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Today: St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora: which one is greatest?
With an insanely stunning lagoon and unbelievable tropical surroundings, the South Pacific island of Bora Bora is without doubt one of the world’s most stunning and wanted locations, particularly amongst honeymooners and {couples}. When you might be contemplating a luxurious vacation in Bora Bora, chances are high that you just’re confronted with the dilemma of staying at both the Four Seasons Bora Bora or the St Regis Bora Bora, the 2 most unique 5-star motels on the island. I not too long ago stayed at each resorts (learn my evaluation of the St Regis Bora Bora right here and my evaluation of the Four Seasons Bora Bora right here; or watch my YouTube movies with full excursions of each resorts under). But whereas they’re each top-notch resorts and positioned very shut to 1 one other in Bora Bora’s lagoon, there are some main variations between the Four 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, no 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 below 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 going through away from the mountain (so I’d not suggest to remain at this resort for the reason that view of the Mount Otemanu is without doubt one of the foremost motive to journey to this distant island).
Have you ever stayed on the Four Seasons Bora or the St Regis Bora Bora? If wo, what was your expertise and which resort did you like? Leave a remark.
For ease of navigation, I’ll examine the next elements of the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora:
- Design
- Overwater villas
- Beach villas
- Views of the lagoon & Mount Otemanu
- Views of the sundown
- Beach
- Restaurants & meals
- Breakfast
- Spa
- Shops
- Snorkeling & lagoonariums
1. DESIGN
Both resorts characteristic a standard design, with thatched roof pavilions and Polynesian structure. In a way, they each really feel very comparable, however IMHO, the Four Seasons Bora Bora feels a bit extra stylish and stylish in comparison with the St Regis Bora Bora (though the distinction is marginal).
- Opened in September 2008, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora was designed by Paris primarily based architects Didier Lefort and Pierre-Jean Picart, with San Francisco primarily based 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 Four 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 Hall, who each spent a whole yr on website planning what was to develop into the St Regis Bora Bora. Lacombe select easy and pure supplies for constructing the resort, corresponding to pandanus to line the ceilings, Asian hardwood for the flooring, and sturdy granite for some ending touches. Hall’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: Four Seasons
2. OVERWATER VILLAS
Both 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 Four Seasons Bora Bora options 108 overwater villas unfold alongside two jetties, whereas the St Regis Bora Bora has 77 overwater villas positioned alongside one Y-shaped jetty. There are some main variations between the overwater villas at each resorts:
- In 2019, all villas on the Four Seasons Bora Bora had been refurbished and fitted with a up to date Polynesian really feel, full with new furnishings, fixtures, lighting and know-how. As a consequence, the decor of the villas feels contemporary and stylish, and positively has a wow issue. Unfortunately, that’s not the case on the St Regis Bora Bora, the place the villas are displaying 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 most important overwater lodging within the South Pacific. Villas have separate bed room and lounge areas, with window panels imbedded within the flooring, which permit to look into the turquoise-blue lagoon and marine life swimming beneath. Although the overwater villas on the Four Seasons Bora Bora additionally characteristic separate bedrooms and dwelling rooms, they aren’t as spacious at their St Regis Bora Bora counterparts (though the distinction in dimension is hardly noticeable because of the sensible structure of the Four Seasons overwater villas).
- At each resorts, a number of the overwater bungalows are fairly removed from the seashore and foremost resort space, so strolling forwards and backwards can take a while and get annoying. However, on the St Regis Bora Bora, complimentary bikes are offered in addition to golf cart service (24/7), which makes it very straightforward to get round. At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, bikes usually are not offered for the reason that resort’s jetties are too slender 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 entails a 15 min wait (particularly whenever you’re staying on the villa on the jetty’s far finish).
Winner: Four Seasons (due to the nicer room decor)
3. BEACH VILLAS
Both the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora characteristic a few seashore villas:
- Nestled alongside the pristine shores of Bora Bora’s enchanting turquoise lagoon, the seven beachfront villa estates on the Four Seasons Bora Bora are widespread 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 non-public stretch of white sand seashore.
- The St Regis Bora Bora has 13 seashore villas, which all have non-public outside Jacuzzis whereas the 2 two-bedroom villas additionally include non-public swimming swimming pools. However, opposite to the Four Seasons Bora Bora, the seashore villas usually are not positioned on the lagoon aspect of the resort however on the reef-side, the place they appear out over a rocky shore (there’s no seashore right here) and the Pacific Ocean. The solely exception is the resort’s largest villa – the Royal Suite – which is about on a secluded cove on the resort’s pristine lagoon-facing seashore; this villa options three bedrooms, a non-public swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.
Winner: Four Seasons (due to the views and entry to a non-public seashore)
4. VIEWS OF THE LAGOON & MOUNT OTEMANU
A serious distinction between each resorts is the view: all the Four Seasons resort is searching to the enduring Mount Otemanu, emphasizing the killer views, which isn’t the case on the St Regis.
- Although the St Regis Bora Bora instantly faces Mount Otemanu, the well-known mountain on the middle 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 seashore and the swimming pools – are going through the alternative aspect in direction of an inlet of the turquoise lagoon and don’t include a view of the mountain (until you wade into the ocean, after which the mountain pops on the horizon).
- All public areas of the Four Seasons Bora Bora (except for the spa) are positioned alongside the shoreline and thus include a stupendous view of the lagoon and the mountain. That contains the seashore which enjoys the very best 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 Four Seasons is much superior to the St Regis Bora Bora.
Winner: Four Seasons
5. VIEWS OF THE SUNSET
Both 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 Four Seasons Bora Bora and the stylish Bar 727 on the St Regis Bora Bora). The solely 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 Four Seasons Bora Bora enjoys an unobstructed view of the sundown (from each a part of the resort, together with the seashore) till the very finish when the solar disappears on the horizon.
Winner: Four Seasons
6. BEACH
Both the St Regis Bora Bora and Four Seasons Bora Bora are positioned on non-public coral islets (‘motus’), that includes their very own non-public seashore golf equipment, that are completely obtainable to their visitors. There are a couple of variations although:
- The non-public seashore of The St Regis Bora Bora consists of coral sand (which isn’t very tender) and has some rocky elements alongside the shoreline. In distinction, the seashore on the Four Seasons Bora Bora options tremendous tender, white sand, which is nice for barefoot walks.
- As already talked about, the seashore on the Four Seasons Bora Bora faces the mountain and enjoys spectacular views of Mount Otemanu whereas the seashore on the St Regis Bora Bora faces an inlet of the turquoise lagoon and deso not include a view of the mountain.
- At the St Regis Bora Bora, the water sport middle is positioned on the seashore, and infrequently this will trigger noise disturbance, particularly when jetskis depart or arrive (and there’s numerous them on the St Regis Bora). At the Four Seasons, there are two water sport facilities: one for non-motorized sports activities (e.g. kayaks, peddleboards) is positioned on the seashore, whereas the opposite one for motorized sports activities is positioned in one other a part of the resort (because of this, there’s hardly any noise disturbance from jetskis on the Four Seasons).
Winner: Four Seasons
7. RESTAURANTS
Both 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 presents probably the most elegant eating expertise on the island. Suspended over the water and providing putting views of Mount Otemanu, the venue delights the senses with a memorable advantageous eating expertise that has earned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten his famend repute as one of many world’s main Chefs. Signature dishes embrace pink tuna coconut, beef truffle and lamb thyme. Unfortunately, the Four Seasons doesn’t have a restaurant that matches the gastronomic expertise provided by Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant.
- The different eating places on the St Regis Bora Bora characteristic a extra informal vibe: Far Niente Restaurant presents Italian delicacies whereas Bamboo Restaurant serves Asian delicacies ready with quite a lot of Japanese and Chinese methods. Both eating places are positioned subsequent to the one another within the resort’s backyard subsequent to the pool, and regardless of this quite uninspiring location, they serve nice meals. The St Regis Bora Bora doesn’t have an actual seashore restaurant dinner (it’s solely seashore restaurant – Te Pahu – is just open for breakfast and lunch).
- The Four Seasons has three foremost eating places: Arii Moana serves Mediterranean delicacies, Vaimiti is an Asian restaurant, and Faré Hoa Beach Bar & Grill is an open-air restaurant with toes-in-the-sand appeal which serves contemporary native fish and a advantageous collection of steaks. Food 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 the eating places are additionally positioned alongside the seashore (which is a plus in comparison with the backyard location of the informal eating venues on the St Regis Bora Bora). But as already stated, the Four Seasons Bora Bora lacks a very distinctive restaurant befitting its fabulous repute (which is quite disappoinrting).
Winner: St Regis Bora Bora (due to the Lagoon by Jean-Georges Restaurant)
8. BREAKFAST
Breakfast at each the Four 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 quite restricted and a bit underwhelming for ultra-luxe motels of this class (particularly when in comparison with the lavish breakfast buffets provided at a number of the different Four Seasons and St Regis resorts on the planet, such because the Four Seasons property in Mauritius or the St Regis Maldives).
Winner: none (each resorts ought to up their recreation in terms of their breakfast choices)
9. SPA
Both the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora characteristic a devoted wellness middle on their grounds.
- Situated on the best level of the resort’s motu, the Te Mahana (the solar) Spa on the Four Seasons Bora Bora options hovering ceilings, raised walkways, in- and outside remedy pavilions, in addition to two decks with a Jacuzzi, one going through the Pacific Ocean and one overlooking the gardens. But whereas the spa presents nice remedy, the power feels a bit dated and its setting just isn’t as stunning because the spa on the St Regis Bora Bora.
- Enjoying a putting, movie-set view of Mount Otemanu, the St Regis Bora Bora’s attractive spa is positioned on a small island in a man-made lagoon. The Iridium Spa is comprised of 1 outside and 5 indoor remedy rooms, a Balneotherapy room, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, a boutique and a calming lounge with a hypnotic view. The spotlight of the spa is its stunning backyard the place visitors can chill out pre- or post-treatment.
Winner: St Regis Bora Bora
10. SHOPS
Although buying won’t be the first motive to journey to Bora Bora, each resorts do have some boutiques on website interesting to ‘shopaholics’:
- The Four Seasons Bora Bora presents a number of the most spectacular outlets I’ve ever seen on the resort. There are three massive boutiques on website, the principle one being MoeMoea (that means “dream” in Polynesian), which sells the very best of resort put on, informal and energetic attire, equipment, girls’s luxe attire, swimwear and extra. The retailer options well-known manufacturers corresponding to Camilla, Missoni, Onia, Solid & Striped, Vilebrequin and Zimmermann. The property’s two different outlets embrace Tahia, a pearl boutique, and Manua, a store promoting domestically made crafts like Bora Bora’s hand-painted pareos.
- Compared to the Four Seasons Bora Bora, the outlets on the St Regis Bora Bora usually are not as massive, 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: Four Seasons
11. SNORKELING & LAGOONARIUM
Both resorts are positioned inside Bora Bora’s insanely stunning 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 large manta rays. The greatest 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 joys of swimming with docile sharks. But each the St Regis Bora Bora and the Four Seasons Bora Bora additionally provide their visitors snorkeling on website of their lagoonariums, that are interior, partly man-made lagoons teeming with unique marine life. At these lagoonariums, visitors can be taught extra concerning the native aquatic life from marine biologists and stand up shut and private with the fishes. The snorkeling expertise throughout the lagoonariums of the Four Seasons Bora Bora and the St Regis Bora Bora may be very comparable, though the lagoonarium on the Four Seasons is at least double the dimensions of the lagoonarium on the St Regis, therefore providing extra potentialities to discover.
Winner: Four Seasons
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