Have you ever visited a destination that was so pristine, so picturesque, and so much better than any photo you’ve ever seen that it actually brought tears to your eyes? We have been extremely fortunate to travel to bucket list destinations around the globe, but we’ve never had a destination evoke such an emotional response until we walked into our overwater bungalow at the Four Seasons Bora Bora.

Let’s rewind a moment. After flying from San Francisco to Tahiti and then onwards to Bora Bora Airport, we were ready for eight whole nights of utter relaxation. The Four Seasons private boat picked us up from the airport (yes, a boat!) and elegantly escorted us to the private motu, or islet, that is home to the Four Seasons Bora Bora. Upon stepping onto the island, the staff whisked us away to our home away from home – an overwater bungalow that towered over tropical turquoise waters. After all, the Four Seasons Bora Bora isn’t just a hotel – it’s an experience.

The beauty of the Four Seasons Bora Bora is that you can do as much or as little as you wish while on the private island. The resort has created a quixotic cocktail of tranquility and calming energy that is omnipresent on every part of the motu….and boy oh boy, did we drink that in! The unparalleled service, the fantastic staff, the overwater bungalows, and picture-perfect view over magical Mount Otemanu transported us to the most awe-inspiring vacation of our lives.

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, we weren’t stressed about travel, we weren’t worried about what was going on at home (or about 2020 for that matter), and we weren’t focused on “what’s next.” The magic of the Four Seasons Bora Bora is that all of its enchanted ingredients combined together to help us be truly present and that is the gift of the island. For two individuals that are usually “go, go, go,” this feeling of mindfulness had the largest lasting impact on us even weeks after our trip.

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Accommodations

The Four Seasons Bora Bora offers the opportunity to book accommodations in an overwater bungalow, an overwater bungalow with a pool, or a beachside villa. We had the pleasure of staying in an overwater bungalow and it was the most blissful hotel experience of our lives. Some highlights of our room included:

  • A spacious 1000 sq. ft overwater bungalow
  • Dual sinks.
  • Living Room with couch, television, and work space.
  • Three doors that led us to the outdoors.
  • A swimming platform.
  • A large bathtub with doors that opened to the outdoors.
  • An outdoor shower.
  • An outdoor dining table.
  • Outdoor sun chairs.
  • A plush, king-sized bed.
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Activities

  • Pool: The massive pool at the Four Seasons Bora Bora has beautiful bungalows that line the pool deck, all with a view of the lagoon.
  • Beach: The beach at the Four Seasons Bora Bora is nothing less than absolute perfection. The white sand beach has plenty of thatch-roofed umbrellas where you can sit back, relax, and sip piña coladas in paradise.
  • Stand-up paddle boarding: Stand-up paddle boarding is free for all resort guests. While we’ve paddle boarded in plenty of places, we experienced a complete and utter moving meditation as we glided over the cerulean lagoon, past overwater bungalows, and soaked up the South Pacific sun.
  • Kayaking: Kayaks are free for all resort guests and they’re a perfect way to get a heart pump while taking in the beauty of the Four Seasons Bora Bora motu.
  • Snorkeling: Snorkels and fins are free for all resort guests and you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the snorkeling around the resort! The Four Seasons Bora Bora has planted a plethora of coral in their lagoon so guests can enjoy immaculate snorkeling without ever having to leave the property.
  • Yoga: Free yoga is offered multiple times a week and it is absolutely heavenly. We enjoyed two yoga classes during our stay and these meditative movements were the perfect way to start our days in paradise.

All of the above activities are included in your stay! There are also amazing activities that you can book for an additional cost.

  • Whale Watching: Whale watching season is between August and October and it’s a must see in Bora Bora and Tahiti. These islands are some of the only islands in the world where you can actually swim with humpback whales. We recommend booking multiple days of whale watching because the whales are indeed wild creatures and don’t always cooperate with your schedule!
  • Jet Skiing: While we didn’t jet ski while in Bora Bora, we heard multiple stories from other guests about how fabulous the Four Seasons jet ski tour is.
  • Sailing on a Racing Catamaran: We booked a day out on Vitamin Sea, a racing catamaran, that took us to snorkeling spots as well as Paradise Bay, a crystal clear warm watered area just minutes from the Four Seasons Bora Bora. While in Paradise Bay, we enjoyed a floating bar with fresh coconuts, rum punch, and an idyllic island sunset.
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Paddle Boarding in Paradise

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Yoga is a blissful Bora Bora experience

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Enjoy some “Vitamin Sea” on a racing catamaran for the day

Spa

While the entirety of the Four Seasons Bora Bora is completely idyllic, the spa sets the standard for serenity. All hotel guests have access to spa amenities such as the two hot tubs – one that overlooks the lagoon and the other that overlooks the ocean.

We recommend that couples book a couples Polynesian massage in the overwater spa suite, a treatment room where massage beds tower above glass bottomed panels, allowing you to drift off into an underwater world, watching fish swim by the resorts’ coral reefs.  Afterwards, soak in a coconut bath that overlooks Mount Otemanu.

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Food and Restaurants

The food and restaurant selection at the Four Seasons Bora Bora is absolutely delightful, but also note that it is very expensive (like 99% of food in French Polynesia).

  • Tere Nui: Tere Nui is the wonderful restaurant where breakfast is served each and every morning. Choose from fresh coconuts, refreshing coffees, fresh squeezed juices, French pastries, and a plethora of delicious made-to-order meals. Our rate had breakfast included and we would highly recommend booking this rate!
  • Arri Moana: If you’re in the mood for fine dining, head to this “A-list” indoor/outdoor restaurant. We dined on chicken and truffles, lobster, pate, all washed down with a delicious and crisp French white wine.
  • Fare Hoa: Fare Hoa will be the main restaurant you will most likely visit as it’s their staple beach grill. With toes in the sand dining, you can nosh on fresh local fish, vegetables, or even try a delicious burger!
  • Vaimiti: With its sublime overwater setting, extensive sake menu, and delectable Asian-inspired dining, Vaimiti was definitely our favorite restaurant at the Four Seasons Bora Bora.
  • Happy Hour: Every evening, there is a wonderful happy hour from 5-6 pm with 50% off all cocktails and food. Since cocktails are priced on the higher end (think $25 for a cocktail), this is an absolute must! The location for happy hour changes, but we preferred the Vaimiti happy hour, which offered more options than the pool bar / Sunset Bar.
  • Room Service: After long days spent adventuring, we wanted nothing more than to cozy up in bed, watch a movie, and enjoy room service. We highly recommend ordering room service for at least one night to sit back, relax, and enjoy a private meal in your overwater bungalow.
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We highly recommend ordering the Tahitian fish in a coconut!

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Cheers to the best vacation, ever (and 50% off drinks at Happy Hour!)

To book your dream vacation to the Four Seasons Bora Bora, click here!