Friday newsletters at all times characteristic luxurious journey contests, suggestions, or information.
At this time: St Regis vs 4 Seasons Bora Bora: which one is finest?
With an insanely lovely lagoon and unimaginable tropical surroundings, the South Pacific island of Bora Bora is among the world’s most lovely and wanted locations, particularly amongst honeymooners and {couples}. If you end up contemplating a luxurious vacation in Bora Bora, chances are high that you simply’re confronted with the dilemma of staying at both the 4 Seasons Bora Bora or the St Regis Bora Bora, the 2 most unique 5-star motels on the island. I lately stayed at each resorts (learn my evaluate of the St Regis Bora Bora right here and my evaluate of the 4 Seasons Bora Bora right here; or watch my YouTube movies with full excursions of each resorts under). However whereas they’re each top-notch resorts and situated very shut to 1 one other in Bora Bora’s lagoon, there are some main variations between the 4 Seasons and the St Regis resorts, which could have an effect in your journey expertise. So, right here’s my detailed comparability of each resorts, which makes it apparent that there’s a clear winner, not less than in my humble opinion.
Bora Bora additionally options two different 5 star resorts: the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa (which I reviewed right here) and the Conrad Bora Bora. I’ve left them each out of this comparability for 2 causes: (1) the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa will quickly be refurbished and rebranded beneath the umbrella of a brand new luxurious lodge model; and (2) the Conrad Bora Bora doesn’t get pleasure from any view in any respect of Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu because it’s dealing with away from the mountain (so I might not advocate to remain at this resort because the view of the Mount Otemanu is among the principal cause to journey to this distant island).
Have you ever ever stayed on the 4 Seasons Bora or the St Regis Bora Bora? If wo, what was your expertise and which resort did you like? Depart a remark.
For ease of navigation, I’ll examine the next features of the 4 Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora:
- Design
- Overwater villas
- Seaside villas
- Views of the lagoon & Mount Otemanu
- Views of the sundown
- Seaside
- Eating places & meals
- Breakfast
- Spa
- Outlets
- Snorkeling & lagoonariums
1. DESIGN
Each resorts characteristic a standard design, with thatched roof pavilions and Polynesian structure. In a way, they each really feel very related, however IMHO, the 4 Seasons Bora Bora feels a bit extra stylish and chic in comparison with the St Regis Bora Bora (though the distinction is marginal).
- Opened in September 2008, 4 Seasons Resort Bora Bora was designed by Paris based mostly architects Didier Lefort and Pierre-Jean Picart, with San Francisco based mostly BAMO as the inside designers. Taking cues from its gorgeous surrounding, the native tradition and pure sources, the property’s design fuses traditional Polynesian structure with refined magnificence that’s 4 Seasons. Design inspiration is drawn from parts particular to Bora Bora, together with native instruments, small utilitarian furnishings, and adornment together with feather, bone, carving, and tattoos.
- Opened in 2006, the St Regis Bora Bora was designed by architect Pierre Lacombe and inside designer Meriem Corridor, who each spent a complete yr on web site planning what was to turn into the St Regis Bora Bora. Lacombe select easy and pure supplies for constructing the resort, equivalent to pandanus to line the ceilings, Asian hardwood for the flooring, and sturdy granite for some ending touches. Corridor’s work started the place Lacombe’s left off, and he or she infused the décor with a contact of female, including rugs, draperies and fabric to melt Lacombe’s clear traces. The general result’s a serene and convivial resort, which feels extra like a Polynesian village than a lodge.
Winner: 4 Seasons
2. OVERWATER VILLAS
Each resorts are well-known for his or her overwater villas that are perched over the lagoon with views of the both the principle island or Mount Otemanu. The 4 Seasons Bora Bora options 108 overwater villas unfold alongside two jetties, whereas the St Regis Bora Bora has 77 overwater villas situated alongside one Y-shaped jetty. There are some main variations between the overwater villas at each resorts:
- In 2019, all villas on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora have been refurbished and fitted with a up to date Polynesian really feel, full with new furnishings, fixtures, lighting and expertise. In consequence, the decor of the villas feels recent and stylish, and positively has a wow issue. Sadly, that’s not the case on the St Regis Bora Bora, the place the villas are exhibiting their age a bit, particularly within the (dated) loos, and will use a refurbishment in close to future.
- The overwater villas on the St Regis Bora Bora are the biggest overwater lodging within the South Pacific. Villas have separate bed room and front room areas, with window panels imbedded within the flooring, which permit to look into the turquoise-blue lagoon and marine life swimming beneath. Though the overwater villas on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora additionally characteristic separate bedrooms and residing rooms, they don’t seem to be as spacious at their St Regis Bora Bora counterparts (though the distinction in dimension is hardly noticeable because of the good structure of the 4 Seasons overwater villas).
- At each resorts, a few of the overwater bungalows are fairly removed from the seaside and principal resort space, so strolling backwards and forwards can take a while and get annoying. Nevertheless, on the St Regis Bora Bora, complimentary bikes are supplied in addition to golf cart service (24/7), which makes it very simple to get round. On the 4 Seasons Bora Bora, bikes aren’t supplied because the resort’s jetties are too slim for bikes and buggies to go on the similar time; visitors need to both stroll or depend on the 24/7 buggy service, which frequently includes a 15 min wait (particularly while you’re staying on the villa on the jetty’s far finish).
Winner: 4 Seasons (due to the nicer room decor)
3. BEACH VILLAS
Each the 4 Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora characteristic a few seaside villas:
- Nestled alongside the pristine shores of Bora Bora’s enchanting turquoise lagoon, the seven beachfront villa estates on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora are common for household gatherings, prolonged stays or group getaways. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom choices, all of which have infinity-edge swimming pools, enclosed gardens and panoramic views of Mount Otemanu. All villas additionally get pleasure from direct entry to a personal stretch of white sand seaside.
- The St Regis Bora Bora has 13 seaside villas, which all have personal out of doors Jacuzzis whereas the 2 two-bedroom villas additionally include personal swimming swimming pools. Nevertheless, opposite to the 4 Seasons Bora Bora, the seaside villas aren’t situated on the lagoon aspect of the resort however on the reef-side, the place they give the impression of being out over a rocky shore (there’s no seaside right here) and the Pacific Ocean. The one exception is the resort’s largest villa – the Royal Suite – which is ready on a secluded cove on the resort’s pristine lagoon-facing seaside; this villa options three bedrooms, a personal swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Winner: 4 Seasons (due to the views and entry to a personal seaside)
4. VIEWS OF THE LAGOON & MOUNT OTEMANU
A significant distinction between each resorts is the view: your entire 4 Seasons resort is searching to the long-lasting Mount Otemanu, emphasizing the killer views, which isn’t the case on the St Regis.
- Though the St Regis Bora Bora instantly faces Mount Otemanu, the well-known mountain on the heart of the island, solely few areas of the resort get pleasure from an iconic view of the mountain: the arrival dock, a couple of dozen overwater villas, 727 Bar and Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant. All different elements of the resort – together with the seaside and the swimming pools – are dealing with the alternative aspect in direction of an inlet of the turquoise lagoon and don’t include a view of the mountain (except you wade into the ocean, after which the mountain pops on the horizon).
- All public areas of the 4 Seasons Bora Bora (except the spa) are situated alongside the shoreline and thus include a stupendous view of the lagoon and the mountain. That features the seaside which enjoys the perfect view from all of the Bora Bora resorts I’ve stayed at. So if a view of the mountain is what you’re searching for (and let’s face it, that’s why most vacationers flock to Bora Bora), the 4 Seasons is much superior to the St Regis Bora Bora.
Winner: 4 Seasons
5. VIEWS OF THE SUNSET
Each resorts get pleasure from a view of the sundown they usually each have a bar from the place the watch the sundown (the informal Vaimiti Bar on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora and the stylish Bar 727 on the St Regis Bora Bora). The one distinction is that on the St Regis, the solar will disappear behind the island’s mountains about half-hour previous to the actual sundown, whereas the 4 Seasons Bora Bora enjoys an unobstructed view of the sundown (from each a part of the resort, together with the seaside) till the very finish when the solar disappears on the horizon.
Winner: 4 Seasons
6. BEACH
Each the St Regis Bora Bora and 4 Seasons Bora Bora are situated on personal coral islets (‘motus’), that includes their very own personal seaside golf equipment, that are solely out there to their visitors. There are a couple of variations although:
- The personal seaside of The St Regis Bora Bora consists of coral sand (which isn’t very delicate) and has some rocky elements alongside the shoreline. In distinction, the seaside on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora options tremendous delicate, white sand, which is nice for barefoot walks.
- As already talked about, the seaside on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora faces the mountain and enjoys spectacular views of Mount Otemanu whereas the seaside on the St Regis Bora Bora faces an inlet of the turquoise lagoon and deso not include a view of the mountain.
- On the St Regis Bora Bora, the water sport heart is situated on the seaside, and infrequently this will trigger noise disturbance, particularly when jetskis depart or arrive (and there’s various them on the St Regis Bora). On the 4 Seasons, there are two water sport facilities: one for non-motorized sports activities (e.g. kayaks, peddleboards) is situated on the seaside, whereas the opposite one for motorized sports activities is situated in one other a part of the resort (consequently, there’s hardly any noise disturbance from jetskis on the 4 Seasons).
Winner: 4 Seasons
7. RESTAURANTS
Each resorts characteristic all kinds of eating choices, however once more, there are some variations:
- Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant is the St Regis Bora Bora’s signature restaurant and it gives probably the most elegant eating expertise on the island. Suspended over the water and providing placing views of Mount Otemanu, the venue delights the senses with a memorable tremendous eating expertise that has earned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten his famend popularity as one of many world’s main Cooks. Signature dishes embrace crimson tuna coconut, beef truffle and lamb thyme. Sadly, the 4 Seasons doesn’t have a restaurant that matches the gastronomic expertise provided by Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant.
- The opposite eating places on the St Regis Bora Bora characteristic a extra informal vibe: Far Niente Restaurant gives Italian delicacies whereas Bamboo Restaurant serves Asian delicacies ready with a wide range of Japanese and Chinese language methods. Each eating places are situated subsequent to the one another within the resort’s backyard subsequent to the pool, and regardless of this slightly uninspiring location, they serve nice meals. The St Regis Bora Bora doesn’t have an actual seaside restaurant dinner (it’s solely seaside restaurant – Te Pahu – is barely open for breakfast and lunch).
- The 4 Seasons has three principal eating places: Arii Moana serves Mediterranean delicacies, Vaimiti is an Asian restaurant, and Faré Hoa Seaside Bar & Grill is an open-air restaurant with toes-in-the-sand attraction which serves recent native fish and a tremendous collection of steaks. Meals in any respect the venues is superb (and marginally higher than the meals served on the St Regis Bora Bora’s informal eating places). All of the eating places are additionally situated alongside the seaside (which is a plus in comparison with the backyard location of the informal eating venues on the St Regis Bora Bora). However as already mentioned, the 4 Seasons Bora Bora lacks a really distinctive restaurant befitting its fabulous popularity (which is slightly disappoinrting).
Winner: St Regis Bora Bora (due to the Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant)
8. BREAKFAST
Breakfast at each the 4 Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora is comprised of a buffet, complemented with à la carte dishes. IMHO, the buffet at each resorts is slightly restricted and a bit underwhelming for ultra-luxe motels of this class (particularly when in comparison with the lavish breakfast buffets provided at a few of the different 4 Seasons and St Regis resorts on the planet, such because the 4 Seasons property in Mauritius or the St Regis Maldives).
Winner: none (each resorts ought to up their sport in terms of their breakfast choices)
9. SPA
Each the 4 Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora characteristic a devoted wellness heart on their grounds.
- Located on the very best level of the resort’s motu, the Te Mahana (the solar) Spa on the 4 Seasons Bora Bora options hovering ceilings, raised walkways, in- and out of doors remedy pavilions, in addition to two decks with a Jacuzzi, one dealing with the Pacific Ocean and one overlooking the gardens. However whereas the spa gives nice remedy, the power feels a bit dated and its setting is just not as lovely because the spa on the St Regis Bora Bora.
- Having fun with a placing, movie-set view of Mount Otemanu, the St Regis Bora Bora’s beautiful spa is situated on a small island in a man-made lagoon. The Iridium Spa is comprised of 1 out of doors and 5 indoor remedy rooms, a Balneotherapy room, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, a boutique and a soothing lounge with a hypnotic view. The spotlight of the spa is its lovely backyard the place visitors can chill out pre- or post-treatment.
Winner: St Regis Bora Bora
10. SHOPS
Though procuring may not be the first cause to journey to Bora Bora, each resorts do have some boutiques on web site interesting to ‘shopaholics’:
- The 4 Seasons Bora Bora gives a few of the most spectacular outlets I’ve ever seen on the resort. There are three giant boutiques on web site, the principle one being MoeMoea (that means “dream” in Polynesian), which sells the perfect of resort put on, informal and lively attire, equipment, ladies’s luxe attire, swimwear and extra. The shop options well-known manufacturers equivalent to Camilla, Missoni, Onia, Stable & Striped, Vilebrequin and Zimmermann. The property’s two different outlets embrace Tahia, a pearl boutique, and Manua, a store promoting regionally made crafts like Bora Bora’s hand-painted pareos.
- In comparison with the 4 Seasons Bora Bora, the outlets on the St Regis Bora Bora aren’t as giant, don’t really feel as luxurious and provide a extra restricted vary of merchandise. There’s a basic store promoting a small collection of garments and artectacts, a luxurious jewellery boutique and an artwork gallery.
Winner: 4 Seasons
11. SNORKELING & LAGOONARIUM
Each resorts are situated inside Bora Bora’s insanely lovely lagoon. The lagoon’s clear, turquoise waters and the encompassing coral reef make for some memorable snorkeling amongst tropical-colored fish, innocent reef sharks and big manta rays. The perfect snorkeling is loved on half-day or full-day excursions (provided by many tour operators) the place you get to cruise round Bora Bora’s many motus and make stops alongside the way in which to snorkel in coral gardens, swim amongst playful rays, and expertise the fun of swimming with docile sharks. However each the St Regis Bora Bora and the 4 Seasons Bora Bora additionally provide their visitors snorkeling on web site of their lagoonariums, that are interior, partly man-made lagoons teeming with unique marine life. At these lagoonariums, visitors can be taught extra in regards to the native aquatic life from marine biologists and rise up shut and private with the fishes. The snorkeling expertise throughout the lagoonariums of the 4 Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora may be very related, though the lagoonarium on the 4 Seasons is in any case double the dimensions of the lagoonarium on the St Regis, therefore providing extra prospects to discover.
Winner: 4 Seasons
*** Comply with me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Fb for a each day second of journey inspiration ***
