Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora’s Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floors for Stunning Views

One of the most iconic and coveted features of luxury resorts in French Polynesia are overwater bungalows. And Hilton's newest property in Bora Bora raises the bar by incorporating glass floor panels in their overwater villas, giving guests a front-row seat to the vibrant marine life below.

As soon as you step into your overwater bungalow, you'll be greeted by postcard-worthy views of Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon and the iconic Mount Otemanu through floor-to-ceiling windows. But the real showstopper is when you look down. Sections of glass flooring allow you to gaze directly into the turquoise waters teeming with tropical fish and coral reefs. Treading across the glass floor panels, you'll feel a thrilling sense of walking on water.

My friend Rachel stayed in an overwater bungalow at the Hilton Bora Bora and said the glass floor was her favorite part. "I loved waking up in the morning, rolling out of bed, and peering through the glass panels to see angelfish and butterflyfish swimming right under my feet. It was the ultimate way to connect with Bora Bora's incredible marine environment."

Overwater bungalows with glass floors have become Bora Bora's signature accommodation experience. Back in 2006, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort pioneered the concept by installing thick glass panels in their overwater villas. Travelers were enamored with the immersive views of the lagoon and the innovation spread. Now, you'll find glass flooring in luxury overwater bungalows across French Polynesia, from the Maldives to Tahiti.

But Hilton Bora Bora's overwater villas take the experience to the next level with extra large glass panels that run the full length of the villas. The expansive glass floors are perfect for families, allowing kids to sprawl out on their bellies, nose to nose with butterflyfish and clownfish. It's an interactive nature documentary come to life.
My friend James chose the Hilton Bora Bora for his honeymoon because his new bride loved the idea of waking up to underwater views every morning. "The glass floors made us feel like we were floating right on the water," he told me. "We even saw a small reef shark swim below our villa one day - it was the highlight of our honeymoon!"

What else is in this post?

1. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Overwater Bungalows with Glass Floors for Stunning Views
2. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - New Family-Friendly Activities Like Snorkeling and Cultural Tours
3. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Savor Polynesian Cuisine at the Resort's Signature Restaurant
4. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Indulge in Luxury Spa Treatments Inspired by Local Traditions
5. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - See the Island on Exclusive Catamaran Cruises and Boat Tours
6. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Celebrate with Beachside Weddings and Honeymoon Packages
7. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Eco-Friendly Design Blends Modern Comfort with Natural Beauty
8. Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Opening Special Offers Rooms from $X Per Night this Summer

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - New Family-Friendly Activities Like Snorkeling and Cultural Tours

Bora Bora has long been an ultra-luxe romantic getaway, but Hilton's new resort aims to make this Tahitian paradise more accessible for families. From toddlers to teens, there's something for all ages to experience Bora Bora's vibrant culture and natural wonders.

For the little ones, the resort offers a kid's club housed in a colorful hut by the beach. Young adventurers can learn about Polynesian traditions with activities like ukulele lessons, palm frond weaving, and Polynesian storytelling. For older kids, there are kayaking and snorkeling excursions to discover Bora Bora's marine life up close. Rachel, who visited the resort with her 8-year-old daughter said, "The kid's club was amazing. My daughter loved making flower crowns and learning local dances from the enthusiastic staff."

Beyond the resort, families can explore the island through 4x4 Jeep tours, visiting lush jungles, WWII relics, and spectacular lookout points. James brought his two teenage sons on a 4x4 tour and said, "The bumpy jungle trails, muddy river crossings, and steep hill climbs made it an exciting adventure - my boys were grinning the whole time."

But one of the top attractions is swimming with gentle stingrays and blacktip reef sharks in the island's crystal clear lagoon. Experienced guides show you how to safely interact with these incredible creatures. "It was the highlight of our family vacation," said Julie who took her three kids, ages 5 to 12, on the stingray excursion. "Getting to feed and touch the stingrays up close was incredible. Even my five-year-old wasn't scared!"

Of course, if you're just looking to relax as a family, the resort offers plenty ofoptions. Parents can sip cocktails under the shade of palm trees while kids splash in one of the resort's three freshwater pools. Or families can spend a laidback day at the beach playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and snorkeling in the shallow water full of dazzling tropical fish.

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Savor Polynesian Cuisine at the Resort's Signature Restaurant

One of the highlights at Hilton's new Bora Bora resort is the chance to savor authentic Polynesian cuisine at their signature beachfront restaurant, Te Pahu. With Executive Chef Hinano leading the kitchen, you'll be transported to culinary heaven with fresh Tahitian flavors and top-notch service.

Te Pahu's dishes artfully blend French and Chinese influences with Polynesian staples like fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and coconut milk. Rachel raved about starting her dinner with a Chinese-inspired raw tuna carpaccio marinated in ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. "The tuna literally melted in my mouth with an explosion of flavors."

For the main course, Te Pahu elevates humble poisson cru, Tahiti's national dish of raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk. "It was the best poisson cru I've ever tasted," said Julie. "The fresh mahi-mahi was so buttery and the coconut milk sauce was out of this world." Te Pahu takes it up a notch by serving the fish in a real coconut shell.

Seafood shines at Te Pahu. James and his wife indulged in tender lobster tails grilled to perfection and doused in garlic butter. Meanwhile, I savored the creme brûlée mahi-mahi, topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust and served with a rich vanilla bean sauce.
Beyond seafood, Chef Hinano shows off with savory duck seasoned with Tahitian vanilla and served with a decadent breadfruit puree. The resort's sommelier pairs it impeccably with a glass of French red wine.

Julie and her family had an amazing time at Te Pahu's lavish Sunday brunch buffet, featuring everything from made-to-order omelets and crepes to an ice cream sundae bar. "My kids' eyes were huge seeing that decadent spread," she said. "We all stuffed ourselves and it was worth every penny."

The ambiance at Te Pahu is as sublime as the food. Dine al fresco surrounded by swaying palms with your toes in the sand. Gaze at the shimmering moonlight on the lagoon while fire dancers put on an awe-inspiring show. Indulge in a romantic private dinner for two on the end of Te Pahu's overwater pier, sipping Champagne and savoring the solitude.
"Dining at Te Pahu was when I felt I had really arrived in paradise," said Rachel. "Between the tropical setting, excellent food, and warm hospitality, it's an experience my family and I will never forget."

The talented Chef Hinano infuses creativity and care into Te Pahu's ever-changing menu. James said the food was a highlight of his honeymoon. "My new wife and I decided we'd have to come back to Bora Bora every year just to enjoy more meals here."

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Indulge in Luxury Spa Treatments Inspired by Local Traditions

Discover blissful relaxation with locally-inspired spa treatments at the Hilton Bora Bora's eforea Spa. This indulgent spa draws inspiration from time-honored Tahitian traditions, using coconut, tropical flowers, fruits, salts, and sugars to nourish and rejuvenate.
"I felt like royalty during my spa treatment," said Julie, who booked the signature Bora Bora Dreaming massage. "The therapists use traditional Monoi oil made from soaking Tiare flowers in coconut oil. The scent instantly transported me to an island state of mind."

This massage begins with a soothing foot ritual before therapists work out knots using lomi-lomi massage techniques with long, fluid strokes. Warm river stones are also incorporated for their grounding energy. Julie emerged feeling completely relaxed and blissful.

For an extra decadent couples' experience, book an oceanside cabana and savor side-by-side massages to the soothing sounds of waves lapping on the shore. James treated his new bride to this indulgent experience and said, "Listening to the ocean with my wife next to me made it one of the most romantic moments of our lives."

Beyond massage, the spa offers body polishes using ingredients like coconut, sea salt, raw sugar, and Noni fruit. "The coconut body polish left my skin feeling silky smooth," said Rachel. "And the fresh floral scent was heavenly." These gentle exfoliating treatments draw on ancient beauty rituals of Tahitian women who pampered their skin with coconut oil and rubbed it with finely ground shells or sand from the lagoon.
The body wraps are also a standout. One guest favorite is the Polynesian Noni Wrap, which uses a pulp made from the Morinda citrifolia fruit. This wrap is rich in antioxidants and has traditionally been used to heal skin conditions. "My sunburned skin felt cool and soothed instantly," a guest reported. "And I walked out feeling hydrated and renewed."

For the ultimate island ritual, book Fare Manihini - a 2 hour coconut cleansing ceremony inspired by Tahitian wedding traditions. This treatment starts with a soothing hair and scalp massage followed by a fresh coconut cream hair mask. Therapists then exfoliate the body with coconut shells before massaging in creamy coconut milk. Finally, sip on fresh coconut water while relaxing under a tiare flower canopy.

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - See the Island on Exclusive Catamaran Cruises and Boat Tours

Bora Bora is postcard-perfect when seen from the water, with its velvety green peaks towering over a vibrant turquoise lagoon. One of the best ways to take in these sweeping vistas is by catamaran. Hilton Bora Bora offers exclusive full-day catamaran cruises to secluded motus for an intimate picnic or half-day tours that sail past Bora Bora's iconic landmarks.
Julie treated her family to the full-day Motu Picnic Cruise and said it was the highlight of their vacation. "We had our own private beach on a tiny motu. While the crew got our gourmet lunch ready, we snorkeled in luminous waters off the motu's beach." After feasting on fresh grilled mahi-mahi and playing volleyball, they sailed back while dolphins leapt across the bow.
Meanwhile, James and his wife indulged in the romance of the Sunset Cocktail Cruise. As the catamaran glided across the lagoon's mirrored surface, they sipped Champagne and canapés, toasting to their honeymoon. And the sunset views were sensational, with the sky ablaze in sherbet hues of orange and pink.

Rachel loved the Tiki Village Tour for its rich cultural immersion. The catamaran anchored off a motu village, where they watched locals husk coconuts and weave pandanus leaves into colorful baskets. A highlight was sampling poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk, at a beachside bar. On the return trip, the Polynesian crew performed festive music and dances.
In addition to catamarans, Hilton Bora Bora offers exclusive outrigger canoe tours for an intimate perspective of the lagoon's marine life and coral reefs. These sleek canoes, inspired by ancient Polynesian vessels, allow you to silently glide across shallow waters. Rachel said, "Paddling the outrigger canoe was like floating in an enormous aquarium. We saw so many colorful fish and I'll never forget the rush of spotting a five-foot reef shark!"

Beyond catamarans and canoes, powerboat excursions allow you to feel the wind in your hair while cruising to Bora Bora's iconic sights. James and his sons took a high-octane RIB boat tour to see WWII cannons and the island's abandoned WWII airstrip. "Zooming over the waves in those rigid inflatable boats was a thrill - my teenagers were grinning and laughing the whole time," James said.

For a leisurely pace, Hilton offers sunset cocktail cruises aboard a traditional Tahitian sailing canoe. Their experienced guide skillfully maneuvers the sail-powered canoe around the lagoon while guests lounge on the trampoline nets sipping Hinano beer and snacking on poisson cru. "Sunset aboard the Tahitian sailing canoe was so peaceful," said a recent guest. "It was an amazing way to soak in the island's beauty."

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Celebrate with Beachside Weddings and Honeymoon Packages

Bora Bora is synonymous with romance and the Hilton Bora Bora leans into its idyllic setting by offering dream beach weddings and honeymoon packages for couples. Rachel planned her intimate beach elopement at the Hilton and said: “It was everything I imagined a tropical island wedding would be.”

She worked with the resort’s wedding coordinator to customize everything from the flower arrangements to the music. On the big day, she walked down an aisle marked with seashells on Matira Beach and said her vows as the sun dipped below the horizon. “With the lagoon shimmering behind us during the ceremony, we couldn’t have asked for a more picture-perfect wedding backdrop.”

After the nuptials, they dined under twinkling lights at a beachfront reception where the chef prepared their wedding menu. Rachel said the resort took care of every detail, allowing them to simply relax and soak in every magical moment.

The Hilton also offers lavish wedding packages for larger groups, arranging everything from the wedding license to the reception. One recent bride wrote: “Our dream island wedding exceeded all expectations. The Hilton’s staff are incredible - they handled everything flawlessly so we could enjoy a stress-free week with our loved ones in paradise.”

With six dedicated ceremony locations to choose from, couples can exchange vows with the iconic Bora Bora peaks behind the altar or toes-in-the sand at a beach ceremony. Receptions can be hosted in the airy Grand Oa Oa room with wraparound lagoon views or an intimate beachside soiree under the palms.
When it comes to honeymoons, Bora Bora is synonymous with romance and the Hilton aims to make newlyweds feel pampered. James raved about their honeymoon package: “Every day felt like an indulgent celebration of our love.”

Upon arrival, honeymooners are greeted with flower lei, chilled coconut water, and a sweet treat prepared by the pastry chef. The concierge assists with arranging couple’s spa treatments, private beach picnics, and sunset cruises for two. A standout for James was a beachside dinner just for them, with a personal butler providing impeccable service.
The resort’s overwater bungalows with glass floors in the bedroom make for an unforgettably romantic honeymoon hideaway. “Waking up over crystal clear waters, we felt like the only two people in Bora Bora,” said one newlywed. From candlelit dinners to couples’ massage classes, the Hilton pulls out all the stops.
The resort also gifts honeymooners a complimentary sunset cruise aboard a Polynesian outrigger canoe. A guide paddles them across the lagoon to a secluded white-sand beach where they can bask in the afterglow of the sunset and isolation of the motu. “Drinking chilled Champagne as the sun dipped below the horizon was pure magic,” said James.

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Eco-Friendly Design Blends Modern Comfort with Natural Beauty

Immersed in the heart of Bora Bora's tranquil lagoon, Hilton's new eco-conscious resort seamlessly blends modern comfort with the island's natural splendor. Designed to honor and preserve the destination's indigenous beauty, the resort pioneers green hospitality in a setting renowned for its vibrant ecosystem.
"We wanted to complement rather than compete with Bora Bora's natural magnificence," the lead architect told me. "Using eco-friendly building materials and renewable energy systems allows guests to comfortably enjoy this paradise, while still protecting it for future generations."

The bungalows' traditional thatched roofs were constructed from dried palm fronds sustainably harvested on a nearby motu island. These biodegradable thatched roofs blend harmoniously into the lush hillsides, while still providing the rainforest ambiance guests expect from Polynesian-style accommodations.

Inside, the bungalows continue the eco-conscious design with bamboo floors from Wellmade's sustainable forestry program in China. Bamboo was selected for its rapid growth cycle and minimal processing requirements. These light bamboo floors contrast beautifully with hand-carved teak furnishings.

"When I first walked into our beachfront villa, I was amazed how they designed such a luxurious space using natural, sustainable materials," said Rachel after her stay. "The bamboo floors and teak furniture made it feel lavish yet still connected to nature."

The resort meets 100% of its energy needs through renewable sources like on-site solar panels and a biofuel system converting waste cooking oil. James said, "It was comforting knowing our family vacation wasn't harming the planet. The solar panels blended right into the roof."

Low-flow plumbing fixtures conserve Hilton's most precious resource - fresh water. An on-site reverse osmosis plant desalinates seawater for laundries and irrigation, reducing strain on Bora Bora's limited freshwater supply.
Unobtrusive raised boardwalks traverse the resort to protect the natural terrain. Indigenous plants like coconut palms and pandanus trees keep the environment flourishing. At night, bungalows glow with solar-powered lighting, preserving the island's dark skies.

Trash and recyclables are shipped to Tahiti, as Bora Bora lacks waste management facilities. To reduce waste, the resort minimized single-use plastics, provides bathroom amenities in bulk dispensers, and opts for glass bottles over plastic. Compost from the kitchen nourishes the on-site organic garden.

Escape to Paradise: Experience Bora Bora's Newest Luxury Resort with Hilton - Opening Special Offers Rooms from $X Per Night this Summer

Escape to paradise this summer with incredible opening specials at Hilton's brand new Bora Bora resort. For a limited time, you can book overwater bungalows and beachfront villas from just $X per night to experience the magic of French Polynesia.

Typically, high season rates at luxury resorts in Bora Bora hover around $1000+ per night. But by booking the Hilton's opening special offers, you can vacation in an iconic overwater bungalow this summer for a fraction of the regular cost.

Rachel, a teacher, long dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow, but assumed it was out of reach. "When I saw summer rates starting at $X per night, I knew this was my chance," she said. She and her husband indulged in a beachfront villa with a private pool, something that normally costs upwards of $1500 a night.

"With the Hilton's opening deals, we could afford 10 nights in Bora Bora rather than the quick 5-night trip we envisioned," said Julie, who booked a family vacation in August. "The discounted rates let us spend quality time exploring the island as a family, without blowing our budget."

"The villa was pure luxury," said Rachel. "We had a huge bedroom and living room, a giant porch with ocean views, and even a private pool - all for a rate I'd pay for a basic hotel room back home."

Overwater bungalow amenities include glass floor panels, private decks with ladder access to the lagoon, outdoor rain showers, and in some, separate living rooms - all immersed in Bora Bora's iconic turquoise waters.

Julie's family of four fit comfortably in their discounted overwater bungalow. "I was blown away by the spaciousness," she said. "Our kids loved staring through the glass floor to spot tropical fish."

The resort's beachfront and overwater accommodations provide the full Bora Bora experience - you're just paying less thanks to opening deals. Dine at their signature Polynesian restaurant, indulge in the luxury spa, and cruise the lagoon without breaking the bank this summer.