Four Seasons Bora Bora Review

The Four Seasons Bora Bora offers luxury overwater bungalows and beachfront villas. It's great for both couples and families. Is it right for your vacation? Read on for the in-depth review.

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Four Seasons is one of the premier resorts located on Bora Bora. Wrapped in Polynesian beauty and crystal blue waters, it is many people's vision of paradise on Earth.

Because of the romantic vibe, The Four Seasons Bora Bora often ranks #1 for honeymoon destinations. But it's family-friendly as well.

With such a beautiful location and superior guest services, this is a resort for you if you're looking for complete luxury and relaxation.

Read on for our detailed review.

Who It's Best For

• The luxe traveler. This resort is certainly a splurge, but it's perfect for anyone who loves to travel in style and luxury.

• Couples. It is very much a couple's resort. However, this resort does an excellent job of blending the honeymooners in with the friends and family as well.

• If you crave lots of activities. While this resort and location may be a bit more secluded, there are plenty of both indoor and outdoor activities. And many are complimentary as well.

Reasons We Like Four Season Bora Bora

• Stunning property with iconic view. Located on the northeastern side of the island, the property sits on a private crystal blue lagoon with an unobstructed view of Mount Otemanu.

• Relax in luxe rooms. The Four Seasons contains 115 beachfront and overwater bungalows. All are luxurious with elements of traditional Polynesian architecture and décor.

  The thatched roof overwater bungalows are scattered over the lagoon. Each has a private deck (some even with their own plunge pools) where you can directly jump into the lagoon. The beachfront villas are thoughtfully laid out on the sand and can accommodate larger groups.

  Keep an eye out for new deals or vacation packages: Packages and offers are updated on a regular basis and can include free nights or discounts. Deals can always be viewed here.
  

• Seamless airport transfer. The staff makes sure getting to the resort is hassle-free. Get picked up at the Bora Bora airport, where you'll be welcomed with a lei greeting. Then you'll take a 15-minute boat ride from the airport across the lagoon. Once on the property, you'll be taken to your bungalow via golf cart. Note that there is a charge for the boat transfer.

• Numerous outdoor classes & activities. There are many activities offered on the island, so there is never a dull moment. The resort offers complimentary use of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment and more.

  Scuba, snorkeling tours, wave runner tours, and even deep-sea fishing with a chef can also be booked for a fee. Land adventures include skydiving, parasailing, ATV excursion, or a Vava'u safari. Yoga, fitness classes, and tennis lessons are also available.

• Parents can get away for a bit. Need a few hours to yourself? The free Kids For All Seasons program provides daily educational activities for kids 5-12. Kids can have fun with activities like snorkeling, intro diving lessons, and Polynesian beach sports.

  There's also the Tamarii Club, which has a playroom, video games, outdoor playground, and a shallow splash pad for kids 5-12.

• Special activities for teens. Have a teen who wants some space? There's plenty to do for teens too. Teens can enjoy their own private beach on Chill Island. There are also special spa services just for teens.

• The Polynesian dinner show. The show takes place on Otemanu Beach, near the lagoon. A family-style dinner is served as you gaze upon the festivities. Polynesian performers will dance, sing, play music, and educate you about the island and its culture. This show does cost extra, but it's a unique cultural experience not to be missed.

• Large infinity pool. The resort contains an infinity pool with panoramic views of the lagoon, thatched roof cabanas, and bar/poolside service. Four Seasons attendants are always on hand to provide ice water, chilled towels, and complimentary snacks.

• Tennis with a view. The property contains 2 artificial grass courts with views overlooking Mount Otemanu. There are private or group clinics, as well as open play. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of racquets and balls.

• Exceptional customer service. Four Seasons is known for its superior customer service, and this resort is no different. Every detail - from the lei greetings to poolside refreshments to chilled towels - is thought of so you can have the best experience.

Reasons You Might Look Elsewhere

• Location is a little secluded. The location of Four Seasons Bora Bora is further away from some of the main sights, like Vaitape and Matira Beach. There are other resorts closer to these spots if you prefer more convenience. This resort is for those who want to relax and move at a slower pace.

• It's expensive. If you're on a tight travel budget, then this is not the resort for you. Although many of the activities are included or complimentary, the average rate is still very high per person, per day.

• The shuttle boat is not included. There is an added fee for your shuttle boat to and from the airport. Many of the competing resorts and even airlines provide the shuttle free of charge.

Rooms

Four Seasons Bora Bora offers overwater bungalows and beachfront villas. The bungalows are ideal for couples and honeymooners, while the villas are great for families and friends.

All rooms offer free Wi-Fi, coffee & tea, and snorkeling gear. Small dogs are permitted but they must go through government quarantine prior to arrival.

• Overwater Bungalows
  The Overwater Bungalows are positioned directly over the lagoon. Start your day with a swim or with a breakfast delivered to your room via canoe.

  You have three choices for views: lagoon view, Otemanu view, or beach view. These rooms are 1,080 square feet in size, and can accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children under 12.

  Each bungalow has a private deck with chaise lounges, a full bathroom with an oversized tub, and a full sofa bed.

• Overwater Bungalows with Plunge Pool
  These specialty bungalows are larger and contain their own private plunge pool on the deck. The decks are much larger, with more furnishings and panoramic views. You have options for 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom suites.

  1-bedroom suites can accommodate 3 adults and have one full bathroom and one guest bathroom. The 2-bedroom suites can accommodate 6 adults and have 2 full bathrooms.

• Beachfront Villas
  The beachfront villas contain more space and can accommodate more guests. These could be used for wedding parties, events, or for families. These villas include a pre-arrival planning consultation, round-trip airport transfers, private beach set up, customized one-time private bar stocking, and 2 meals a day.

  The beachfront villas come in 1-bedroom (2 adults), 2-bedroom (5 adults), and 3-bedroom (6 adults) suites. All have an enclosed garden with a private pool.

  If you book the 3-bedroom villa, you get some extras like a private beach BBQ, one-time spa credit, private Polynesian show, and 3 complimentary signature experiences.

Pricing

• Flights: There are limited flights to and from Bora Bora, so the flight cost can be expensive. You will need to first fly to Tahiti (PPT), and then take a short Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora. Be sure to keep your eye out for deals.
  You could also use your airline travel miles as an option. For example, you can go from the U.S. to Tahiti for 40,000 American Airline miles each way in Economy (with partner flight Tahiti Nui). Here's how you can easily earn AA miles.
  

• Room: The pricing for your hotel stay can vary depending on the suite and the time of year. Bora Bora's high season is from May to October, and will be more expensive to book. Our advice would be to shoot for the small shoulder seasons, such as November or April. The weather is still nice but the prices are down.

Dining

With 4 on-site restaurants, you are never far from fine dining options.

• Arii Moana: A romantic waterside dining experience with Polynesian and French-infused cuisine.
  
• Tere Nui: An open-air restaurant for breakfast, overlooking the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.
  
• The Sunset Restaurant and Bar: Located in a large overwater bungalow, this restaurant can be perfect for twilight hour, paired with cocktails, sushi, and Asian-inspired bites.
  
• Faré Hoa Beach Bar and Grill: A casual all-day dining spot, located off the sandy lagoon. Enjoy live music and your favorite cocktail.

If you don't feel like going out, there is always the in-bungalow dining experience. Your breakfast can also be delivered to the private deck of your overwater bungalow via a Polynesian canoe.

Spa

Guests are free to enjoy the relaxation lounges, sensory showers, steam room, and outdoor vitality pool.

Any treatments must be booked. Treatments include massages (including the traditional Polynesian massages), body treatments, and facials. There are even spa services especially for teens.

There is a special overwater couple's spa suite over the lagoon. The treatment beds are positioned on glass panels above the lagoon, so you can gaze at the marine life as you relax. And there's an outdoor tub that overlooks Mount Otemanu

The spa is open from 8:30 am - 7:30 pm, with treatments starting at 10 am.

Honeymoon Options

Bora Bora is an ideal place for any honeymoon. The resort offers a variety of romantic activities for two people. So even if you're at a resort with other guests, you can still get plenty of alone time.

Some perfect honeymoon activities include:

• Breakfast every morning in the privacy of your bungalow
  
• A couple's spa treatment in the overwater couple's spa suite
  
• A private sunset cruise followed by dinner on your own private island
  
• Couples photo services
  
• Private full or half-day Catamaran excursion

Weddings

Whether you're looking to do a wedding, vow renewal, or commitment ceremony, Four Seasons can help with the details of your big day. Wedding professionals are available to help with any of the planning elements.

They can even add a flare of traditional Polynesian culture. There are plenty of spaces for the ceremony/reception and accommodation options for your guests.

Some of the things offered include:

• Choice between 6 outdoor venues and 2 indoor venues (including on a catamaran).
  
• Only one wedding per day, so you get that special day all for yourself.
  
• Symbolic wedding ceremony with a traditional Tahitian wedding certificate. (For a legal marriage, you'd have to visit the council house of Bora Bora.)
  
• Photography and/or videography services.
  
• Flower arrangements and bouquets with local tropical flowers.
  
• Tahitian dancers and musicians. A Polynesian show, live band, or fireworks can be arranged too.
  
• Customized wedding cake prepared by the pastry chef.
  
• Use of the spa for makeup/hair and to relax with the wedding party before the event.

There are 3 wedding packages to choose from. Additional enhancements can be added to any package.

How It Compares:

InterContinental Thalasso vs. Four Seasons: Both are five-star hotels and come highly recommended. There are less amenities at the Intercontinental than the Four Seasons. However, it does offer frequent boats to its sister resort, Le Moana, on the mainland. So the IC will be have more convenient access to the mainland if you want to go out and explore.

St. Regis vs. Four Seasons: Both come highly recommended. Both are five-star hotels. Space seems to be the primary difference here. On average, the St. Regis contains larger rooms. And St. Regis offers a butler service for each room, which is a nice perk if you use it. There are more dining options as well. However, the Four Seasons has more programs for children and teens.

The Maldives vs. Bora Bora. Not sure which of these islands is right for you? Here are a few facts to help break it down.

• The Maldives are closer to India, whereas Bora Bora is closer to the Americas. Bora Bora is approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii.

• Both islands have beach villas, water bungalows, and plunge pool water suites.

• The Maldives is often less costly in airfare as well as accommodation.

• The Maldives can more readily be combined with a few other destinations, whereas Bora Bora is usually a stand-alone destination, due to its distance.

Bottom Line

The Four Seasons Bora Bora resort is perfect for those who want the all-inclusive, luxury resort feel. From the moment you step foot on the property, your every need is attended to. The primary selling point is the panoramic views of clear blue waters, light sand beaches, and Mount Otemanu. And the overwater bungalows make for the perfect space to take it all in.

The resort is equipped for a variety of different guests. They have made it their mission to provide activities for kids, families, and couples. On average though, Bora Bora is known as a honeymooner's destination, so it moves at a slightly slower pace. For a faster pace or to combine your island trip with another destination or big city stop, you may want to take a closer look at the Maldives.