Bora Bora is the Ultimate Tropical Paradise

Courtesy Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Part of French Polynesia, Bora Bora lies about 143 miles northwest of Tahiti, the largest of the regions’ 118 islands and atolls. The island is dominated by the majestic Mount Otemanu, a volcanic peak that rises dramatically from the island’s center and serves as the picturesque backdrop to nearly all of Bora Bora’s visitor accommodations. Considered a sacred site by locals, Mount Otemanu embodies the spirit of the island and serves as a symbol of strength and protection for the community—the cultural tapestry is steeped in ancient lore that is artfully expressed through traditional music, dance and crafts that are proudly shared with visitors.

Fran Miller

Bora Bora starts to work its magic upon arrival at the island’s tiny airport where reps from each of the island’s luxe resorts await to further transport guests to their exotic locales. The Conrad, The St. Regis, The Westin, The Intercontinental, and The Four Seasons, among others, are represented, and it’s the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora’s presentation of a tiare flower lei to each arriving passenger that immediately captures imaginations. Four Seasons guests are then whisked away within a custom-crafted Andreyale Bateaux Taxi; the 20 minute ride is exhilarating and provides the first view of the resort’s ICONIC overwater bungalows, 108 in total, spanning four tentacle-like piers that fan out over the lagoon.

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Fran Miller

Each bungalow is a spacious suite with a deck, sun loungers and lovely Polynesian design. (Some come with private infinity pools.) And each is entirely private, providing a sense of seclusion, making them ideal for romantic getaways. For those seeking a bit more room, the resort boasts seven standalone beachfront villa estates of varying size. Perfect for family gatherings, extended stays or group getaways, each spans from one-third to more than a full acre.

Island culture is embodied within all of Bora Bora’s resorts, and at the Four Seasons, a robust calendar of daily and weekly classes and workshops introduce guests to both Polynesian tradition and the generosity of the Polynesian people. Enjoy ukulele lessons and shell necklace making. Learn about the process of famed Tahitian black pearl formation. Take a botanical tour of the property and explore the island’s flora and fauna. Learn about the importance of coral reefs to the health of our oceans and marine life by taking part in the resort’s coral grafting program. Guests can “adopt” a piece of coral that they name and hang within the resort’s fabulous Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary that teems with a colorful array of marine life.

The coral is cared for by on-site marine biologists who will ultimately transplant it to the reef and provide updates to the adopter. The experience includes a buoyant snorkel (the water’s salinity makes it easy to float) through the lagoon, home to octopus, lizardfish, Picasso trumpet fish, soldier fish, firefish, unicorn fish, spotted puffer fish, parrotfish, peacock damselfish, clownfish and butterfly fish, among others. It’s like swimming in a stocked aquarium and the experience is a mesmerizing highlight. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also ideal ways to explore the region’s calm waters.

Fran Miller

The South Pacific’s rich history of healing massages and therapeutic treatments—called taurumi—is passed from generation to generation, and the Four Seasons’ Te Mahana Spa radiates the unique balance of energy and relaxation that defines Bora Bora. The cathedral-like spa, surrounded by native trees and fragrant Kahaia blossoms, offers natural therapies extracted from native fruits and herbs. Book the spacious overwater Fare Miti Spa Suite to enjoy views of the lagoon’s active marine life during your massage. Its two massage table face cradles are positioned directly over glass flooring, allowing a face down view of the lagoon’s underwater activity.

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Local cuisine is well represented with the Four Seasons’ varied restaurants where seafood reigns, natch. An average stay at the resort is about four nights. With four restaurants on property, guests are able to enjoy a different dining experience each evening. Arii Moana offers casually elegant dining featuring Mediterranean classics. Vaimiti offers an overwater setting and Asian cuisine. Open air, toes-in-the-sand Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill serves local dishes with a modern twist, and Tere Nui, in addition to serving daily breakfast, offers themed, weekly dinners such as Oro’a Night—a celebration of Polynesian culture that includes song, dance and a bountiful buffet of island favorites.

Fran Miller

While Four Seasons’ lovely MoeMoea boutique offers an array of souvenir apparel and accessories, some might desire a more permanent keepsake. For those, the ancient Polynesian custom of tatau (tattoo) can be arranged. Tatau was once an indicator of the passage from childhood to adulthood, social status and profession. The traditional method entailed dipping a wooden comb of fine needles into the soot of a burned candlenut, and tapping into the skin. Both traditional and modern methods are available to resort guests.
Finally, while French is the official language in Bora Bora, Tahitian is preserved amongst locals and is widely spoken, as is English. With only 16 letters and a mere 1,000 words, Tahitian is easier to learn than other languages. You’ll be saying “hello” – ia Ora na (yo-rah-nah), “thank you” – mauru’uru (mah-roo-roo), and “I never want to leave” – aita roa vau e hinaaro e faaru’e (eye-tah roh-ah vah-oo eh hee-nah-roh eh fah-roo-eh) in no time.