If I had to sum up our stay at the Westin Bora Bora in three words, it would be:
The views. The views. The views.
Every morning we woke up to jaw-dropping views of Mount Otemanu rising out of the turquoise lagoon. It’s one of those places where you find yourself constantly stopping to take another photo because you can’t believe it’s real.
While Bora Bora is famous for its overwater bungalows, what really made this trip special was how easy it was to relax. We spent our days soaking in the scenery, enjoying the lagoon, and taking advantage of everything the resort had to offer.
Our Favorite Things About the Westin Bora Bora
1. The Incredible Views of Mount Otemanu
No matter where you are on the property, the views steal the show.
Whether we were lounging by the pool, biking around the resort, sipping cocktails, or sitting on our deck, Mount Otemanu was always front and center. If you’re looking for that classic Bora Bora postcard view, this is it.
2. The Free Bikes
One of my favorite little touches was the complimentary bikes.
The resort is large enough that having bikes makes it fun to explore, and we found ourselves riding around every day. It’s a great way to take in the scenery and get from one side of the resort to the other.
3. The Lagoon-Style Infinity Pool
The infinity pool overlooking the lagoon was one of our favorite spots to spend the afternoon.
Between the stunning views and the calm atmosphere, it was easy to lose track of time here.
4. The Food and Drinks
The pool and beach menu was surprisingly good.
A few favorites:
- Shrimp roll
- Tuna poke bowl
- Tropical cocktails
The cocktails were excellent, and the resort even offered complimentary rum tastings during our stay. We discovered several local rums that we probably never would have tried otherwise.
5. The Beach and Water Activities
If sitting and enjoying the views isn’t enough, the resort also offers:
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboards
We spent plenty of time enjoying the lagoon right from the resort.
Don’t Skip an Excursion
As relaxing as the resort is, I highly recommend getting out on the water at least once.
We booked a snorkeling excursion through and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.
Not only did we get to snorkel in crystal-clear water, but I also got to:
- Hold a stingray
- Swim with sharks
Yes, actual sharks.
It’s one of those experiences we’ll be talking about for years.
The Best Meal We Had in Bora Bora: Villa Mahana
If you’re staying at the Westin, make a reservation at Villa Mahana.
Trust me.
The Westin helps arrange transportation, which includes a boat ride followed by a short bus ride. It sounds like a lot of effort, but it was absolutely worth it.
The restaurant is incredibly intimate, with only a handful of tables, creating a truly special dining experience.
Chef David prepares an unforgettable meal, and his mother creates much of the artwork displayed throughout the restaurant.
Everything we ate was exceptional, and it ended up being our favorite meal of the entire trip.
If you’re celebrating something special—or simply want an unforgettable dinner in Bora Bora—put Villa Mahana on your list.
How We Ended Up in Bora Bora for 423,000 Marriott Points
Here’s the funny part.
This trip actually started because I was trying to take my daughter to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
When Marriott announced a promotion allowing members to redeem 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for Eras Tour tickets, my husband and I went into points-earning mode.
We opened several Marriott cards and started building our balances as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, the ticket redemption opportunity didn’t work out.
But the story has a happy ending.
We still made it to the Eras Tour thanks to Capital One cardholder ticket access—and we were left with a huge stash of Marriott points.
Instead of using them for concert tickets, we used 423,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for an incredible stay at the Westin Bora Bora.
Honestly, I think we came out ahead.
The Easiest Ways to Earn Marriott Points
If Bora Bora is on your bucket list, Marriott points can make it much more attainable.
Marriott Bonvoy Cards
One of the fastest ways to earn enough points for a luxury redemption like this is through Marriott credit card welcome bonuses.
This card has an evelavted offer that makes the annual fee zero
Depending on current offers, a single welcome bonus can put a significant dent in the points needed for a stay like this.
Don’t Overlook Business Cards
Many people assume they don’t qualify for business credit cards.
The truth is, you probably do.
If you’ve ever:
- Sold items on eBay
- Sold items on Facebook Marketplace
- Freelanced
- Tutored
- Driven for a delivery service
- Had any small side hustle
you may qualify.
I put together a complete guide explaining exactly how business cards work and how to apply:
A Great Transfer Opportunity Right Now
One of the most exciting opportunities available right now is the Chase transfer bonus to Marriott.
Apply here for elevated INK cards
With a 55% transfer bonus:
- 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points become 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
- 200,000 Chase points become 310,000 Marriott points
- 300,000 Chase points become 465,000 Marriott points
That means a welcome bonus that earns 100,000 Chase points could potentially become 155,000 Marriott points during the promotion.
That’s a substantial boost toward a bucket-list redemption like Bora Bora.
Final Thoughts
The Westin Bora Bora exceeded our expectations.
The views of Mount Otemanu are unforgettable, the resort strikes the perfect balance between luxury and relaxation, and there are enough activities and excursions to keep things interesting without feeling busy.
Would I return?
Absolutely.
And thanks to a failed attempt to redeem Marriott points for Eras Tour tickets, we discovered one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.
The Traveling Tinsleys 
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