Hotel Guide: Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Going to Bora Bora seems like a pipe dream for many, but it’s possible to visit this island in the Pacific Ocean with the help of points and miles. For example, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a five-star Hilton property that is bookable with Hilton Honors rewards.

Although the destination is popular among honeymooners, Bora Bora is a great place for families, friends vacationing together and, of course, non-married couples. Here’s what you can expect from the Conrad Bora Bora Nui and how you can book it with points.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on an islet near the main island of Bora Bora and can only be accessed by boat. Once you arrive at Motu Mute Airport, a private Conrad boat will pick you up and shuttle you to the resort.

If you want to visit Vaitape, the main city of Bora Bora, the resort provides scheduled water transport to and from the island. However, keep in mind that some departure times cost extra.

A blend of French and Polynesian cultures, Conrad Bora Bora Nui’s design reflects both influences. The hotel was refurbished in 2017 and feels modern and updated. Most rooms are overwater bungalows, although some garden suites are also available.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui has 114 guest rooms, including garden and lagoon view suites; beach pool and overwater villas; and even two presidential overwater villas where the Kardashians stayed and filmed a few episodes of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” in 2011.

The “standard” rooms at the resort are the king lagoon view suites, which are 1,087 square feet and feature double vanities, a rain shower and an oversized tub.

Because the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on a private island, your dining options are limited to five on-site restaurants:

• Iriatai.

• Banyan.

• Upa Upa Lounge Bar.

• Tamure Beach Grill.

• Tarava Pool Bar.

Most restaurants require reservations, so contact a concierge for help.

Iriatai

Iriatai puts on a breakfast buffet every morning and serves as an open-air French restaurant in the evening. Pick one of the pre-set menus and jet off on a gourmet adventure. The dress code is smart casual, so leave your flip-flops in the room.

Banyan

The island’s Chinese restaurant, Banyan, offers guests a prix fixe menu and a la carte options. Banyan also requires smart casual attire.

Upa Upa Lounge Bar

Perhaps the best dining option on the island, with a glass floor and an outdoor terrace, the overwater Upa Upa Lounge Bar serves sushi rolls, sunset views and live music in a stylish setting. The dress code is resort casual — no swimwear allowed.

Tamure Beach Grill

Tamure Beach Grill offers a mix of French, Polynesian and international fare, including Lebanese kefta, tacos and pizza. It’s also where you can catch a Polynesian dinner buffet every Friday. The dress code is casual; you don’t even need shoes at this beachside restaurant.

Tarava Pool Bar

Tarava Pool Bar presents those lounging by the pool with the same menu as the Tamure Beach Grill. In addition, guests can enjoy snacks and a happy hour at the swim-up bar without leaving the pool.

» Learn more: Exclusive honeymoon destinations you can book with points

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui has one infinity pool, a beach for all guests and a separate beach and cabanas for elite Hilton Honors program members.

Additionally, the following amenities are available to guests:

• Bicycles.

• A business center.

• Concierge.

• EV charging.

• A fitness center.

• Kids’ club.

• Meeting rooms.

• Spa.

• Tennis court.

• Wi-Fi.

When you arrive on the island, you receive a welcome drink and a golf cart tour of the property. The resort sits on a half-mile stretch of beach, so a quick tour on wheels to get familiar with the property is a good idea.

Feel free to reach out to a concierge should you need reservations at on-site restaurants or to book activities outside of the resort, such as scuba diving. In addition, kids can spend time at a kids’ club, and parents can work out at a gym or on the tennis court.

It’s possible to experience a traditional Tahitian massage at the Hina Spa, located in a unique location on the island — nestled among volcanic rocks — and offering views of the iconic Mount Otemanu.

Hilton uses dynamic pricing for its award nights, meaning the number of points needed to book a room varies based on demand and the cash price. Additionally, standard award availability at the Conrad Bora Bora is hard to come by.

Aim for 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night in a king lagoon view suite if you score standard award nights at this property.

Keep in mind that if you’re an elite member of Hilton Honors (Silver, Gold or Diamond), you can redeem points for four nights and get the fifth night free. So booking awards in five-night chunks is a good way to stretch those points further and maximize their value.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Reaching Bora Bora requires an international flight to Papeete, Tahiti, and a domestic flight to Bora Bora. Only one airline operates inter-island flights within French Polynesia — Air Tahiti.

» Learn more: The cheapest ways to fly to Bora Bora with points

As for international flights to Papeete, you have multiple options from the following U.S. airports:

• Air France from Los Angeles.

• Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles and seasonally from Seattle.

• Delta Air Lines from Los Angeles.

• French Bee from San Francisco.

• Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu.

• United Airlines from San Francisco.

You can redeem miles from each airline’s loyalty program (except French Bee) or their partners’ award programs. For example, you can use American Airlines AAdvantage to book Air Tahiti Nui flights or Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles to book United flights (if there’s Saver availability).

Featured image by Anya Kartashova.