Four Seasons Bora Bora: The Bucket List Stay
Some destinations exist in a category of their own. Four Seasons Bora Bora is one of them — the kind of place that appears on bucket lists around the world for good reason.
The Journey There
Getting to Bora Bora is an adventure in itself. From London, it's about 24 hours of travel via Los Angeles and Tahiti. But the moment you step onto that small propeller plane for the final leg and see the lagoon below, every hour of travel becomes worth it.
The hotel arranges a boat transfer from the airport, and as you glide across the impossibly turquoise lagoon toward Mount Otemanu, reality starts to feel like a dream.
The Overwater Bungalows
I stayed in an Overwater Bungalow Suite with Plunge Pool — and I'm not sure I've recovered. Waking up, making coffee, and sitting on your deck watching tropical fish swim beneath glass floor panels is exactly as magical as it sounds.
The bungalow features:
- Private plunge pool facing the lagoon
- Glass floor panels for marine life viewing
- Outdoor deck with direct lagoon access
- Deep soaking tub with mountain views
- Traditional Polynesian design touches
Mount Otemanu
The volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu dominates the landscape, visible from virtually every point on the property. Sunrise turns it pink and gold; sunset bathes it in deep purple. I found myself photographing it constantly — each hour bringing a different light.
Dining
The culinary program surprised me with its sophistication:
- Arii Moana offers refined French-Polynesian fusion
- Sunset Restaurant & Bar for casual beachside dining
- Tere Nui serves the best breakfast views on the island
- Private motu dining for an unforgettable experience
The raw fish preparations using local catch and tropical fruits are exceptional. And the French wine list is, as you'd expect in French Polynesia, excellent.
Activities
Don't just stay on your deck (tempting as it is):
- Snorkeling directly from your bungalow stairs
- Jet ski tours around the island
- Polynesian cultural experiences
- Sunset cruises with champagne
- Spa treatments overlooking the lagoon
The Verdict
Four Seasons Bora Bora delivers on its legendary reputation. Is it expensive? Yes — one of the most expensive hotels I've stayed in. Is it worth it? For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, absolutely.
This is the place for major celebrations — honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, or simply crossing the ultimate destination off your list.
Rating: ★★★★★
Perfect for: Honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, bucket list trips
Visited January 2026. Rates from $2,500/night.