10 Things to Know Before Staying at the Four Seasons Bora Bora

10 Tips for Staying at the Four Seasons Bora Bora 

If you’re dreaming of Bora Bora for your honeymoon or bucket-list trip, chances are you’ve already come across or even booked the BEST hotel in French Polynesia (in my humble opinion!) – the iconic Four Seasons Bora Bora. With breathtakingly-beautiful overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu, it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful resorts in the world. And I agree!!!!

I’ve been multiple times myself as well as have planned many clients’ trips to Bora Bora and honeymoons as a luxury travel advisor, so if this is your first time planning a trip to Bora Bora, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go. From choosing the best bungalow views to understanding transfers, activities, and where to splurge (and save), here are my top tips for staying at the Four Seasons Bora Bora.

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1. Book an Overwater Bungalow with a Mount Otemanu View – it’s worth it!!!

If you’re traveling all the way to Bora Bora, this is the view you want.

The Mountain View Overwater Bungalows face Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora’s dramatic volcanic peak, and give you the classic postcard view everyone dreams of. Trust me, it’s worth the upgrade (and you may even get a free upgrade if you booked through me! Most of my clients do!) But even with a free upgrade perk, it’s good to book the Mount Otemanu view to start with, then your upgrade will get you a better villa within the mountain-views.

And you’ll wake up every morning to turquoise water and that iconic mountain rising out of the lagoon, and think… yep, worth every cent.   

If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, babymoon, family trip or anniversary, this room category is absolutely worth it.

2. Know That the Resort Transfer is Pricey (But Amazing)

After landing at Bora Bora airport, the only way to reach the Four Seasons is by boat.

The resort transfer is seamless and beautiful, but it’s also expensive at around $300 roundtrip per person.

The upside? The arrival is unforgettable. You’re greeted with chilled towels, welcome drinks, and your first glimpse of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu during the short boat ride to the resort. It’s by far the best way to arrive!!!

3. Don’t Over-Schedule Activities

This is something I always tell clients visiting Bora Bora.

Yes, you can book tons of excursions like lagoon tours, jet skiing, shark and ray snorkeling, and sunset cruises — but honestly, the magic of the Four Seasons Bora Bora is just being there.

You’ll probably find yourself spending most of your time:
• swimming in the lagoon – a protected snorkel area at the resort – it’s amazing!
• lounging on your bungalow deck
• paddleboarding or kayaking

And the best part? Many non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing are included with your stay.

4. Request a Bungalow at the End of the Pontoon

The best bungalows are at the end of the pontoon at Four Seasons Bora Bora – if you book through me, I’ll always make sure you have the most privacy and the best views that will make you feel like you have your own private lagoon.

The lagoon surrounding the resort is filled with tropical fish, coral, and marine life and you can literally climb down the ladder from your bungalow deck and start your day with a snorkel!

5. Book Through a Four Seasons Preferred Travel Advisor

This is a big one. Because it means FREE perks on the stay you’re already booking.

When you book the Four Seasons Bora Bora through a luxury travel advisor, you get:

• daily breakfast for two, complimentary
• $100 resort credits
• Complimentary upgrade when available (and yes, you get priority over Amex Fine Hotels, because of my direct relationship with the resort!)
• VIP treatment during your stay

All at zero cost to you.

And the best part? The rate is the exact same or better as booking online. Just with all these free perks. It’s that easy.

As a top luxury travel advisor, and a preferred partner of Four Seasons, I’m able to get you these perks at no cost to you.  Just email me here with your ideal dates and any other information you want me to know, and I’ll send over the best possible rates, perks, and what I can offer!

6. Plan for Food & Drinks to Be Expensive

Bora Bora is one of the most expensive destinations in the world when it comes to food and drinks. I find it’s best to go into a trip knowing that, so there are no suprises when you get there.

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora:
• dinners often start around $150 per person
• room service dinners are usually around $100 per person
• even a burger can cost around $50.

It’s definitely something to factor into your budget. And consider these ways to save money on your trip to Bora Bora.

7. Book activities outside of the resort 

Sure, you can use the resort concierge for your activities and it’s easy and convenient, but a great way to save money is to book tours like shark and ray tours with an outside tour operator who will pick you up at the hotel!

9. Stay Long Enough to Actually Relax

Many people try to squeeze Bora Bora into a short itinerary.

My advice? Stay at least 5 nights. At the very minimum, 4.

Between the travel time to get there and how relaxing the destination is, Bora Bora is best enjoyed slowly.

10. Kids eat free at Four Seasons Bora Bora!

If you’re traveling to Bora Bora with little kids, here’s a great perk to know: children under 5 eat free at the resort restaurants at Four Seasons Bora Bora. Considering how expensive food can be in Bora Bora, this is actually a really nice bonus for families traveling with young kids. The resort is incredibly family-friendly, and they make dining easy with kids menus and plenty of relaxed, beachfront dining options.

11.You Have to Try Breakfast in Your Bungalow

One of the most iconic experiences at the Four Seasons Bora Bora is breakfast delivered by canoe.

You can also order in-bungalow dining any time, whether it’s breakfast on your deck or a romantic private dinner overlooking the lagoon.

Highly recommend doing this at least once during your stay.

Take Advantage of the Resort’s Lagoon Activities

Beyond snorkeling, the resort offers tons of ways to explore the water:

• sailing
• jet skiing
• paddleboarding
• lagoon excursions
• deep sea fishing

The lagoon here is famous for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear water! it’s STUNNING!

12. Book a photographer

Bora Bora is one of those places you’ll want to remember forever, so I always recommend booking a photographer during your stay. It’s such a fun way to capture the trip, and you’ll come home with incredible photos of the two of you in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a bucket-list getaway, it’s the perfect excuse to get some awesome photos.

We used Stephan and Bonnie for these photos and they are so epic!!! I love the underwater ones!!!! If you reach out to them, please let them know Jetset Christina sent you!

 

 

Is the Four Seasons Bora Bora Worth It?

In my opinion, yes!!!! 1000 times yes. 

So few hotels in the world combine this level of natural beauty with luxury service. It’s paradise – PERFECTED. Between the iconic overwater bungalows, the unreal lagoon, the stunning beach, and those Mount Otemanu views, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is truly one of those bucket-list hotels that lives up to the hype. You will not be disappointed.

Ready to plan your trip (or did you already book and want to add on free perks?) Email me!