Four Seasons Bora Bora
Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is more than just a luxury destination; it’s a dreamscape that promises an unforgettable getaway. If you're yearning for a tranquil escape where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet tropical landscapes, the Four Seasons Bora Bora should be at the top of your travel list. We just returned from this slice of paradise and here’s everything you need to know!
Bora Bora Overview
Bora Bora is an island famous for its stunning lagoon, encircled by a barrier reef and dotted with islets called “motu’s.” Bora Bora is known for its iconic overwater bungalows, breathtaking sunsets, and vibrant marine life. Not only can you check ‘overwater bungalow’ off your bucket list, but you can also check ‘swimming with rays and sharks’ off as well!
Getting here
Bora Bora is 7.5 hours from LAX or San Francisco via Air Tahiti Nui, United or Air France. Hawaiian Airlines also has a nonstop flight each week (4 hours) if you want to combine your stay with Hawaii! Once you arrive in Tahiti, you will take a 45 minute flight from PPT to the island of Bora Bora.
And finally, once you are in Bora Bora, you will be whisked away by boat to the Four Seasons.
For east coasters in the US, getting there felt easy. Getting home felt a little more difficult with a red eye on the last flight!
Time of Year
Bora Bora and the islands of French Polynesia do have a “rainy season” that runs from November to April. The rates during this season are lower, but you can expect afternoon rains some days. Traveling May-October is a safer bet, but if you’re wanting to visit Bora Bora for a lower cost, consider traveling during one of the shoulder season months.
How much does it cost
Bora Bora is one of the most expensive island destinations for both accommodations and on-island spend.
Rooms at the Four Seasons start around $2300 per night in peak season.
Major Traveler can get you daily breakfast, resort credits, early check-in and late check-out, a room upgrade and more perks to add value to your stay! Depending on the time of year, we also have access to complimentary night promotions!
When you arrive, you can expect to pay an elevated price for food. A burger, and most entrees, range around $40. Cocktails are around $20-$25. You can purchase wine duty free for your stay or you can visit the main island of Bora Bora for lower priced wine purchases and snacks!
The Four Seasons includes roundtrip transfers to and from the airport! Not all resorts do this, so it’s worth checking this out before you travel as the transportation can be pricey (for a 15 minute boat ride!).
The Resort
The Four Seasons Bora Bora is simply best of the best on the island. The overall property and resort amenities are impeccable. What I loved most about the resort is the hidden, quiet spots to relax. There are peaceful lagoons, hidden beach areas, and winding pathways to escape. The resort could be fully booked and you would never know. The spa is unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you enter, you are immersed into relaxation.
Pro tip: there are spa facilities here that feature a private pool overlooking the lagoon along with a relaxation area with gentle music. Even if you don’t have a treatment booked, you’re able to use these facilities to unwind.
The Restaurants
There are multiple restaurants onsite, each serving different types of cuisine. Arii Moana is the Four Seasons’s signature restaurant with a higher end menu - this was our favorite dinner meal! Vaimiti sits over the lagoon and serves Japanese inspired cuisine. We loved the sushi and the ability to order a variety of plates to share.
The Four Seasons also showcases a Polynesian night twice a week. Dinner and a show! We really enjoyed this! There is beautiful Polynesian dancing and music along with a buffet dinner of Polynesian specialties. The night ends on a high note with a fire show!
The Rooms
The Four Seasons has various overwater bungalow suites – beach view, lagoon view and mountain view. Each of these suites are the same size and layout but have varying views around the lagoon. You’ll find a private deck, separate sitting area, and modern yet authentic décor throughout each bungalow. I personally think you can’t go wrong with any view you have! As you exit your bungalow, you’ll find stunning views of Mt. Otemanu everywhere you look.
If you’re up for a romantic splurge, I highly recommend a bungalow with a plunge pool. While you do have access to jump right into the lagoon, having a plunge pool for relaxation is such a treat.
If you’re traveling with the family, there are a variety of two-bedroom overwater bungalows and beachfront villas. I love the beach villas as you have a private beach, large pool and direct entry to the ocean.
Activities
There is SO much to do in Bora Bora! One of the common misconceptions of Bora Bora is that it is “boring” or “just a beach vacation”. You could truly fill your week with an activity each day! Snorkeling with sharks and stingrays is a true highlight. This is an activity we did and I was super intimidated at first. The guides make each guest feel very comfortable getting in the water with sharks and holding stingrays. Certain tours also allow you to snorkel with manta rays – they are beautiful!
Embark on a jet ski for a two-hour tour around the lagoon! We saw everyone zooming by on jet skis each morning but opted not to do this on our trip. I have regrets! The lagoon is calm and there’s so much to see – this would have made for a fun way to see the island in full.
Rent an ATV or motorbike on mainland Bora Bora. While the motu’s are flat and all beach, mainland Bora Bora is a lush, tropical landscape with much to explore. The Four Seasons offers a daily shuttle over to the mainland so you can easily explore at your leisure.
Scuba Dive or learn! If you are certified, this is a great place for a scuba dive experience. With a reef encircling the island, the coral gardens are blooming, and sea life is abundant. Due to the nature of the lagoon, this is also a great place to learn to scuba dive. Many of the resorts will offer training courses to help you feel more comfortable on your first dives.
Major Traveler perks at the Four Seasons Bora Bora
Major Traveler is running a special promotion through the end of the summer! If you book your stay with our team, you will receive an additional $200 resort credit to apply to your stay. This is at least a $300 resort credit to be used on any incidental spend during your stay.
And, as always, you will receive daily breakfast for 2, a room upgrade (pending availability, early check-in, late check-out and all of the VIP treatment!
