Escape to Paradise: Bora Bora's Four Seasons Awaits

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora Bora Island French Polynesia

Escape to Paradise: Bora Bora's Four Seasons Awaits

Bora Bora Bliss (Almost): A Frustrated, Fantastical Escape to the Four Seasons

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Four Seasons Bora Bora, and let me tell you, it's… an experience. Before you think I'm just another travel blogger spewing sunshine and platitudes, let me assure you, I’m real. My expectations were sky-high, fueled by Instagram and champagne dreams, and the reality? Well, let's just say it was a cocktail of pure, unadulterated paradise… with a few ice cubes missing.

Metadata & SEO Stuff (Because, You Know, That's Important):

• Keywords: Four Seasons Bora Bora Review, Bora Bora Luxury, Overwater Bungalow, French Polynesia Hotels, Accessible Bora Bora, Spa Treatment, Romantic Getaway, Family-Friendly Resort, Honeymoon, Beach Vacation, Paradise Found… Maybe.
• Meta Description: My brutally honest review of the Four Seasons Bora Bora! From the stunning overwater bungalows to the (sometimes frustrating) accessibility, I spill the tea on this legendary resort. Is it worth the hype? Read on!

First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle:

Landing in Bora Bora is already some kind of movie moment. The colours! The water! The air smelling vaguely of coconuts and pure, unadulterated wealth. Getting to the resort itself involves a boat ride, which, thankfully, the Four Seasons handles flawlessly. Airport transfer is smooth, but this is where the cracks began to show, albeit minor ones.

Accessibility? They claim they have Facilities for disabled guests, but I'd advise double-checking. Navigating the resort can be a challenge. While the main areas are relatively flat (Elevator access to the restaurants and some rooms), the walkways to the bungalows can be… well, a bit sandy. Not ideal for anyone relying on a wheelchair or having mobility issues. I did see some ramps, but it's worth a thorough inquiry if accessibility is a major concern. This area needs some serious improvement to deserve that "facilities for disabled guests" label.

Rooms: My Overwater Oasis (With a Few Quirks)

Okay, the overwater bungalow… that was the dream. And honestly? They delivered. The view? Jaw-dropping. The private bathroom with the separate shower/bathtub? Luxurious. The bathtub itself was absolutely divine. The mirror placement? Well, let's just say there was a lot of bending over involved if you wanted to get a good look at yourself.

My bungalow had Air conditioning – thank God. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those late-night naps. They also had an alarm clock (who uses those anymore?), a coffee/tea maker, and a generously stocked mini bar. Free bottled water was constantly replenished, a godsend in that heat. Speaking of which, the hair dryer was a decent one, so I can't complain.

The Internet Situation (Cue Rage):

Now, this is where my paradise bubble almost burst. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Hallelujah! But the reality was… spotty. Like, "drop out mid-Zoom call with your boss" spotty. The Internet access – wireless was unreliable, even on the High floor where I was. I attempted to use the Internet access – LAN (remember those?) but it was like wrestling a sloth. In fact, the overall Internet experience bordered on the infuriating. For a resort of this calibre, the Wi-Fi situation is unacceptable, and while they claim Internet services are available, you could literally build a bridge out of the time wasted trying to log on. Thankfully I'm not a digital nomad, but if I were, I'd have had a complete breakdown.

Dining & Drinking: A Gastronomic Adventure (Emphasis on Adventure)

The food. Ah, the food! The Four Seasons generally delivers here. The Asian breakfast was delightful, and the Western breakfast was predictably hearty. Breakfast [buffet] was a dazzling spread, and there was always something to tempt my taste buds. They’re great at Alternative meal arrangement, which is helpful for picky eaters like… me (sometimes). They've really thought about Vegetarian restaurant too.

I spent a ridiculous amount of time at the Poolside bar, nursing cocktails and pretending to be a glamorous movie star. The Happy hour was, of course, a highlight. They have Restaurants, featuring International cuisine in restaurant and the Asian cuisine in restaurant was another option, but it wasn’t overly amazing. I had my usual bottle of water (never stops) and the Coffee/tea in restaurant was always on tap. The Desserts in restaurant were pretty good too, I should add.

However, and this is a big however: the service at times felt a little… slow. Especially at the more formal restaurants. One evening, I waited nearly an hour for my soup to arrive. Soup! The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on the nights I couldn’t face the slow-moving dinner, and the Snack bar was surprisingly good for a quick bite. But overall, this is the area that needs the most work. The A la carte in restaurant menu choices were too complicated, what’s wrong with simple? The soup was too expensive, the cocktails were too weak…

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Bliss, Body Scrubs, and a Bit Too Much Sunshine

This is where the Four Seasons really shines. Seriously, the swimming pool [outdoor] is picture-perfect. And the Pool with view is, lets just say, the best option I’ve seen.

I did a lot of lounging. Things to do are plentiful, from swimming to kayaking. Ways to relax are plentiful.

I also got the full spa treatment. Body scrub, you betcha! A Body wrap? You know it! They even had a Foot bath! The Massage was pure bliss. The Sauna and Steamroom were top-notch. The Spa itself is a sanctuary – serene, beautiful, and exactly what your frazzled soul needs. The only downside? It’s ridiculously expensive!

Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-Era Precautions

The Four Seasons is meticulous about cleanliness. They were clearly pulling out all the stops to keep guests safe, which I appreciated. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were all masked up. I even saw Anti-viral cleaning products being used. There appeared to be a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit visible. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was enforced as much as humanly possible. They also had Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. It's a bonus that they had Hot water linen and laundry washing.

One slightly unsettling note: I did get the option to Room sanitization opt-out available, which felt a bit… odd. Why would I not want my room sanitized? But I suppose the luxury of choice is part of the experience.

For the Kids (And The Kid in You):

While I wasn't traveling with children, I noticed a genuine effort to cater to families. They had Kids facilities and a Babysitting service. I saw them playing Kids meal options in the restaurant. The resort is clearly Family/child friendly.

The Little Things (Or, the Things That Irritated Me):

• Cashless payment service: Wonderful! Easy peasy.

• Staff trained in safety protocol: Reassuring!

• Front desk [24-hour]: Helpful!

• Exterior corridor: Surprisingly unhelpful, but I suppose that’s the design.

• Non-smoking rooms: Thank goodness.

• Smoke alarms: Good to know.

• Daily housekeeping: Superb and appreciated.

• Complimentary tea: Yes!

• Essential condiments: Always a bonus.

• Invoice provided: Good for expenses.

• Desk: I used it!

• Extra long bed: Great for my height.

• Luggage storage: Useful.

• Safe/security features: Always good.

• One area where they could improve is the Food delivery option, even though they have a lot of restaurants, but some things I craved, I couldn't get delivered.

• They removed Shared stationery, that was smart!

• I saw a Shrine on a tiny island in the center of the resort--this could be improved by giving it more thought.

• I didn't see any Bicycle parking and this would be an excellent idea.

• There was a Car power charging station but it wasn’t for me but I’m sure some people would appreciate it.

• Room decorations: More attention could be paid.

Conclusion: Worth the Hype? (Maybe)

The Four Seasons Bora Bora is undeniably beautiful. The overwater bungalows are stunning. The

Bali Jungle Paradise: Your Kelinci 3 One-Bedroom Oasis Awaits!

Book Now

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora Bora Island French Polynesia

Alright, buckle up buttercups! We’re heading to freaking Bora Bora. The Four Seasons. Gonna be honest, I’ve been dreaming about this trip since, like, forever. Let’s see if the reality stacks up, or if I’m destined to be disappointed. (Fingers crossed for no disappointment!)

My Messy, Opinionated Bora Bora Itinerary (aka "Pray for Me" Schedule)

(Pre-Trip Rambling)

Okay, before we even get to Bora Bora, there’s the whole ordeal of getting to Bora Bora. Flights. The bane of my existence. Multiple layovers. Pray for my sanity. I’m already planning on bringing a ridiculous amount of snacks – like, enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, just in case. And noise-canceling headphones. Essential. And…wait…did I remember the travel adapter? Ugh, this is why I need a vacation.

(Day 1: Arrival - Paradise… or a Tourist Trap?!)

• Morning (The Arrival Saga): Land at the tiny airport on Bora Bora (after battling jet lag and questionable airplane food, naturally). Holy moly, the water. It’s that unreal turquoise you see in the pictures. I almost cried. Almost. The Four Seasons greeting is…impressive. A lei, some champagne (because, well, duh), and buggies whisking us away. So far, so good. The initial awe might actually be genuine.
• Afternoon (Overwater Bungalow Bliss…and Panic): The overwater bungalow. My kingdom for an overwater bungalow! Okay, the hype is real. It’s ridiculous. It's perfect. The view of Mount Otemanu is breathtaking (and I haven't even had more than half a glass of champagne yet, so it's not just the bubbles talking). Swim. Sunbathe. Repeat. I spent a solid two hours just staring at the fish swimming underneath my deck. Then I panicked. Did I even know how to swim properly? What if I fell in? What if I needed help? I'm a walking disaster, but I'm in paradise! After a deep breath and a few more sips of champagne, I dove in. No regrets (yet).
• Evening (First Dinner - Food Coma Incoming): Dinner at the Arii Moana restaurant. Fine dining. Fancy plates. I felt completely underdressed, even though I'd packed specifically for this. The food was exquisite, the service impeccable. And the bill? Well, let’s just say I'm going to be eating ramen for a while when I get back. Worth it, though. Absolutely worth it. I mean, when in Bora Bora…right? Ended the night utterly stuffed and contemplating the meaning of life in the starlit sky (the champagne was a good catalyst).

(Day 2: Water, Water Everywhere (and a Boat Too!))

• Morning (Snorkeling - A Fish-Filled Frenzy): Snorkeling excursion! This was a MUST on my list. I consider myself a decent snorkeler, though I'm not going to win any underwater beauty contests. The coral gardens were insane. Like, a whole rainbow of colors. Fish of every shape and size. I swear I saw Nemo. Or maybe it was just a particularly flamboyant clownfish. My mask kept fogging up. I swallowed way too much seawater. But I loved it. Pure underwater joy.
• Afternoon (Private Lagoon Tour… and Near-Disaster): We splurged on a private lagoon tour. The guide was this cool, incredibly tanned local guy. He showed us manta rays (majestic!), and a beautiful coral garden (even more beautiful than the first one!). Then, disaster struck. My hat. Flew. Off. Into. The. Ocean. I watched it. I gasped. I almost jumped in, but then remembered the sharks. The guide, bless his heart, dove in and retrieved it. Crisis averted. Lesson learned: tie up your hat. Or, you know, just don't wear silly hats. The hat was a casualty.
• Evening (Sunset Cocktails & Overwater Views): The sunset from our bungalow was the kind of thing that makes you question your purpose in life. And then, you realize your purpose is to drink cocktails while watching the sunset. Mission accomplished! The bar staff made the most amazing cocktails. We ordered, like, three rounds. Then went back to our bungalow, and it was back to just staring at the fish. This time, they were winking.

(Day 3: The Spa, The Sun, and the End – or is it just the beginning?!)

• Morning (Spa Day – My Inner Zen Has Arrived): Ahhh, the spa. I was skeptical, truly. "You pay how much for an oil massage?" But, again, when in Bora Bora… It was heavenly. Seriously. I think I achieved nirvana. I dozed off, woke up, and then dozed off again. Pure bliss. I felt like a new human-- a relaxed, oiled, human. I could get used to this.
• Afternoon (Farewell to the sun): We spent hours at the beach, just soaking up the sun. I read a book (finally!), and wandered around, taking pictures. My attempts at taking the picture of the resort in the perfect light failed. It was the end, or the middle of the end?
• Evening (Last dinner and packing): I made a big mistake and ate way too much, again! I didn't take one last swim in the water, I wanted to take the memories with me, I packed all my things. Saying goodbye to the staff was hard. I realized I was going to miss this small corner of the world.

(Departure - The Real World Beckons…or Does It?)

• Morning (The airport): The airport was as small as I remembered it. Saying goodbye felt sad, but excited for the journey.

(Post-Trip Thoughts - My Brain is a Mess):

Okay, so Bora Bora was…well, it was everything I hoped for and more. Expensive? Yes. Touristy? Occasionally. But absolutely, undeniably, breathtakingly incredible. Did I have moments of pure, unadulterated joy? Absolutely. Did I also have moments of near-panic and hat-related trauma? You betcha. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just gotta win the lottery first. And maybe learn how to swim properly…

Now, where's that ramen recipe…?

Uncover Hidden Paradise: Athina Studios, Milina, Greece - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!

Book Now

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora Bora Island French Polynesia```html

Escape to Paradise: Bora Bora’s Four Seasons Awaits – Or Does It? (A Really Honest FAQ)

Okay, spill. Is Bora Bora REALLY as ridiculously perfect as it looks in the photos?

Alright, let's be real here. Those photos? They're… *enhanced*. Don't get me wrong, Bora Bora is stunning. Seriously, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The water is that otherworldly turquoise, the mountains rise like emerald giants, the overwater bungalows… well, they *are* as dreamy as you think. But. And there’s always a but, isn’t there? **It’s not *perfect*.** The sand? It’s not always fluffy, sometimes it’s a little… gritty. The sunsets? Beautiful, obviously, but sometimes obscured by a rogue cloud or two (thanks, Mother Nature!). And the *price*. Oh, the price. More on that later, but let's just say your bank account will weep.

What's the *absolute* best thing about the Four Seasons Bora Bora? I need to know this!

Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to gush (and maybe get a little *too* passionate). Forget the pristine beaches and the bungalows (although, yes, they *are* incredible). **The staff.** Absolutely, hands-down, the staff. I’m talking genuinely warm, hilariously friendly, *ridiculously* accommodating. I mean, the first night, I somehow managed to spill red wine *EVERYWHERE* (don't ask, it involved a rogue mango and a questionable balancing act) and the waiter, instead of looking horrified, just *laughed*. And then, he fixed it all, with a smile and zero judgment. They *remember* your name, your preferences, and seemingly, every slightly embarrassing thing you ever said. It’s a level of service that’s both comforting and slightly unnerving (in a good way!). And here's my *favorite* story. One morning, I was wandering around, looking utterly lost, because... well, I was utterly lost. I bumped into a groundskeeper who started talking about the local plants. I was only slightly interested, because I was still half-asleep and looking for the coffee station. But he noticed it. He kept me entertained, he made me smile, and he even gave me a little sprig of something that smelled delicious. That, friends, is what made that place special. They make you feel like you are the sun and the moon and all the stars. Truly.

My wallet is already sweating just thinking about this trip. Exactly *how* expensive is the Four Seasons? Be blunt.

Okay. Brutal honesty time. The Four Seasons in Bora Bora is… *expensive*. Let’s just get that out of the way. Like, “sell-a-kidney-for-a-week-there” expensive. The rooms themselves start at a price that will make you double-check your browser history to make sure you didn’t accidentally stumble onto a private jet rental site. Food and drinks? Another mortgage. Let’s face it, I could eat more cheaply camping, you know? Expect to pay a premium for *everything*. But hey, at least it’s beautiful! And hey, at least you are in Bora Bora! But... I’ll be honest, the price tag *stings*. You’ll be tempted to ration your bottled water and subsist on breadsticks (which I totally might have done at one point, don't judge!). But, you know, you’re there. So try to enjoy it, even if you end up eating only breadsticks.

Is the food worth the price? (Because I’m a foodie, and that really matters!)

Ah, the food. Well... *it's complicated.* The Four Seasons has some incredible options. The overwater restaurant? Divine! The seafood? *Fresh*. The presentation? Instagram-worthy. But… (there’s always a but, right?)… is it *worth* the price? That's the million-dollar question, isn’t it? For my taste, it was... sometimes. One night, I had the most amazing, perfectly grilled mahi-mahi with a coconut-lime sauce. It was a religious experience. The next night? A slightly overcooked steak that cost more than my entire grocery bill for a month. So, a mixed bag! My advice? Splurge on the signature dishes, embrace the local flavors when possible (the poisson cru is *amazing*), and be prepared to maybe… pack some snacks. Okay, maybe that a joke, but consider it.

What are the *must-do* activities? What will actually feel like you're experiencing Bora Bora, not just existing?

Okay, this is where things get *really* fun. Forget the stuffy “luxury” stuff for a moment. Yes, the spa is great (if you have a spare mortgage payment lying around), but for real Bora Bora memories, you've got to do these things: * **Snorkeling/Diving:** The marine life is just… beyond words. Seriously, it's like swimming in a giant aquarium. The colors! The fish! The sheer *wonder*! I actually squealed when I saw a manta ray, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. * **A Lagoon Tour:** This is the classic Bora Bora experience. You'll visit the coral gardens, swim with sharks (yep, the nurse sharks are friendly!), and get a peek at the iconic Mount Otemanu from the water. * **Rent a Jet Ski:** Okay, it's pricey, but it's ridiculously fun. Zooming around the lagoon, feeling the wind in your hair… pure freedom! (Just don't, you know, crash into anything. I almost did.) * **Embrace the Polynesian Culture:** The Four Seasons offers a few cultural experiences, but venture out if you can. Maybe go to a local market and try some local fruits. Or watch a traditional dance performance (it's beautiful and vibrant and worth the trip!).

Any downsides? I really want to be prepared. Not just the prices!

Right, let’s rip off the Band-Aid. Besides the crippling cost, there are a few things to be aware of: * **It’s Remote:** Getting there is a journey (planes, boats, etc.). And once you're there, you're kind of… stuck. No quick runs to the store (unless you can kayak), so pack accordingly. * **The Weather Can Be Unpredictable:** Even in the "dry" season, rain is possible. Be prepared for a potential downpour or two (or three). It adds to the romance, they say. I say, bring an umbrella! * **It’s Touristy:** Let’s face it, Bora Bora is a huge tourist destination. While the Four Seasons is relatively secluded, you'll still see plenty of other tourists. Be prepared for photo ops, and just try to embrace the vibes. Even if you might feel a little… crowded. * **The Mosquitos:** They're real. And they bite. Bring bug spray. Seriously. I got eaten alive.

What should I pack? (Besides my bank account!)

Shkodër's BEST Hotel? CityCenterHotel Review Will SHOCK You!

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora Bora Island French Polynesia

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora Bora Island French Polynesia

Share :