Name: Michel Volk
Title: General manager
Company, city: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Number of employees: 296
Recent project: Expansion and enhancement of our overwater bungalows was completed April 1.
First job: Front desk agent at Four Seasons Hotel London
Little-known fact about you: I once bungee-jumped from the highest bridge possible at the time (216 meters, in South Africa) — and cracked a rib doing so.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: The Golden Rule guides everything I do. I also believe strongly that nothing should be accepted as the status quo — there is always room to improve. Continuous improvement is easiest when you and your team genuinely enjoy the work.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Pay close attention to guest and employee feedback. I also read widely on innovation and follow industry news daily to stay informed and inspired.
Yardstick of success: Success is measured in smiles — from guests, team members and family. That human response is the ultimate indicator that we are getting things right.
Michel Volk as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? iPad
How do you spend your time on board? Reading on the iPad and watching the latest films.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? The kitchen table at my parents’ home in Luxembourg — no restaurant can beat that.
What is your favorite destination in the world? I’m a big fan of safaris. One of the most memorable was in Zambia.
About Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
What can guests expect from a stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora?
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora blends South Pacific tranquility with rich Polynesian culture and arts. The resort pairs meticulous service with the natural warmth of the local people. Guests can relax in deep serenity, participate in cultural experiences, or choose adventurous activities such as snorkeling, SCUBA diving, deep-sea fishing and inland safaris. Each stay is designed to create enduring memories.
Located on Bora Bora’s coral atoll, the resort sits within a lush tropical landscape of coconut palms and pandanus trees. Meandering channels open to the main beach and smaller lagoons, revealing numerous secluded spots to explore. Dramatic views unite turquoise waters, white sand beaches and verdant land beneath the monolithic peak of Mount Otemanu — all thoughtfully integrated into the resort experience.
What sets the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora apart from other island resorts?
Spread across 54 acres, the resort fosters a genuine connection with the island community, providing an authentic Polynesian experience. Accommodations include 100 overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas, all featuring thatched roofs and indigenous artwork. Dining options span four restaurants with cuisines from Polynesian to French and fusion, plus unique open-air dining experiences. The full-service spa, set among mangroves with open-air treatment decks and the Pacific’s rhythms as a backdrop, offers a tranquil yet invigorating sanctuary unique to Bora Bora.
What is new at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora?
As of April 1, we completed enhancements to our overwater bungalows, adding seven plunge pools for a total of 15. We also reconfigured three sets of bungalows into three connected two-bedroom overwater suites, each with a plunge pool. Rising demand for premium accommodations inspired these upgrades, and we’re confident guests — including Global Traveler readers — will appreciate the new overwater suites and elevated experience.