Back in 2022, when I first became a Points Talk Squad Academy student, I made a bucket list of destinations I wanted to visit. The list was full of destinations that felt like they were once-in-a-lifetime trips—like trips you would save your entire life for and only get to go on once.

Bora Bora sat at the very top of my list. It wasn’t just my goal trip, it was THE goal trip. So I built my entire points and miles strategy around making this trip a reality. Even before taking this trip, points and miles changed everything about travelling for me and my family. I quickly learned that no destination was out of reach.

This trip took me three years to plan because a lot of points were required for how I wanted this trip to play out and we needed to wait for the right childcare moment for our family.

Don’t let the amount of miles scare you—this trip is possible on fewer miles. But I wanted it to be my absolute dream trip. So I saved, I planned, and once all my ducks were in a row, I booked the most memorable and luxurious trip of my life (so far).

 

 

Points Used

In total I used 1,133,000 flexible points for a seven-night stay at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa and round-trip flights for two from the East Coast to French Polynesia in business class.

That is not a small number. But thankfully, I was able to take advantage of two incredible transfer bonuses to make this trip possible for fewer points than I originally planned. Since I had been planning this for a long time I had plenty of options to choose from for the type of points I used to book this trip.  I used a combination of Capital One Venture Miles,  American Express Membership Rewards®, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, and Marriott points to make this trip possible.

 

Bora Bora Impressions

The anticipation I felt leading up to this trip felt immeasurable. Bora Bora had truly seemed like a trip that I would never go on because how can a nearly fifty thousand dollar trip even be possible? Thanks to all I have learned from Alex, Jess, and Pam, any travel is truly possible.

Bora Bora is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, peaceful, exotic places I have ever been to. Looking back at my pictures (that don’t even look real), I still wonder how a place can truly be that breathtaking. The color of the water in Bora Bora is otherworldly. It is the brightest shade of turquoise, mixed with the deepest gemstone shades of blue possible, while Mount Otemanu sits boldly off in the distance guarding this paradise and its people. 

 

 

Getting There from the East Coast: 30 Hours of Travel & I’m Not Even Mad About It

Let me be honest, getting to Bora Bora from the East Coast is not a quick jaunt. In fact, between flight times, layovers, and how many flights we needed to take, it took us thirty hours, each way! On paper all that travel sounds brutal. In practice? When you fly business class, it actually becomes part of the vacation instead of the price you pay for it. Buckle up! We took eight flights on four different carriers, plus two boat rides to make this dream trip happen.

Positioning Flights to LAX

The first challenge of our trip was positioning ourselves to LAX airport. This was my first positioning flight and it was the biggest stressor of my entire trip. I worried about not getting to LAX in time for our flight to Tahiti for months leading up to our trip because my travel track record is frankly abysmal.

Before this trip I don’t think I have ever flown without being delayed, being rerouted, having a flight cancelled, or losing luggage. Thankfully, all our flights went off without a hitch and even arrived early every time. We flew in Delta’s standard business class from Wilmington, NC to LAX with a layover in Atlanta. We spent an hour and a half in Atlanta’s Centurion Lounge. 

I booked these flights by transferring my American Express Membership Rewards® points to Delta. I used 51,000 points and $24 per person for this flight. Was it the best deal? No. But very few airlines fly out of our home airport, and I felt like we had a much better chance at an on time arrival with Delta over our other option, American. I spent 25,000 more miles for my own peace of mind and I would do it again.

 

 

Air Tahiti Nui Business Class

We had six hours to kill at LAX before our flight on Air Tahiti Nui business class. We spent most of it in the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge. In the lounge we worked, ate delicious food, and rested before our long redeye.

I booked our Air Tahiti Nui flights for 80,000 points per person. The experience was worth every point. Using seats.aero I tracked the fights and knew that I wanted to book using Qantas Points. Qantas only has two business-class award seats available per flight on Air Tahiti Nui, so I knew I had to book as soon as they appeared twelve months out. I transferred 160,000 Capital One Venture Miles to Qantas to book our Air Tahiti Nui business class seats. 

Boarding the 787-9 Dreamliner and heading into the Air Tahiti Nui business-class cabin was when the real bougie experience started. These planes boast spacious lie-flat seating, a nice amenity kit, and large screen.

The warm, unhurried Polynesian hospitality is what truly made this flight exceptional. Once in the air we were served a delicious Tahitian meal consisting of a tender chicken chow mein tossed with julienned tropical fruit and vegetables smothered in a savory Tahitian-Asian fusion dressing.

Immediately after eating I made my bed, put in my ear plugs and popped on the eye mask from my amenity kit. I got about four hours of sleep before getting up to eat my warm seasoned waffles and pineapple compote for breakfast. After landing in the early morning, we headed over to Air Tahiti (the inter-island airline, not the same as Air Tahiti Nui) to get our tickets for our quick flight to Bora Bora. 

 

 

Flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora

Our flight on Air Tahiti was unremarkable. We paid $356 per person for our round-trip tickets. The seats were simple, yet comfortable. The flight was a quick forty-five minutes from Tahiti to Bora Bora and we made sure to sit on the left side of the plane for the most breathtaking views of Bora Bora.

Once we arrived at the Bora Bora airport, we were welcomed with leis, joy, and water bottles from the Westin staff. We were efficiently whisked away on the Westin’s private boat. After the most scenic boatride of our lives we were joyously welcomed to the Westin hotel by a Polynesian serenade. The best part of arrival day? Arriving at 8:00 am and having our private bungalow ready and waiting for us!

 

 

The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa

The Westin sits right on the Lagoon with Mount Otemanu rising in the background, and it is every bit as dramatic in person as it looks in photos. Actually more so, because photos can’t capture the color of that water.

The resort feels both cozy and vast at the same time. You will enjoy plenty of privacy and space without feeling like the property is overwhelming.

There are six beachfront villas that have their own private plunge pool and 120 overwater bungalows.The most amazing part of this property is how breathtaking every view is. Everywhere you turn there is another view that will stop you in your tracks. This property underwent a major renovation and only just fully opened up in 2026 and it is stunning. It felt modern and polished without losing any of the warmth and hospitality that makes French Polynesia feel special. Even the tiniest of details quietly screams that you are really in paradise.

 

 

One Room to Rule them All

As beautiful as the beachfront villas were, I really wanted to stay in an overwater bungalow. (When in Bora Bora, am I right?) I chose to book the Overwater Bungalow with an Island View because it was one of three options that only charged us a $100 per person fee per night.

It would have cost us $5,000 to add a plunge pool to our reservation. I ultimately decided that we didn’t need a plunge pool and I am so glad I did. Inspired by Pam and her incredible upgrade email, I decided to do something similar. The hotel was completely booked, so I didn’t request an upgrade. I simply shared my excitement for visiting the property and that we were celebrating our 11th anniversary, asking if it was at all possible for us to get the most private and serene view available to us. And they delivered!

We had an unobstructed view of the lagoon all the way to the Pacific Ocean. There were only other bungalows off to one side. Our bungalow was in shallower water which resulted in us having the most incredible animal interactions. We saw sharks, sting rays, eagle rays, and hundreds of fish.

 

 

Cost of Booking

We booked seven nights for 570,000 points, with the fifth night free, but the real win was timing it around two back-to-back Marriott transfer bonuses. I transferred 234,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points at a 50% bonus for 350,000 Marriott points, added the 63,000 Marriott points I already had, and only needed 157,000 more. A 30% Amex transfer bonus dropped that to just 121,000 Amex points. End result: my “570,000 point” stay actually cost me 418,000 points, a 27% savings. All hail the transfer bonus! 

 

Spilling the Tea: All the Room Details

I cannot skimp on all the room details, because this might just be my favorite part of the whole stay! Like I said earlier our room had a completely unobstructed view of both the lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Without leaving our bed I could see the full spectrum of blue from shallow turquoise under our bungalow all the way to the deep navy of the Pacific. There is truly nothing like waking up to that.

The soaking tub was a moment in itself. After a full day of activities, there is nothing quite like sinking into a tub, the lagoon glowing outside the window as the sun sets. The shower had a rainfall showerhead with a detachable sprayer—it wasn’t huge, but the pressure was perfect.

We had plenty of room to spread out and kept all our luggage tucked away nicely in the closet, while our vacation books and electronics stayed on the table near the couch. The room size was perfect!

Upon arrival the bed was covered in tropical flowers. And not to be dramatic, but the Westin Heavenly Bed and pillows have earned their name. It was some of the most exquisite sleep I have ever had. 

 

 

 

 

The Hotel: The Good, The Better, and The Best

The Good: Included Amenities

There are plenty of bikes anyone can use to explore the hotel. There are paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment for all to use. The fitness facility is just the right size and if you are really bold you can join an early morning yoga or running class. Lastly, there are free activities everyday on property that include: flower-crown making, wine and whisky tastings, and Polynesian dance classes.

 

 

The Better: Pool and Spa Facilities

The pool area was our central hub if we weren’t spending time in our room. It has the best view of Mount Otumanu on property. Think infinity-edge views over the beach and lagoon, comfortable loungers, shade cabanas, and easy access to the swimup/poolside bar and restaurant. The pool serves the best nachos for lunch. We had them three times during our stay. Order a plate for me when you go! 

One of my favorite parts about travelling is relaxing with a massage. The Heavenly Spa was perfectly peaceful and clearly designed with a relaxation retreat in mind.  I arrived tired with a body in desperate need of help. My husband and I booked a Heavenly couples message and it was simply perfect. We rested in the calm room in our robes under cozy blankets and just soaked in the spectacular view. We left rejuvenated and fully relaxed. If you enjoy massages, the spa is a must-visit during your stay.

 

 

The Best: The Food

The resort boasts three restaurants, and all three earned their keep on this trip. Don’t get me wrong, all the food is pricey. But there was never a day I felt disappointed or left wanting. I was a little concerned about the food experience because I had read some negative reviews before the reopening. I have to say that if those reviews are to be believed, the Westin has stepped up its game in a big way.

Tipanier is the French Polynesian bistro. This is the restaurant that serves breakfast daily. It’s a breakfast buffet or you may order a la carte. The cost $55 per person plus fees. I hold platinum status with Marriott so thankfully we got breakfast free daily.

Two nights a week the bistro hosts a Polynesian buffet and show. The show was one of the highlights of our trip. You may book dining reservations twenty days out from your arrival. Make sure you do this and don’t miss the show if you can help it. It was so much fun! I loved seeing the joy on the performers’ faces. They even got me to join in. The food was delicious and unique and the experience was unforgettable.

 

 

Varavara is the less-formal beachside dining option. It’s one of the most beautiful places on property to catch the sunset. The menu leans into Pacific and Mediterranean flavors, with a dash of Asian inspiration for good measure. The food can be light and refreshing or cozy and savory. The seafood is so fresh and a must-order. Varavara is open for lunch and dinner. 

 

 

Marere is the signature restaurant, and one of the most fun dining experiences I have ever had. Marere is a fine-dining restaurant, and the setup alone tells you it isn’t your typical experience. There are only nine tables in the entire restaurant. When we walked in, it felt less like a restaurant and more like we were at a private dinner party.  

When we were seated we learned that Marere means surprise in Tahitian. Surprise! There’s no menu and you don’t order. You just sit down, and the chef sends out a fully coursed meal built around the theme for the night.

We ate there twice and got to experience the Asian menu and the Italian menu. We loved both experiences! The food was an absolute delight—bright beautifully plated courses clearly built around an immersive cultural experience. Each course came out perfectly timed, we never felt rushed or overwhelmed. With only nine tables in the room, the service felt incredibly personal.

This is a pricey experience. It will cost at least $350 dollars for two people, plus they have a wine pairing option which increases the dinner by $150 per person. This was one of our favorite experiences of the entire trip. I am so glad we got to do it twice. Make sure to book as soon as you’re 20 days out, because it books up quickly.    

 

 

Excursions: Our Three Off-Property Adventures

When booking our excursions I wanted to make sure that I didn’t overdo it. One of the reasons you go to Bora Bora is to enjoy your incredible overwater bungalow, so I wanted to have time to relax. Originally I booked two excursions following Alex and Jess’s recommendations. But after arriving my husband and I decided to add one more. We were in Bora Bora for eight full days and three excursions was the perfect balance for us.

Full-Day ATV & Jet Ski Tour with Lunch & Fire Dancing

This one was an all-day adventure and easily the most action-packed day of the trip. This activity was recommended to me by Alex and her husband, and it was epic! But it isn’t for the faint of heart.

The ATV path can get intense and if the water is rough like it was for us, then the jetskiing is extreme. I have no desire to ever drive these types of vehicles, but my husband is a pro. So he drove while I held on tight. We started with a two-hour ATV trip around Bora Bora. We saw a vanilla farm, a WWII-era American cannon, and the town of Bora Bora.

Then we hopped on a jet ski and traversed the twenty mile route around the entire island. No water was left unexplored. We also had a delicious Polynesian BBQ on the beach complete with fire dancing!

 

 

Half-Day Reef Discovery Snorkeling with Manta Ray& Eagle Ray 

This incredible experience was recommended by Jess. We went to three separate locations in the lagoon. At our first location we swam with four manta rays, one of which was easily 12 feet wide and swam only about 3 feet below us.

At the second stop we saw about 40 eagle rays swimming together. It was magnificent and unlike anything I had ever experienced before. We also saw a very large turtle.

The final stop was at one of the coral reefs. This reef was the most beautiful and vibrant reefs I have ever seen. I cannot do the description justice. The vibrant colors were unreal. The clams were electric blue, purple, green, and orange. I fear I will never be able to go snorkeling again because how can you beat that?! Our day was truly remarkable!

 

 

Half-Day Pearl Diving & Snorkeling Tour 

This half-day excursion combined snorkeling with a stop to see how Bora Bora’s famous black pearls are farmed and cultivated. The marine life alone made it worth the trip. My favorite part of this activity was the stop to see the blacktip sharks and sting rays. We stood in waist-deep water as the animals came right up to us. It was incredible.

We also made a stop to swim with manta rays again before heading to another vibrant reef. The last stop was the pearl farm. We even got to choose our own oyster before extracting our own pearls. It was such a unique excursion. I am so glad we did two days of snorkeling.

 

 

Headed Home: Flying United Polaris

After seven nights in paradise, we boarded the Westin boat to begin our way home. First we took our 45-minute flight back to Tahiti.  Even though I was sad to be leaving, I was excited to get to Papeete so I could fly United Polaris business class. Before we even boarded our plane the experience began as we enjoyed ourselves in the business-class lounge at PPT. Lounges make travelling so much better.

I feel completely spoiled after my Polaris flights. We flew on the redeye from Tahiti to San Francisco. Then after a two-hour layover in the Polaris Lounge we headed to Newark. Both of those legs were in Polaris with wide, comfortable seats that fully reclined into a bed.

Each flight even had a make-your-own sundae cart. It was so fun! And I actually got about six hours of sleep between the two flights. The flight attendants took excellent care of us without hovering. The food on these flights was just mediocre, but I was thankful I never went hungry.

We spent another three hours in the Polaris lounge in Newark before our final leg home. Our last flight was in a smaller plane so we weren’t in Polaris, but the regular business-class seats were just fine.

I booked our Polaris flights by transferring 200,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to United, and paid $752 in taxes and fees. My favorite part about this booking is that it was a completely connected flight. I really didn’t want to position on the way home. This flight was worth every point I spent. We flew from Tahiti to San Francisco to Newark to Wilmington on one reservation.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Bora Bora was simply a dream. A stay at the Westin should be on everyone’s points and miles bucket list. Our stay delivered on every level—the room, the food, the spa, the excursions, and the culture.

Add in the incredible business-class flights we took and every box was checked for our special trip. Three years of planning, one year of waiting, sixty hours on a plane, and it all resulted in one very perfect week. I would go through it all again to make it back there. The best part is that anything is possible with points!

 

 

 

Related Posts

The Squad Takes On Bora Bora

Reader Success Story: Bora Bora

Air Tahiti Nui Business Class SEA-PPT