Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort French Polynesia
Easily one of the most sought after destinations in the world, Bora Bora is a dreamy destination worthy of any tropical getaway. Combined with the luxury and the prestige of a world-class brand, Four Seasons Bora Bora definitely lives up to the hype. From seemingly endless overwater bungalows and unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu, to high-end cuisine and five-star service, if you are looking for the ultimate Bora Bora experience, look no further than Four Seasons.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
High Season falls between May and October. This is dry season in Bora Bora, which means a lot of sunshine. August is a very popular month especially with an influx of European travelers. You will want to make your reservations far in advance if you plan to travel during this time, but note that the hotel and resort prices are at their highest during high season. September and October are ideal months because the weather is great, and kids are back in school so resorts and beaches tend to be less crowded. Note: Humpback whale season also coincides with high season as whales will be in the area from August - October to give birth to their young in the calm lagoons of French Polynesia.
Low Season is from December to March. This is going to be the rainy season on Bora Bora (8-10 inches of rain per month on average, compared to the 3 inch-monthly average during dry season). This means more rainfall than the rest of the year, but still some opportunities for sunshine, it just becomes more of a gamble. Visiting during this time means lower rates and much less crowds,
Shoulder Season is during the months of November and April. These months will be the best time to visit Bora Bora. You won’t have to battle crowds or high season prices, but still be able to enjoy good weather and tranquil atmosphere without all the people.
AIRPORT TRANSFER / ARRIVAL
Only an 8-hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, Faa’a International Airport (PPT) on the island of Tahiti, is where all international flights land upon arrival to French Polynesia. There are actually 118 different islands and atolls to explore, most are reachable by only a short plane ride from PPT. After arriving to Pape’ete, you will need to board an additional flight to Bora Bora through the inter-island airline called Air Tahiti (not to be mixed up with ‘Air Tahiti Nui’ which provides international transit). You will want to sit on the left hand side of the plane in order to have the best views of Bora Bora as you prepare for landing! The plane boards from the back, so the left side will always be the left side 😉.
You fly over the barrier islands (‘Motu’) and then land at the airport, which itself is on an island. From there, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the Four Seasons team, and they will escort you to the boat transfer to Four Seasons Bora Bora.
ACCOMMODATION
Four Seasons offers a variety of accommodation options including both overwater and on the beach. Every villa provides stunning views either towards the lagoon or Mount Otemanu and direct access to the blue water that Bora Bora is so famous for. With each villa offering, you can customize further to include private plunge pool or multiple rooms for family stays. The aesthetic combines traditional Polynesian design with contemporary amenities. And with such a large property, wherever you choose to stay, you will fell like you have your own private piece of paradise.
Overwater Bungalow Suites
The quintessential overwater bungalow experience! Each bungalow is spacious with an interior living room and bedroom, outdoor private terrace, indoor & outdoor shower, loungers and direct dock access to the lagoon. Views vary from watching the sunset over Mount Otemanu or peering back into the palm tree lined lagoon.
Specialty Overwater Bungalows with Plunge Pools
Includes all the luxury amenities from the Overwater Bungalow Suites with the added bonus of enjoying your own private plunge pool. If you are wondering if it’s worth the extra splurge, it is 😉
Beachfront Villa Estates
The most premium of accommodations available in Bora Bora, these secluded private beachfront villas are perfect for large gatherings, longer stays or group retreats. They include a similar floor plan to the overwater bungalows but the addition of your own private beach and various sizes of private pools. Depending on the size of the villa, some can also include private kitchen for option to have a chef cook all meals privately.
RESTAURANTS
As can be expected at a 5-star luxury resort, the food and beverage service lives up to the reputation. There is enough variety between the restaurants that you won’t find yourself really wanting for much else during your stay. We have certain dietary restrictions (no dairy, soy, gluten) and the chefs were happy to accommodate.
Arii Moana – Featuring Mediterranean cuisine, the Arii Moana restaurant offers a casually elegant evening with unobstructed views of Mt. Otemanu. They serve nothing less than the freshest ingredients and present it with panache. Arii Moana is only open for dinner.
Faré Hoa Beach Bar & Grill – This luxurious take on a modern grill provides a wide variety of cuisine from fresh local fish and tasty steak options to vegan with several starters and side dishes. The more casual dining choice, Fare Hoa is open for both lunch and dinner. The specialty here is the Fish Grill every Friday night. You will need to get reservations for this special evening in advance, and it is something you don’t want to miss!
Tere Nui – Breakfast is prepared and served in a buffet with several options ranging from made to order order eggs/omelettes, fluffy tropical pancakes & waffles, french standard pastries, several international & local dishes, and of course the freshest seasonal fruits. The highlight for us though, was the endless fresh coconuts available chilled right from the buffet. Seating is arranged in both a covered patio as well as beachfront overlooking the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.
Vaimiti – This Asian-inspired restaurant is right over the water and has the best views of all the restaurants at Four Seasons. Ranging from fresh sashimi to signature regional specialties, you’re sure to have a memorable evening. It also is a perfect spot to catch a sundowner at the end of the day!
In-Room Dining – If you’re wanting a private night in, you can opt for room service to enjoy right in the comfort of your room for any meal.
Special breakfast — There are two options for a truly unforgettable breakfast:
Canoe breakfast: French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world you breakfast brought to your room from a traditional outrigger canoe , so we’d highly recommend you give it a try for one of your mornings. They come rowing it to your dock and set it up for you to enjoy on your terrace looking out into the lagoon from your villa (only available for overwater bungalows)
Lagoon breakfast: You can also have a breakfast set up right in the middle of the lagoon, where you can stand or sit in the shallow water and enjoy your breakfast with a view of Mount Otemanu!
Romantic Dinner – there is a small island in the middle of the lagoon where you can reserve a private dinner for you and a loved one! They first transport you by canoe to the island and then you can experience the dinner of a lifetime with surrounded by the peaceful lagoon and sunset colors in the sky around Mount Otemanu.
AMENITIES
WATER ACTIVITIES
In one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the world, water activities in Bora Bora are a treat! From stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling to jet skis, submarine scooter, and daily excursions out to the reef, there is no shortage of fun things to do during your stay. You may even want to hop on a sunset cruise to enjoy the iconic view of Mount Otemanu.
POOL
The views of the mountain from the pool are simply stunning. With ample space for lounging poolside and private cabanas, this is the perfect spot to hang out.
BEACH
The property is large and outstretched a long beach with multiple lagoons, so there was always enough space to find a quiet spot along the pristine waters in the lagoon. There really are no bad views at this resort, and plenty of sun loungers in private nooks to enjoy a lazy afternoon listening to the palm fronds cackle in the wind.
LAGOOns
There are multiple lagoons to enjoy on the property. They are perfect for snorkeling because the water is calm and there is a lot of coral for the fish to swim around in. This is also where the wedding chapel is located with a view out over the water.
SPA
Located right on the edge of the lagoon, the Te Mahana Spa offers breathtaking views of the lagoon and ocean. The treatments are rooted in ancient tradition with the intention to refresh and rejuvenate after a long day soaking in the sun.
GYM
One of the better views you can have from a fitness facility, the Gym at Four Seasons Bora Bora looks out beyond the motu into the open sea. They have all the standard fitness equipment to keep you in shape during your stay.
SERVICE
The Four Seasons Bora Bora staff are nothing short of what you would expect from Four Seasons anywhere else in the world. Each team member was incredibly respectful and willing to assist with anything we needed. We never had to ask twice for anything and they even anticipated our needs in a lot of situations. There is a special concierge recption with a team ready and available to help book any excursions or activities to customize your perfect stay.
Four Seasons is in the top tier of hospitality and their staff embody that rank. Simply put, the service meets, if not exceeds, any expectations we had of such a luxurious resort.
Visiting Bora Bora is an experience all on its own, but to couple it with staying at one of the nicest hospitality brands in the world, is another level. Look no further when trying to decide how to spend your vacation in French Polynesia, the Four Seasons will not disappoint!
If you have any other questions about the stay or what its like on Bora Bora let us know in the comments below!