My partner and I recently returned from our dream honeymoon in Bora Bora, and I can’t wait to share our incredible experience with you all. Staying in paradise for eight nights would have cost us over $20,000, but thanks to some savvy planning, we paid almost nothing!
How We Did It
We spent eight magical nights using 480,000 Hilton points and three free night certificates. One of the perks of our Hilton status was getting the fifth night booked on points for free. This made our stay even more affordable. Typically, the base room booked with Hilton points is the King Lagoon View Suite. However, we were fortunate to enjoy some fantastic upgrades!
Our Accommodations
- First Night: We kicked off our honeymoon in style in the King Endless Lagoon View Villa with Pool. The views were nothing short of spectacular.
- Rest of the Stay: We were upgraded to the King Overwater Villa for the remainder of our stay. Waking up to the tranquil lagoon every morning was a dream come true.
Resort Experience
The resort itself is breathtaking, the perfect spot for anyone looking to vacation or honeymoon in pure luxury. A continental breakfast was included, which was a great start to our days. However, aside from breakfast, the food at the resort was quite expensive and just okay. But let’s be honest, no one goes to Bora Bora for the food! There was one standout restaurant, Banyan the Chinese restaurant was exceptional.
Activities on the Property
We made the most of the resort’s activities, including:
- Tennis
- Billiards
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Snorkeling
I even brought my own travel fishing gear and had an unforgettable time fishing off our overwater villa. The highlight of my trip was definitely the moments spent fishing and snorkeling, where we saw many types of rays and a plethora of blacktip sharks, a few even took my fish as I was reeling it in.
Getting to the Resort
To reach the resort, you need to take a ferry from the airport. You can go directly to the resort for $150 per person round trip. Alternatively, you can first take the free shuttle to Vaitape and then have the hotel pick you up there for half the price. This is the option we chose.
Exploring Vaitape
We spent a couple of hours exploring Vaitape, the main town on Bora Bora, before heading to the resort. We stocked up on snacks for the week, which the resort severely lacks, and bought a beautiful pearl necklace from Baldini Pearls. Toby, the nicest Australian gentleman, helped us with the necklace and gave us some great tips on what to do on the island.
Experiencing Heiva
During our trip, French Polynesia was celebrating Heiva, a month filled with festivities showcasing the locals’ talents and their vibrant culture. One night, we took the boat back to Vaitape to witness a night of dancing and singing. The best food we had on the trip was from the stalls at the festivities. It was an amazing experience and something I hope everyone can experience at some point in their lives.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a dream come true and could never have happened without credit card points. We decided three years ago that Bora Bora was where we wanted to honeymoon and planned backwards on what we needed to do to get us there. It was worth every bit of planning and patience. If you’re dreaming of a luxury honeymoon without breaking the bank, start collecting those points and make your dream a reality!
