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Bora Bora is a luxury traveler’s dream come true. With beautiful turquoise waters, striking volcanic mountains, and wonderful overwater resorts, there’s never a lack of beauty to gawk at here.

Two of the most popular resorts here are the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.

Find out which of these resorts is the best fit for you in this Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora vs. St. Regis Bora Bora Resort comparison.

Learn more about our points consulting services!

Quick Glance: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora vs The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Here’s a look at how these two amazing resorts stack up against each other:

  Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Location Private motu (island), requires a 15-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Airport (BOB) Spans 3 private motu, requires a 15-minute boat ride from Bora Bora Airport (BOB)
Room 121 rooms and suites (land and overwater bungalows) 90 rooms and suites (land and overwater bungalows)
Amenities Spa, kid’s club, meeting room, ballroom, swimming pool, on-site water activities, tennis court, beach access, lagoonarium Swimming pool, kid’s club, restaurants, tennis courts, spa, beach access, lagoonarium
Food and Dining 4 restaurants and bars 4 restaurants with 24-hour room service
Staff and Guest Services No butler service but prompt, efficient, and well-trained staff are always on hand Yes! St. Regis is known for its butler service.
Price Starts at $1,700 for entry-level spaces in the off-peak season; $2,100 in the standard season; $3,032 in the peak season Entry-level rooms start at $943; $2,500 in the standard season; $3,847 in the peak season
Points Redemption No loyalty program for points redemptions Yes, using Marriott Bonvoy points. A Category 8 hotel, redeem 70,000 points on off-peak dates; 85,000 points on standard dates; and 100,000 points on peak dates.

The Details: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora vs The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Feel like royalty as you get pampered from your beach bungalow or overwater villa while visiting Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

Location

Set on a private motu or small island, this exclusive resort is a paradise for honeymooners, families, or friends on vacation.

Bora Bora is composed of a huge mainland surrounded by several small islands or what the Polynesians call “motu.” It’s in these islands you’ll find many of the private luxury resorts like the Four Seasons, Conrad, and St. Regis.

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is set on a motu that’s about 15-minutes via boat from the mainland. Once at the resort, you’re greeted by a stunning view of Mt. Otemanu, which is a revered and iconic mountain throughout Polynesia.

Room

There are 121 rooms at the resort, spread between five different categories. Entry-level spaces start with the One Bedroom Beach View Overwater Bungalow. These bungalows got a major facelift in 2019 and as a result, they’re now modern and chic yet still retain a distinct Polynesian vibe.

These rooms measure 1,080 square feet, leaving plenty of room for couples or when vacationing as a family. The entire space is divided into three areas – the bedroom, living room, and bathroom. All 3 are separated by sliding pocket doors which you can open to get that open-plan feel.

Each space also includes high ceilings and lovely wood floors underneath. There’s a king or 2 queen beds dressed in white linens and strategically positioned for a full view of the sunrise or the sunset.

Modern touches include iPod docks, a wall-mounted TV, a Nespresso machine, and a stocked minibar with complimentary items.

However, the highlight is the bathroom. A two-person bathtub is placed right near a large window that you can crack open to reveal a stunning view of Mt. Otemanu.

There are twin sinks, a heaping of toiletries contained inside fancy ceramic jars, and a large walk-in closet. There’s also a private water closet and walk-in shower with a glass floor.

Outside, you have more space to lounge on the balcony where you get your private pool, loungers, and a gorgeous view of the water.

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Amenities

Those looking to relax can lounge by the beach-facing infinity pool or sit in the many lounge chairs surrounding it. There are palm trees to provide some shade while also helping frame the view.

Move past the pool and you’ll reach the main beach. The waters hare are calm and there’s gorgeous white, powdery sand underfoot, making it another great spot for guests to enjoy. An attendant is always on hand around the beach, ready to hand out towels or if find you a beach chair should you need it.

If you want to get up close with the marine life, the inner lagoon is the best spot. It contains a host of tropical fishes as well as local reef life. There’s also a small patch of beach dedicated for anyone wanting to do some water sports like kayaking and jet skiing.

A standalone spa and fitness center are also available. The luxury spa is housed under palapa-covered archways with cathedral ceilings. They offer facials, massages, kid and teen treatments, as well as couples massages.

Meanwhile, the 24-hour gym is also a treat and showcases a similar vibe as the spa with its dark wood walls and abstract hanging fixtures. There’s even a Nespresso machine inside.

Finally, when traveling with the family, the Four Seasons is known for having an extensive kid’s club. There’s a daily list of activities young kids can enjoy including building sandcastles, crafting, or even racing hermit crabs. If you’re traveling with a teen, there’s also a dedicated area for them.

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Food and Dining

Arii Moana at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Arii Moana at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Arii Moana at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

There are four restaurants at the property so you can indulge in anything from French classical dishes to delicious Japanese sushi and sashimi. Breakfast is offered in a buffet style with American dishes like pancakes and omelets.

Tere Nui is the main restaurant and is open from breakfast to dinner. There’s a buffet as well as à la carte option here. During weeknights, the buffet service even comes with themes so you can experience grilled nights, Italian dishes, or local Tahitian fare.

Other restaurants include Arii Moana, open only during dinner. This restaurant specializes in French Polynesian dishes. In the meantime, The Sunset Bar is an open-air bar overlooking the water and perfect for grabbing a gorgeous sunset.

For casual dining, the Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill is the place to be. It has a sandy floor and serves casual meals like nachos and burgers. It fills up fast so make sure to reserve ahead of time.

Guests on a special romantic holiday can also talk to the hotel about a private dinner in any of the sandbars.

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Staff and Guest Services

There’s no butler service offered at the Four Seasons Bora Bora, but you do get pampered by the 300+ staff. They are friendly, eager to help, and are well-trained so every request or appointment is done on time and in an efficient way. All you have to do is ask.

Price

Price is a bit steep like any luxury resort in Bora Bora but you do get your money’s worth. Entry-level rooms start at $1,700 in the off-peak season while in peak months, it can go as high as $3,032. Meanwhile, the average season rate is $2,100 per night.

Points Redemption

The Four Seasons has no loyalty program in place as of the moment. But one way you can book this resort on points is by using your credit card’s flexible rewards points. For instance, if you booked using the Chase Travel Portal, Amex Travel, Capital One Travel, or Citi ThankYou Rewards Travel Center, you can book a room for 1 to 1.5 cents per point.

Who Is It For?

With its stunning location, excellent amenities, and fantastic overwater bungalows, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is best suited for romantic getaways. This means couples on their honeymoon or those celebrating a special anniversary will find this place perfect.

It can equally accommodate families, sure, but the bulk of the guests here are couples looking for a bit of relaxation and romance.

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Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Gallery

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Image Credit: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Image Credit: Marriott

Pampering guests from the moment they arrive until they leave, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a dream destination for honeymooners, avid travelers, or families.

Location

This sprawling resort occupies over 44 acres of land spread out over three small islands. These “motus” are connected by small bridges so guests can bike or walk from one island to another.

Like most resorts here, the crowning glory is the view of Mt. Otemanu, an iconic and revered mountain in Polynesian mythology. Almost every part of the resort showcases this view alongside the region’s striking turquoise waters.

Reaching the resort requires a 15- to 30-minute boat ride, depending on weather conditions, from Bora Bora Airport (BOB). Once you reach the island, your butler will greet you, show you around, and make sure your stay is a comfortable one.

Room

There are 144 rooms divided into 11 categories. St. Regis Bora Bora is known for having the largest entry-level rooms, offering 1,550 square feet of space. The Overwater Superior Villa is designed with beautiful interiors – reflecting its surrounding area.

On the floors are dark planks of wood matched by high ceilings with thatched-roofing for that Polynesian flair. Each bed is covered in crisp white sheets with canopied curtains billowing against the breeze.

The room is divided into a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and outdoor space. Local Tahitian touches are showcased on the wall art and furniture. It’s mixed in with modern amenities like two flatscreen television sets, numerous USB outlets, and of course, high-speed Wi-Fi.

While the bedroom is stunning, the bathroom serves as the crowning glory. It showcases an impressive walk-in closet, large sinks, and a soaking tub. There’s a shower beside the tub and a private water closet. Luxurious toiletries are also provided.

There’s a spacious deck outside with sun loungers, a small dining area under the gazebo, and stairs leading down to the water.

Amenities

There are two main swimming pools with one designated for adults only. On the main pool is a free-form edge and from here you can enjoy a swim-up bar. The adults-only pool, called the Oasis Pool, is close to the overwater bungalows and quite secluded. It’s perfect for those who want some privacy.

Meanwhile, the beach is only a few steps away from the pool. It offers fantastic views of Mt. Otemanu and is great for lounging or relaxing. You can also do non-motorized sports like kayaking or pedal boats in this area.

There’s also a private lagoon with protected coral species and tropical fishes. If you want to get up close to the animals, catch the local marine biologist feeding the fish. You’ll find yourself surrounded by aquatic life in no time.

For those looking to enjoy a spa treatment, the Miri Miri Spa by Clarins is considered one of the best in the country. The spa is next to the lagoonarium and holds a steam room, sauna, and whirlpool tubs. There’s also a 24-hour gym, a kid’s club, as well as tennis courts at the resort.

Food and Dining

Lagoon by Jean-Georges - Restaurant and Bar at St. Regis Bora Bora

Lagoon by Jean-Georges – Restaurant and Bar at St. Regis Bora Bora. Image Credit: Lagoon by Jean-Georges – Restaurant, and Bar at St. Regis Bora Bora

You’ll never go hungry at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. There are four restaurants here, each one serving up delicious meals.

Te Pahu is the main restaurant. It’s located by the beach and offers a delectable buffet and à la carte options. You can grab anything from sashimi to egg dishes made just the way you like them. There’s also a Polynesian buffet offered at Te Pahu.

During dinner, head to Lagoon by Jean Georges, which serves Asian fusion cuisine. You’ll be dining overwater with gorgeous glass-paneled floors looking down into the water.

Other options include Pan Asian Bam Boo and Far Niente Ristorante. You can also explore drinks at the Cocktails at Aparima Bar. Make sure to try out the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary!

Finally, you can also wine and dine right at the comfort of your villa thanks to the 24-hour room service.

Staff and Guest Services

From the moment you arrive, you will be assigned a butler who will take care of you throughout your stay. Butlers can help assist in everything you need. Want to dine in your room? Or maybe reserve a seat at the restaurant for dinner? Ask your butler and they will arrange for you.

Your butler is there to ensure your stay at the resort is as comfortable and luxurious as possible.

Price

Prices at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort start at $943 per night for a standard room while during peak months, the same room could go as high as $3,847 per night. The average season rate is $2,500.

Points Redemption

Considered one of the best hotels and resorts in the world you can book using points, it’s straightforward to redeem a rewards night here.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a Category 8 Marriott Bonvoy hotel. This means you can redeem a free rewards night by exchanging 70,000 points on off-peak dates; 85,000 points on standard dates; and 100,000 points on peak dates.

Who Is It For?

The St. Regis is made for honeymooners and those planning a special romantic getaway. It’s even counted as one of the best honeymoon resorts you can book with points!

With its sprawling location, you can easily explore all 3 islands and do a ton of activities or maybe just lounge in your villa all day without worry. The butler service is a huge plus and will make you feel pampered as well as cared for.

Make a reservation

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Gallery

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Image Credit: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Image Credit: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Image Credit: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Image Credit: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?

  Winner What Makes It Great
Best for Food St. Regis Bora Bora Resort The St. Regis edges out with its famous exclusive restaurant, the Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges 
Best for Pools Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort There’s only one pool but it’s well kept and it’s stunning. Pools are available in each villa, too.
Best for Spa St. Regis Bora Bora Resort The Miri Miri Spa by Clarins is considered one of the best in Bora Bora. It’s also located on its own island and has a beach!
Best for Beaches Tie Both of the beaches on the resort are amazing
Best For Adults St. Regis Bora Bora Resort The St. Regis is one of the best spots for a honeymoon or wedding
Best for Families Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort Four Seasons has an amazing kids and teens club. They’re well known for it
Best Location St. Regis Bora Bora Resort All 3 islands at The St. Regis offer a stunning view of Mt. Otemanu
Best for a Calm Vacation Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort Even though it caters to families, the overall vibe at the Four Seasons is calmer and more relaxed
Best for Diving/Snorkeling  St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Both resorts feature a lagoonarium filled with exotic tropical fishes and corals but St. Regis has a more extensive area with a local marine biologist doing feedings 3 times per week
Best for Service St. Regis Bora Bora Resort The butler service! It just makes your stay extra special, especially if they help you unpack your luggage
Most Exclusive Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort Both offer a lot of privacy but the Four Seasons wins in exclusivity

Wrapping Up

Bora Bora is one of those places most travelers only dream of. The promise of paradise at one of the most beautiful islands on the planet is a treat.

Take your pick from Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort or The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. Both have their pros and cons, but one of them is definitely right for you.

Safe travels!

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Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Any offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
Featured Image Credit: St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

 Frequently Asked Questions

Bora Bora is well known for its stunning turquoise-colored lagoons, beautiful white sands, and amazing volcanic views. It also contains some of the most luxurious overwater resorts in the world, making it a paradise for luxury travelers.

Yes, it is! If you can afford it, it’s one of those places where your money will be well spent. The view alone is worth it and if you pick the right resort, you’ll be pampered as a guest.

There are two main languages used here: Tahitian and French. However, a lot of people speak English especially employees at the resort.

Any traveler can enter Bora Bora without any visa and stay for 90 days. However, your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months and you have to show proof of onward travel.

In French Polynesia, they use the French Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP). There are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50. 100 coins. For bills, they have 500/ 1,000/ 5,000/ and 10,000.