Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort

The Sofitel experience begins at the airport, where hotel staff members greet guests at they deplane. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with fresh flower leis and escorted to the hotel’s private boat. After a 35- to 40-minute boat ride, guests arrive at the hotel’s dock, where staff members take luggage and lead guests to the lobby. For an upscale resort, the lobby is underwhelming. Its worn, red leather sofas, lacquered book cases, and cheap tile floors, look more like they belong in an Ibis than a Sofitel. The tall thatch-work ceilings give the open-air space an island feel, but many guests complain about the long check-in process here — something we also noticed during our visit. Much of the front desk staff at the Sofitel is made up of interns, who aren’t always the best at handling lots of people (and their demands) at once.

The majority of guests at the Sofitel are couples, many of whom are celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries. However, we did notice quite a few young adult friend groups here, something we didn’t see at many other Bora Bora resorts. The crowd is typically an even split between Europeans and Americans. 

Bora Bora, perhaps French Polynesia’s most famous island, is known for its incredible beauty, the highlight of which is its crystalline lagoon. Bora Bora’s main island is surrounded by dozens of tiny islands, known as motus. Guests traveling to Bora Bora have two options: stay on the main island, or stay on a motu. The majority of Bora Bora’s most exclusive resorts are located on private motus, while more budget-friendly options are located on the main island. The Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort is an exception. While we wouldn’t go calling it a luxury resort, it’s definitely one of the main island's most upscale lodging options. 

The Sofitel’s location on the main island certainly has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it’s within walking distance of a few local shops and restaurants, as well as Matira Beach, one of Bora Bora’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Conversely, the main island doesn’t provide the same feeling of exclusivity that the motus do. Instead, it’s a rather scrappy island (in terms of infrastructure, not scenery) that doesn’t seem to posses the allure and romanticism of a motu. There is another Sofitel property located on a private motu, but nightly rates tend to be much more expensive than the brand’s Marara Beach outpost. 

All travelers going to Bora Bora must first fly to Papeete, Tahiti. From Tahiti, Bora Bora is about a 45-minute flight. From the airport, the Sofitel is about a 35- to 40-minute boat ride. Guests can also take the free, public water taxi from the airport to the main island, and then take a taxi to the hotel. 

Rooms at the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort are nicely decorated and feature all the amenities one might expect at a four-pearl property, but they're not truly luxurious -- and prices reflect this. The overwater bungalow we saw features rich, dark wood tones that give off a polished Polynesian vibe. Bright white bedding softens the all-wood look, while a suspended white canopy adds visual interest and depth to the tall thatch-work ceiling. But overall, the space lacks stylistic pizzazz and much of the furniture is generic. Across from the bed, two identical tables occupy the front corners of the room. One holds an old flat-screen TV and the other is used as a tiny desk. A simple wood closet on one side of the room holds a mini-fridge, electronic safe, iron and ironing board, umbrellas, and an electric kettle. 

The bathroom is divided between two spaces, a tiny water closet, and a larger room with a long vanity and walk-in shower. The vanity’s bright red color is slightly reminiscent of the red sofas and lacquered furniture in lobby, and it doesn’t seem to tie in with the rest of the bathroom’s natural stone elements. All overwater bungalows have large outdoor decks that lead directly into the lagoon beneath. Decks are equipped with lounge chairs and a small table and chair set. One major drawback is that some of the overwater bungalows are located close to the main road, so traffic noise is audible from their outdoor decks.

Though overwater bungalows are the most popular room option, there are two other room types at the Sofitel: garden-view and beachfront bungalows. These bungalows feature the same decor and amenities as their overwater counterparts, but they’re located on solid ground, rather than over the water. Both the garden-view and beachfront bungalows are located on the hotel’s beach, but garden-view rooms are set behind the beachfront rooms, so they have obstructed views of the ocean. Beachfront bungalows boast incredible views, but they lack privacy since tons of guests are constantly strolling or lounging on the beach.  

The Sofitel’s infinity pool and adjacent beach are its nicest features. The gorgeous pool overlooks the ocean, and has multiple alcoves for lounging and sunbathing. The pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with a few lounge chairs and umbrellas. Next to the pool, the resort’s beach stretches in long crescent shape. There are a few plastic-slatted lounge chairs and picnic tables set up along the shore for guests to use, as well as a water sports rental hut, where guests can rent kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel equipment. Marara Beach has calm, crystal clear water, but it can get crowded with guests. Matira Beach, one of Bora Bora’s most famous stretches of sand, is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and tends to be less crowded. 

There are two on-site restaurants at the Sofitel, Latitude 16 and Hurricane. Latitude 16 is the resort’s signature restaurant, and serves breakfast and dinner in an elegant open-air setting. Breakfast is served buffet style, while the a la carte dinner menu features classic French cuisine. Hurricane is the resort’s poolside snack bar that serves lunch, light snacks, and drinks throughout the day. Food and drinks at both restaurants are expensive, and mediocre at best. Guests are better off walking 10 to 15 minutes to nearby local restaurants that have better food and cheaper prices. 

Guests can purchase day passes to use the facilities — beach, pool, spa, fitness center, and restaurants — at sister resort Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island Resort. The private island’s resort and amenities are much more luxurious than those at Marara Beach, but many guests complain about having to purchase day passes. In comparison, the InterContinental properties allow guests to access amenities at both hotels for free. 

Wi-Fi is free for all guests, and works fairly well throughout the property. It can be slow during peak hours (early morning and throughout the evening), when everyone is trying to use it.