking scenery served as a reminder that this incredible paradise of French Polynesia would be our home for the forthcoming two weeks. It was quite a surreal moment, filling us with anticipation of the idyllic days that awaited us on our “pre-honeymoon” adventure.

Upon our arrival, we were warmly greeted by a welcoming committee who introduced us to Lawrence, our dedicated butler for the duration of our stay.

Lawrence graciously invited us to take a seat at the front of the dock for the check-in process, while offering us refreshing welcome drinks and adorning us with beautiful flower leis.

Lawrence then took us on a tour of the property in a buggy. Our villa wasn’t quite yet prepared, as we’d arrived around 9am in the morning. 

As a Hilton Diamond member, we were initially upgraded to a Garden Villa. However, just five days prior to our arrival, the stars aligned, and we were treated to a further upgrade to one of just two King Beach Pool Villas at the property.

Additionally, Lawrence informed us that my Diamond status entitled us to enjoy breakfast on five mornings during our stay, and the hotel kindly allowed us to have breakfast on the morning of our arrival in place of one of the mornings designated for our stay.

Thus, we decided to indulge in breakfast while waiting for our villa to be ready, and we made plans to take the boat into Vaitape and savour some local cuisine in place of having breakfast during one of the other mornings of our stay.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – King Beach Pool Villa

As I mentioned, we were fortunate to be assigned one of just two beach villas available at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui for our five-night stay. These exclusive villas occupy a prime location on the resort, nestled amidst tropical vegetation with expansive views of the pristine turquoise waters.

(While I could’ve also pursued an Overwater Villas as my preferred upgrade, we’ve already experienced numerous overwater villas on previous visits to the Maldives, so I made the decision this time to venture into the realm of beach villas this time around.)

Heading to the King Beach Pool Villa, we embarked on a leisurely journey along a stone path, meandering past lush foliage until we reached our home for the next five nights.

Upon our arrival, we noticed that the King Beach Pool Villa clearly draws inspiration from Polynesian roots, adorned with a thatched roof reminiscent of the iconic Bora Bora huts.

Entering our villa, we saw that the room had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with an attractive balance between traditional and modern elements.

The room is adorned with mahogany and rattan furnishings, as well as hand-printed tapa cloths. Small touches, such as sconces and chandeliers crafted from oyster shells, added a touch of cultural artistry.

The focal point of the room is a magnificent king bed, which commands attention as it faces expansive windows that stretch across almost the entire wall. Delicate flower petals adorned the top of the bed for our arrival.

The headboard, crafted from black-painted wood, not only adds elegance but also serves as a room divider.

At the foot of the bed, discreetly nestled within what initially appears to be a simple wooden box, lies a surprise: a flat-screen TV that gracefully ascends when summoned.

To the right of the king bed, a charming love seat and table came proactively set up with our Hilton Diamond welcome amenity. The table was set with still and sparkling water, as well as a bottle of wine, which was very appreciated and we sipped on over multiple evenings.

Positioned on the left side of the room is a cozy seating area with an armchair and a beautifully woven ottoman. Adjacent to it, a pantry features a minibar and a Nespresso coffee maker.

As we explored the villa further, we found a spacious walk-in closet, with wood finishes and ample storage space for all of our belongings.

Nestled in the right-hand corner of the closet, a well-appointed desk provides a dedicated workspace.

The bathroom was well and truly a highlight of the villa. Two dual vanities face each other, complemented by striking large circular wooden mirrors and vessel sinks below.

The symmetrical arrangement within the bathroom draws your gaze toward the deep circular bathtub positioned at the rear, which serves as a striking centrepiece.

The toilet is concealed behind a frosted glass door, while a spacious walk-in shower is located in its own compartment, and comes complete with both a rain shower head and a handheld option.

As for the bathroom amenities, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers Byredo’s Mojave Ghost line of products.

Turning our attention back to the main area of the villa, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors opened up to the beach outside. In this picturesque setting, we had our very own private outdoor deck, complete with a refreshing plunge pool hidden from view.

The pool deck is equipped with modern recliners, providing an ideal spot for relaxing and soaking up the sun or some shade.

Nestled on the left-hand side, a small dining table offered an intimate outdoor setting for meals.

Moreover, the villa balcony seamlessly connects to the pristine sandy white beach. Adding to this, a hammock is strategically positioned beside a swaying palm tree for leisurely lounging.

While this part of the beach is accessible to other guests, and the beach faces out towards some of the overwater villa pontoons, we were pleased to find that it remained relatively serene and tranquil during our stay. 

Overall, the King Beach Pool Villa at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is very well-equipped for a comfortable stay, and I thought it did a great job of bringing together modern finishes with Polynesian-inspired design.

However, it’s worth noting that we did experience one minor gripe during our stay. Specifically, the air conditioning wasn’t great, and it felt like quite a bit of air escaped the villa, even with the sliding doors shut.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – King Overwater Pool Villa with Mount Otemanu View

I also had the opportunity to tour one of the King Overwater Pool Villas at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, which offered premium views of Mount Otemanu.

The interior layout of the villa is strikingly similar to our Beach Villa, featuring a king bed positioned at the centre flanked by two seating areas on either side.

It’s worth noting that most of the rooms within the resort share this aesthetic, combining wooden elements with contemporary furnishings.

What sets this King Overwater Pool Villa apart is its outdoor deck, which boasts a private pool and a picturesque distant view into the central island of Bora Bora and Mount Otemanu sitting high and mighty.

This deck also features an adjacent hammock integrated into the structure, allowing you to relax over the water. Furthermore, a conveniently placed ladder provides direct access to the crystal-clear lagoon from the pool deck itself.

Keep in mind that not all overwater villas at Conrad Bora Bora Nui have private pools, and the specific room types available among the numerous overwater villas at Conrad Bora Bora Nui will vary depending on their location within the resort.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Resort Layout

Speaking of which, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers a diverse range of accommodations, including overwater villas, beach villas, and hilltop villas, which are spread out across the expansive beachfront property.

The main resort grounds, along with the lobby, restaurants, shops, and swimming pools, are centrally located along the shoreline of the resort.

On the eastern and western end, there are various jetties that are home to Overwater Villas, Pool Overwater Villas, and Deluxe Overwater Villas, extending into the water.

Towards the westernmost stretch of the beach, you’ll find the resort’s two Beach Villas, one of which was the villa I stayed in.

One element I particularly appreciated about the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the variety of villas available, and the unique incorporation of the hillside into the resort’s design, which is a distinctive feature sets it apart from other Bora Bora resorts.

Moving towards the eastern and western part of the shore, you’ll come across some Garden Villas.

And as you follow the path that gains elevation, you’ll discover the Endless Lagoon View Villas nestled on the hillside, offering magnificent views.

In terms of transportation within the resort, communal bikes are provided for guests to use.

However, instead of each villa having its own dedicated bikes (like you’ll find at some resorts), you can simply grab a bike if you come across one, or use the larger set of bikes located near the main resort building.

It’s also worth mentioning that the bikes weren’t in the best condition, and quite a few of them were rickety and on the verge of falling apart.

Additionally, there’s a buggy service available throughout the resort, and you can request a buggy by calling the front desk or approaching any staff member at any venue within the resort.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Breakfast

Breakfast is held at Iriatai, the hotel’s signature restaurant, located in the main building. Guests at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui can enjoy breakfast from 7–10am daily.

Breakfast is served buffet style, as well as à la carte. On account of my Hilton Diamond status, my partner Jessy and I were granted complimentary breakfast each morning.

The venue offers open-air dining with ample banquet and veranda seating, accompanied by stunning views of the lagoon.

Firstly, there was an excellent selection of pastries. Each morning, different pastries are available, and all are baked in house daily. The red velvet croissants went quickly, so we made sure to grab them soon after we arrived.

The buffet included classic Western hot items, such as bacon, sausages, hash browns, and scrambled eggs. Additionally, Polynesian and international dishes like coconut ipo, fried rice, noodles, chicken samosas, and dumplings were available.

Cold plates of smoked salmon, cheese, and cured meats were on offer, alongside a salad bar and a selection of cereals. 

Lastly, there was self-serve juice and coffee, and a make-your-own cocktail area with Champagne (although this was subject to an extra charge).

If I’m being honest, the breakfast spread wasn’t all that impressive. While there were some highlights and enough variety to satisfy our hunger each morning, we soon developed a desire for something different after a few mornings.

Additionally, the serving method employed at the buffet was somewhat peculiar, as guests were required to wear gloves and use a single set of tongs to serve themselves from different stations. These tongs would then be placed in a used pile, resulting in potential cross-contamination of the different food items.

It’s worth noting that the resort’s staffing appeared to be insufficient, too, as the buffet dishes were sometimes slow to be refilled, and there were occasional delays in receiving coffee or drink refills.

Interestingly, there was an additional charge of 1,200 XPF ($15 CAD) for ordering waffles and other egg dishes from an à la carte menu.

However, throughout the entire duration of the stay, the resort experienced an unexpected shortage of eggs, and only expected to receive a new shipment the following week.

Consequently, only scrambled eggs, likely prepared from a powdered mix, were available at the buffet – another rather peculiar and unexpected development!

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Dining

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers a variety of on-site dining options. It features four distinct venues: Iriatai, Banyan, Upa Upa Lounge Bar, and Tamure Beach Grill.

We had dinner one evening at Tamure Beach Grill, the resort’s all-day dining venue situated next to the beach and pool. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean- and Polynesian-inspired menu, with food prepared in an open kitchen and seating directly on the sand.

Our dinner at Tamure Beach Grill was satisfactory. Jessy ordered the veggie burger, while I got the steak with béarnaise sauce and baked potatoes.

I’d describe the quality of the food as on par with a nice sit-down restaurant at home, though not quite an outstanding culinary experience. When stacked up against, say, the top resorts in the Maldives, the dining offerings at Bora Bora’s top resorts somewhat paled in comparison.

Upa Upa Lounge Bar is situated at the far end of the welcome pavilion. The venue opens at 5pm daily and serves drinks and sushi. We enjoyed sunset drinks at the bar and had a lovely evening watching sunset, before retreating to the restaurant to try the sushi selection.

Again, while the sushi at Upa Upa Lounge Bar was decent, it wasn’t quite at a level that was worth writing home about. Indeed, based on our location out here in the South Pacific with some of the world’s freshest catch available, I had harboured higher expectations. 

In the evenings, Iriatai transforms into an elegant dining venue. The grand pavilion becomes an intimate topical setting serving classic French fare, accompanied by an extensive wine menu.

Lastly, Banyan features dishes inspired by various regions of China, adding a novel dimension at Conrad Bora Bora Nui. However, Banyan was closed for renovations during our visit.

Since we didn’t feel particularly enthusiastic about our previous dining experiences at Tamure Beach Grill and Upa Upa, we opted to dine in on the other nights, ordering room service or eating meals that we had bought from the supermarket in Vaitape.

The room service offering, too, was on the weaker side – one dish in particular was advertised as an “Angus steak”, but upon being delivered to our room, we discovered that it was no more than a single burger patty.

Overall, I’d say that the food and drink experience is perhaps a weak point of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. While there’s a good variety of restaurants available with four in total, I wasn’t particularly thrilled by the quality, and I spoke to quite a few other guests who felt the same way. 

In terms of additional dining possibilities, the Conrad hosts a Polynesian dinner and show on selected nights, priced at 20,000 XPF ($245 CAD) per person. While we didn’t partake on this stay, a Polynesian dinner and show can often be a staple of a Bora Bora trip that many guests may find worthwhile. 

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Pools & Beach

The main infinity pool at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui has two levels, and is also home to the swim-up Tarava Pool Bar.

The pool area offers first-come first-served cabanas, as well as partially submerged recliners. You can conveniently request drinks or meal service by pressing a button at the chairs, cabanas, or swim-up bar.

The Tarava Pool Bar also provides a light snack menu, but you can also order food from Tamure Beach Grill to be delivered to your location, if you prefer to enjoy your meal in a cozy nook instead.

The hotel has two main stretches of beach, one of which is exclusively reserved for Hilton Gold and Diamond members. Admittedly, we didn’t spend too much time at the resort’s beaches, and instead mostly sunbathed on our own beach and deck.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Spa

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui features the luxurious Hina Spa, which takes its name from the legendary goddess Hina, who is said to embody beauty, charm, sweetness, and well-being.

The Hina Spa occupies one of the most remarkable locations within the entire resort, situated at the very far end of the winding path that leads up the hillside. Perched high above the rest of the resort, the spa offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Bora Bora lagoon, Maupiti Island, and the majestic Mount Otemanu.

Just outside the spa, you’ll find a nice and serene viewing deck, which makes for a tranquil spot to retreat to before or after your spa treatment (as well as a great photo opportunity).

Heading inside, the spa provides a serene ambiance within elevated treetop walkways set amidst the undulating hills.

Hina Spa seamlessly combines natural healing techniques with opulent products and a wide array of treatments. There are a total of seven treatment rooms designed with a blend of gentle nature-inspired elements and serene water installations, and all boast stunning lagoon views.

Additionally, there’s a fully equipped sauna and relaxation room, with a steam room available as well.

For workout enthusiasts, the fitness centre is conveniently situated at ground level along the shoreline. Although modest in design, the fitness centre provides a comprehensive selection of equipment to cater to every workout preference.

Treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, weight machines, and free weights are all readily available, with ample space to maintain a fitness routine in this paradise setting.

Moreover, for those who enjoy playing tennis, there’s a dedicated tennis court located near the beach villas if you’re keen to brush up on your tennis skills in Bora Bora. For a smaller version, check out the ping pong table, located near the fitness centre.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Activities

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui resort offers complimentary rentals of non-motorized water vessels. We took advantage of this on one of the afternoons, going for a scenic kayak ride through the picturesque waters.

Additionally, there are stand-up paddle boards available for use. However, it’s important to note that there is a paid watersports menu for additional options, including all motorized water activities.

If you’re interested in exploring more activities in Bora Bora, you can visit the Concierge desk to coordinate various excursions with third-party providers. These include snorkelling tours, fishing tours, sightseeing tours, and more.

We decided to join a group snorkelling tour and had a wonderful experience. We had the opportunity to swim with baby sharks and stingrays in one location, and explore the vibrant coral reefs in another, making for a truly breathtaking experience.

(Unfortunately, Jessy had a minor accident and cut her knee on the coral, which required her to tend to the wound for the remainder of our trip.)

It’s also worth mentioning that the resort provides free snorkel rentals, and the snorkelling experience in the open lagoon waters right off the beach was excellent, with calm waters and ample marine life to observe.

One standout feature of the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is its free shuttle service to Vaitape. Given the proximity to Bora Bora’s main town, there are multiple departures throughout the day, making it highly convenient for guests. The route is served by one of Conrad’s many boats of various sizes.

Although the shuttle is complimentary for most guests, note that there is a fee of 7,500 XPF ($90 CAD) per couple if you’re taking the boat on the day of checking out of the hotel.

However, if you’re switching resorts, it may still be more cost-effective to use the shuttle to reach Vaitape, and then make your way to your next destination, compared to going via the airport or organizing a private boat transfer.

Vaitape is a pretty quiet place, despite being the only major settlement on the main island of Bora Bora. You can explore the local pearl shops (although most resorts also have their own boutiques), and there’s also a fine-dining restaurant you can visit if you get bored of the on-property dining.

Another place to visit is Chin Lee Supermarket, where you can find affordable essentials such as wine, liquor, snacks, and even Pacific-style sashimi to take back to your resort.

You also have the option to rent a vehicle and explore the island at your own pace. Indeed, during our visit, we dedicated a whole day to exploring Bora Bora.

We first embarked on a hike to the Amanahune viewpoint, which offered breathtaking panoramic views.

Afterwards, we made our way to Bloody Mary’s, a popular restaurant on the island, for some casual food and drinks. Bloody Mary’s might be considered a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s still worth experiencing as something of a Bora Bora rite of passage.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui – Service

From the moment we arrived, we were always greeted with a warm Ia Orana (hello) by the staff, who consistently said Maururu (thank you) at the end of every interaction.

I’d say that the overall service at the resort embodied the relaxed and friendly style often associated with Pacific islands. Rather than adhering to strict service principles, the staff’s approach was well-intentioned and laid-back. Despite this casual service style, most of our requests were promptly attended to.

The resort even graciously accommodated our need to change our dates for our complimentary breakfast offering due to our early arrival on the first day, showing their flexibility and willingness to accommodate our preferences. Moreover, the staff demonstrated great care in attending to Jessy’s coral wound, regularly checking up on her throughout the following days.

However, it’s worth noting that service during meal times tended to be a bit slower, adhering to the concept of “island time”. While this may take some adjustment for those accustomed to faster-paced service, it’s a characteristic that aligns with Bora Bora’s easygoing and relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, the genuine warmth and friendliness of the staff made our stay very enjoyable, despite the occasional slower service.

Conclusion

Situated on the serene Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers a picturesque sanctuary at the southern tip of Bora Bora. 

This idyllic haven provides great value for Hilton Honors points, boasting a diverse range of room types and a variety of dining options. While the quality of the cuisine didn’t impress me, the property itself is well-maintained and offers unique elevated views from its hillside location, setting it apart from other Bora Bora resorts.

One of Conrad’s notable advantages is its proximity to the town of Vaitape, which allows guests to conveniently explore the island beyond the confines of the resort. It’d therefore be an excellent choice for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Bora Bora while still having the option to venture out and experience the local surroundings.

We’d eventually head to the St. Regis and Four Seasons on this same trip. Out of the three Bora Bora resorts we had the opportunity to visit, while Conrad wasn’t the absolute-best experience, it can certainly be argued that it offers the most bang for your buck.