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Suppose you’re going to stay on Bora Bora there really is only one choice for the discerning traveller. The luxury hotel group, The Four Seasons. The group states on its website that it “leads with care”, and as you will see, this is a statement of fact and not just a slogan.
So let’s look at French Polynesia and the resort in Bora Bora, and see just what The Four Seasons is doing that makes it an industry leader.
About French Polynesia
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The collective of French Polynesia is composed of 118 islands and atolls dispersed through the South Pacific Ocean, made up of the Society Islands, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and the Gambier Islands. Nearby are the Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands and of course Tahiti.
Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia and is situated in Tahiti, in fact over 60% of the population live in Tahiti.
Now you know the facts let’s look at the myths that surround French Polynesia; it’s hard to get to – not the case if you’re island hopping there are lots of private airfields that will accommodate a private charter jet.
Fly into Faa’a Airport International Airport opened in Tahiti in 1960. However, once you’re there, public transport is limited to car hire, bicycle and small buggies.
If you’re heading to The Four Seasons on Bora Bora, you may choose a short interconnecting flight. The island has a tiny airport, inherited from the Americans after the war; small commercial flights and private charter planes made regular stops at Bora Bora.
Where is Bora Bora?
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For those who don’t know, Bora Bora is a private island in the middle of French Polynesia. It is part of the Leeward group of islands, within the atoll of the Society Islands.
Bora Bora is located on the western part of the Society Islands in the South Pacific ocean. Surrounded by a lagoon and a Coral reef, this idyllic island has an extinct volcano in the middle of the island. As a consequence, the soil and vegetation are abundant and lush.
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
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The website talks about:
“Overwater bungalows and underwater adventures welcome you at this sand-fringed idyll in the shadow of Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu”.
“Toast sunsets from your private plunge pool, marvel at the Tahitian night sky, or simply lose yourself in our lagoon, where the waters teem with exotic reef fish and colourful corals”. Sounds idyllic. Let’s look a little closer at The Four Season hotel and resort.
Accommodation
The resort is made up of independent bungalows and villas on the shoreline, from one-bedroom villas to large beachfront villas, designed to host families, extended stays and larger group getaways. All dwellings have private infinity pools and terraces, and some have enclosed gardens.
The large villas are 5,380 sq ft and have two king-size beds, and two queen size beds: sleeping the equivalent of 6 adults and one child, three bathrooms and a powder room. The villas have an outdoor kitchen fitted with everything you could need to cater for every kind of occasion.
There are smaller villas, all luxurious with stunning views. Two-bedroom premier beachfront villas at 3,228 sq ft, and a more modest property, still at 2,722 sq ft. No-one can deny that 2,722 sq ft is a great size. They are luxurious throughout.
For smaller groups, honeymooners or families there are promenades of over-the-water bungalows. These are 1,080 sq ft and can accommodate three adults and one child or two adults and two children under 12 years old. Step out from the bungalow into the sea, and you couldn’t be closer to nature if you tried.
Interior Design
The Four Seasons has embraced its surroundings. Stating, “Inspired by a traditional Polynesian village, local architect Pierre-Jean Picart, San Francisco design firm BAMO and Paris-based Didier Lefort built upon the Resort’s natural lagoon setting with an indoor-outdoor design concept”.
By using local materials, teak wood furnishings and inspiration from local art and design including mother of pearl accents throughout the fittings, nothing has been left to chance.
Services and Amenities
Everything you would expect in a resort of this quality is here: luxury spa, fitness centre, tennis courts, volleyball and badminton court along with the 24-hour business centre and a multilingual concierge service.
There are four luxury restaurants at the resort. Ari Moana is the main restaurant, open plan with Polynesian style decor offering a la carte and prix-fixe menus that change with the seasons and are complemented by French Polynesia’s most exquisite wine collection, with over 150 labels from around the world.”
No resort worth its salt would be without an all-day beach bar and grill, a separate breakfast experience with a view over Mount Otemanu. You can even have your breakfast delivered to your overwater bungalow by canoe. You can’t get more romantic than that!
Private dining is possible, and you can have room service any time you like. Nothing is too much trouble at The Four Seasons.
With luxury like this, why would you want to go anywhere else? If you fancy a tour of all the Four Season Resorts, that can be arranged. Just think breakfast in Bora Bora, lunch in Thailand and dinner in India: just not all on the same day.
This content is a joint venture between our publication and our partner. We do not endorse any product or service in the article.
