Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
bora bora, french polynesia · ★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
Maitai Polynesia is the answer to the question every Bora Bora honeymooner eventually asks: 'Is there any way to do this without spending $8,000?' Yes — and this is it. Straddling a thin strip of land between Matira Beach (the best public beach on Bora Bora, hands down) and the open lagoon, Maitai is a 72-room three-star property with a mix of beach rooms, garden rooms and — crucially — 30 overwater bungalows at roughly one-third the price of the chains. The overwater bungalows are older, simpler, smaller than Four Seasons or St. Regis, and they do not have butlers or glass floors or plunge pools. What they do have: the same lagoon underneath, the same Mount Otemanu view, the same ladder straight into impossibly blue water. For honeymooners who care more about where they are than how new the furniture is, this is a legitimately romantic stay. The beachfront restaurant, Haere Mai, is quite good; breakfast on the Matira side is a highlight. Service is friendly and unpretentious. This is not a luxury property — mini-fridge, no butler, basic bathroom, shared beaches — but it is the most honest value in Bora Bora and still delivers 80% of the emotional payoff of a stay at triple the price.
- ✓Want direct beach access
- ✓Dream of overwater villas
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
83/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Splurge on the Overwater Bungalow (Premium) for the full Bora Bora honeymoon moment — ladder to the lagoon, private deck, Otemanu view. If budget is truly tight, the Beach Bungalow Matira is the best non-overwater option in all of Bora Bora: direct toes-in-sand access to Matira Beach, which is the public beach most magazines photograph. Skip the Standard Garden rooms for a honeymoon.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $800/nt) | $5,600 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $3,200 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $900 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $4,480 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $300 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $806 |
| Total estimated | $15,986 |
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare Maitai Polynesia across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrive Bora Bora, free Maitai shuttle boat + bus transfer to the hotel
Sunset cocktails at the lagoon-side bar, dinner at Haere Mai.
Matira Beach day — this is the beach, walk its entire length, float for hours
Matira Beach day — this is the beach, walk its entire length, float for hours.
Lagoon day tour with one of the island operators (book via reception) — shark &
Lagoon day tour with one of the island operators (book via reception) — shark & ray feeding, motu lunch, drift snorkel.
Rent a scooter, circle the island (32 km), stop at Bloody Mary's for lunch, La P
Rent a scooter, circle the island (32 km), stop at Bloody Mary's for lunch, La Plage Matira for sunset.
Overwater bungalow breakfast in bed, lazy snorkel day off the property's own ree
Overwater bungalow breakfast in bed, lazy snorkel day off the property's own reef.
ATV or 4x4 interior tour of Bora Bora (WWII bunkers + Otemanu viewpoints), then
James overlooking the lagoon.
Last swim at Matira, transfer to airport
Last swim at Matira, transfer to airport.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
This is a three-star hotel, not a luxury resort — expect dated rooms, modest bathrooms and limited amenities (no spa, small pool or none depending on category).
The overwater bungalows are older and smaller than Hilton/Pearl — if that matters to you, budget up.
The property has two sides separated by the road (beach side and overwater side); you will walk across.
No butler service, no turndown, no minibar stocking.
It is excellent value, not a luxury experience.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking — Maitai Polynesia, [dates] Hi team, We are planning our honeymoon in Bora Bora and would like to book an Overwater Bungalow Premium for 7 nights arriving [date]. Could you confirm: - Availability and honeymoon rate for these dates - Which overwater bungalows include a glass floor panel - Honeymoon inclusions (bottle of wine, in-room breakfast, turndown) - Half-board dinner plan pricing at Haere Mai - Airport transfer details (I understand shuttle is complimentary) - Partner lagoon tour recommendations you can book for us We are celebrating our wedding on [wedding date]. Thank you, [Names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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