For the watchlifestyler craving an island hideaway, we invite you to experience this wonderful trip to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora with us. Adventure, luxury, and the warmth of the Polynesian people await you. Getting to Tahiti requires an 8-hour flight from LAX via Air Tahiti Nui in an exceptionally clean and tidy aircraft with turquoise blue accents, reminiscent of the waters that you will soon encounter and that await you. With world-class service in both Business and Economy class, the journey across the Pacific is a peaceful and easy one. After a long, restful sleep in your duvet in the comfort of Air Tahiti Nui’s Business Class, you will awake on the island of Tahiti. From there, a short 40-minute flight will transport you to Bora Bora, the beautiful and often photographed piece of heaven located in the middle of the South Pacific. The perfect companion for a trip like this is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Forged Carbon Diver.
Upon arriving at the airport in Bora Bora, which is located on one of the many small islands known as “Motu” in Tahiti, you are welcomed by the staff from the Four Seasons right at the baggage claim area. Although the crystal clear and turquoise water mesmerizes you, you can’t help but notice the charm of the Four Seasons private vessel that will take you to the resort. Once aboard, a Tiare —a Tahitian Gardenia— scented moistened towel and refreshments welcome you as you enjoy a 20-minute boat ride to the hotel.
Upon check in, you are greeted with a small mango smoothie and a warm “la Orana” which is “Hello” in the Tahitian language. You are then driven in a golf cart to your private bungalow. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a hotel comprised of 100 private bungalows. These picturesque, over-the-water huts —1,100 sq. ft.— that are often seen on postcards and travel magazines are just amazing. The property itself has its own mini lagoons and inlets which are full of sea life and a perfect snorkeling option for those that don't want to go into the open waters.
Each bungalow features a living room, a central bathroom and a bedroom all separated by sliding doors. The outdoor deck has a dining area and each bungalow has a private dock and sunbathing space. With private amenities like these, you may never have to find your way to the beautiful infinity pool or the white sand beach. All you have to do is change into your Vilebrequins —or wear nothing at all— and take a plunge off of your private dock into the crystal clear and warm waters of Bora Bora to wash the jet-lag right off.
If you aren’t up to jumping into the ocean quite yet, open up the sliding doors to the deck from your bathtub and enjoy the view as you soak with the French bubbles you found waiting for your arrival in the living room. You forget the real world as the cool breeze of the tropics refreshes and nourishes your soul. As you enjoy magnificent views of Mount Otemanu in the distance, you can’t help but to find yourself saying: “La vie est belle!” out loud as you drift into the South Pacific daydreams.
In the bathroom, you will find glass-covered cut-outs that showcase the crystal clear waters below your bungalow. These are exceptionally fun to look at in the evening when the lights below the bungalows make the water glow. The vanities and shower are stocked with L’Occitane amenities so you are as fresh as the Pacific trade winds that cool you down. Each bungalow also has a beach bag and two pairs of beach sandals, yours to keep and take home with you as a keepsake from the piece of Heaven you enjoyed. The resort grounds feature four places to eat and drink. Arii Moana serves as the main dining restaurant at the resort and Tere Nui is your breakfast and lunch area.
The Sunset Bar and Fare Hoa are your more casual, beachside places to eat and drink. Among them, the Sunset Bar is the place to be. With delicious sushi, Asian-inspired appetizers, the best views of Mount Otemanu, and an extensive wine and drink menu, one could hardly wait until 4:30 PM for it’s opening every evening. With a wonderful staff and seating that overlooks the water, order your favorite bottle of wine with dinner and take it back to the room if you want to enjoy a private nightcap in your bungalow. Two other more private options that should not be missed: in-bungalow dining and on-the-sand dining. When Room Service can prepare a three-course meal to be enjoyed in your bungalow, complete with linens, why not take advantage?
Another option is to upgrade your experience with your loved one with a three-course private dinner for two on the sand. The Sunset Bar staff will make sure your drinks are always full as you watch the sun setting and the stars coming out to play.
At the pool, you can lounge in many of the open cabanas. If you want to be in the sun, there are many lounge chairs that await you. The pool and Fare Hoa —the pool bar— are staffed with exceptionally friendly and helpful people who make sure you are never thirsty or hungry. If you find yourself hungry at Fare Hoa, be sure to try the “Poisson Cru”, a local favorite made from tuna that’s been marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. The flavor is extraordinary and is reminiscent of both Latin American ceviche and Hawaiian ahi poke. Let’s not forget that you also have the option of just hanging out on the beach in recliners as well.
If the surroundings and beverages haven’t quite gotten you to a state of complete serenity yet, try the complimentary yoga. At 8:15 AM, overlooking one of the hotel’s lagoons, there is a 50-minute yoga class that you can enjoy. Just come in your comfy clothes and your AP as the mats, towels and bottles of water are all setup and ready for you when you arrive. Namaste.
One activity that is not to be missed while in Bora Bora or anywhere else in Tahiti is snorkeling with sharks. Organized 'Shark and Ray Feeding' activities are all over the Society Islands and they offer an up-close and personal experience with Black Tip Reef Sharks and Lemon Sharks. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Forged Carbon Diver on the wrist was up for the task. Now, we know for sure that if the watch had come in contact with the razor sharp teeth of the shark, its ceramic bezel would've surely prevented any potential damage to it.
After being in the sun or enjoying a handful of water activities, be sure to hydrate after exiting the warm waters with an ice cold Hinano beer —the Tahitian favorite— or a sip of champagne in a coconut shell.
If you’re a watchlifestyler who fancies an upgraded South Pacific experience away from civilization, look no further than spending your suspension from reality and life in Bora Bora. Although this particular watchlifestyler was sad to leave the Pearl of the Pacific, he knew very well that this wasn't going to be his last time in the magical paradise of Bora Bora.
For more info on Audemars Piguet click here and for the Four Seasons Bora Bora here.
