Nothing says “I’m in Bora Bora” quite like padding across a pane of glass and seeing parrot-fish and baby rays flutter under your feet.
The islands now boast eight resorts whose overwater suites come with glass floors, coffee-tables or bed-side panels—affectionately nicknamed Tahitian TV by locals.
Below you’ll find an up-to-date, on-the-ground guide, covering every property that currently offers the experience, what to expect inside the suites, signature resort perks and realistic price bands.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
for current pricing and recent images, go here
Picture this: you wake in a teak-and-tapa-cloth bungalow, slide open a wall of glass, and the first thing your toes touch is another piece of glass—this time on the floor, with neon damsel-fish drifting beneath it.
Every over-water category here is newly refreshed and comes with that built-in “Tahitian TV” panel set between the sofa and the coffee table.
Why you’ll fall hard: 108 thatched roofs dot their own private motu, the spa has a couples’ suite that also hovers over lagoon windows, and staff marine-biologists run complimentary coral-grafting tours, so you leave a positive footprint instead of just footprints in the sand.
Even the smallest suites are roomy (about 1 080 sq ft inside plus a sun-deck). Splash-out tiers add a plunge pool and catamaran netting that feels like a hammock lowered straight into Infinity-Pool Mode.
Ballpark price: recent searches show shoulder-season deals around US $3 300 and peak, front-row Mount Otemanu suites pushing US $9 800 per night. Yes, it’s a splurge—yet guests routinely book five nights because, frankly, leaving hurts.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
for current pricing and recent images, go here
If you’re the “I want the biggest everything” traveller, St. Regis answers with 1 550-sq-ft villas, full butler service, and three separate glass panels: foyer, living room, even beside the soaking tub so fish-watching continues into bath time.
The vibe is polished but unfussy. You can bike the palm-lined pontoon, kayak a protected Lagoonarium, or simply order lobster from Jean-Georges’ Lagoon Restaurant and let your butler set up dinner on your deck.
Suites start as one-bedroom units; step up to the Royal Otemanu for a private pool and hammocks slung over the water. Nightly entertainment ranges from Polynesian fire dancers to watching juvenile reef sharks circle the lights under the main bar—an oddly soothing pre-dessert ritual.
Ballpark price: entry over-water villas have dipped to about US $1 030 in quiet weeks and climb past US $5 000 for pool-equipped or two-bedroom categories in high season. For honeymooners looking to say “we stayed where they filmed that Chanel ad,” it’s worth every shell lei.
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
for current pricing and recent images, go here
This is the eco-show-off of the lagoon: every suite chills its air with deep-ocean seawater, and every living room hides a glass-bottom coffee table you can actually open to sprinkle fish food.
Inside, you’ll find 1 000-plus sq ft of white-washed beams, a sculptural shell chandelier, and—if you spring for a Teremoana Pool Villa—an extra “river” of glass stretching into the study.
Step outside and you have a private pontoon ladder, a freshwater plunge pool, and the best angle on sun-rises over Mount Otemanu.
Days here revolve around the Thalasso Spa’s seawater circuit (think jets, waterfalls, and a final soak overlooking the reef). Evenings mean Champagne sabrage at sunset, followed by manta-ray sightings beneath the main jetty lights.
Ballpark price: Online searches have logged recent lows near US $755 and highs edging US $4 000 for top categories. Considering you get a built-in marine spa and coral nursery, many guests call it the smartest “mid-luxury” spend on the island.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
for current pricing and recent images, go here
Set on volcanic Motu To’opua, the Conrad leans glam—sunken cocktail bar, hillside spa, and the Instagram-famous Upa Upa Lounge where the dance floor itself is glass and flood-lit so you can spot baby black-tip sharks while you sip champagne.
Every over-water villa (starting around 1 250 sq ft) places at least one viewing panel either in the living room or next to the lagoon-view tub; splash-out Royal Pool Villas add a second floor window plus an infinity pool. The décor is cream on teak, with a pitched roof high enough to make you forget you’re indoors at all.
Conrad excels at experiences: private picnics on Motu Tapu (the resort’s own islet), sunset catamaran sails included for suite guests, and the option to dine inside the wine cellar if you’re celebrating something big.
Ballpark price: nightly rates start around US $850 for advance-purchase deals and climb toward US $2 800 for Presidential Villas. Hilton Honors points can shave hundreds off, making it a savvy pick if you collect them.
InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort
for current pricing and recent images, go here
Want classic “Tahitian TV” without the five-star sticker shock? Le Moana was one of the first to install glass coffee-table aquariums, and they still sit proudly between twin daybeds in every bungalow.
The resort straddles Matira Point—Bora Bora’s only public white-sand beach—so half your holiday fun is people-watching locals paddle by. Interiors run a cosy 387 sq ft but make clever use of woven pandanus, local artwork, and sliding doors that disappear so the deck feels like an extra room.
Book an End-of-Pontoon Overwater Bungalow if you want maximum privacy and the clearest snorkelling directly under your coffee table. Bonus: you can stroll to Matira’s evening food trucks for fresh poisson cru that costs less than a resort cocktail.
Ballpark price: Online searching shows recent lows of US $505 and highs around US $2 000 in peak months. For many travellers it delivers that over-water badge without torpedoing the honeymoon budget.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
for current pricing and recent images, go here
Locally owned, freshly renovated, and irresistibly Polynesian, Le Bora Bora hides clever glass design: the foot of your king bed flips open to reveal the lagoon, and another panel pops up beside your bathtub.
Standard over-water bungalows already span 851 sq ft, but spring for the Pool Overwater Villa at the pontoon’s tip and you get a plunge pool plus a larger “glass-bottom bed.”
Décor favours polished hardwoods, mother-of-pearl inlay, and airy white linens that keep the focus on that impossible turquoise view.
Highlights run from complimentary sunset sailing aboard the resort’s catamaran to an on-site coral garden you can plant yourself. Lovers of authentic culture will appreciate ukulele lessons and the Thursday night Polynesian buffet, which islanders actually attend for fun.
Ballpark price: Booking.com lists low-season nights from US $1 278 and high-summer rates north of US $1 600, with peak festive weeks climbing over US $3 000. For an upscale, but not ultra-luxury, stay it hits the sweet spot.
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa (once Le Méridien)
for current pricing and recent images, go here
Completely reimagined in 2024, the brand-new Westin kept the island’s largest single glass panes—nearly a yard wide—so you can watch reef life without leaning over.
Wellness leads the vibe: Heavenly® beds, borrow-able running shoes, and a two-level infinity pool where staff hand out chilled pineapple.
All 915-sq-ft bungalows face either the iconic peak or the open ocean; some add a plunge pool, but every one includes the signature back-lit floor panel that glows at night like an aquarium.
Families love the kids’ club (Polynesian crafts, lagoon science) while adventurous couples book the resort’s 5 a.m. summit hike up nearby Mount Pahia—back in time for an outdoor rain-shower under your thatched roof.
Ballpark price: Booking.com has recorded teaser rates from about US $1 100, with plunge-pool Otemanu villas circling US $2 500. Add in Marriott Bonvoy points and that window in the floor suddenly feels even sweeter.
Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora
for current pricing and recent images, go here
Think of Maitai as the indie film in a franchise of blockbusters—smaller budget, huge heart, and a cult following. Its 13 classic over-water bungalows keep the original glass coffee-table concept, letting you spy angelfish while sitting cross-legged with breakfast croissants.
Interiors run 560 sq ft, deck included. Expect bright pareo fabrics, hardwood floors polished by sea breezes, and the gentle creak of the lagoon under your floorboards at night.
Because Maitai sits beside Matira Beach and across the road from a mini-market, you can dine local and save for paid excursions like shark-and-ray safaris.
Guests rave about two simple perks: staff who remember your name and happy-hour cocktails that come in under US $10—nearly unheard of on the island.
Ballpark price: recent Booking.com data shows lows of US $274 and highs around US $680 for premium over-water units. If you’re aiming for “Bora Bora on a realistic salary,” this is your ticket.
Picking Your Perfect Pane of Glass
- Glass size vs. glass count: if you want a huge window, go Westin or St. Regis. If you’d rather bump into little surprise panels everywhere you move, Four Seasons, Le Bora Bora, and Conrad load up on multiple inserts.
- Budget bandwidth: from Maitai’s sub-$700 highs to Four Seasons’ near-$10 k splurge, decide early where you’re comfortable so you can hunt promos or spend loyalty points.
- Access to local eats: resorts on the main-island side (Conrad, Le Moana, Maitai) let you wander to food trucks and roulettes; outer-motu properties require boat transfers that add time and money.
- Eco-credentials: Thalasso’s seawater AC and coral nurseries lead the sustainability race, while Le Bora Bora follows with a strong reef-regeneration program.
- Privacy vs. convenience: end-of-pontoon bungalows equal undisturbed snorkelling but longer walks. If mobility is a concern, request mid-pontoon near shore.
One Last Nudge toward Paradise
Bora Bora’s lagoon has been called a “million-dollar swimming pool,” and staring through a glass floor is arguably the most intimate way to meet it—no mask, no fins, just you and the fish separated by a heartbeat-thin sheet.
Whether you treat yourself to Four Seasons opulence, Westin’s gleaming new wellness hideout, or Maitai’s wallet-savvy charm, each resort above delivers the genuine thrill of watching the underwater world without leaving your living room.
So go ahead, book the bungalow, practice saying mauruuru (thank you) to your soon-to-be favourite bartender, and start counting the days until your first lagoon wake-up call. Your personal slice of glass-bottom wonder—part luxury, part child-like awe—is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bora Bora’s Glass-Floor Over-Water Bungalows (2025)
1. Are the glass floors strong enough to walk on?
Absolutely. Each panel is made from thick, tempered marine-grade glass that’s stress-tested to hold far more weight than ordinary flooring. You can dance a little hula on it—no cracks, no creaks—just reef fish applause underneath.
2. Do all over-water suites in these resorts have glass floors?
Most do, but not every category. At luxury properties like Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Thalasso, every over-water villa includes at least one glass pane. Mid-range options such as Le Moana or Maitai reserve them for the dedicated “Overwater Bungalow” categories, so double-check before you click “book.”
3. How large are the panels?
They vary: Westin’s single pane is nearly a yard wide—the island’s biggest—while Le Moana’s classic coffee-table window is closer to 18 × 24 inches. Resorts that sprinkle multiple panels (Conrad, Le Bora Bora) often use smaller inserts at the bedside, bathtub, or hallway.
4. Are the panels lit at night?
Yes, all eight resorts back-light the glass after sunset. That gentle glow attracts plankton, which in turn attracts reef fish—and sometimes baby black-tip sharks—so your “Tahitian TV” turns into a prime-time nature show.
5. Can I feed the fish through the floor?
Only at InterContinental Thalasso, where the coffee-table panel has a flip-top hatch. Elsewhere you’ll need to step onto your deck or descend the ladder for a respectful, eco-friendly snorkel session.
6. Is it safe for small children?
Panels are sealed and can’t be opened by little hands. Most resorts provide child-safe latches on terrace gates, and several (St. Regis, Conrad, Westin) offer kids’ clubs so parents can relax knowing junior explorers are occupied.
7. Do the floors ever fog or scratch?
Resort maintenance teams polish and inspect the glass daily. Because the underside stays submerged, scratches are rare; any clouding you see is usually a morning layer of lagoon mist that clears once the sun is up.
8. How clear is the water under the bungalow?
Bora Bora’s lagoon is famously translucent—visibility often exceeds 100 feet. End-of-pontoon units (Four Seasons, St. Regis, Le Moana) enjoy the clearest water, while near-shore suites may see occasional sand drift after storms.
9. Do I need to bring snorkel gear?
All eight resorts supply complimentary masks, fins, and life vests. If you’re a photography buff, pack your own full-face or GoPro-mount mask for steadier footage.
10. What’s the best time of year for glass-floor viewing?
May–October (the “dry” season) offers calmer seas and crisp visibility. November shoulder weeks can be just as clear with softer prices; December–February sees passing showers that stir up sand but also lure manta rays into the shallows.
11. How do I get to my resort from the airport?
Bora Bora’s airport sits on a separate motu. Outer-motu resorts (Four Seasons, St. Regis, Thalasso, Westin) run private boats—about 15 minutes and US $80–$130 round-trip. Main-island resorts (Conrad, Le Moana, Maitai, Le Bora Bora) pair a shared shuttle boat with a short van ride.
12. Are meals included in the nightly rate?
Rarely. Most prices quoted are room-only. Breakfast packages cost around US $50–$70 pp; half-board (breakfast + dinner) averages US $120–$140 pp. Maitai and Le Moana are walking distance to local food trucks for budget-friendly alternatives.
13. Can I use hotel points to offset the cost?
Yes—Hilton Honors for Conrad, Marriott Bonvoy for St. Regis and Westin, IHG One Rewards for both InterContinentals. Redemptions fluctuate but can lop thousands off a five-night stay, especially during off-peak dates.
14. Is Wi-Fi reliable in over-water bungalows?
Surprisingly so. Four Seasons and Thalasso pipe fiber through the pontoons, delivering speeds good enough for video calls. Older pontoon wiring at Maitai and Le Moana can feel patchy when storms roll in.
15. Will I see sharks through the glass?
Most likely baby black-tip reef sharks—harmless and curious. They cruise by dusk when dock lights flip on. It’s a thrill, not a threat.
16. Are the bungalows wheelchair-friendly?
Conrad, Westin, and Four Seasons offer ADA-compliant over-water suites with ramped access and roll-in showers. Pontoon surfaces are generally flat; just request an “island-end” unit for the shortest distances.
17. How noisy are the lagoons at night?
Expect gentle lapping water and the occasional splash from late-night fish acrobatics. Windier months (January–March) can create more wave slaps on stilts, but it rarely disturbs sleep.
18. Is it possible to book a glass-floor bungalow for just one night?
Most luxury resorts enforce a two-night minimum; mid-range Maitai sometimes offers single-night stays if there’s a gap in occupancy. Check directly or use flexible-date search tools.
19. What if the glass floor breaks during my stay?
It’s extraordinarily unlikely, but resorts carry spare panels and have engineering teams on-call. You’d be relocated or upgraded while repairs happen—at no cost to you.
20. Does housekeeping clean the glass from below?
Yes. Staff snorkel under each bungalow weekly to wipe algae so your window stays crystal-clear. Inside, housekeepers polish the pane daily with streak-free solution.
21. Can I request a specific lagoon view?
Absolutely—e-mail reservations with requests like “end-of-pontoon, Mount Otemanu view.” Resorts can’t guarantee placements but note them, and loyalty-status guests often receive priority.
22. Are drones allowed over the bungalows?
Most resorts ban take-offs from their property to protect guest privacy; you’ll need written permission and to launch from a public area. Local regulations also limit altitude near the airport.
23. Is travel insurance necessary?
Strongly recommended. Weather disruptions, medical emergencies, or sudden airline strikes can be costly on a remote atoll. Choose a policy covering trip interruption and medical evacuation.
24. How eco-friendly are glass-floor bungalows?
Energy use is high for over-water builds, yet resorts like Thalasso harness deep-sea water for air-con, and Le Bora Bora runs coral-restoration programs. Simple guest habits—turning off lights, using reef-safe sunscreen—help too.
25. Which resort is best for honeymooners?
If you crave seclusion and butler pampering, St. Regis or Four Seasons wins. For social cocktails and Instagram moments, Conrad excels. On a tighter budget, Le Moana’s intimate vibe offers romance without wallet shock.
26. Which is best for families?
Westin’s two-level pool and kids’ club rank high, and St. Regis offers spacious two-bedroom over-water villas plus a lagoonarium safe for tiny snorkelers.
27. Do any resorts offer glass-bottom boat tours?
Thalasso and Four Seasons run weekly glass-bottom outrigger trips—a fun complement to your private “glass floor” back home.
28. Is tipping expected?
Service charges (5–10 %) are usually included, but small cash tips (100–500 XPF, roughly US $1–$5) for exceptional service are warmly received and never required.
29. Can I book an underwater wedding chapel?
Westin’s glass-floored chapel floats above the lagoon; while not under water, it frames fish and coral beneath your feet as you say “I do.” Advance bookings fill fast during high season.
30. How far in advance should I book?
For peak months (June–August, late December), lock in glass-floor bungalows six to nine months ahead. Shoulder seasons often show surprise availability three to four months out, especially after airlines release fare sales.
Still wondering which pane of glass has your name on it? Send over any lingering questions—we’ll help you pick the perfect over-water perch so the only thing left on your to-do list is pack the sunscreen and practice saying “Ia orana!”
