Conrad Versus Four Seasons Bora Bora
The biggest question when planning our Bora Bora honeymoon was…the Conrad or the Four Seasons? In my research, (and trust me, I did a TON) the Four Seasons, Conrad, and the St. Regis are the top hotels in Bora Bora. The St. Regis was booked during the time we wanted to go, so I really didn’t even consider it. I’ve heard amazing things about it, but got the sense that the Conrad and Four Seasons are arguably better.
When you’re spending $1800+/night on a room, you want to make sure it’s the best option. Even after all my research, I still couldn’t decide between the Conrad versus Four Seasons, so we ended up booking both. And I’m actually glad we did!
I thought I would be the type of person who would want to stay put and would hate moving around, but I actually didn’t mind it. I’ve also heard of a lot of people doing this and enjoying their time. That being said, if you’re SUPER against two spots and want to narrow it down to one, it will depend on what you’re most looking for.
Like I said, I read tons of blog posts, watched tons of YouTube videos, and asked a lot of people. I spent so.much.time researching. Yet, every post, video, and conversation had the SAME outcome. “It’s really up to your preference!”
So I want to be up front with you from the start so you aren’t frustrated after you read through this entire post and end up feeling like I lead you on. I understand why it’s so hard for people to have one single answer, because I truly loved both! BUT, if we were to go back to Bora Bora, I think I would stay at the Conrad over the Four Seasons. There was just something about the feel of the resort that I loved.
I hate to be that person, but it really will really just come down to your personal preference/what’s most important to you. You really (and I mean, REALLY) can’t go wrong.
I’m going to share my thoughts on each hotel. Then I’ll break it out by category, along with my choice based on the category.
And if you STILL aren’t sure, look into staying at both! You can arrange a boat from one resort to the next, for a fee.
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Conrad versus Four Seasons: Hotel Overviews
Conrad
As soon as we arrived at the Conrad, I was in love. I can't explain the feeling other than just pure happiness, relaxation, and contentment. The property has a spa, fitness center, 4 restaurants, pool, and beach access. Our room wasn't quite ready when we arrived, so we had lunch at the pool restaurant. Once our room was ready, a member of the hotel came to get us and she showed us all the features of the room.
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Bora Bora is arguably one of the most amazing hotels in the world. Aside from the gorgeous views at every turn, the property is pretty big. There is a spa, fitness center, 4 restaurants, pool, lagoons, and plenty of beach access. They also have things you can rent like snorkels, kayaks, and paddle boards.
Conrad versus Four Seasons: Room Type
Conrad
We stayed in a King Deluxe Overwater Villa. The room had full sliding glass doors opening to the deck, giving it a spacious and open feel. I also loved how the doors were floor to ceiling, giving unobstructed views of the ocean. The outside deck is huge with no railings whatsoever. It also has two separate side by side overwater hammocks on the deck. The deck includes a covered sitting area where you can have lunch or read in the shade when you need a little break from the sun. We used the lower deck as a swim platform but it was large enough to lay out on as well. My favorite part was the Bluetooth speaker system. You could connect your phone and play music throughout all speakers, including outside. It's a small touch, but I felt like it really elevated the experience.
Four Seasons
We stayed in the One-Bedroom Mountain-View Overwater Bungalow Suite. The room itself is pretty spacious, and the outdoor area has two deck spaces (1 covered, one uncovered) and a lower deck with access to the ocean. I kept reading that the Mountain-View rooms were worth the extra money, and I was happy we ended up splurging on it. It gave us such a beautiful sunset and sunrise. One of the best parts of the room was the bathtub. It sits in front of a floor to ceiling window that you can open completely, with a full view of the lagoon. It feels like you're taking a bath outside!
My Choice: Conrad
My husband and I preferred the Conrad room over the Four Seasons. The Conrad felt more open and luxurious to me.
Your preference for the type of room you want will play a big factor. The Conrad is more of a large studio apartment layout where the bed is the central point to the room (hence the beautiful views from the bed). The Four Seasons is laid out more like a one bedroom apartment, where the bedroom, bathroom, and living room are separated by walls. The Conrad felt much brighter than the Four Seasons due to the layout.
For the decks, I liked the open deck layout (with hammocks). I liked how the deck was set up, and of course, the music all throughout the room/outdoor space was amazing. Looking out to the ocean, the view seemed to be endless. The Four Seasons deck is much smaller with just enough space to fit in the length of a lounge chair. The railings also made it feel a bit more confined.
Conrad versus Four Seasons: Amenities
Conrad
The Conrad pool was amazing. Not only did it have a view of the ocean, but there were a few in-pool lounge chairs too. Aside from the standard spa, fitness center, and pool, the Conrad offers a few things. They provide complimentary snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddle boards. You can also arrange jet skis, scuba diving, and canoe rides. For something a little more romantic, you can arrange a quick boat ride to Motu Tapu, their secluded island, or a stargazing session with champagne.
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons property seemed much larger than the Conrad. It’s filled with plenty of places to walk around and explore. There are a lot of lagoons to swim, kayak, snorkel, or paddle board in. The property also has tennis, volleyball, and badminton courts. On the more “romantic” side, you can arrange a dinner for two on a white-sand motu, sunset cruises, private excursions, or a couples snorkeling tour.
My Choice: Four Seasons
Overall, the Four Seasons property offers more amenities and things to keep you busy. If you’re spending a week at one property in Bora Bora, you might prefer a place that has more to do/more to explore. The Four Seasons is also much more kid friendly if you are looking to bring your family along for your stay.
Conrad versus Four Seasons: Food
Conrad
Let’s start with breakfast. The Conrad breakfast buffet is one of the best I’ve ever had (and I LOVE a good breakfast buffet). There are endless amounts of pastries, cereals, classic breakfast dishes, and Polynesian dishes to try. They also have a personalized omelet station with several options to switch it up each morning. You can sit inside or outside on a patio overlooking the beach, bungalows, and ocean in the distance. The view from breakfast is gorgeous.
We ate lunch at the pool both days. I LOVED the food here. The fries, the sandwiches, the burger…everything was so good (I still dream of their shrimp salad sandwich).
For dinner our first night, we ate at the Upa Upa Lounge Bar at sunset. The food and drinks were delicious, and the vibe was peaceful, amazing, and perfect. The Upa Upa Lounge had live music each night along with fire dancers. I don’t know what it was, but we felt like it was one of the top 5 dining experiences we’ve ever had traveling. We could’ve stayed there all night.
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons breakfast buffet had super fresh fruits, juices, and food. There were a lot of things to choose from, and you could request things as well (waffles, pancakes, etc).
The pool restaurant/bar was amazing as well. You could order pizzas, sandwiches, tacos, salads, burgers, and fresh seafood.
For dinners, there are two main restaurants to choose from, and a third that has a themed dinner once a week. Ari Moana serves Mediterranean classics. During our stay, the menu rotated nightly. One night they served Italian dishes. The next night, they served Greek dishes. Both were delicious. The second restaurant, Vaimiti, serves Asian dishes. It’s also a great sunset bar with delicious cocktails.
My Choice: Four Seasons
Even though I loved the breakfast buffet, pool bar, and lounge, the dinner options at the Conrad were limited. Overall, I thought the Four Seasons had a better food selection and variety. You could have a different style of meal every night during your stay. I shared more details on the restaurants at each hotel in this post!
Conrad versus Four Seasons: Price
Conrad
At the time of booking, our stay at the Conrad was ~$1,900 USD/night. Overall, it also felt like our food/drinks cost less at the Conrad.
Four Seasons
At the time of booking, our stay at the Four Seasons was ~$2,100 USD/night. The breakfast buffet was included with our stay, but the remainder of the meals were pricey. And it also seemed like the drinks were pricier too (I spent $26 on their daily poolside cocktail that I thought was complimentary lol).
My Choice: Conrad
This isn’t necessarily my opinion, because it’s more based on facts lol. But Conrad Bora Bora is typically going to be more cost effective as far as rooms/meals.
Conrad versus Four Seasons: Service
Conrad
We could sense the hospitality the moment we pulled up (by boat) at the Conrad. Their concierge team ( about 10 people) greeted us and served a very refreshing juice. We sat in their lounge area and completed our check in from there. A member of the staff found us at the pool once our room was ready, and she gave us a tour of the property and our room. She was very warm and welcoming, and even took a picture of us from our room’s outdoor deck. Every interaction with the staff after that point was positive.
Four Seasons
At the Four Seasons, our room ended up being ready over an hour after scheduled check in, and we kept having to check back in with the front desk. It wasn’t a huge deal, but I just wish it was a little more seamless.
My Choice: Conrad
Overall, I felt like the experience at the Conrad was much more elevated and seamless. Everyone at the Four Seasons was extremely friendly, but I thought the attention to detail was better at the Conrad.
Conrad versus Four Seasons: Location
Conrad
At the Conrad, you truly feel like you’re on the edge of the world on a secluded island. When we would jump into the water from our deck, it felt like we were in the middle of the ocean.
Four Seasons
Surrounded by Mount Otemanu, you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise (I guess you literally are lol). The views at the Four Seasons were what I pictured Bora Bora to be like before I visited.
My Choice: Both!
This will completely come down to the type of feel you’re going for. Since you take a boat to get to both properties, the actual location isn’t a huge deal. It will more so just come down to the views and feel that you want. If you want the views of Mount Otemanu, you’ll probably prefer the Four Seasons’ location. The Four Seasons does have the better backdrop for photos too!
Final Thoughts
So, when deciding between the Conrad or the Four Seasons, think about what’s most important to you. If you feel like you’ll be enjoying the seclusion in your room the majority of the time, I would consider the Conrad. If you’re looking for a lot of activities, I would pick the Four Seasons.
I really hope this helps! Like I said, you are going to have the best time regardless!
Still have questions? Let me know!
Want to book a stay at the Conrad or Four Seasons Bora Bora?
*This post is not affiliated with any of the mentioned establishments.