Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa

Description:

• Now part of Hilton, this sprawling resort occupies the southern end of hilly Motu Toopua, a 15-minute boat ride off Vaitape. It faces west toward the sea, thus depriving its public areas and all but a handful of its bungalows of the typical Bora Bora view. Only the full-service spa, perched atop the islet's central ridge, has an unimpeded view of Mount Otemanu. A beachside, two-level infinity swimming pool serves as the focal point of activities. It's backed by two public buildings, one with a large boutique and a casual, sand-floor restaurant serving reasonably priced lunches and dinners. The other houses a fine-dining outlet, an air-conditioned library, and a fascinating photo collection of U.S. marines building the airstrip on Motu Mute during World War II. Spread out over 6.4 hectares (16 acres) and nearly a kilometer ( 1/2 mile) of lagoon (you'll soon learn to call for a golf cart to take you to dinner), the 120 luxurious, suite-size units -- 84 of them overwater -- are some of the largest in French Polynesia. The overwater bungalows have separate bedrooms, huge bathrooms with both tubs and walk-in showers, and big decks with privacy screens. Two three-bedroom overwater bungalows with swimming pools in their decks were being planned. Housed in a hillside hotel-style building, the "lagoon-view suites" are the least expensive units, and they interconnect to accommodate families. Top-of-the-line are the huge royal suites.

  Facilities: 3 restaurants; 2 bars; large outdoor pool; tennis courts; exercise room; spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; watersports equipment rentals; bike rentals; children's programs; game room; concierge; activities desk; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010