Sofitel Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows

The Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows are on two beautiful locations.

This 4-star resort has combined historical Marara Beach on the main island with it's Private Island Resort, which is located on a lush motu directly across the lagoon.

A boat is 'at call' to whisk guests to or fro in several minutes.

Sofitel Marara Overwater Bungalows

Lagoon View Over Water

11 of the Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows at Marara Beach, on the main island, were the first in Bora Bora. After the filming of the 1977 movie, Hurricane, the daughter of producer, De Laurentis turned the garden and beach villas, that had housed actors and crew, into a hotel. Her innovative addition was these overwater villas.

Lagoon View Bungalows

They were built quite close together, along the edge of the lagoon, with their backs against the shore edge and their front decks on stilts in the lagoon. Their position offers direct access to shallow water and proximity to the white, sand beach. The water underneath is not as clear and blue as at the private island villas and you have to swim out to find some marine activity.

Luxury Bungalow Over Water

Luxury Over Water Bungalows

Later, 13 more over water villas were built further out in deep, clear water.

All of these medium size villas come with a affordable price tag, while offering 50m² of accommodation, similar to the Private Island overwater bungalows.

Guests staying at Marara Beach are welcome to use the facilities at the Private Island. There's a small charge for the boat ride.

Sofitel Private Island Over Water Bungalows

Island Luxury Bungalow Over Water

The 20 Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows on the Private Island are further from shore, sitting above a water color that is amazing. They are a medium size 53 m² and have a Polynesian décor. The warm wood tones and harmonious fabric colors radiate an old world charm and intimacy. Splashes of rich red have been incorporated, as this color signifies courage, power and peace in Polynesian culture.

A section of glass floor, under the coffee table, shows off the incredible blue lagoon below. There is a plush king-size bed (some are actually 2 single mattresses put together), comfortable sitting area, and desk/table area. The bathroom has a black granite floor, 2 sinks, a raindrop shower (no bathtub) and separate toilet. A large deck with sun-lounges, has an outdoor shower and steps down to the lagoon.

Around these Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows, the lagoon changes from an astonishing emerald green to bright turquoise. Some of these villas have views of the sunrise, others of the sunset, and no.129 offers both. Numbers 128 and 129 have great Mt Otemanu views. A favorite is 114, simply because of the intense blue lagoon color where it sits at the end of the wooden walkway on stilts. Every one of these Sofitel Bora Bora overwater villas is in an incredible location.

View from the top of the Private Island to the Luxury Overwater Bungalows

The Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows on the Private Island are in snorkeling paradise. The glass floor panel shows eels, octopus, and colorful fish, swimming right underneath. If you want snorkeling straight from your overwater villa, ask for one in deeper water. Numbers 126 to 129 have great coral for attracting sea life. Numbers 111 and 112 are at the far end of the pier. If you just want to wade and splash around, choose one in shallow water.

NOTE: The Private Island has a no-child policy (in case of medical emergencies) as the boat service is not available overnight.

Why Choose one of the Sofitel Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows?

The Sofitel has the best snorkeling of any resort. From the beautiful beach at the Private Island, you can paddle a kayak or an out-rigger canoe around to the other side of the motu. At your leisure, you can explore a coral garden with the best snorkeling in Bora Bora!

Paddle to the coral gardens from the Sofitel's Beach

Compared to other Bora Bora resorts, this is a more affordable over water stay. And the views from the beaches, restaurants, bars and hilltop deck at the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort & Private Island are as good as it gets.

The Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows are conveniently located. It's not necessary to buy the meal plan. Here are your dining options at the Sofitel Resort. It's a few steps down the road to the La Bounty Restaurant (popular with locals) and a small supermarket. It's a 15 minute walk to more eating places and a shop selling a variety of goods. There's an Avis Car Rental Office (open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5pm) nearby. Or you can hire an electric bicycle from the Le Maitai (a 5 minute walk) and cycle round the whole island in several hours.

What We think!

There aren't words to describe the warm welcome we were greeted with on arrival at the Private Island. It was so special! I'll just mention that there were tears in my eyes.

The outlook from the Private Island is OMG! One of our most memorable Bora Bora vacation moments was a delicious private lunch under a palm tree on the beach. We could hardly take our eyes off the scenery to appreciate the 2 hours of delicious courses and wine.

The billiard table here may have the most scenic position in the world. It is surrounded by windows looking across the turquoise lagoon to Mt Otemanu. It's hard to focus on the game!

The Sofitel Bora Bora overwater bungalows on the Private Island side will give you a superior experience of staying over water than those on Marara Beach.

Get a Personalized Quote

Book Tours Online

Site Sponsors

Our Tahiti Travel Agent

Top Tours

Best tours in Bora Bora

Best things to do

Photo of the day

Follow us on Instagram

Favorite Pages

Where is Bora Bora

Bora Bora Weather

Bora Bora Resorts

Bora Bora beaches

Travel to Tahiti

Flights to Bora Bora

Bora Bora pictures

Bora Bora Spas