The $1,550 Sq Ft Secret: Where Was Couples Retreat Filmed? (And Can You Still Visit The Eden Resort?)

The 2009 comedy Couples Retreat, starring Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, and Kristen Bell, is perhaps best remembered not for its plot, but for its breathtaking, impossibly luxurious tropical setting: the fictional "Eden Resort." As of December 10, 2025, curiosity about the movie's stunning backdrop remains high, with fans and travel enthusiasts alike searching for the real-life paradise where the couples underwent their bizarre and hilarious therapy sessions. The good news is that the resort is very real, and it is every bit as extravagant as it appears on screen, though the price tag for a stay might just require a group investment from four couples.

The majority of the film's action—the snorkeling, the shark encounters, the couples counseling, and the dramatic ending—was shot entirely on location at one of the world's most exclusive and visually spectacular destinations. Forget sound stages; the cast and crew spent weeks immersed in the ultimate South Pacific luxury, giving the film an authenticity that no set could ever replicate. The resort is famous for having the largest overwater bungalows in the region and offers direct, stunning views of one of the most iconic mountains on Earth.

The Real-Life Eden Resort: St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The idyllic, all-inclusive "Eden Resort" from Couples Retreat is not a single, purpose-built movie set but a very real, five-star luxury destination: the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in French Polynesia.

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This exclusive property, located on a private motu (small island) just off the main island of Bora Bora, served as the primary filming location for the movie's tropical scenes.

The resort was carefully selected by the filmmakers—including director Peter Billingsley and writer/star Vince Vaughn—to represent the ultimate, unattainable paradise, making the couples' mandatory therapy sessions all the more ironic.

Key Filming Location: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Profile

• Actual Name: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.
• Location: Motu Ome'e, Bora Bora, French Polynesia (South Pacific).
• Iconic View: The resort boasts unparalleled, direct views of the majestic Mount Otemanu, the extinct volcano that dominates the island's skyline and features prominently in the film.
• Fictional Split: The resort was cleverly used to represent both "Eden West" (the couples' sanctuary) and "Eden East" (the singles' party side, which Vince Vaughn's character, Dave, mistakenly believes is their destination).
• Accommodation: It features the largest standard overwater villas in the South Pacific, starting at an astonishing 1,550 square feet (144 square meters).
• Luxury Features: These villas are fully air-conditioned and include massive glass floor panels, allowing guests to view the marine life swimming directly beneath them. Many of the premium villas also feature private plunge pools or whirlpools.
• Amenities Seen in the Film: The resort's four restaurants, two bars, the Miri Miri Spa by Clarins (located on its own island), and the main pool area were all utilized in the production.

The decision to film at the St. Regis was a massive logistical undertaking. The cast, including Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Malin Åkerman, Kristen Bell, and Jean Reno (as the resort's guru, Marcel), lived and worked on the private motu for several weeks. This immersion in the location is what gives the film its incredible visual depth and topical authority on luxury travel.

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Behind the Scenes: The 'Eden East' Illusion and Production Details

One of the most engaging aspects of the film is the visual contrast between the tranquil, therapeutic side of the resort (Eden West) and the wild, singles-focused party side (Eden East). This distinction, however, was entirely fictional and a brilliant piece of movie magic.

The Eden East Deception

There is no actual "Eden East" singles resort next to the St. Regis. The production team used various parts of the St. Regis property and surrounding areas of Bora Bora to create the illusion of two distinct resorts. The vibrant, party-centric scenes, including the infamous yoga session and the singles' lounge, were all cleverly staged within the boundaries of the same luxury complex. This is a common technique in filmmaking, but the seamless transition between the two fictional resorts is a testament to the crew's work.

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The Infamous Shark Scene

The thrilling shark snorkeling scene, which is central to the film's climax, was also filmed in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Bora Bora lagoon. While the lagoon is known for its relatively harmless black-tip reef sharks, the more dramatic, potentially dangerous shots were handled by professional divers and visual effects teams to ensure the safety of the cast. The natural beauty of the lagoon, however, is entirely real, showcasing the vibrant marine ecosystem of the South Pacific Ocean.

The Honeymoon Lawsuit Scandal

A surprising, real-life drama unfolded during the filming. According to reports, the production's extensive use of the resort and its facilities caused significant disruption to actual guests. One real-life couple reportedly filed a lawsuit against Universal Pictures, claiming their planned "dream honeymoon" at the St. Regis was ruined by the constant presence of the film crew, noise, and restricted access to amenities. This behind-the-scenes detail highlights the logistical challenges of shooting a major motion picture on location in an active, high-end resort.

Beyond Bora Bora: Filming Locations in the United States

While the tropical paradise of French Polynesia provides the movie's most memorable moments, the film's opening and transitional scenes were shot in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and on the West Coast. These locations establish the mundane, pre-vacation lives of the four couples, creating a stark contrast with the luxury that awaits them.

The Cold Reality of Chicago and Illinois

The initial scenes, where the couples live their normal, stressed-out lives, were primarily filmed in and around Chicago, Illinois. Specific areas included:

• Chicago, IL: Establishing shots of the city and scenes depicting the characters' homes and workplaces were filmed here.
• Des Plaines, IL: This suburb of Chicago was also used for various exterior and interior shots, representing the typical suburban environment of the characters.
• Northbrook, IL: While less officially cited, some local reports suggest production activity took place in the North Shore area, including Northbrook, for residential scenes, further cementing the Illinois connection.

The contrast between the gray, chilly urban landscapes of the American Midwest and the brilliant, turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora is deliberate. It underscores the entire premise of the movie: escaping the routine to save a relationship.

The West Coast Connection

A few additional scenes, particularly those involving transitional shots and specific interiors, were also filmed in the Los Angeles County area of California. This is a common practice for Hollywood productions to capture minor scenes closer to the studio's home base, even when the main action is elsewhere.

Can You Visit The Couples Retreat Resort Today?

The answer is a resounding yes, and the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort remains one of the world's premier luxury destinations. It has consistently been ranked among the top hotels in the South Pacific for romance and extravagance, a reputation only enhanced by its starring role in the Universal Pictures film.

For fans of the movie, the experience is a direct walk-through of the set. You can stay in a luxurious overwater bungalow similar to those occupied by the characters, dine at the resort's world-class restaurants, and take in the same jaw-dropping views of Mount Otemanu that served as the backdrop for the entire movie. You can even try to spot the glass floor panels that allowed the characters to view the ocean life from their living room.

However, be prepared for the price. A stay at this level of luxury in French Polynesia is an aspirational trip, often costing thousands of dollars per night, a price point that perfectly explains why the characters in the movie were so reluctant to leave their "paradise." The resort continues to offer an authentic, albeit highly exclusive, taste of the cinematic Eden Resort experience, complete with all the amenities needed for a truly unforgettable, non-mandatory therapy vacation. The resort is a popular destination for honeymoons and milestone anniversaries, reinforcing its status as the ultimate romantic getaway.