Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – A Cultural Paradise
April 16, 2009 in Fractional & Timeshare Owner Resort Reviews by Fractional Ownership Magazine
The most famous of French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands in the heart of the South Pacific, Bora Bora was formed by a volcanic eruption some four million years ago. Bora Bora is among the youngest land masses on the planet, born from beneath the sea rather than through continental drift. The island’s people are a testament to human ingenuity and exploration: the original Maohi migrants, sailing in large pahi or outrigger canoes with neither the north star to guide them nor a written language to record their voyage. They traveled vast distances — far greater than any Western culture had yet attempted — to colonize the many distant islands of the South Pacific. Bora Bora’s original settlers arrived around the 4th century, some thirteen centuries before European explorers stumbled upon it.
The island’s name derives from the ancient Tahitian Pora Pora, which literally translates as “first born.”
When Captain James Cook became the first western explorer to land there in 1777, he translated the soft inflections of the local language into the name “Bollabolla,” a misnomer whose use persisted into the 19th century. The West has been enamoured of Bora Bora’s charms from the moment Captain Cook landed, and it has since attracted both adventurers and artists alike, including James A. Michener, author of Tales of the South Pacific.
Bora Bora became a protectorate of France in 1842, and French remains the main common language on the island. During World War II the United States used Bora Bora as a military supply base, and after the war
some military personnel were so taken with the island that they refused to leave.
Both America and Europe have developed longstanding love affairs with the island and its people – which helps explain why, since the first international resort hotel opened in 1961, Bora Bora has evolved into one of the world’s top resort destinations. Bora Bora’s idyllic, white sand beaches have become integral to its legend as a destination for relaxation and romance. Its dramatic mountainous terrain and pristine lagoon waters are ideal for active vacationers. And its people, steeped in the Polynesian way of life, are the most hospitable of hosts.
Accommodations
The accommodations at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora are designed to immerse guests in the island’s soothing natural oasis. Situated on one of Bora Bora’s outer motus, the Resort features an unobstructed sunrise view over the Pacific and sunsets over the lagoon and towering Mount Otemanu. The Resort’s living quarters are sustainable designs, defined by the natural light and rhythm of the lagoon.
Traditional thatched-leaf roofs adorn every building at the Resort, made from the leaves of the indigenous pandanus tree, grown on local plantations and woven by local craftsmen. In typical Polynesian fashion, the pandanus leaves overhang on all sides of each building for cover from the tropical sun. Inside, hardwood floors and walls are stained in a light palette that suggests driftwood or coral, while lagoon windows fill the space with magical, turquoise-tinted sunlight as it reflects off the water. Each bungalow contains two
flat-screen televisions with video-on-demand, an island rarity. Rooms are appointed with framed indigenous artifacts, from fishing lures fashioned from mother-of-pearl to fans made of coconut palms. All beds feature unobstructed panoramic views of the lagoon, as do soaking tubs, allowing guests to relax suspended above the lagoon, immersed in Bora Bora’s pristine water, radiance and ocean air.
Each of the Resort’s 100 overwater bungalows measure over 100 square metres (1,100 square feet), and offer pull-out sofas in the living areas to accommodate families. Located on branching piers that extend into the heart of Bora Bora’s inner lagoon at one of its most serene points, guests can view schools of fish below during daytime (and even dive among them from their private berth) or gaze above into the star-filled South
Pacific night.
Among the highlights:
Otemanu Overwater Bungalow with Plunge Pool — The outermost bungalows at the very end of the Resort’s four piers offer 147 square metres (1,576 square feet) of living space and unobstructed views of verdant, majestic Mount Otemanu, whether from the spacious interior living area or the teak chaises longues on the extended deck. Each suite features dining space for four people, whether indoors or beneath a pandanus-thatched outdoor pavilion, highlighted by an infinity-edged plunge pool.
The Resort’s seven beachfront villas provide the utmost in privacy, and are ideal for families or those seeking more in the way of seclusion. Polynesian artwork accents large living spaces, while panoramic views over private pools and hot tub lead directly to the lagoon. Two and three bedroom villas offer large dining areas, both indoor and out, as well as outdoor showers and added services and amenities.
Otemanu Presidential Beachfront Villa — This sprawling, three-bedroom, 500 square metre (5,382 square feet) villa offers the grandest of island accommodations. Upon entering, one is greeted by the vaulted living area, supported by pillars of merbau timber, providing plentiful living and dining space for eight people, opening to panoramic views of the white sand beach and shady palm trees. Each bedroom has its own private ensuite bathroom with garden shower, garden views and outdoor dining area. Outdoors, the 92 square metre (1,000 square feet), naturally secluded sundeck leads to its own private pool, beach and cabana, providing incomparable intimacy and privacy, with a direct view of iconic Mount Otemanu.
