Evaluate: 4 Seasons Resort Bora Bora

January 4, 2023

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Wednesday newsletters at all times function a resort or flight assessment.

I just lately loved an unbelievable vacation in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). Learn my journey stories right here:

As we speak: Evaluate of 4 Seasons Bora Bora

Wrapped by majestic views, 4 Seasons Resort Bora Bora is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that enclose a turquoise lagoon. The resort gives 115 spacious hideaways with 100 overwater bungalows and seven huge beachfront villa estates, all overlooking the lagoon’s crystal clear waters and a few with spectacular views of Mount Otemanu, French Polynesia’s sacred mountain. Impressed by native structure, all visitor lodging supply a restful, ethereal atmosphere; full with conventional teak wooden furnishings, excessive ceilings and thatched roofs produced from pandanus leaves. Distinctive touches embrace the perfume of vanilla and the feel of black pearls within the spa, alfresco eating overlooking Bora-Bora’s famed lagoon, and signature 4 Seasons service at each flip. IMHO, 4 Seasons Bora Bora is the most effective luxurious resort in Bora Bora.

4 Seasons Bora Bora options in my high 10 lists of the finest luxurious accommodations in French Polynesia and the finest resorts in Bora Bora.

Have you ever ever stayed at 4 Seasons Bora Bora? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

On this assessment (extra data and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

4 Seasons Bora Bora is situated on the long-lasting and world-famous island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. One in all 9 islands throughout the Society Islands, Bora Bora was shaped over seven million years in the past by a volcano. Like a lot of the islands in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is surrounded by a hoop of coral reef, also referred to as an atoll, which is comprised of a number of islets or motus, one among them being dwelling to the 4 Seasons Resort. The coral reef surrounds a ridiculously clear lagoon (typically dubbed probably the most lovely lagoon on the earth), which makes for some memorable snorkeling and scuba diving with tropical-colored fish, reef sharks and large manta rays. The tallest level on Bora Bora and one of many world’s most iconic landscapes is the breathtaking Mount Otemanu, which rises 2,835 ft excessive (727 meters) above sea stage.

The 4 Seasons expertise begins upon arrival on the Bora Bora Airport, the place company are greeted with a tiare flower lei, chilly bottled water and a relaxing oshiburi towel. Employees handles the baggage, which is positioned immediately within the villas on the resort, whereas company are escorted onto one of many property’s custom-crafted Andreyale Bateux Taxis (taxi boats). Named Heinoanoa, Lean, Poeiti and Vaihani, these yachts have been impressed by the commuter boats of New York Metropolis of the Nineteen Twenties, used to move Wall Avenue executives from their properties in Lengthy Island to the Manhattan Monetary District. They function woodwork and decking of darkish mahogany and teak, with crème coloured seating and accents of stainless-steel. Company sit aboard these magnificent vessels, taking within the sights of the island, on a shocking 15-minute cruise to the resort, the place upon arrival, they’re taken on to their room.

Opened in September 2008, 4 Seasons Resort Bora Bora was designed by Paris primarily based architects Didier Lefort and Pierre-Jean Picart, with San Francisco primarily based BAMO as the inside designers. Taking cues from its beautiful surrounding, the native tradition and pure assets, the property’s beautiful design fuses basic Polynesian structure with refined magnificence that’s 4 Seasons. The orientation of the buildings and framing of home windows emphasize the killer views, whereas easy shapes and soothing inside colours permit the visible focus to stay on the good turquoise of the encircling lagoon. Design inspiration is drawn from parts particular to Bora Bora, together with native instruments, small utilitarian furnishings, and adornment together with feather, bone, carving, and tattoos. These touches of tradition add “decoration” to a really serene design. All in all, the resort feels luxurious, timeless and stylish.

4 Seasons Bora Bora incorporates a whole of 108 one and two-bedroom overwater villas, 27 of them fitted with a non-public plunge pool. Refurbished in 2019, the decor of the overwater bungalows displays a recent Polynesian really feel, full with new furnishings, fixtures, lighting and know-how. Throughout my vacation, I stayed in a one bed room lagoon view overwater villa. The inside of the bungalow was cut up between three rooms: the bed room (with a kingsize mattress outfitted with a fluffy quilt and down pillows), the toilet (with double self-importance, walk-in bathe and a deep soaking bathtub in entrance of a big image window), and a spacious lounge (with a settee mattress, a big desk, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV); all three rooms may very well be opened to or closed off from each other with sliding pocket doorways. Giant glass doorways gave solution to a large out of doors deck, with a eating space, two loungers, and a stepladder to get within the water.

In addition to overwater villas, the 4 Seasons Bora Bora additionally options a few beachfront villas, that are a lot bigger than their overwater counterparts however function comparable design and facilities. Nestled alongside the pristine shores of Bora Bora’s enchanting turquoise lagoon, these beachfront villa estates are widespread for household gatherings, prolonged stays or group getaways. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom choices, all of which have infinity-edge swimming pools, enclosed gardens and panoramic views of Mount Otemanu. The seashore villas supply the easiest in area (spanning from one-third to over a full acre) and privateness (with direct entry to a non-public patch of sand that can not be accessed by different company). Unique companies embrace private pre-arrival planning, round-trip personal airport transfers, each day breakfast, a private Villa Host, personal seashore setup and extra.

4 Seasons Bora Bora is a sprawling property, however the resort nonetheless feels fairly walkable (24/7 buggy service is supplied as properly). Many of the resort’s services – eating places, pool, seashore, and children’ membership – are centrally situated at quick distance from the overwater jetties. One of many resort’s predominant attracts – apart from its overwater villas and unbelievable views – is its dreamy seashore, the place most company spend their day lounging on a sunbed beneath an umbrella. That includes smooth white sand and calm turquoise waters, the seashore enjoys an unbelievable view of Mount Otemanu (probably the most effective view from all of the Bora Bora resorts I’ve stayed at). The seashore additionally boasts a terrific viewsof the sundown (opposite to the St Regis and InterContinental subsequent door, the place the sundown view is blocked by the mountains). Simply behind the seashore is a gigantic lagoon-style swimming pool, surrounded by palm bushes, cushioned loungers, and shaded cabanas. Subsequent to the seashore is an open-air water sports activities middle, the place company can check out kayaks, paddleboards, and water bicycles. For a charge, company may lease jet skis on an hourly foundation.

4 Seasons Bora Bora has 4 on-site eating places, which serve wonderful meals starting from classical French dishes to revolutionary Asian delicacies:
- Arii Moana is the resort’s signature restaurant, providing a casually elegant eating expertise with classics from the Mediterranean area that pay tribute to the resort’s stylish and energetic waterside setting.
- Positioned on the sandy shore of the lagoon, subsequent to the pool and seashore, is Faré Hoa Seaside Bar & Grill, an open-air restaurant with toes-in-the-sand appeal. That includes a contemporary grill idea, Faré Hoa serves contemporary native fish, a advantageous choice of steaks, and an array of starters and aspect dishes. On chosen evenings, themed dinners are additionally organized right here.
- Breakfast is served with a contemporary sea breeze at Terre Nui, an open-air restaurant which is ready within the resort’s lush backyard. Breakfast is comprised of a (slightly restricted) buffet complemented by a variety of à la carte dishes.
- Vaimiti serves eclectic Asian delicacies and sundown cocktails. Housed in an overwater construction, it’s the resort’s most idyllic eating venue, having fun with killer views of Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu and the sundown.

Located on the very best level of the resort’s motu, the Te Mahana (the solar) Spa at 4 Seasons Bora Bora captures the power of the Tahitian spirit with a singular sense of simplicity and luxurious. Therapies are rooted in historic custom, supposed to refresh and rejuvenate. With its hovering 72 ft (22 m) ceiling, the cathedral-like spa supplies a therapeutic haven with depth of view in all instructions, surrounded by native bushes and the perfume of the kahaia blossom. Raised walkways, suspended above a plantation of pandanus bushes, result in seven air-conditioned remedy rooms, whereas the spacious overwater Fare Miti Spa Suite, with glass ground suspended above the lagoon’s pristine waters, is the last word personal expertise for {couples}. Company may benefit from the pure therapeutic power of Bora Bora’s local weather in one among two open-air remedy pavilions, nestled deep throughout the tropical grove. The spa additionally options two decks with a Jacuzzi, one going through the Pacific Ocean and one overlooking the gardens.

Nestled throughout the grounds of 4 Seasons Resort Bora Bora is an inside lagoon teeming with unique marine life. The Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary is dwelling to greater than 100 colourful species, together with octopus, eagle ray, lizardfish, Picasso trumpet fish, soldier fish, fireplace fish, unicorn fish, noticed puffer fish, parrotfish, peacock damselfish, clownfish and butterfly fish. Led by the resort’s marine biologist, the Lagoon Sanctuary gives actions for company of all ages, together with coral grafting discovery, discussions on Polynesian ecology, fish and octopus feeding and extra. Guided snorkeling excursions of the lagoon are provided to company and the lagoon is at all times open for company to discover on their very own. Greater than only a spectacular snorkeling location, the sanctuary can also be a analysis facility and a spot the place the marine setting not solely thrives however grows, furthering the fragile and wondrous ecosystem.

Set over the water alongside the resort’s inside turquoise lagoon is a massive boutique, which is centrally situated between the foyer, eating places and spa. Known as MoeMoea (that means “dream” in Polynesian), the store sells the most effective of resort put on, informal and energetic attire, equipment, girls’s luxe attire, swimwear and extra. The shop options well-known manufacturers equivalent to Camilla, Missoni, Onia, Stable & Striped, Vilebrequin and Zimmermann, whereas additionally showcasing boutique manufacturers equivalent to Adriana Iglesias, Benson and Swims, B+S Caftans, March 11 and Su Paris. Created with the intent of preserving an indoor/out of doors really feel according to the resort as a complete, MoeMoea additionally options distinctive parts, equivalent to the power to swim as much as the boutique immediately from the lagoon, utilizing stairs that lead from the water to the shop. The property options two different outlets as properly: Tahia, a pearl boutique, and Manua, a store promoting domestically made crafts like Bora Bora’s hand-painted pareos.

4 Seasons Resort Bora Bora is devoted to conserving power and treasured pure assets, in addition to working to raised the area people, all whereas constantly delivering a rare and pampering visitor expertise. From using environmentally pleasant provides and gear, to the discount of waste and use of latest power options to nature clean-ups, the property is on the forefront of inexperienced and neighborhood initiatives. Listed below are among the initiatives underway on the resort:
- Water-efficient landscaping consists of using greywater and rainwater harvesting for irrigation.
- Linens and towels are changed each third day, until in any other case requested.
- Single-use plastic water bottles, meals & beverage containers, and lotion, shampoo & conditioner bottles are eradicated.
- Linen, furnishings and gear is donated to the area people via Anau Main Faculty and Affiliation Ia Vai Ma Noa Bora Bora, a non-profit devoted to the economical, social and environmental growth of the island-state.
- Extra edible meals is donated to these in want via the native charity Caddie du coeur.
- Photo voltaic panels are put in on every bungalow’s thatched roof, offering a pure and sustainable energy supply for heating water and electrical energy.
- Tub facilities are supplied by Panpuri, a 100% pure and natural wellness way of life model from Thailand.

The property is managed by 4 Seasons, in all probability the most effective recognized luxurious resort model on the earth. The Toronto-based firm has remodeled the hospitality business in a story of continuous innovation, exceptional growth and a single-minded dedication to the very best of requirements. 4 Seasons was based in 1960 by the younger architect Isadore Sharp, however the actual breakthrough of the model got here within the seventies with the opening of the 4 Seasons London. Though the corporate went public in 1986, the Sharp household – together with a gaggle of like-minded buyers equivalent to Invoice Gates and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal – took the corporate personal once more in 2007 to guard the integrity of the model properly into the long run. 4 Seasons at the moment manages greater than 120 accommodations and resorts worldwide. The corporate additionally gives personal jet journey onboard its personal Airbus A321 (with Enterprise Class structure), and can quickly launch personal ultra-luxe yacht itineraries.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Some overwater bungalows on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora lack privateness, although they’re spaced far aside. For instance, the out of doors decks of the seashore view bungalows face the seashore (the place most company are chilling throughout the day) and will have much less privateness for that reason. A few of the lagoon view villas of the resort’s one jetty look straight on the overwater bungalow of the resort’s different jetty, though there’s an enormous distance between the 2 jetties so it’s probably not an issue (besides maybe for {couples} in quest of full privateness). Often, kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders and swimmers may also move in entrance of the villas.

Out of all of the lodging on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora, the overwater villas with mountain view are finest. Located on the far finish of every jetty, these villas take pleasure in probably the most privateness and the most effective views of Mount Otemanu. The one draw back to those villas is that company are a bit of additional away from the property’s services, just like the eating places, seashore, and pool, and can both must stroll fairly a bit or depend on the resort’s 24/7 buggy service, which regularly includes a 15 min wait (bikes should not supplied because the resort’s jetties are too slim for bikes and buggies to move on the identical time).

The 4 Seasons Bora Bora is among the world’s most well-known and wanted luxurious resorts, providing its company a plethora of fantastic facilities. So, it shouldn’t come as a shock that all the things on the resort is very costly: entry charges in excessive season are above $1500 USD per evening; a cheese burger is $37 USD, a cocktail is $28, and a three-course dinner is often at least $100 USD per particular person (excluding drinks). However though the 4 Seasons Bora Bora is way from cheap, IMHO, it’s price each penny because you’re staying at a wonderful resort in one of many world’s most iconic locations.

Meals on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora is great, with the three on-site dinner venues serving a wide range of Asian, French and worldwide delicacies. I completely loved every meal I had on the resort though I did miss some Tahitian native delicacies (aside from the weekly Polynesian buffets). Additionally, whereas all eating places are wonderful, none really excels and the property lacks an distinctive restaurant befitting its fabulous repute. I’d like to see the resort collab with a Michelin star chef within the close to future to open a brand new venue (or remodel one among its currents eating places), which might assist the 4 Seasons Bora Bora to profile itself as a culinary vacation spot (a bit just like what the St Regis Bora Bora is doing with its Lagoon by Jean-George Restaurant, which is managed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten).

Breakfast on the resort is comprised of a buffet, complemented with à la carte dishes. IMHO, the buffet is slightly restricted and a bit underwhelming for an ultra-luxe resort of this class (particularly when in comparison with the lavish breakfast buffets provided at another 4 Seasons resorts, such because the 4 Seasons properties in Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles).

The 4 Seasons Bora Bora is situated on an unlimited beachfront property, that includes the most effective and softest white sand seashore in Bora Bora. About half of that’s dwelling to the resort’s public areas, together with the principle seashore membership in addition to the idyllic seashores lining the lagoonarium. The property’s different half additionally incorporates a chic white-sand seashore, however that seashore isn’t accessible to most company as it’s saved utterly personal and for the unique use of the company that booked one of many resort’s beachfront villa sanctuaries. After all, when you’re booked into one among these villas, you’ll recognize the serenity of your personal seashore, however it additionally implies that lengthy, enjoyable seashore walks on the property should not an choice for different company.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Pool: 10/10
Rooms: 9/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Worth for cash: 8/10
General expertise: distinctive 9,2/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving the 4 Seasons Bora Bora by way of Virtuoso (e.g. improve, each day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit score).

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious resort like 4 Seasons Bora Bora (and/or obtain many free perks).

Room tip: because the seashore view villas might have much less privateness, I like to recommend to ebook at the least a lagoon view villa. The most effective bungalows are the mountain view villas which face Mount Otemanu immediately.

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

French Polynesia is finest visited between June and September when the local weather is at its driest and the climate is balmy (however windy). Nonetheless, that is excessive season, so it is going to be busy and the resort charges are skyrocketing. The months on both aspect of this era (Might & October) are often known as the shoulder season and supply snug climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Though French Polynesia might be visited year-round, the months of November to April deliver extra humidity and cloudy days, with tropical showers passing at larger frequency than different instances of the yr. Nonetheless, they’re typically interspersed with durations of sunshine. This can be a humid time of yr, although, which might be uncomfortable and I like to recommend selecting a resort with A/C if visiting throughout these months. The islands not often undergo from tropical storms besides throughout years when El Niño impacts ocean currents.

HOW TO GET THERE

The one solution to get to Bora Bora is by way of Tahiti’s worldwide airport in Papeete (until you journey by cruise or personal jet). Papeete is an 8-hour flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco, a 22-hour flight from Paris, and a 5-hour flight from Auckland or Honolulu. As soon as at Papeete worldwide airport, there are recurrently scheduled 50-minute flights to Bora Bora’s small Motu Mute Airport. For the ultimate leg of the journey, the resort arranges a switch from Motu Mute airport to the 4 Seasons’ predominant dock for a scenic 15 minute switch by boat.