Bora Bora in French Polynesia goes head to head with the Maldives for having breathtakingly beautiful lagoons with turquoise waters, over-water bungalows with white sand beaches. The best time to visit Bora Bora is from May to October during the dry season. Visitors from the US must first reach Tahiti (PPT) and then catch a short connection to Bora Bora airport (BOB).
Award booking flights to Tahiti from the US
It is possible to see sporadic premium cabin award space (for two passengers) on Air Tahiti Nui from either Los Angeles or Seattle to Tahiti. You’re more likely to see available seats closer to your travel date (see image below) than when booking 350 days ahead of travel.
Seats.aero USA to PPT award space
Tahiti to Bora Bora
These flights are typically overpriced (link) and not bookable with points.
Best accommodations in Bora Bora to book ahead of time
Bora Bora has several aspiring properties belonging to several hotel chains to choose from, except Hyatt at this time. However, finding award space can be difficult (e.g., IHG) if you want to use your points to book 350-360 days ahead of time. It’s easy to find award space at the Conrad and Westin properties where 5th night is free when booked with points.
I recommend staying at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Suite (1,087 sq. ft.) that can be booked for 120K Hilton points per night (5th night free).
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Rooms.aero Conrad Bora Bora Suite Room availability
Standard Rooms are priced higher at this property than the Suite Rooms for points redemptions (see image below).
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Booking with Hilton points
Free upgrades to Villas for Hilton members with status
It is possible to get free upgrades to over-water bungalows from having Hilton Gold (free with Amex Platinum) or Diamond status (free with Hilton Aspire).
Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Westin Bora Bora Resort can be booked with Marriott points (5th night free), but it will cost around $500 (60,000 XPF) in resort fees.
Rooms.aero Westin Bora Bora availability
Westin Bora Bora Lagoon View Bungalow (441sqft) with Marriott points
Conclusion
A trip to Bora Bora is memorable and can be booked with miles and points, but finding matching dates for both award flights and hotel bookings can be difficult. When you find free flights, you will notice that hotel rooms may not be available to book with points or vice versa.