“How can this place be real?”
That is the first thing we said when we arrived at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Everywhere we turned, it looked and felt like a postcard or a scene from a movie. Scenes so absurdly beautiful, we had to pinch ourselves to remember we weren’t in a dream.
Our visit to the Four Seasons Bora Bora was one we planned more than a year out, something we tend not to do often. It was a special trip, to celebrate my husband and my 10th wedding anniversary and not a single second of it disappointed. Walking into the Bora Bora airport, eyes bleary from an overnight flight, the scent of tiare, Tahitian gardenia, enveloped us as we were welcomed with a beautiful freshly strung lei and whisked away by the Four Seasons water taxi. About 25 minutes later, the boat slowed and the sweet strumming of a Tahitian ukulele slowly floated towards us. “Welcome home,” we were told, as we were helped off the boat and handed a chilled glass of hibiscus infused water, ‘You’ve arrived just in time for breakfast.”
After nearly 24 hours of travel, we exhaled the jet lag and breathed in the stunning beauty around us. Pathways to the overwater bungalows twisted and turned over the cerulean water, thatched roofed buildings dotted the grass, soft white sand filled the beaches and walking bridges connected patches of island separated by the calm lagoon waters that crept inland.
Our overnight flight from LAX featured some of the most uncomfortable seats we’ve ever had on a flight and we landed in Tahiti tired, sore, and achey. Luckily we’d anticipated a bit of long haul flight discomfort and had already made appointments at Te Mahana Spa. Again the scent of tiare filled the room and we were able to choose an oil of the same scent for our massages. There are two hot tubs and lounge decks, which hotel guests can use even without spa appointments. One faces the sea and the other, Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano giving big Moana vibes. You can soak in the hot tubs or unwind in the relaxation room before your treatment and either option is sure to help melt the jet lag right off.
Once you’ve arrived at the Four Seasons Bora Bora you truly need not leave (and by the time you must you won’t want to!). There are four restaurants on site serving such an excellent variety of cuisines, you won’t grow tired of dining there. Breakfasts at Tere Nui were fresh and delicious, with just cracked coconuts chilled on ice, an impressive buffet as well as a menu full of decedent options like eggs Benedict of French toast. Come midday, a lunch of Moorea shrimps, sweet potato fries and fresh coconut cocktails at Faré Hoa Beach Bar and Grill was a delightful reprieve from the midday sun. What is better than enjoying a meal while your toes are in the sand!?
You can expect Mediterranean classics and Italian fare at Arii Moana and electric Asian cuisine at Vaimiti, along with insane sunsets so be sure to arrive in time and snag a westward facing seat on the patio.
We spent the days swimming in the sea, kayaking and paddle boarding around the lagoon, and lounging by the pool. There are fabulous cabanas available to reserve poolside, perfect for families needing a shady spot for nap time.
The lagoon is full or brightly colored fish zipping this way and that’d neon coral so pretty it looks fake. You can borrow snorkel gear from the hotel to explore the sea life and should you have any questions, there is a marine biologist on site who can give you a private science lesson right there on the shores of the South Pacific.
One of the most epic things we did during our stay was a shark and sting ray snorkel safari. We swam with black tips sharks, pet stingrays, saw a manta ray so big it looked like a spaceship and explored stunning reefs during our 1/2 day excursion. It was such an incredible experience and one we highly recommend. (watch our reel here)
Prior to this trip we often wondered about those insane overwater bungalows we’ve seen in movies. Were they really all they are hyped up to be? The answer, in our opinion, is yes. There are 108 overwater bungalows at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, 27 of which have their own private plunge pools. Our one bedroom lagoon view bungalow was breathtaking. The space was huge and had pocket doors that enabled you to close the bungalow off into essentially 3 rooms (bed, bath, and living). Every detail was well thought out and functional while still being just over the top enough that it felt truly luxurious. Doors opened up over the soaking tub, allowing you to soak in the views while you bathed and the sundeck, with loungers and a table and chairs, was the perfect place to hang during the afternoon. We loved diving right into sea from our deck. Click here for a bungalow tour.
Four Seasons Bora Bora is honestly a magical place. The people were so kind and generous and helped us celebrate 10 years married every day we were there. It was a spectacular place to celebrate and we hope that, one day, we’re able to go back and soak in all the Bora Bora beauty again.
Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of Four Seasons Bora Bora and thanks them for a truly unbelievably perfect visit. As always, all opinions are our own.
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