A lovely, luxury resort in Bora Bora:

Check In

We accepted the transfer from the airport on their boat. Since it was only us checking in, they did not send their large air conditioned yacht, but sent a small 6-8 seat boat with a roof. Upon arrival, the concierge is housed in the overwater office receiving area. Cool wash rags with Conrad Bora Bora on them are presented for washing your face and hands. A sweetened green tea is served that may to be some people's liking. 

We had precontacted them that we were celebrating our anniversary and I had requested if possible as a diamond member to have an upgrade. The resort was mostly empty and we upgraded to a King Overwater Villa and we were so happy. The concierge presented this info to us, copied passports, took credit card and sent out luggage ahead of us. The resort was explained and she took us to our OWV.

Room

Our OWV was 115. We were impressed and consider it the best location we have stayed at considering we have stayed at: Hilton Moorea, IC Moorea, IC Bora Bora Le Moana, IC Bora Bora Thalasso, and Sofitel Bora Bora Private island end of the water OWB. The room was spacious, clean, new appearing and felt elegant. Double vanities in the bathroom gave an 'inception' feel. Large tub that would hold a couple mostly stretched out was a nice touch.

The sliding doors opened out to a deck. Fortunately, there is a section that maintains being in the shade even until very late afternoon. There are dual hammocks if that is your think. The deck descends down to a lower level that is about 3 feet above the water surface and the water is 6-7 feet deep at that point.

Overhead ceiling fan in the bedroom was prone to making noise and clicking noises. We had it repaired 2 separate times a day apart. Beware if you are annoyed by noises.

A minirefrigrator was not used much. Convient charging locations are present. The airconditioning system struggled to keep the room cool during the hottest part of the day. It dripped on the couch continuously.

The entrance had overhang and bike wrack. The resort is large and it is helpful to use the bikes. It is also just fun to tour the resort. Of note, you cannot ride your bikes up to the top of the hill where the spa and overlook is.

Service

Without exception, employees appeared to be 'bend-over-backwards' enthusiastic about needs and anticipating them. Service was likely extra attentive since during our stay (Jan 18-23, 2018) there appeared to be less than 10 couples total on island. For several meals we were the only couple in the restraunt and being served by 5+ individuals. One mar against service was one of our meals at the French restraunt we specifically asked for no (pork, bacon, shellfish, lobster etc) and our steak was served with a surrounding of mushrooms with finely chopped bacon in it. We didn't notice due to the dim light until we took a bite. If you have dietary concerns, pay extra attention.

Dining

We were excited for the hyped breakfast buffet. We were disappointed. Due to occupancy, they choose when to have breakfast buffer or not. Unlike say the Hilton Moorea, IC Moorea, Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, IC Bora Bora Thalasso etc that keep their buffet going the entire year, the Conrad Bora Bora stops the end of December and does not resume until they have 'enough' occupancy. 

As Hilton Diamond members, we were to have complimentary continental breakfast. Having read previous reviewers results of full buffet we were hopeful. Alas, we were given just complimentary continental breakfast cart. This had around 8 different pastries and breads, 2 fruit jucies, and some jellies on the table. No fruit, no protein, no cereal etc. We were informed that for full breakfast it would require a supplement $12 USD. This allowed you to order from the menu whatever items you wanted. 1 day we did just the cart and the rest we did the full breakfast. Be wary of being overload with the size of the items from the menu. For instance, I ordered smoked salmon and a large plate of that came out in addition to the french toast, omlette etc etc. Instead, for future meals, I would order an omlette with cheese and smoked salmon in it and then I wasn't inundated with too much.

The French restraunt's menu had changed compared with the website and it was lacking multiple items we desired. Still, the beef fillet and chicken dinner were excellent. Unlimited bread rolls with butter were served while waiting. The chef's amuse bouche each time was past our midwestern pallette's liking.

The chinese restraunt was quite good. As an example, we had the Kung Pao Chicken and the chicken was so tender as to make me believe it was likely cooked Sous Vide. However, I had a hard time ignoring my mind telling me that it mostly tasted like Kung Pao Chicken at the food court in the mall and I just paid 4x the price for it. This doesn't mean it was bad, rather, there are some foods that paying more doesn't appreciably change the outcome.

Location

A rose is a rose is a rose ... Bora Bora is Bora Bora right? Not necessarily. Except for a very few villas, most have no view of Mount Otemanu. Otherwise, still a very lovely location.

A major important item for us is snorkeling. Having snorkeled both Moorea and Bora Bora both at resorts and guided snorkels, I would rate this at the top. Hilton Moorea continues to be one of my favorites as they have large coral gardens of hundred of yards extending away from the OWBs. The size of snorkeling is less at the Conrad but there are unique components not present anywhere else. Under certain OW buildings, the water may be up to 20 feet or more deep. They have large metal structures built with coral transplantted on them that serve as a hub for drawing fish. We saw large 50+ size schools of large tuna swimming underneath. We were surrounding in clouds of fish. We saw moray eels and MORAY EELS (that one was 6+ foot long ugh!), rays, star fish, basket starfish etc etc. What we didn't see were sharks (which we saw at Hilton Moorea). 

BEWARE of the mosquitoes! We brough a smalle compressed can of mosquito spray and forgot sometimes to spray. You will get bitten at the French restaurant if you don't spray.

Overall

Paying with points was a fantastic value, particularly if you are Diamond and are upgraded. Our experience would have been dramatically different if we were stuck on the hillside however.

Given low occupancy, being a Hilton Diamond and having a flight at 6:55 pm, we were granted a 5 pm late checkout, with a 5:30 boat ride to the airport.

Pool

The multilevel infinity pool was lovely. But not until the late afternoon when you could selectively swim in and out of the shade. Otherwise, it is difficult to take the entire sun while being in the pool. Free sun screen was available and used.