What is it? A luxurious resort on a private islet near Bora Bora's main island, Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa is a quintessential island paradise. Set in a South Pacific haven of soaring green mountains, swaying coconut palms and a shimmering turquoise lagoon, the resort has 122 suite-sized bungalows and a hilltop spa with incredible views. Transfers from Bora Bora's airport are by boat and guests are welcomed with flower leis at the resort's floating lobby.
What's the decor like? There's no mistaking this is a luxury resort. But local materials such as carved kahia and coconut wood, roof thatching, tapa cloths pounded from breadfruit trees and chandeliers made from Tahitian black pearl shells give it a relaxed South Pacific feel.
What's so special about it? The over-water-bungalow concept began in Bora Bora. And visiting Bora Bora without staying in one would be like skipping the Eiffel Tower on a trip to Paris. The Hilton Bora Bora Nui stands out among the island's luxury over-water bungalow resorts for building the first, and possibly only, two-storey over-water bungalows in French Polynesia.
Opened last September, the presidential villas are 315 square metres of Polynesian luxury with three bedrooms, private plunge pools and sleek bathtubs (right), with views through floor-to-ceiling glass panels onto the lagoon. Each villa has a massage room, a sauna, an outdoor jacuzzi and a gazebo.
How about the other rooms? If a presidential villa blows the budget, choose from a hillside, beachfront or over-water villa. All have elegant Italian marble bathrooms and separate living and bedroom areas. Over-water villas have glass-top coffee tables with glass-floor viewing panels straight into the lagoon; you can sit and watch the tropical fish swim by.
What else is there to do? Slip on a snorkel, mask and flippers. Colourful coral gardens with a kaleidoscope of fish are only a few kicks away from the resort's main beach or villa pontoons. Schools of butterfly fish and parrot fish flit past. The snorkelling is out of this world and perfectly safe for beginners. Or you can pack a picnic and head off to a secluded spot on the beach.