So of all my travels, what is my favorite? Being an avid traveler, this is a question I face pretty frequently. Come on lady, so what’s the ultimate destination or resort you have ever experienced? While every new destination and experience is fabulous, there is just one travel memory that I will never quite forget.

Following nearly 17 hours of transit to the islands of French Polynesia, I made my way to the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora – and yes my friends, this was indeed the most legendary travel experience of all-time. Why you ask? There is a reason people around the world constantly “re-gram” and post photographs of the coveted overwater bungalows of this luxurious resort. The pristine turquoise lagoon water, the mountain peak backdrop, and the impeccable food and service make this my top travel destination of all-time.  Follow along with my review and personal photographs of this 5-Star Luxury Resort for an insider experience.

The Best of Bora Bora

Located on the Island of Bora Bora, all guests are greeted at the airport with a hot towel, champagne and flower lei as they are wisked away in a private luxury boat. Following check-in at the main lobby (which is absolutely gorgeous as you pull right up to the desk by boat), you are escorted in a golf cart shuttle down the long wood bridges connecting the bungalow suites.

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora redefines a south seas escape. On its own sublimely private Motu island the resort combines ultramodern pampering with unsurpassed tropical beauty including a dazzling white beach, a blue lagoon, brilliant sunsets and star-filled nights. Inspired by Polynesian architecture, guest accommodation is in a village-like setting of over-water bungalows and beachfront villas. Each has a large private terrace with snorkeling gear, high ceilings, teak wood furniture and large baths featuring deep tubs beside doors that slide open to the fresh-air and views of the lagoon. The resort offers extensive complimentary amenities including 4 restaurants and 2 bars, a kids for all seasons activity programme, an inner lagoon for snorkeling, a teen programme at their own private island, 2 tennis courts, a fitness centre, spa, outdoor swimming pool, 2 whirlpool tubs, complimentary non-motorized water sport activities including windsurfing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayaking and snorkeling. The on-site marine biologist explains Polynesian ecology, guides snorkeling tours, and other activities linked to the lagoon.

Overwater Bungalow Suite

Overwater bungalows were first invented in the South Pacific (in Moorea, off Tahiti, to be specific), and this is still the premiere destination for overwater resorts. Moorea is another island part of French Polynesia, but not nearly as exclusive and naturally beautiful as Bora Bora (at least in my opinion). If you aren’t so close to the South Pacific, then you may also consider looking into the Maldives where you can find nearly 80 resorts offering overwater bungalows.

Here at the Four Seasons, each overwater bungalow is huge and filled with posh amenities, all to the backdrop of amazing views of Bora Bora and its surrounding lagoon. Inside a standard bungalow suite, guests enjoy  the following perks within their private room:

• Large living room area with dining space and a flat screen TV
• Giant open bathroom space with dual sinks and waterfall shower
• Oversized tub (a jar of bath salts and spa supplies are provided)
• Master bedroom with ample closet space, king size bed, flat screen TV and a glass floor that gives you a glimpse of the water beneath you

Outside of the roofed space, each bungalow is equipped with its own private covered deck outfitted with a patio table and chairs. Two lounge chairs and towels are also included on the deck space with a basket of snorkel gear for each guest. From the deck, there is a private staircase down to the “dock” which is where you can jump into the water from. If you want to be a bit risky like my husband and I, we skipped the dock and jumped right out into the lagoon from the steeper deck space – only during high tide of course! Jump at your own risk, ladies.

Check out my personal photographs below to get an inside tour of the bungalow suite space. Hopefully from the photographs you can get a sense of the space and see my favorite element of the room – the sliding doors from every space of the bungalow out to the deck & lagoon water. For example, the bath tub has sliding doors that open right out to the deck and beauty of Bora Bora! An open-air bubble bath in Bora Bora, really? Yes, please.

Food & Drink

Here in paradise, indulge in some of the best meals of your life… I sure did and packed on a few pounds in the process. There are a variety of dining options available with different types of food and environment for you to choose from. Overall, you can expect high-end cuisine with both French Polynesian influences, lots of seafood, and rich flavors inspired by traditional French cuisine. Be sure to try the coconut marinated raw tuna, as it’s a Bora Bora specialty and oh so yummy. Other notable bites include the fresh sushi and sake served at the Sunset Bar, a fancy Kobe beef burger by the pool and the beach barbeque dining experience is a perfect holiday highlight. Below I have listed out all the specific dining options with a brief description for your quick reference.

• Arii Moana is the fancier restaurant providing specialties inspired by Polynesian and French traditions.
• Tere Nui is an open-air thatched-roof restaurant  providing an expansive breakfast buffet and casual dinner options. On certain nights of the week, this restaurant features live entertainment including fire dancers and singers!
• Sunset Restaurant & Bar was by far my favorite restaurant, with fresh sushi options, delicious light snacks and cocktails right at the beach bar location.
• Fare Hoa Beach Bar provides daily meals near the pool, and on certain nights does a traditional Polynesian BBQ style dinner. We enjoyed fresh fish, kebabs and vegtables barbequed right beside our table one evening and it was delicious.
• Bungalow Dining is the perfect option for those feeling super indulgent and glutunous on vacation. Why go to one of the restuarants when you can enjoy a meal in the privacy of your own little bungalow home? And yes, the room service delivered Mac N’ Cheese (photographed below), is really as good as it looks.

See it to Believe it

So let’s get to the real reason why this place takes the cake, okay? Walking around the resort, you will never have a drought in opportunities to snap a stunning photograph of pure serenity. Lagoon waters, tropical topography, endless skies result in constant relaxation. You have to see it to believe it.

Aside from the aesthetic beauty this part of the world offers, there is nothing better than feeling liberated from life’s inevitable stresses and demands. The best experience of Bora Bora is when you realize you wake up on vacation and can take two steps from your bed and dive right off your bungalow into the cleanest, purest and most refreshing water in the world – turquoise blue ocean water. I probably jumped in the water off the bungalow at least 10-15 times a day here, and it never got old. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family vacation or romantic getaway, this location and resort are definitely “bucket-list” material. Below I have shared my favorite photographs captured from the resort. For more more information and booking details, click here. Until the next sweet escape, ladies.