Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora sits at the southern tip of the main island, on the lagoon near Matira Point, and it is the best-known mid-range alternative to the luxury motu resorts. Its seventy-four rooms include beachfront bungalows, overwater bungalows, premium overwater bungalows, an end-of-pontoon bungalow and standard rooms with ocean or garden views. A private beach has loungers, towels and free cabanas, and guests can borrow snorkel gear, kayaks and canoes. Two restaurants, a beach bar and a coffee shop serve food through the day, and breakfast is included, with cooked-to-order dishes costing extra. Wi-Fi and self-parking are free, and bikes and scooters can be rented. Because it is on the main island, you can walk to Matira Beach and local restaurants without boat transfers, which cuts costs and adds flexibility. Reviewers rate it highly for value, service and location, and it has a sustainability certification.
Location and getting around
The resort is at the island's southern end, with Matira Point about a twelve-minute walk and Matira Beach ten to fifteen minutes on foot. The Leopard Rays Trench snorkeling spot is about seven minutes away on foot, and Vaitape, the main harbor, is about nine minutes by car.
Airport arrival is by boat to Vaitape and then road transfer, and the resort offers a shuttle on request for a per-person fee. Renting a bicycle or scooter at the resort lets you circle the island, and the tours in this guide include pickups.
The rooms and the experience
The overwater bungalows are compact, with a king bed and sofa bed and a deck with a ladder into the lagoon, and they cost far less than the equivalent at a luxury motu resort. Beachfront bungalows and standard rooms are even cheaper, with garden or ocean views. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, closer to a small guesthouse than a luxury brand, and the staff are known for helpful service. It suits couples, honeymooners on a budget and travelers who want the lagoon without the cost of a private motu.
Good to know
Check-in is from 3 p.m. and check-out by 11 a.m. The property has no elevators, so check the age policy before booking if you travel with children. Breakfast is included, but cooked-to-order options cost extra. Rooms are modest in size, so choose overwater categories for the view.
Book early for popular months, and ask for a room away from the restaurant if you value quiet. For airport transfers, confirm the shuttle time in advance, since boats run on a schedule linked to flights. If you want a luxury splurge, stay at a motu resort for a night or two and spend the remaining nights here.
Why stay here
- ✓Overwater and beachfront bungalows
- ✓Private beach with free cabanas
- ✓Free snorkel gear and kayaks
- ✓Two restaurants and a beach bar
- ✓Breakfast included
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and parking
- ✓Bike and scooter rental
- ✓Walk to Matira Beach
Good questions
How far is Maitai from Matira Beach?+
Matira Beach is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the hotel, and Matira Point is around twelve minutes. The Leopard Rays Trench snorkeling spot is about seven minutes on foot.
Does Maitai have overwater bungalows?+
Yes, it offers overwater, premium overwater and end-of-pontoon bungalows, plus beachfront bungalows and standard rooms. Overwater rooms cost much less than those at the luxury motu resorts.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is included, with cooked-to-order dishes costing extra. Confirm your rate at booking.
