TMS takes on Bora Bora again! Alex, Jess, and I all had return visits to the Conrad Bora Bora Nui at different times this summer. What were our thoughts the second time? What stood out, and do we have plans to return a third time? Here are the questions we each answered about our trips:
- How many points were used for the stay and flights?
- How did the construction affect our stays?
- How did our second visits compare to our first visits?
- Will we go back? When?
- What fun activities did we do this time?
Alex’s Story
Flights
We used 50,000 Flying Blue miles each (100K total) to book our premium economy flights on Air France from LAX to Tahiti. The flight left at midnight and arrived at 5:30 a.m. I appreciated not having to spend a night in Tahiti! A few hours after landing, we caught our Air Tahiti flights to Bora Bora. We used the $300 travel credit from our card_name cards to offset the cost, though the flights were a bit more than $300 round-trip per person.
On the way home, we flew Air Tahiti Nui premium economy. I booked Mitch’s ticket with 40K Alaska miles, but didn’t have enough left to book mine, so I used 60K American Airlines miles for my seat. I’d happily fly with them again!
Hotel Redemption and Construction
For our five-night stay, I redeemed 480,000 Hilton points (with the fifth night free on award stays). About five days before check-in, I received an upgrade offer via email. They initially quoted $600/night for an overwater villa, but I negotiated it down to $450/night.
The ongoing construction at the resort was actually a plus. The property was only at half capacity, which made the whole experience feel more private and relaxed. The one closed area was a section of overwater villas being worked on, and there were a crane and barge in the distance, but the construction didn’t impact our view. The tennis courts were closed, which would’ve been fun to use, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker at all.
Trip Comparison from First Stay
This trip was so much better than my first. During my previous visit, it rained most of the time and the service wasn’t great. This time, while we still had some rain here and there and strong winds (the water outside our villa was rough), the weather overall was much better and so was the service. Each morning at breakfast, the staff greeted us by name, and the food quality was much better than I remembered. I’m guessing the lower number of guests made a big difference here.
I’d 100% return to Bora Bora, but I’m not in a rush. There are still so many other places on my travel list! I really love this resort’s secluded, lush location, but next time, I might try somewhere new—like the St. Regis—just to compare experiences.
Activities
We did a combo ATV and jet ski tour that ended up being one of the best excursions I’ve ever done! I booked it through Viator, got 20X points through Rakuten, and earned 11,000 points from that purchase alone. The day started with ATVs around the island, with stops for incredible views, history, and fresh local snacks. After that, we hopped on jet skis and rode around the island from the water. One of the highlights was a stop at a private island where we had a traditional local meal and some free time to explore. It was a major highlight of the trip!
Jess’s Story
Flights
I used 40,000 Flying Blue miles + $129.40 for Air France premium economy LAX to PPT and 38,100 United miles + $54.50 for United economy PPT to SFO. I paid an additional $399 at check-in to upgrade to Premium Plus.
Hotel Redemption and Construction
I used 480K Hilton points for five nights (fifth night free) + sixth night using a Hilton free-night certificate. Construction didn’t really impact our stay. There was a barge near reception during our stay that was a little bit of an eyesore during breakfast, but we couldn’t see it at all from the pool or our villa. No issues upgrading to an overwater villa, and I think that’s due in large part to fewer people staying during the construction.
Trip Comparison from First Stay
Loved it just as much! I brought Ella and Olivia this time, and they also loved it. I think the weather was a little better this time. Service and food were still good, and we enjoyed our excursions.
Will I go back? Yes! Not until 2027, though (once construction is completed). Can’t wait to check out the renovated villas (assuming I can find availability)!
Activities
We did a couple of tours through Viator that were great! Snorkeling is a must in Bora Bora, and we loved
our half-day tour. We saw manta rays, eagle rays, and tons of fish. We also did a
jet ski tour that was fantastic! It really allows you to explore the area around the island, and you see all the different colors of blue water. We loved it!
Pam’s Story
Flights
I used 60K Alaska miles + $5.60 for my flight from Seattle to Papeete on Air Tahiti Nui. I flew a United Airlines positioning flight to Seattle, paid for out of pocket. Flying home, I used 75K Air France Miles from Papeete to LAX and paid a little over $200 in taxes and fees.
Redemption and Construction
I used 480K Hilton Honors points for a four-night stay and received the fifth night free. What construction? I hardly noticed it at all! Sure, there were some overwater villas closed down while they were renovating them, and a crane to the side, but it was all very subtle. No noise at all, and I forgot that there was construction even going on! Great job, Hilton!
Trip Comparison from First Stay
This trip was a dream! My first trip to the Conrad Bora Bora had a lot of rainy weather. This trip had sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. Absolutely amazing!! On our last trip, the service was so-so. This time it was impeccable!
Coming into this trip, I had planned to visit Fiji, possibly the Maldives again, and explore other nearby resorts. After this trip, I am Team Conrad Bora Bora! Why go somewhere else when you can go here for a much shorter flight? The water isn’t any better (in my opinion), and this is just as dreamy.
Activities
We did a jet ski trip that had us circling the entire island. It was a great way to see other resorts, Mt. Otemanu, and all the gorgeous, clear water! Looks like we all loved our jet ski trips!
Bottom Line
Each of us had dreamy return trips to the Conrad Bora Bora this year, despite construction. We would all return for stay #3, but have to wait to book those trips until after construction is complete. Here’s hoping those redemptions don’t go up a ton as Team TMS wants those return visits to the Conrad Bora Bora!
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