Beyond the Postcards: A Family Journey Through Paradise at Four Seasons Bora Bora

From the moment you leave Bora Bora’s dock in a spacious Four Seasons boat bound for Motu Tehotu, you know you are headed somewhere extraordinary. The ride itself is transformative: the water is a surreal, almost electric turquoise that seems too vivid to be real—even as someone from Hawai'i, I have never seen anything quite like it. Pulling into the resort, the welcome feels like stepping into a dream. A ukulele strums, Tahitian voices sing, leis are draped around your neck, and a warm escort guides you to check-in.

View from the tub in your overwater bungalow

Arrival & accommodations

Check-in was seamless, and we were soon whisked away by golf cart to our two adjoining overwater bungalows. Four Seasons Bora Bora features 115 accommodations: 108 overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas.

Our bungalows were cleverly connected by an expansive shared lanai with multiple lounging and dining areas, a private plunge pool, and sunbeds refreshed daily with fresh towels. This configuration was ideal for our group: my mom, my older child, and my younger son. We had the privacy of separate bedrooms while enjoying generous shared spaces to gather as a family. For multi-generational families, groups of friends, or families with older children, this setup could not be more perfect.

Although we had originally booked a different category, our upgrade to bungalows facing the beach turned out to be a blessing. We were steps from the island’s main hub—the breakfast restaurants, pools, lagoon sanctuary, kids club, and sports courts—which meant we could often walk instead of waiting for carts. Our view was a mix of vibrant blue water and glimpses of island life, offering both serenity and connection to the heart of the resort.

Inside, even king rooms are family-friendly with pull-out sofas, while queen-bedded bungalows easily accommodate two children.

Living room

Beachfront villas vs. overwater bungalows

Bora Bora is synonymous with the overwater bungalow, and indeed, they are iconic here. But the beachfront villas are equally magical—private sanctuaries that feel like your own home. Each villa boasts a large private pool (far larger than the plunge pools in overwater bungalows), a stretch of private beach, kayaks and water toys, and even an outdoor kitchen where you can host a chef-prepared dinner. A dedicated villa concierge handles all arrangements, ensuring maximum privacy and ease.

For those with longer stays, I would recommend splitting time between an overwater bungalow and a beachfront villa to fully experience the best of both worlds.

Lagoon view overwater bungalow suite with two queen beds and a sofa bed

Resort experience & activities

The property itself is breathtaking—better than the photos, which hardly capture the clarity of the turquoise lagoon or the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu. Even at full capacity during high season, the resort felt uncrowded and intimate.

One of the true highlights is the Lagoon Sanctuary, a living classroom overseen by resident marine biologists. Guests can participate in coral grafting demonstrations, snorkel among thriving reef life, and observe an impressive variety of tropical fish in calm, shallow waters perfect for children. The sanctuary connects directly to the ocean, keeping the environment fresh and vibrant. My family could have spent days here alone.

Infinity pool

Beyond the lagoon, activities abound:

• Complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear

• Tennis courts and basketball hoop (reservable)

• Cultural workshops including flower crown making, palm weaving, ukulele lessons, and Tahitian language classes

• Evening snorkeling tours and a garden tour focused on traditional Polynesian uses of plants

One of my favorite experiences was a shell jewelry workshop with Vai’a, a Bora native. Together with my daughter, we hand-selected shells, designed our own pieces, and crafted necklaces and bracelets to take home—a meaningful keepsake that carried far more soul than anything bought in a boutique.

Evenings brought cultural performances including a Tahitian dance show that had my kids up on their feet, laughing and swaying alongside the dancers.

Deck

Spa & wellness

The Four Seasons Bora Bora Spa is often described as one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific, and architecturally, it truly is. Modeled after a cathedral, with men’s areas facing the open ocean (symbolizing strength) and women’s areas opening to the calm lagoon (symbolizing serenity), it creates a sense of harmony and balance.

We indulged in a two-hour ritual including a foot soak, scrub, and Polynesian massage. While the service itself was good, it did not quite match the lofty price point. The one unique treatment room worth noting is the glass-bottomed overwater suite, where you can watch fish drift by during your massage. However, it comes at an extra $200 surcharge on top of treatment prices.

My suggestion: Book time to enjoy the spa facilities—steam, sauna, vitality pools—even without a treatment, as access is complimentary for guests.

Dining

Breakfast here is a daily highlight. While there is a full buffet, the à la carte offerings set it apart: matcha pancakes, crêpes, avocado toast, and countless other creative dishes, all included.

In the evenings, the resort offers three dining venues, ranging from French-Polynesian fine dining to toes-in-the-sand casual. Though options on property are somewhat limited, the resort can arrange transfers to restaurants on the main island for an additional fee.

Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill

Service & details

As with most Four Seasons properties, service is impeccable. Every staff member greets you warmly, often by name. Our bungalow was refreshed multiple times per day—beds made, towels replenished, bottled water and coffee restocked. Even small touches, like complimentary laundry facilities and water refill stations near the bungalows, added thoughtful convenience.

The only area where service occasionally lagged was in golf cart wait times, which could be unpredictable during peak hours. Planning ahead solves this easily.

Sunset

Final thoughts

Four Seasons Bora Bora is, quite simply, a dream. The setting is otherworldly, the accommodations luxurious yet designed for real family living, and the experiences rich with culture, nature, and connection. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, a family with young or older children, or a group of friends celebrating a milestone, the resort offers a rare blend of privacy, beauty, and authenticity.

I’ve visited many extraordinary places, but there is a magic here that feels singular. The water shimmers in impossible shades of blue, the culture is alive and woven into daily life, and even at full occupancy the resort feels like your own private island. It is a destination worthy of every “bucket list”—and one I hope to return to again.

Beach

French Polynesia is made up of countless small islands and islets called motus, each with its own character, lagoon views, and level of privacy. What surprises many travelers is that most luxury resorts aren’t on the main islands at all—they’re built on their own motus, which means every property can feel like its own secluded world. The experience you get truly depends on which motu your resort sits on: some offer panoramic views of the iconic Mount Otemanu, while others are more remote and designed for total serenity.

When it comes to Bora Bora itself, there actually isn’t much to do on the main island beyond a handful of shops, a few local restaurants, and some scenic lookouts. For that reason, I usually don’t recommend staying on the main island. The magic of Bora Bora is best experienced from the motus, where you’ll find those breathtaking overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and the privacy people come here for.

It’s also important to note: Bora Bora is very expensive, from food and activities to transportation between islands and resorts. Everything is imported, and the level of luxury is high—so it’s absolutely a “splurge destination.” But with the right planning, it’s one of the most unforgettable places you’ll ever experience.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bora Bora page.