There is a dreamy private island paradise that feels safe in this ever changing global oyster; a pearl of a property, Four Seasons Bora Bora, a five-star luxury resort. Many of our clients have escaped to this island paradise, a family of five just returned and we have a couple celebrating in October. The Tahitian government has strict pre-arrival Covid-19 rules. Mandatory 72-hour Covid-19 testing prior to boarding a commercial flight guarantees everyone on your flight is bug free. After landing in Papeete, check in for a quick flight to Bora Bora. The government also delivers another self-administered test during your visit, assuring all hotel guests have been tested again, it feels like a safe haven.

• Facts: Three-hour time difference, if you must work while in paradise. But do try to practice idleness.
• Overwater bungalows 108, stretching out into the sapphire hued lagoon. One or two bedrooms, some with deck plunge pools, all with sea ladders.
• Seven on-land villas – two & three bedrooms on beautifully landscaped private grounds with water access and astonishing views. Perfect for multi-generational families and couples.

Bora Bora is a 50-minute flight west of Papeete. Set on a motu (islet) on the northeast side of the lagoon, the Four Seasons Resort enjoys uninterrupted views of the dramatic peaks of Bora Bora, which are particularly captivating at sunset.

Enchantment begins on the wooden power boat, speeding across the gorgeous aqua seas to the Four Seasons Bora Bora. The cool breeze and surf splashing as you breathe in the fresh air and absorb the astonishing tropical views.

The beach front Villa estates are secluded, have their own pools, and literally feel like private mansions on the pale azure Bora Bora seas. Each over water bungalow has sections of glass floors, you see fish, stingrays, and other marine life, nature at its best, swimming underneath your room! I found myself sitting on the floor, peering for underwater creatures. Furnished with large, plush, king-size beds, a full living room, a spacious outdoor deck, some with plunge pools and every amenity you’d expect to find in a 5-star hotel room.

The bungalows have been recently refurbished, inspired by a traditional Polynesian village, a collaboration between local architect Pierre-Jean Picart and San Francisco design firm BAMO. Additionally, six plunge pools were added to existing overwater bungalow suites, bringing the total number of overwater accommodations with pools to 27, and the total overwater room count to 108. Designed by BAMO, each of the one and two-bedroom overwater bungalow suites have been refreshed, reflecting a more contemporary Polynesian feel, complete with new furniture, fixtures, lighting and technology including 55-inch Chromecast-enabled televisions.

I visited a few years ago and intend to return soon. A client family of five reluctantly just returned home. They are such a fun family, everyone has a sense of adventure and they don’t sit still! I adore their Journey updates, they sent me photos of the to die for views and videos of their awesome diving experiences. From an email: ‘Reporters and photographers met us on landing as they captured the excitement of welcoming people back. The wildlife was incredible as people traffic has been nonexistent. We had so much fun in the water. Our youngest daughter got her scuba certification diving with mantas, black tipped sharks and eagle rays. We learned how to kite board, we wake boarded and wake surfed, snorkeled, paddle boarded, and jet skied.  Really well managed and run. Definitely a vacation to remember, thanks Gwen!’  Aren’t you yearning to escape?!

Hotel Amenities: there’s a huge pool with teak loungers and thatched cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center, watersports, tennis, chic boutiques, plus activities ranging from classes in stand-up paddleboard yoga to time out with the resident marine biologist. It goes without saying the Four Seasons has one of the best reputations for exemplary service…I’ve written several blog posts sharing the diamond level service during my visits all over the FS world.  Pick your pleasure: underwater explorations abound at this sand-fringed paradise or bask undisturbed in the shadow of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu.

A snorkel safari beneath the waves: explore lagoon life on a half-day discovery tour, where you’ll cruise past Mounts Otemanu and Pahia and snorkel among rays and sharks. A full-day excursion adds a visit to a local fisherman’s house for a traditional Polynesian lunch.

Memorable meals: board a canoe to a private white-sand motu, where staff will greet you with Champagne followed by a personalized dinner for two as the sun sets into the water. 

Connect with a local artist: meet renowned painter Alain Despert and connect with the island’s most famous artist. Board a private afternoon yacht to his hilltop studio on the main island, where you’ll meet Alain and his wife Karen. You’ll get to know them and learn of Alain’s inspirations, share stories and see where his colorful masterpieces are created. Upon returning to the Resort, Alain will guide you on a tour of his collection at Four Seasons before enjoying a wine-paired dinner surrounded by some of his signature pieces. Your memorable evening concludes with an original gift from the artist

The Spa. Nestled at the lagoon’s edge, the Kahaia tree-inspired spa combines ancient traditions, native ingredients and transformative treatments. During my visit, I had wandered the gorgeous spa a few times for photos and lingered on the to die for view relaxation decks but hadn’t yet indulged in the services. Everything about the spa whispers rest and unwind – the cathedral like wooden building is sandwiched between a tranquil lagoon and the edge of the sea. Dappled sunlight and shadows play on the lacquered floor – the quiet is truly church like, people passing in robes and soft slippers, disappearing behind enormous dark doors. Sandlewood and frangipani perfumes the space. The spa director encouraged me to try the traditional Polynesian massage using the hotels exclusive monoi oil that contains flecks of 24-carat gold –   I’m not sure when I passed from groggy and wilted to comatose on the massage table – certainly a combination of travel fatigue and massage magic.

Magnificent in every detail, Four Seasons Bora Bora – honestly, it is heaven on earth and a very efficient jaunt from our coast.

There is availability until the end of the year – Summer, Thanksgiving, and Festive Season.

We are proud to be Four Seasons Preferred Partners, send dates and we will begin the pampering process!