Luxury in Paradise: A Review of Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Introduction

Bora Bora has always been a dream destination for us, and this year, we finally made it a reality. Our motivation for visiting was the opportunity to use Hilton Free Night Certificates—though they are not always available—along with celebrating two major milestones: our 9-year wedding anniversary and my college graduation. This was truly a bucket-list trip, and after 28 hours of travel, we arrived at Bora Bora Airport, ready for an unforgettable experience.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui Reception

Arrival & First Impressions

Upon landing, our private boat whisked us away to the resort. As we glided across the crystal-clear waters, our captain shared fascinating stories about Bora Bora’s history, including its role as a U.S. military base after the Pearl Harbor attacks. The island’s large lagoon and single pass made it a natural fortress during World War II.

The moment we arrived at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, we were greeted with breathtaking views, cool scented towels, and refreshing iced green tea. The check-in process was seamless, and our concierge promptly escorted us to our stunning overwater bungalow. As Hilton Diamond members, we were graciously upgraded from our original booking of the King Lagoon View Suite to an overwater bungalow—an incredible surprise that made our stay even more special.

Accommodations: A Dream Overwater Bungalow

Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers a variety of accommodations, including:

• Overwater bungalows (some with private plunge pools)

• Beachfront villas

• Hillside villas

• Lagoon view suites

Our villa, located in the 300s section, featured two hammocks, a dock for jumping into the water, and thoughtful touches to enhance our stay. Since we had informed the resort about our special celebrations, they welcomed us with a bottle of wine and chocolates—a generous and unexpected gift.

Inside the villa, luxury abounded with:

• A spacious soaking tub

• Dual vanities

• A walk-in shower

• A separate toilet room

• Three Bluetooth speakers for enjoying music while taking in the stunning views from our sundeck

• Beach towels specifically for drying off after swimming (so we didn’t have to use our bath towels)

Resort Amenities & Activities

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers an impressive array of amenities and activities for guests, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Beaches & Recreation

The resort has two beaches: one for general use and another exclusively for Gold and Diamond Hilton Honors members. Guests can also use complimentary bikes to explore the property or request golf cart transportation from resort staff.

Water Sports & Outdoor Fun

Complimentary activities include:

• Snorkeling gear

• Kayaking

• Paddleboarding

• Reef-safe sunscreen and aloe, available at the towel station

Dining Options

The resort features four exceptional restaurants and bars:

1. Iriatai – French cuisine with Polynesian influence

2. Banyan – A sophisticated Chinese dining experience

3. Tamure Beach Grill – Casual beachfront dining

4. Tarava Pool Bar – Light bites and refreshing cocktails

We also loved Upa Upa Lounge, located on the dock near reception. Their happy hours and sushi selection were excellent. The Caterpillar and Tahitian rolls were particularly delicious, and the honeymooner’s mocktail—a tropical, carbonated drink—was light, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying our island paradise.

Breakfast at Iriatai was another highlight, included as a benefit of Hilton Diamond status. The buffet featured a delightful mix of French-inspired pastries and Polynesian specialties, including Poisson Cru, a local dish made of raw fish (typically snapper or mahi-mahi) marinated in citrus and coconut milk.

Excursions & Exploring the Island

Before arriving in Bora Bora, we booked an incredible excursion that included:

• Snorkeling with Black-Tipped Reef Sharks, Stingrays, and Tropical Fish – A breathtaking experience swimming alongside marine life in Bora Bora’s vibrant lagoon.

• Jet Skiing Around the Island – An exhilarating way to take in the stunning views and explore hidden corners of the island.

• Lunch at a Local Spot – A delicious meal featuring local flavors and fresh ingredients.

Additionally, we visited a Pearl Farm, where we learned about the famous Black Tahitian Pearl and had the opportunity to select an oyster from the farm, watch it carefully opened, and keep the pearl inside.

We also took the resort’s boat service into the main town to explore and shop. Unlike most resorts that drop guests at a general dock, Conrad’s boat service brings guests directly to the main shopping strip—an incredibly convenient perk.

At the local market, we purchased:

• Pearl bracelets

• Shark tooth necklaces

• A flower and pearl necklace for our kids back home

We also stopped by a grocery store for a few comfort items (Diet Coke, juice, local rum, cookies, and chips) and enjoyed an iced coffee from a charming café before returning to the resort.

A Night to Remember: La Villa Mahana

A fellow guest highly recommended La Villa Mahana, a highly exclusive fine dining experience on the main island. We secured a reservation through the concierge, and on the night of our dinner, a boat transported us from the resort to the main island, where a taxi from the restaurant was waiting.

This intimate restaurant—set in a converted home with fewer than 10 tables—offered a five-course tasting menu accompanied by live piano music. We even had the chance to meet the chef and sign the guest book. The entire experience felt incredibly personal and romantic, making it one of the most memorable nights of our trip.

On the boat ride back, we strolled along the docks, admiring the sea life beneath us. As we walked back to our villa, the sky opened up, and warm rain poured down on us—an unforgettable moment that perfectly encapsulated the magic of Bora Bora.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Without Hilton Honors Diamond status and credit card rewards, this trip would have been financially out of reach for us. Conrad Bora Bora Nui exceeded our expectations in every way, from the luxurious accommodations and world-class dining to the thoughtful service and stunning natural surroundings.

A few standout reasons to choose Conrad Bora Bora Nui:

• Exclusive boat service to the main shopping strip (a unique perk among Bora Bora resorts)

• Outstanding Hilton customer service that went above and beyond

• Late check-out accommodations (or access to a day-use room before departing)

• A tranquil, luxurious atmosphere ideal for couples seeking a romantic escape

From the moment we heard “Ia Orana!” (hello) to saying “Mauruuru!” (thank you) upon departure, our stay at Conrad Bora Bora Nui was nothing short of magical. The resort’s blend of Polynesian charm, modern luxury, and natural beauty made this a trip we will cherish forever.

If you’re looking for an extraordinary tropical getaway, Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the place to be.