Arrival/Check-In: The Four Seasons welcomes guests at Bora Bora Airport and transfers them in style aboard handcrafted taxi boats inspired by the commuter boats of 1920s New York. Although we arrived from another property and reached the resort on our own, the Four Seasons team met us at the dock with chilled oshibori towels and cold bottled water. Philippe escorted us by golf cart to our overwater bungalow, accepted the wahoo I had caught that morning and promised to keep it chilled for the chef. He completed our check-in at the bungalow and arranged a couple’s massage and dinner for that evening, ensuring a seamless, personalized arrival.
Guest Quarters: The overwater bungalows are crafted with warm wooden floors and lighter wood walls accented by Polynesian art. Traditional thatched roofs, made from pandanus leaves, add authentic island character. The bungalow layout places the living area on one side and the bedroom on the other, with a centrally located bathroom featuring an open tub area that can be closed off for privacy.
A generous built-in closet provided ample storage, while the king-size bed, set against a freestanding headboard with shelves, was exceptionally comfortable. The cleaning crew used the shelves to store extra snorkel gear each evening. The bathroom includes double sinks, a large shower and a separate commode for convenience.
The living room is practical and thoughtfully equipped. The resort supplies electrical converters that fit snugly into sockets, a welcome touch even if you bring your own. A counter bar houses a single-cup coffeemaker. The space also includes a pull-out sofa bed and a comfortable chair with an ottoman in light fabric. Both the bedroom and the living room feature flat-screen televisions.
Sliding doors from the living area open onto a long deck overlooking the lagoon. Two chaise longues and a small table with chairs create an inviting spot for breakfast or lunch. Stepping directly from your deck into the warm Pacific is a memorable part of the experience.
Services/Amenities: Each bungalow provides Four Seasons-branded flip-flops, a snorkel mask and a snorkel; guests should note that flippers are not supplied. Housekeeping is efficient and thorough, maintaining the bungalow with speed and care. Providing a few extra bath towels would enhance comfort further.
The resort offers three distinct dining venues. Tere Nui, an open-air restaurant by the pool, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; breakfast is a buffet with hot dishes prepared to order. Arii Moana, the signature restaurant, combines Tahitian and French influences and serves dinner only. Executive Chef Nicolas Boutin prepared the wahoo I brought in both sashimi and grilled preparations—the sashimi, paired with a ginger-soy accompaniment, was outstanding. The Sunset Restaurant and Bar specializes in sushi and Asian-style tapas and provided an enjoyable final-night meal of sushi and sashimi in an al fresco setting.
The spa is designed with high ceilings and warm wood finishes, offering a tranquil whirlpool with ocean views and the gentle sound of waves against the shore. Note that the men’s and women’s sides face different vistas—men face the ocean, women face the lagoon. A spacious, well-equipped fitness center is also available for guests.
The resort’s minibar policy operates on a pre-ordered basis: you pay for items you select rather than those you consume. To avoid extra charges, order sparingly because refunds are not offered.
The Experience: The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora delivers a serene, luxurious island retreat. With attentive service, beautifully appointed overwater bungalows and standout dining, it belongs on any traveler’s must-visit list for Bora Bora.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
- Turn-down service
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Motu Tehotu – BP 547
98730 Bora Bora
French Polynesia
tel 689 603 130
fourseasons.com