Bora Bora is one of the most spectacular honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you are island hopping throughout French Polynesia or sunning yourself on the deck of your overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, a fantastic resort will be the icing on the honeymoon cake. Bora Bora has few alternatives, but the hotels they have are lovely. I have two favorites for newlyweds. I am going to review both, and I am starting with Four Seasons Bora Bora, a genuinely spectacular resort.
Four Seasons Bora Bora Overview
The resort lies on a private motu (otherwise known as an island) in the coral islets encircling Bora Bora's primary island and overlooking Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Perched over the serene, sheer waters of the lagoon, Arii Moana epitomizes romance, presenting magnificent views and culinary perfection. The freeform pool is the heart of the communal areas of the hotel. Gather there for the panoramic views of the waters gently lapping the lagoon's shores. Exotic over-water bungalows (OWBs) and beachfront villas enthrall with ultramodern amenities and the spirit of French Polynesia. Indulge in the impeccable service and unmatched romance on Bora Bora.
Jessie's Four Seasons Tip:
Since Four Seasons Bora Bora is on a private motu, you must take the private boat shuttle from the airport to the resort. You will meet them at the Four Seasons desk at the Bora Bora airport. If you book your trip without a travel consultant, you must write to the resort to set up your transfers before you arrive.
Villas at Four Seasons Bora Bora
Four Seasons provides 107 immense hideaways comprising 100 OWBs and seven stunning beachfront villas. The villas nestle around the tranquil lagoon overlooking warm turquoise waters. Inspired by regional architecture, every villa offers a relaxing, airy ambiance – finished with classic teak furnishings, lofty ceilings, and thatched roofs.
Jessie's Four Seasons Honeymoon Villa Tips:
Overwater Bungalows are iconic, and you must spend at least a few nights in one but take notice of the beachfront villas. They have a lot of pros that make them a worthy competitor to OWBs. Beach villas tend to be surrounded by lush vegetation ensuring a secluded and romantic stay. Divide your days between an OWB and a beach villa, giving you the best of both worlds.
The One-Bedroom Deluxe Beachfront Villa is perfect for couples that want luxury and privacy. These villas are huge at 3,228 sq. ft. and have ocean and mountain views. Beachfront villas come with exclusive services, including personal pre-arrival planning, round-trip private airport transfers, daily breakfast, a personal Villa Host, private beach setup, and more.
Choose a One-Bedroom Beach View Overwater Bungalow to save a little money, but please be aware that these rooms face the beach.
If you want to splurge, the Otemanu Overwater Bungalow with a Pool. These villas measure 1,576 sq. ft. and offer a view of Mount Otemanu. They have a spacious living room that opens to a massive deck with a private pool.
Dining at Four Seasons Bora Bora
Inspired by its stunning setting, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora provides exceptional South Pacific treats: four restaurants and bars offer spectacular sunsets and starlit nights. The restaurants have creative menus designed to exceptionally high standards, featuring locally raised produce and a wide variety of fresh seafood. For a memorable evening, dine on a beautiful white sand beach graced by impeccable Four Seasons service.
Restaurants & Bars
Arii Moana offers Mediterranean cuisine; it is their signature restaurant.
Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill offers grilled favorites, including seafood and steak.
Tere Nui is an open-air breakfast restaurant that also hosts weekly themed dinners.
Vaimiti offers a diverse menu of Asian delicacies in a stunning overwater setting.
Wellness at Four Seasons Bora Bora
The spa has breathtaking ocean views because it lies at the resort's highest point. The haven of kahaia tree-inspired Te Mahana Spa captures the exceptional balance that represents Bora Bora, overflowing energy, and meeting luxuriant peacefulness. The seven treatment rooms connect to the gorgeous cathedral-like central area with raised walkways ensuring privacy and stunning garden and ocean views. Burn calories at the resort's modern open-air fitness center, where sea breezes can cool you and enjoy views of the South Pacific.
Jessie's Four Seasons spa tip: if you want to up the romance factor for your couple's massage, choose the over-water treatment room.
Adventures at Four Seasons Bora Bora
Travel by outrigger canoe to a tiny sand motu in the lagoon and enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner under the starry South Pacific sky.
An inner lagoon bursting with exotic marine life is secreted within the hotel grounds. The Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary is home to more than 100 colorful species. It offers activities for guests of all ages, including coral grafting, octopus feeding, and snorkeling tours.
Take a private tour of the Coral Garden, where you'll interact with fascinating stingrays and swim with a school of reef sharks. Finish your day with a fresh lunch on your guide's private motu, where you'll enjoy a taste of an authentic feast.
Make your own Monoi Oil. Generations of Polynesian women used monoi oil because of its delicate fragrance and benefits for skin and hair. A guided expert offers a weekly class allowing you to soak tiare flowers in pure coconut oil and create organic monoi oil to take home. Every time you smell it, you will return to Tahiti.
Make a souvenir and learn to weave Polynesian shell necklaces with natural raffia and beach-combed shells. You can connect with your creativity and design your jewelry.
Jessie's Four Seasons Pros:
The resort offers impeccable service, which begins at the Bora Bora Airport with a tiare flower lei greeting, cold bottled water, and a chilled towel. The service continues throughout your stay.
Even though the property is sprawling, it is walkable because most of the facilities lie in a central location near the overwater jetties. But if you don't feel like walking, they offer 24/7 buggy service.
The Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary offers more than just spectacular snorkeling. It is a research facility where marine life thrives and grows.
The villas are enormous, romantic, and well-appointed. And even though they use a lot of dark wood, the villas are light and airy.
IMO, Four Seasons has the best views and sunsets of any resort in Bora Bora. Several hotels have vistas that Mt Otemanu obstructs.
Four Seasons dedicates itself to sustainability. The resort uses environmentally friendly supplies to reduce waste, and it uses energy options for nature clean-ups. Four Seasons is on the precipe of green initiatives.
Jessie's Four Seasons Cons:
While the bungalows are a reasonable distance from each other, some offer different levels of privacy. For instance, the Beach View OWBs face the resort, so anyone relaxing at the beach or in the main pool can see your deck. And kayakers and paddleboarders will float by your decks often. Pick a room category at the end of the pontoon to ensure privacy.
While villas at the end of the jetties are private, they are far from the main resort facilities, so plan on long walks.
They don't offer bikes to get you around the resort because the walkways aren't wide enough for bikes and buggies.
Breakfast at Tere Nui is a mixture of buffet and a la carte options, but the options do not offer the variety you would expect for a resort the size of Four Seasons.
All of the Beachfront Villas come with the promise of private beaches, so there are vast stretches of beach that aren't accessible to most guests.
Food is expensive, and the hotel needs a wow-factor restaurant. Other 5-star resorts in the area have Michelin-level restaurants. Book a meal plan.
Four Season does have excellent children's programs, so it does attract families more than nearby resorts. If you want an adults-only hotel, look elsewhere.
Jessie's Four Seasons Bora Bora Rating
(Rating Scale: 5 Superb, 4 Great, 3 Good, 2 Not Acceptable & 1 Awful)
Location: 5 out of 5
Food: 4.5 out of 5
Rooms: 5 out of 5
Service: 5 out of 5
Spa: 5 out of 5
Total: 4.9
Four Seasons Bora Bora is a stunning and romantic resort. And I adore it! The hotel is as close to perfect as the resort can get. Considering a honeymoon in Bora Bora, you should look at Four Seasons Bora Bora.