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Bora Bora, with its turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and lush tropical landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, or simply seeking paradise, Bora Bora offers an unforgettable experience. You have finally decided to book that dream vacation to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Now it is time to start dreaming and planning your stay. If you want to read more about things to do in Bora Bora read my blog The Pearl of the Pacific…a Paradise on Earth…15 things to do in Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

If you do a quick search online, you will find that unlike other tropical destinations in the world, there is a limited number of resorts available. At any given time, there are anywhere from 15-20 resorts operating…and they book out! There are a few budget-friendly options, but I have to say that “you get what your pay for” truly applies here. In this post I will focus on two of the most luxurious and iconic resorts on the island of Bora Bora: the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora.

When you imagine Bora Bora, chances are the image you are seeing is that of the Four Seasons or St Regis resorts. When it comes to luxury and service, both of these brands are unmatched, so how do you choose which one to stay at. I have had the privilege to stay at both and here is my impression and experience.

Both, the Four Seasons and St Regis are luxurious five-star private island resorts located in the heart of French Polynesia. The resorts offer both overwater bungalows and beach front villas, all of which face either the lagoon, the island/beach, Mt Otemanu or the Pacific Ocean. All of the beachfront villas at the Four Seasons face Mt Otemanu. At the St Regis, you get a choice between, lagoon and Pacific Ocean facing beach front villas.

I will be comparing nine different categories that I found to be important. At the end you will find a chart where I give each category a score for comparison purposes only. Each category can earn 10 points for a total of 90 points. So, let’s get started!

• 1. Views:

The Four Seasons overwater bungalows are laid out in such a way that ensures breathtaking lagoon or mountain views while maintaining privacy. Instead of curtains, the bungalows have timber shutters that open wide to reveal the turquoise waters right from your bed.

The St Regis overwater bungalows are some of the largest in French Polynesia. Some people have said that some of the deck layouts may obstruct the view from the bed and not every room has a lagoon view. Some of the beach villas face the Pacific Ocean instead of the lagoon. With that said, the views are still to die for.

My favorite view of Bora Bora is at the Four Seasons with the overwater bungalows and Mt Otemanu as the backdrop. Mt Otemanu is literally right in front of you no matter where you are on the resort.

While at the St Regis, I missed that iconic view. While Mt Otemanu is visible from almost everywhere in the resort, it is also off to the side due to the location of the main beach and the overwater bungalows. Still stunning and breathtaking, but not as captivating as the Four Seasons view.

• 2. Room Size:

The Four Seasons overwater bungalows are elegant and spacious starting at about 104 m2 (1,120 sq.ft.). The beach villas start at 253 m2 (2,722 sq. ft.) for the one-bedroom villa estate.

The St Regis has probably the largest rooms in all of French Polynesia, both overwater bungalows and beach villas starting at 144 m2 (1549 sq.ft.). Some people like the extra room and others feels that it takes away from the coziness. Some comments I have read are that it feels more like an apartment than a resort room, but depending on what you are looking for that is not necessarily a bad thing. While we traveled with our toddler daughter, we found the extra space to be a bonus.

• 3. Resort Size:

The Four Seasons is a smaller resort, which feels very intimate and inviting. You can walk the entire resort on foot and each part of the resort has breathtaking views of the lagoon and Mt Otemanu.

St Regis is a much larger resort. The resort does provide two bicycles per room for free to ride around the resort. Of course, you can always call for a pick-up if you don’t want to walk. If you like walking or want to go out for a morning run, the St Regis does have plenty to space to do so.

I personally prefer the smaller size of the Four Seasons, but that is just a personal choice. I enjoyed being able to walk everywhere.

• 4. Room Selection:

The Four Seasons Bora Bora has about 115 rooms (108 overwater bungalows and 7 beach villas). My only complaint is that there are only a handful of beach front villas and all of them are on the pricier side. Other than that, I love the overwater bungalows at the Four Seasons.

The St Regis Bora Bora has 91 rooms (77 overwater bungalows and 14 beach villas). One reason we chose the St Regis over the Four Seasons for one of our trips is because we wanted a beach villa given that we were traveling with a toddler who could not swim yet. We wanted her to have space to run around and play. We were able to get a beach villa facing the lagoon with a private pool. It was perfect for our family. Our daughter could run around on the beach, and we could all swim in the privacy of our own villa. The price for the beach villa at the St Regis was about 1/4 of the price for the one-bedroom beach villa at the Four Seasons.

I recommend deciding what is important to you before selecting a room. Is it the bigger size, the private pool, the beach access, the view? These are all very personal choices and should be taken into consideration when choosing the right room for you.

• 5. Pools:

While the Four Seasons has only one large family-friendly pool, the location and view from the pool are amazing. It felt tranquil and peaceful lounging by the pool. There is also the option to book a room with your own private pool if you choose to do so.

The St Regis has two pools, one is family-friendly, and one is adults only. The family friendly pool is located near all the restaurants. Its location and view left something to be desired. The adults only pool, however, is located in a quieter part of the resort on a motu amongst the overwater bungalows. It definitely offers more privacy and tranquility.

• 6. Kids & Pets:

Kids are welcome at both resorts. Our daughter was treated like royalty at the St Regis! We have not yet taken her to the Four Seasons; however, I am going to assume that the level of care for children is excellent there as well. As always we travel light with carry-on luggage only. If you want to read more about traveling light with small children visit my blog The Ultimate Handbook: Lightweight and Carry-On Travel Gear Essentials for Babies and Toddlers.

The Four Seasons offers a kids club with activities for kids 4-12 years of age.

The St Regis offers nanny and babysitting services as well as activities for kids of all ages. Also, kids under the age of 6 stay, eat and drink for free. Bonus!

Dogs/Pets are not allowed at either one of the resorts.

• 7. Restaurants:

The Four Seasons has 4 restaurants on-site plus in-room dinning. On one of our visits to the Four Seasons, I was 4 months pregnant, and the resort offered an excellent selection of healthy food choices as well as mocktails for my enjoyment. The restaurant experience at the Four Seasons was wonderful, casual and laid back. The staff was very friendly and extremely attentive and easy-going.

The St Regis has 5 restaurants including the famous Lagoon Restaurant at The St Regis Bora Bora restaurant and the 727 Bar plus in-room dinning. The restaurant experience at the St Regis was excellent, offering more upscale options and fine dining than the Four Seasons. One of my favorite St Regis “amenities”, however, was this awesome to-go bag for my beverage. How do you beat that?

• 8. Service & Amenities:

Both resorts provide excellent service and all levels, and you will be treated like a celebrity no matter which one you choose.

One of the unique services available at the Four Seasons was the on-site doctor. We visited Bora Bora during the pandemic while I was pregnant and I felt safe and at ease knowing that there was a doctor onsite, if I ever needed one.

The St Regis, however, has the amazing Butler Service. We didn’t expect much, but we were surprised by the extra level of attention and care. When we arrived at the St Regis, we realized that we had forgotten our daughter’s sun hat. We also asked about buying her a floatie for the swimming pool. When we got to our room, our butler had already taken care of that. There was a hat, floatie and other kids’ activities waiting for her. Most restaurants at either resort recommend that you make reservations ahead of time. We hadn’t made any, so our butler had gone ahead and made those for us. She had selected a different restaurant for us each night. She came to check on us every morning at breakfast and no matter what you asked for, it was just a phone call away. Just by mentioning something in a conversation, it was taken care of. I had mentioned that I had celebrated my birthday recently, and I was surprised with a “belated” birthday cake waiting for me in our room. I can’t say enough about the butler service, it is really on an entirely different level. My vote for best service would have to go to the St Regis.

• 9. Price and Value

The pricing at both resorts can be high-end, but fully justified by the experience.

The Four Seasons One-Bedroom Beach-View Overwater Bungalow Suite prices start at about $1200/night plus taxes and fees. The Four Seasons does run occasional specials where the 4th night is free. It is an excellent way to get more for your money.

The St Regis Overwater Deluxe Villa with Lagoon View starts at about $1155/night plus taxes and fees.

Prices and availability can vary depending on the season. The high season in Bora Bora is between May and September and around major holidays. If you want to get the best price on a room, I recommend vising during off-peak months like the first two weeks of December or the month of February and March. There are fewer tourists, and the prices can be lower.

If you are a member of the Marriott Bonvoy Program or the Platinum American Express, there are additional perks you may receive, such as resort credits, complimentary room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, etc. So don’t forget to check your rewards programs.

Here is a comparison chart for both resorts as I experienced them. Your experience may vary. I gave each category a value on the 10-point scale. The maximum number you could earn was 90.

	Four Seasons Bora Bora	St Regis Bora Bora
Views	10	8
Room Size	10	10
Resort Size	10	9
Room Selection	9	10
Pools	10	9
Kids	10	10
Restaurants	9	10
Service & Amenities	9	10
Price and Value	10	10
TOTAL	87	86

In Conclusion:

The truth is that visiting either one of the two resorts would be amazing. Both, the Four Seasons and St Regis are 5-Star resorts for a reason, and both deliver on every level. Visiting Bora Bora is like stepping into a postcard-worthy paradise. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, framed by lush greenery and iconic overwater bungalows, create a scene straight out of a dream. Whether you are lounging on pristine white-sand beaches, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, or indulging in sumptuous cuisine, Bora Bora offers an unparalleled sense of luxury and relaxation. The warm Polynesian hospitality adds an extra layer of charm to this idyllic destination, making every moment spent there truly unforgettable.

Is Bora Bora Worth It?

Absolutely! Bora Bora is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and more than once if you are lucky. The overwater bungalows, the warm hospitality, and the sheer beauty of the place make it worth every dollar.

Remember, it’s not just a vacation; it’s a soul-stirring experience. So, pack your swimsuit, leave your worries behind, and let Bora Bora work its magic!