Hotel Review: Four Seasons Bora Bora

Sunrise from Overwater Bungalow

There are few things we love more than traveling and exploring new locations, which means we almost never go to the same place twice. The exception to that rule is the Four Seasons Bora Bora. When my husband turned 40 this year, his only request was that we go back to his favorite place, so we boarded a flight to Tahiti, transferred to Bora Bora, and made our way back to the Four Seasons Bora Bora. What makes this hotel so special is the incredible location with the unique ability to start every morning by jumping off the dock of your overwater bungalow combined with fantastic service by the warm Polynesian staff. Additionally, the incredible kid’s club makes this a must-do family vacation.

Overall ****** (9 of 10)

Value *** (9 of 10)

Food ****** (8 of 10)

Design ******** (10 of 10)

Service ****** (9 of 10)

Location ******** (10 of 10)

Kid’s Club ******** (9 of 10)

Exploring the sandy beach in front of Four Seasons Bora Bora

PROS:

• The location is absolutely stunning

• Service was outstanding

• Wonderful kids club activities

• Overwater bungalows are such a special experience

CONS:

• You are somewhat confined to the hotel. In this case, it isn’t a bad thing, but it means it’s difficult to try out other restaurants

• Paradise can be $$$$

Arrival

Boarding the transfer from Bora Bora airport to the hotel

From the moment we stepped off the plane, we were catered to by the wonderful staff at the Four Seasons. They immediately gave us all leis and bottled water before we were whisked away to the hotel on a beautiful boat which provided us with our first glimpse of the magnificent Mount Otemanu. The boat is beautiful and transfers from the airport are included in the room rate.

Location

The location of this hotel is nothing short of spectacular. Part of the reason we came back to the Four Seasons instead of another resort is that the location can’t be beat. We took several boat rides around the island and we feel the location of the Four Seasons is the best in Bora Bora. There is a sandy beach, incredible fish-filled lagoons for snorkeling, and some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen all within the confines of the resort.

Rooms

Overwater Bungalow at Four Seasons Bora Bora

As opposed to other resorts in French Polynesia, even the entry-level rooms at the Four Seasons are overwater bungalows. We stayed in a beach-view bungalow and enjoyed a beautiful view of the water and distant overwater bungalows. The rooms are very spacious with a large bathroom separating the living room and bedroom. We had our kids sleeping on the pullout bed in the living room, and it was nice to have doors to close them off for some privacy. Every room, including the bathroom, has large sliding doors out onto the patio. The rooms are also beautifully decorated in Polynesian style.

Service

The attentive service is what you would expect from a Four Seasons, but what sets the service apart here is the warmness of the Polynesian staff. They always went out of their way to say La Orana (hello), stop for a quick chat and assist in any way possible. The restaurant staff brought out our preferred coffee and breakfast dishes before we even ordered. At the pool and beach area, the staff brought out smoothies or other treats as well as cold towels thoughout the day.

Boat that transports you to the airport or the main island

Activities

Due to the remote nature of the hotel on it's own gorgeous island, you are somewhat confined to the hotel unless you take a boat. The plethora of activities at the resort makes that more than okay, however. The snorkeling in the resort lagoons is incredible and the resort provides masks, snorkels and fins. Additonally, there is a beach where paddle boards and kayaks. There was also a daily calendar of complimentary activities like ukele lessons, palm weaving, champagne saboring that we enjoyed taking advantage of. One of our favorite activities was taking the jet skis to lunch at Bora Bora Beach Club. Bottom line, it would be very difficult to get bored here with all of the activities on offer.

The Polynesian themed dinner was also a highlight as we really enjoyed the dancers and fire show.

Pool at Four Seasons Bora Bora

Food

There are four main restaurants at Four Seaons Bora Bora. Vaimiti is an Asian-inspired restaurant in a stunning setting over the water. The fresh sashimi dishes at this restaurant were delicious. There is also a sushi and wok themed night on Saturdays that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Arii Moana Restaurant

Arii Moana is the most upscale restaurant on property and the food was delicious. Don’t miss the gnocchi or lamb.

Fare Hoa is the all-day beach restaurant. Eating with your feet in the sand is always a treat, but we would have enjoyed more variety in the menu. Our favorite dish here was the Poisson Cru, the Polynesian dish of raw fish marinated in coconut milk.

Finally, the decadent breakfast buffet was served every day in Tere Nui, the main restaurant by the pool. Breakfast was a highlight of every day, not just because of the elaborate buffet but also due to the made-to-order dishes. They also hold the Polynesian-themed night at Tere Nui which consisted of a tasty buffet while we enjoyed Polynesian dancers and fire dancers.

Vaimiti Restaurant serves Asian-inspired fare in a beautiful over-water setting

Kid’s Activities

Kids enjoying the pool at Four Seasons Bora Bora

Four Seasons Bora Bora may be thought of by some as a honeymoon destination only, but it is actually one of the most family-friendly resorts we’ve every visited. The activites for children were incredible, and held mostly through the wonderful and friendly kids club that serves children aged 4 and up. Think marine biologists taking kids snorkeling, movie nights (they played Moana, obviously), a splash pad, coconut crafts, tie-dye and dance lessons. The Polynesian dance show the kid’s club put on for the entire resort was one of the cuter things I’ve seen in recent memory.

Additionally, the room set up with separate living rooms makes the bungalows perfect for families.

Finally, kids under 5 eat free at every meal which is a wonderful addition for families.