Four Seasons Bora Bora, Is it worth it? An Honest Review
Four Seasons Bora Bora Review Images: 1. Ryan Geller, 2. John Ko 3. Artak Petrosyan
Four Seasons Bora Bora;
A picturesque paradise, adored by Instagrammers and globetrotters alike. But is it worth the price?
Forget the clichéd all-inclusive of Cancun– here you can snorkel alongside manta rays, drink cocktails on the beach, and dine on fresh-caught seafood while witnessing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Yet Bora Bora is also one of the most expensive places to holiday, with villas up to as much as $18,000 a night, without the airfare or daily expenses. So should you spring for the Four Seasons Bora Bora or another 5-star option?
The team at Places With Palms has visited Bora Bora a number of times and stayed at all of the best hotels on the island. This review will provide you with an honest assessment of our experience at Four Seasons. We’ll also give you a run down on how we think the Four Seasons resort compares with other 5-star hotels on the Island, including St Regis, Le Meridien, and Conrad Hilton.
Image: Benedict Britchtay
Best Time To Go
If it’s your first time in Bora Bora, be aware that the timing of your vacation can significantly impact the cost of your stay. The best rooms or flights may also be booked out months in advance so it pays to plan ahead.
Similarly to the rest of the luxury hotels in Bora Bora, room rates at Four Seasons will vary based on the time of year you choose to visit. The months of July through to September are considered high season, this is a popular time because of the school holiday period in Europe and America. Four Seasons Bora Bora is one of the more family-friendly luxury options in Bora Bora and often gets booked out over this period.
The high season is also the period with the best weather, there is a lower chance of rain which makes it an ideal time for weddings & special events. However, the weather is never that bad in Bora Bora, rain showers come in the evening but the temperature remains warm and balmy even during winter months.
We recommend trying to plan for the low season, so you can take advantage of lower rates. You also won’t need to worry about excursions booking out. Try to book for late Jan or Feb.
We’ve pulled together a quick sample of the differences between rates during each season below.
*Sample based on the rate per night for a Basic One-Bedroom Overwater Bungalow with king bed - quoted Nov 22’
Image: Overwater Bungalow at Four Seasons Bora Bora with view of Otemanu Mountain
How Far is Four Seasons Bora Bora From The Airport?
If you are coming from overseas, you’ll need to be aware that there are no direct international flights into the island of Bora Bora. The main international airport for French Polynesia is located in Papeete, Tahiti.
While there are a few flights that arrive in the early morning or late evening, the majority of visitors will have to wait overnight in Papeete before connecting to Bora Bora the following day.
But don't let this deter you! French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and Bora Bora is often referred to as a paradise on earth. The stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches are definitely worth the extra travel time.
With that in mind, you’ll want to check your flight schedule when planning your trip and see if you need to book a night of accommodation on the main island of French Polynesia, Tahiti, before taking your domestic flight to Bora Bora. We recommend Intercontinental Tahiti, it’s right by the airport, and one of our preferred hotels on the main island.
Image: Paulina Cadroret
Four Seasons Bora Bora Airport Transfer
All arrivals and departures in Bora Bora at the domestic airport, which is located on a small island (Motu). It is about 30 minutes travel by ferry to the Main island of Bora Bora.
Once you arrive in Bora Bora, your Four Seasons airport transfer will whisk you away by private boat to the secluded island where the Four Seasons is located. This 15-minute boat ride is the perfect way to start your stay in paradise, giving you a chance to take in the stunning views of the turquoise waters and lush green mountains that surround the island.
Arriving on the boat is an experience in itself. Upon entering, you'll receive a fragrant flower lei, a chilled lavender-scented Oshiburi towel, and fresh water. The boat is a stunning vintage-style yacht designed by the architectural firm Joubert-Nivelt at the Saint-Martin de Ré yard. Aesthetically finished in rich mahogany and stainless steel with creme interior accents. The boat oozes luxury and provides the perfect setting for a relaxing cruise.
Four Seasons Amenities
Image: John Ko
The Four Seasons Bora Bora is a world-renowned luxury resort that offers its guests a plethora of amazing amenities.
The resort boasts a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center, where guests can work up a sweat and stay in shape. For those looking to explore the underwater world, the resort offers snorkeling and diving excursions led by experienced guides. The on-site spa is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, with a variety of treatments available. The Kids Club is a great way for little ones to have fun and meet new friends while on vacation.
We’ll review the restaurant, fitness options, and spa in more detail below.
Image: The Arii Moana Restaurant at Four Seasons
Four Seasons Bora Bora Restaurants and Bars
When it comes to dining, the Four Seasons Bora Bora delivers. With several on-site restaurants to choose from, there is something to suit every taste from fine dining to casual fare. And for those who want the ultimate in convenience, the resort offers an all-inclusive option (half-board). The half-board offer includes breakfast and dinner at any of the restaurants as well as in-room dining.
When planning your dining options during your stay, you should be aware that for special occasions such as Christmas and New Years Eve all of the high-end resorts have a mandatory fee for festive dinners. You will also find this practice is standard in Tahiti and Moorea. The functions are well worth it, so don’t let this put you off staying over the festive period.
Can you drink alcohol at Four Seasons Bora Bora?
Yes, you can. The resort has multiple bars with an extensive alcoholic and non-alcoholic menu on offer. You can drink throughout the island of Bora Bora if you are over 21 years old. Being a French nation, you will find many of the restaurants have fantastic French champagne and wines on offer.
You can also bring your own alcohol with you in your luggage to enjoy in the comfort of your overwater bungalow. We recommend picking up some spirits or wine while transferring overnight in Tahiti, you can hunt down some great wines and French champagne options in Papeete. If you are traveling via Auckland there are some fantastic wine options at the duty-free inside the Auckland airport.
Dining
Viamiti
The most exquisite dining spot at Four Seasons Bora Bora is the Asian fusion restaurant Vaimiti. This is an idyllic spot to indulge in freshly caught sushi while taking in the breathtaking views of Mt. Otemanu and the lagoon.
The setting at Viamiti is charmingly casual, housed in an open-air island-style bure. Here you can soak up the sunset over an evening cocktail and unwind after a long day of underwater adventures. Viamiti offers a beautiful setting for enjoying delicious local rum and good company, and you are bound to find some interesting characters to talk to at the bar.
This restaurant was our favorite during our stay. We enjoyed evenings of fresh seafood, lively conversation, while being surrounded by one of the best views in Bora Bora.
Arii Moana
The Arii Moana is Four Seasons' formal dining option, although it still maintains a fairly relaxed atmosphere. The menu features classic Mediterranean-style cuisine with a few French-inspired dishes. The Executive Chef Eric Desbordes pays homage to local ingredients such as freshly caught Mahi Mahi. The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list with many old-world and new-world options to choose from. The Arii Moana is an ideal setting to enjoy a romantic dinner or special occasion.
This restaurant is great, but doesn’t offer too much in the way of variety. While the dishes are simple and well made with delicious ingredients, we preferred the fine dining options at Conrad Hilton and St Regis.
Image: Artak Petrosyan
Four Seasons Bora Bora In-Room Dining
If you're staying at Four Seasons for a special occasion, we recommend taking advantage of their impressive in-room dining options. For breakfast, have a traditional Polynesian canoe deliver fresh fruits, pastries, and coffee right to your overwater bungalow. Or, for a truly romantic evening, organize a dinner date on a private island under the stars.
While unfortunately we were sick during our stay, and had to miss our private island dinner, we saw beautiful breakfasts being delivered via canoe which looked fresh and delicious.
Image: View From Four Seasons Spa
Gym/ Fitness center
The gym at Four Seasons is a stunning, cool retreat from the endless sun. A shady, cozy wooden bungalow with views of the Lagoon’s outer reef. You can hear the sound of waves breaking against the reef line as you workout, making it all the more relaxing.
The Four Seasons designers have managed to make an often-overlooked hotel amenity, calm and inviting. At the entrance-way you’ll find a bench with refreshments, such a fresh fruit, nuts, and a Nespresso machine with an array of coffee pods. The gym is also regularly replenished with chilled towels and bottled water.
In terms of equipment, the fitness center has a number of cardio machines such as exercycles, treadmills, and x-trainers as well as a variety of weight machines and weights. You’ll also find an array of matt space, with a few kettlebells, medicine balls, and bands.
The space is air-conditioned and right next-door to additional spa amenities such as the plunge pool and yoga deck.
Spa
The spa at the Four Seasons is one of the hotel's most alluring features. Nestled in the heart of the lush tropical bush, sitting over the hotel's lagoon, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The expert team of therapists offer a wide range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. Whether you're looking for a relaxing massage or a more invigorating facial, you'll be impressed with the spa menu.
Their high-end treatments like the golden-sun ritual, a luxurious experience that covers you in 24-carat gold oil, will leave you feeling like royalty. You’ll also find more traditional services available like facials and body wraps, there is something for everyone at this world-class spa.
We recommend planning on spending a day of your holiday soaking up the serenity of this area of the resort.
Activities
If you're looking for an active vacation, the Four Seasons resort offers a wealth of outdoor activities and watersports at your disposal. The resort itself maintains an interior lagoon for snorkeling, as well as volleyball, badminton, and tennis courts. You can also take advantage of the resort's SUP and kayaks to explore the surrounding area. With so much to do, you'll never have to leave.
The resort also has an array of weekly events and cultural classes that provide guests with an opportunity to learn more about Polynesian culture. We loved that they partnered with chic brand Coqui Coqui for monoï oil and shell necklace making.
We spent most of our time here in the lagoon and out on the water, so we will cover this off in more detail below.
If you’d like any recommendation on what to do outside the resort, read our guide on the 10 best things to do in Bora Bora.
Snorkeling
As the sun rises over the Bora Bora lagoon, the Four Seasons resort comes to life. Sitting on its own private motu, the resort is surrounded by crystal clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Guests can take a dip in the lagoon and see firsthand the colorful fish and coral that make this place so special. With the resort's convenient location, guests can easily explore Bora Bora beautiful underwater world and create lasting memories of their time in this paradise.
Four Season’s interior lagoon provides a protected environment for kids to learn to snorkel. Its shallow clear waters are fully enclosed with a netted bridge running across the entranceway. Here, you’ll find over 100 species of marine life, including a spectacular array of small colorful tropical fish and coral being grafted by onsite marine biologists.
On the exterior of the lagoon, just off from shore, or straight out from your overwater bungalow you’ll be able to find stingrays, small reef tip sharks, and larger fish like trevally.
The resort can organize private snorkel tours around the lagoon as well, which include a visit to the stunning coral gardens, and the chance to see the local manta rays cleaning in the bay. You can also organize additional snorkel equipment like snorkel jets or a unique two-seater underwater scooter. The water visibility in Bora Bora is truly phenomenal and we recommend making the most of your time here by getting out and seeing the lagoon.
Diving
The Bora Bora Four Seasons resort has its own dive center onsite, a PADI-certified center managed by DIVEASY. The dive shop offers everything you need for a day out diving, and can arrange trips to many of the best dive sites on the island.
Bora Bora is world-renowned for its flourishing reef shark population. The clear island waters are a site to behold, and scuba divers come from all corners of the globe to explore its vibrant reefs. Both the interior and exterior of the lagoon are an underwater paradise for nature lovers, and its reefs are a treasure trove of biodiversity.
On the interior of the lagoon you’ll be able to see turtles, manta rays, large trevally, and reef sharks. On the exterior of the lagoon you’ll be able to find larger lemon sharks, larger tropical fish like the exquisite Humphead wrasse. If you are in Bora Bora over whale season you may also have a chance to see some humpback whales.
Image: Paulina Cadoret
Overwater Bungalows
No trip to French Polynesia is complete without staying in an overwater bungalow, and the Four Season's overwater villas are some of the most coveted. With their thatched roofs and stilted design, these villas offer guests the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Polynesian islands. And, of course, there is nothing quite like waking up in your own private bungalow, with the gentle waves lapping at the shore just below.
Design
As you approach your overwater bungalow, you can't help but be impressed by the modern take on traditional Polynesian bures. The interior design is simply stunning, with intricate details that harken back to a simpler time. High teak ceilings and large wooden sliding doors help the space feel contemporary and sleek, with glass accents throughout illuminating the room with bursts of natural light.
A sophisticated curation of local artwork decorates the walls, adding an element of authenticity to balance the more modern amenities like the widescreen TV.
The use of large sliding doors throughout the bungalow creates a wide-flowing space that makes the villa feel palatial; while also allowing for moments of privacy when needed.
The spacious balcony has sweeping views of Bora Bora lagoon, and is the star of the show. A dreamy spot for sun-lounging or enjoying a quiet coffee over sunrise.
Bedroom & bathroom
We place an emphasis on the importance of a good bed when you are paying room rates in the thousands, luckily the Four Seasons delivers in this regard. The large king-size bed is cozy and generous. Sheets were always crisp and clean with meticulous attention to room cleaning each day.
The bed had stunning views over the water, and the air-conditioning allowed for a great night of sleep despite the muggy temperatures outside. There were also overhead fans available for those who don’t like to sleep with the air-conditioning on in the evenings.
The bathroom was well designed and while small, it still felt grand due to the double-person tub, which had ceiling-high shutters that opened up to reveal the lagoon. There was also a his and hers sink area and separate toilet.
Image: Courtesy of Four Seasons
How Does Four Seasons Compare With Other 5-star Resorts in Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is a magical place, crystal-clear water, white sands, and simply stunning scenery. The overwater bungalows and glamorous resorts only add to the charm of this romantic island. Four Seasons is one of the most renowned 5-star resorts in Bora Bora long favored by famous celebrities and globe trotters.
The seclusion and privacy of Four Seasons Bora Bora is one of the many reasons the hotel is so revered. Nestled on its own private island, the hotel provides a helicopter pad for those seeking a discreet arrival. The hotel's luxurious accommodations and amenities are sure to please even the most discerning traveler.
So how does this compare with the other 5-star resorts available in Bora Bora? In our (unsponsored) opinion Four Seasons is the ultimate option for a no-expense-spared, relaxing trip. It has the best view in Bora Bora, and it is the sleekest and most sophisticated hotel on the island in terms of design and estate grounds.
However, all of the 5-star resorts in Bora Bora are of a very high calibre and offer unique benefits which might be better suited to you, depending on what you plan to do during your trip.
We’ll go over more detail on how Four Seasons Bora Bora compares to St Regis Bora Bora resort and the Conrad Hilton Bora Bora resort below.
Image: John Ko
Four Seasons Bora Bora Versus Conrad Hilton Bora Bora, Which is Better?
Both Four Seasons and Conrad Bora Bora have stunning rooms and villa options. The Conrad Bora Bora rooms seemed slightly newer, but they were both very similar in terms of quality. Conrad Bora Bora’s basic rooms were slightly larger than the Four Seasons standard bungalow, however the Four Seasons has better views.
Both options have a wide range of impressive dining on offer, Conrad Bora Bora seemed to have a wider variety of international food available.
Both have impressive fitness centers, as well as offering onsite activities such as SUP, kayaks, snorkeling, walks, tennis courts, volleyball, and spas. I personally love a good sauna and the Biologique Recherche range so my preference between the two spa’s was Conrad Bora Bora, but the gym at Four Seasons was more premium.
If you are interested in marine biology and diving, then you will find a lot on offer at the Four Seasons. While Conrad Bora Bora has great snorkeling and coral preservation projects, ultimately the Four Seasons seemed to excel in this area due to their dedicated marine biology staff.
Four Seasons is also the most family-friendly luxury resort on the island, with a great kids club and a variety of kid’s activities available. They also offer great specials for families in the low season.
Costs aside, Four Seasons Bora Bora has a certain presence and sophistication that’s hard to define, which ultimately gives it an edge. It seems fractionally better managed and maintained than the other luxury resorts. The premium positioning of the estate also gives it a slight upper hand.
Conrad Bora Bora delivers about 90% of the same quality experience you’ll have at Four Seasons, for 1/3 of the price over high-season. It’s our preferred location as we regularly go out on tours and to town during our stays. However, if it’s your first time to Bora Bora or you are on holiday for a special occasion then Four Seasons is a must-see stay.
We have also written a review of Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Hotel, if you’d like to hear about all the facilities and resort amenities in thorough detail.
Image of Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort on left versus Conrad Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort on the right.
Four Seasons Versus St Regis Bora Bora, Which is Better?
There's no denying that both the Four Seasons and St. Regis Bora Bora are absolute paradise. But which one is better? It really depends on what you're looking for in a vacation.
If you're seeking an ultra-luxurious wedding, vowel renewal, or engagement we recommend opting for the St Regis Bora Bora. They have a large dedicated wedding facility and an absolutely breathtaking island that is set up to host special ceremonies. Four Seasons also has a dedicated wedding service. Still, we felt the locations available at St Regis Bora Bora for ceremonies seemed to have the most jaw-dropping setting and facilities.
In terms of the overwater bungalow options, we prefer Four Seasons for the design and location, however, the St Regis Bora Bora has some amazing beachfront villas with stunning views.
In terms of location, the properties are located in a similar position facing Mount Otemanu, however, the Four Seasons layout seems to offer slightly better views.
If you are a foodie, looking for the best restaurant experience in Bora Bora, look no further than The Lagoon by Jean-Georges at the St Regis Bora Bora. This exquisite eatery offers stunning views of the lagoon, along with exceptional French-inspired cuisine from renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The restaurant sits over the water with a glass bottom floor, which makes for an unforgettable dining experience. Sharks circle below your feet throughout dinner, while the sun sets over Mount Otemanu on the horizon.
To compare the grounds and amenities of St Regis and Four Seasons is quite challenging, they both offer settings and facilities that are sure to impress even the most discerning traveler. Stunning gardens, interior lagoons, lush surrounds, amazing pools, and spas. I would say Four Seasons Bora Bora wins by 0.01 here due to how well-maintained and manicured their resort is. However, don’t let that deter you from St Regis, it is an absolutely spectacular resort, and if you have the chance to split your stay over the two locations we would recommend it.
Below we have done a quick breakdown to compare the rates between each location over various seasons.
The below is based on quotes from each hotel’s website in Nov 22’ and doesn’t factor in any specials, offers, or loyalty programs. All fees, taxes, and charges are included in the quote for an even comparison. Note: This is based on a basic overwater bungalow with king bed, each hotel does offer a variety of rooms with varying rates and amenities.
Four Seasons pricing comparison versus other 5-star Bora Bora hotels
Sample of Bora Bora 5 star resort room rates based on the rate per night for a Basic One-Bedroom Overwater Bungalow with king bed - quoted Nov 22’
Image: Four Seasons Private Villa
Is Four Seasons Bora Bora Worth It?
Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort in French Polynesia’s idyllic South Pacific, offers everything you could want in a tropical island vacation, and then some. Its beachfront bungalows, friendly people, and world-class restaurants are enough to make it worth a splurge, but the true heart and soul of Bora Bora lies in the unspoiled natural beauty that surrounds it.
The turquoise waters, gentle waves lapping at the shore, and soft white sand of Bora Bora are a playground for the rich and famous. But can you enjoy the beauty of Bora Bora without spending $4000 a night? Yes, of course.
But if you really want to indulge in a luxurious experience and have the stress melt away, there's no better place to stay than the Four Seasons. This world-renowned resort feels like you’ve arrived in the garden of Eden, an otherworldly beautiful tropical estate that can only be seen to be believed. It’s a once and a lifetime experience that’s worth adding to your bucket list.
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