St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora: which one is better and why?

Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world and one of the most popular honeymoon destinations globally. Known for its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and the majestic Mount Otemanu rising dramatically in the background, it is the ultimate postcard paradise.

Two luxury properties dominate the conversation when travelers start planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip here: the St Regis Bora Bora or the Four Seasons Bora Bora. Both are exceptional resorts with incredible villas, world-class dining, and some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere. But if you are deciding between them, you may be wondering: St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora, which one is better?

Let’s go into detail and compare them in every category that matters to honeymooners and luxury travelers.

The resorts in numbers

Before jumping in this comparison between St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora, let’s give a quick introduction about these two amazing properties.

The St Regis Bora Bora opened in 2006 and was one of the first ultra-luxury properties to set a new standard for the island. It is located about 15 minutes by boat from Bora Bora Airport, which makes it easy to reach after your international and domestic flights. With a total of 108 villas, it is one of the larger properties on the island, offering both expansive overwater bungalows and a selection of beachfront villas.

The Four Seasons Bora Bora followed shortly after, opening in 2008. Almost like St Regis, it is about 10 minutes by boat from the airport, ensuring that transfers are quick and straightforward. The property is slightly larger, with 115 villas spread across its overwater pontoons and beachside gardens.

In terms of scale, both are comparable: large enough to have multiple dining options, a spa, and extensive facilities, but not so large that they feel impersonal. For travelers comparing Four Seasons vs St Regis Bora Bora, the numbers show that both sit in the same category of luxury and size.

The beauty of the resort

When it comes to natural beauty, this comparison of St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora is almost impossible to call. Both are situated on private motus with crystal-clear lagoons, coral gardens, and sweeping views of Mount Otemanu.

At St Regis, the long beaches feel expansive, with plenty of space to relax without seeing too many other guests. The lagoon is calm and swimmable, and the greenery across the island gives it a lush, tropical atmosphere.

The Four Seasons Bora Bora has equally stunning scenery. The beaches may feel a little busier, but the main lagoon area in front of the overwater villas is spectacular, with colors that shift from pale turquoise to deep blue throughout the day. The landscaping and gardens are immaculately maintained, with palm trees and flowering plants that make every pathway a joy to walk.

Ultimately, both resorts deliver the quintessential Bora Bora postcard setting. If natural beauty is your number one priority, you can’t go wrong with either. It’s no wonder that they both sit on top of our ranking of the best luxury resorts in Bora Bora.

The food & dining outlets

Food is one of the most important parts of a luxury holiday, and here the differences between St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora become clearer.

Breakfast at the Four Seasons is outstanding. It offers a nice buffet spread with fresh fruit, pastries, cheeses, hot dishes, and made-to-order options, all served with spectacular views of the lagoon in the background. It feels indulgent and perfectly suited to the luxury positioning of the property. When it comes to pastries, it’s likely the best ones I’ve had in a tropical destinations, particularly the Pain Suisse.

At the St Regis, breakfast is surprisingly underwhelming for a resort in this price category. The selection is more limited, and while quality is fine, it doesn’t have the wow factor you’d expect.

For lunch and dinner, however, the two properties are on par. Both have multiple dining outlets offering a mix of Polynesian, French, Japanese, and international cuisine. At St Regis, Lagoon by Jean-Georges is the signature restaurant, offering a fine-dining experience over the water. At Four Seasons, Arii Moana and the beachside Vaimiti are standout options. Both deliver high-quality meals with excellent service.

In short: Four Seasons Bora Bora wins for breakfast against St Regis, while the rest of the dining is tied.

The villas: a pretty clear winner

Both resorts offer some of the largest villas in Bora Bora, with plenty of privacy and outdoor space. However, the key difference lies in the renovation timeline.

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, the villas were recently renovated, giving them a modern, airy, and refreshed look. The interiors feature light woods, soft neutral tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize lagoon views. Bathrooms are elegant and spacious, and the outdoor decks feel polished and new.

At the St Regis Bora Bora, while the villas are equally spacious, they have not been renovated recently. The interiors feel a little dated compared to Four Seasons, with darker woods and older design details. The outdoor decks and pools are still beautiful, and the sheer size of some of the overwater bungalows, among the largest in French Polynesia, is impressive. But when comparing St Regis or Four Seasons Bora Bora purely on villa interiors, Four Seasons takes the lead quite easily.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is easy and enjoyable at both resorts, thanks to their private lagoonariums.

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, the lagoonarium has more coral life and slightly more fish during our visit. It is shallow, calm, and perfect for beginners, with no current or waves.

The St Regis Bora Bora lagoonarium is also a joy to explore. It may not be as lively in terms of coral, but it’s still an excellent spot to see tropical fish without venturing out on an excursion.

Overall, both are fantastic options for casual snorkeling, but if pressed, the Four Seasons’ lagoonarium is a touch better.

Service: a huge difference

Service is often where luxury resorts distinguish themselves, and in this comparison of Four Seasons vs St Regis Bora Bora, St Regis comes out ahead.

At the St Regis, service was consistently warm, proactive, and polished. The butler service, included with every villa, is a big advantage. Your butler takes care of every detail, from unpacking your bags to arranging dinner reservations and excursions. This adds a layer of personalization that really enhances the stay.

At the Four Seasons, service was less consistent. While many staff members were excellent, the overall experience was slower and less polished. There were also moments when service mistakes weren’t handled as smoothly as expected. For such a high-end resort, this was noticeable.

If exceptional service is your priority, St Regis clearly wins this category.

Spa: a very close call

Let’s continue this comparison between Four Seasons or St Regis Bora Bora with their spas.

Both resorts offer beautiful spas located inland.

The spa at St Regis is set within lush gardens and has direct access to the lagoonarium, which gives it a unique setting. Treatments are of a very high standard, and the atmosphere is serene and intimate.

The spa at Four Seasons Bora Bora may have the advantage when it comes to views. It features a jacuzzi with stunning view of Mount Otemanu, which is hard to beat. The treatment rooms are also spacious and beautifully designed.

Overall, both spas are excellent, but Four Seasons’ spa edges ahead slightly for the dramatic setting.

Gym & other facilities: St Regis or Four Seasons?

In terms of fitness and activities, both resorts are very well matched. Each has a modern gym with a similar range of equipment, tennis courts, and space for yoga or fitness classes. Neither one particularly outshines the other in this category, so when comparing St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora, it’s fair to say this section is a tie.

The pool(s)

Here, St Regis has the advantage. While the Four Seasons Bora Bora has one beautiful main pool with a large deck and plenty of loungers, the St Regis Bora Bora offers two pools, one of which is adults-only.

The adults-only pool at St Regis is a major highlight for couples seeking peace and quiet. It feels private, exclusive, and very relaxing. For honeymooners, this is an excellent option that Four Seasons simply doesn’t have. To learn more about it, you can read our in-depth review of St Regis Bora Bora here.

The beaches

Both resorts have picture-perfect beaches, but they differ in character.

At the St Regis Bora Bora, the main beach is wide, sandy, and feels more private. Sun loungers are well spaced out, and the whole area feels serene and exclusive.

At the Four Seasons Bora Bora, the main beach is busier. Loungers are closer together, and during peak times it can feel less private. However, if you stay in one of the beachfront residences, you’ll have access to a much more secluded stretch of sand that rivals the best beaches in Bora Bora.

Overall, for the general guest experience, St Regis wins for beaches, though Four Seasons can match it if you book the right villa.

The value for money

Before concluding this comparison St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora, let’s talk about the value for money.

Neither resort is cheap. These are the two most expensive properties in Bora Bora. However, there is a difference in value.

The St Regis Bora Bora tends to be priced slightly lower than Four Seasons. Food, drinks, and activities are also less expensive, making the overall cost of a stay more manageable.

The Four Seasons Bora Bora, while stunning, is consistently one of the priciest hotels in French Polynesia. While you do get the benefit of newer villas and a better breakfast, the overall bill is usually higher.

In terms of value for money, St Regis comes out ahead.

Conclusion: St Regis vs Four Seasons Bora Bora, is there really a winner?

So, which should you choose: St Regis or Four Seasons Bora Bora?

Pick the Four Seasons if you want the most modern villas, the best breakfast, and a spa with unforgettable Mount Otemanu views.

Choose the St Regis if you value exceptional service, better beaches, an adults-only pool, and more competitive pricing.

Both are among the best hotels in Bora Bora, and both will deliver a honeymoon or romantic escape that you’ll never forget. In the end, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize design and renovation or service and value.

Contact us for more information or to book your trip to Bora Bora with the most competitive rates.

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