You’ve likely seen the images of crystalline waters over which guest bungalows perch. Mount Otemanu rises as a stunning focal point in the distance. Lush, tropical greenery frames a blue lagoon that teems with colorful marine life. And pink and gold sunsets cast palm tree reflections in the swimming pool. While it all may appear to be fantasy, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is real, and it’s spectacular.
A dream destination, Bora Bora is the Polynesian ideal with its mix of sheer natural beauty and culture. Part of French Polynesia’s 118 islands and atolls spread across five main archipelagos, Bora Bora, Tahiti and Moorea are the region’s most famous. Bora Bora’s 12 square miles are home to a handful of luxury accommodations, but it’s hard to imagine that any is more indulgent than the island’s Four Seasons Resort, or that any hospitality staff is more gracious and welcoming. Here are ten reasons to add the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora to your travel wish list:
The Water: Bora Bora is encircled by a barrier reef, which helps to create its calm, clear waters. Shallow lagoons within and surrounding the Four Seasons property allow sunlight to penetrate and reflect off the sandy white bottom, creating stunning shades of blue. The water changes hue with every cloud pass: aqua, cobalt, turquoise, teal, cerulean, cyan, and sapphire. From dawn to dusk, every shade is revealed, while a consistent clarity highlights the vibrant marine life within, beckoning visitors to take a closer peek.
Mount Otemanu: Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu is the island’s striking centerpiece, and the backdrop to many of the Four Seasons Resort bungalows and communal areas. A remnant of an extinct volcano, its dramatic peaks and year-round lush greenery create a stunning contrast to the turquoise lagoon. Culturally, Mount Otemanu holds significance for the locals; it is seen as a sacred site, embodying the spirit of the island. The mountain is often associated with local legends and stories, serving as a symbol of strength and protection for the community.
The Bungalows: The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora overwater, all suite bungalows provide breathtaking views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. Each features a spacious private deck with sun loungers, and direct swimming access to the lagoon. (A handful come with private infinity pools.) And each is entirely private, providing a sense of seclusion, making it ideal for romantic getaways or honeymooners. Inside, you’ll find classic Polynesian design within the living room, bath, and bedroom, and of course the fantastic Four Seasons bed.
The Beachfront Villas: Need a bit more room? The resort is home to seven beachfront villas estates of varying size. Perfect for family gatherings, extended stays, or group getaways, each spans from one-third to more than a full acre. Exclusive villa perks include personal pre-arrival planning, round-trip private airport transfers, daily breakfast, a personal villa host, and private beach setup.
The Cuisine: An average stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is about four nights. With four restaurants on property, guests are able to enjoy a different dining experience each evening. Casually elegant Arii Moana offers Mediterranean classics. Vaimiti features an overwater setting and Asian cuisine. Open air, toes-in-the-sand Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill serves local dishes with a modern twist, and Tere Nui, in addition to serving daily breakfast, offers themed, weekly dinners such as Oro’a Night—a celebration of Polynesian culture that includes a bountiful buffet of island favorites. And don’t pass up the novel opportunity to have in-room breakfast delivered via canoe to your bungalow.
Activities: Guests can enjoy a number of complimentary activities on-site, including morning yoga, botanical tours, snorkeling, ukulele lessons, and tennis clinics, etc. (Be sure to check the lobby adjacent surfboard signage each morning for that day’s offerings.) For a small fee, additional activities might include pareo painting, shell necklace making, or the fabulous coral grafting program in which guests are invited to aide in reef restoration by “adopting” a piece of coral which is nurtured over time and transplanted to the reef. This experience includes a WiseOceans marine biologist-led snorkel tour of the resort’s Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary and its abundant and colorful marine life. It’s like swimming within a well-stocked aquarium.
Customized Experiences: Whatever your vacation desire, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora team can likely make it happen. Enjoy private dining experiences, whether it’s a romantic dinner on the beach, a picnic on a secluded island, or a custom meal prepared in-villa by a chef. Arrange personalized excursions such as snorkeling, diving, private boat tours, helicopter tours, sunset cruises, etc. Tailored family activities can also be arranged, from beach games and treasure hunts to educational experiences about the local environment and culture.
Te Mahana Spa: The resort’s cathedral-like spa is surrounded by native trees and the fragrance of Kahaia blossoms. Raised walkways, suspended above a plantation of pandanus trees, lead to seven treatment rooms. The spacious overwater Fare Miti Spa Suite, suspended above the lagoon’s pristine waters, is the ultimate private experience for couples. In this suite, the two massage table face cradles are positioned directly over glass flooring, allowing for lagoon viewing of the active marine life.
Secluded Spaces: Even when at full capacity, you’ll not be fighting others for chaises lounge. At 25 acres, the resort features varied spots in which to relax—none of which require rubbing shoulders with others. Private palapas line the shore; thatched roof cabanas surround the swimming pool, and sun loungers face the turquoise lagoon waters. And of course, every bungalow features its own private, furnished deck.
Unique Arrival & Departure: Finally, even arrival and departure are unique at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Arrival begins at the Bora Bora Airport, where guests are greeted with a tiare flower lei. After boarding the resort’s custom-crafted Andreyale Bateaux Taxis (taxi boats), cold bottled water and a chilled oshiburi towel are offered during the picturesque 20-minute cruise to the resort. Enjoy the same indulgent service upon departure, should you ever desire to leave.
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, unless otherwise noted.