This stunning resort from the Hilton Hotel Group offers bungalows on the water.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Concierge (Courtesy Conrad Hotels & Resorts)
Almost a full circumference around the globe from Washington, D.C., in the startlingly clear waters of French Polynesia, sits a twelve square mile group of islands better known to wistful travelers as Bora Bora.
History recalls Bora Bora as a place “created by the gods,” and for thousands of years the island remained remote to North America. It wasn’t World War II and the use of Bora Bora as a strategic military destination, the real allure of Bora Bora seduced. The country’s sand-fringed motus and turquoise lagoon so picturesque the real-life photos look photo-shopped beckoned those looking for a sun-tan and strong adult cocktails. Hotels began building in 1961: the first being Hotel Bora Bora. Its ingenious ideal to build overwater bungalows inspired honeymooners and lovers alike to choose Bora Bora as the place to relinquish the stresses of modern life.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Over Water Villa Pool (Courtesy Conrad Hotels & Resorts)
Traveling to Bora Bora is never easy and in order to get to Bora Bora from Washington, one has to imagine heaven at the end of 19 hours of travel. Air Tahiti is the exclusive air carrier for commercial-flying Americans with its nine-hour flight from Los Angeles. High season for travel is, naturally, during D.C.’s brutally cold winters so flying from November to March means the prices will reflect the demand. As for crossing the U.S., Alaskan Air has a direct 4 ½ hour flight – as does Delta – to Los Angeles.
Once in Bora Bora, the options for places to stay and experience the country leans heavily towards luxury hotels. The newest hotel into this luxury space is the Conrad Hotels & Resorts’ Conrad Bora Bora Nui, the ultra-luxury brand of the Hilton Hotel Group.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Over Water Villa Bathroom (Courtesy Conrad Hotels & Resorts)
Located in a private cove on Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui opened April 2017 as a spectacular resort set with a backdrop of Mount Otemanu, one of two extinct volcano of Bora Bora. Arrive to the island by private boat transport and immediately one’s eyes are struck by the immaculate manicured grounds. Book a room without an overwater bungalow, which still provides plenty of access to the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora as well as the Conrad Bora Bora Nui pool, or splurge for one of the 18 overwater bungalows.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Villa Deck (Courtesy Conrad Hotels & Resorts)
Personally, I would splurge for one of the overwater bungalows just for the pleasure of opening a sliding door, walking out to your private patio and plunging into the warmly refreshing waters of French Polynesia. Pop your head out of the ocean and just take in a scene without any form of commerce at all, just nature in all its prime.
Breathtaking does not even begin to memorialize the experience.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Exterior (Courtesy Conrad Hotels & Resorts)
Additionally, during your stay, enjoy the exclusivity of Conrad Bora Bora Nui with their perpetual theme to Stay Inspired, Conrad’s initiative to immerses guest in a destination by providing them with 1, 3 and 5 hour itineraries that explore local food, art, culture and adventure. Bora Bora’s culinary and cultural scene will be open for exploration – plus they will take you to the best places in Tahiti to purchase black pearls! – such as scuba diving in one of the many coral reefs Bora Bora has to offer.
For those who prefer to stay out of the water, one of the most popular places to visit is Mount Otermanu. Hiking Mount Otermanu is the default option but if hiking seems to require fearlessness, Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s concierges can arrange a 4×4 tour, a boat tour as well as a helicopter tour.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Dining Area (Courtesy Conrad Hotels & Resorts)
For food, there really is no reason to look beyond the hotel itself. Have the concierge arrange a picnic on Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s exclusive Island, Moto Tapu and dine on fresh-caught fish and tropical fruit. Or enjoy a traditional Polynesian night show at Tamure Beach Grill.
Finally, wrap up your once-in-a-lifetime experience with a stop at Hina Spa, Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s spa. Order a traditional Polynesian massage. The slow and powerful movements with hands and forearms will relinquish the last remnants of D.C. stress.
