Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Ringed by sand-fringed islets on the outer reef, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora looks across a turquoise lagoon to the peak of Mount Otemanu. The resort holds 107 rooms split between overwater bungalow suites on stilts above the lagoon and beachfront villa estates set along a semi-private stretch of sand. Most bungalow suites open onto a deck fitted with chaise longues; several, including the Otemanu and Herenui suites, add a private plunge pool off the bedroom. The villa estates go further still. The Three Bedroom Beachfront Villa Estate has four bathrooms, a private pool and its own garden of coconut palms and tiare, with sunset views over the water. Beachfront villas run on an inclusive basis, covering meals, activities and airport transfers. Four restaurants cover the day: Tere Nui serves breakfast and lunch by the beach, Fare Hoa is a sand-set grill with nightly live music, Sunset Restaurant works an overwater terrace for sushi and cocktails, and Arii Moana pairs French and Polynesian cooking with a wine list, facing the mountain across the lagoon. A spa, gym and tennis court round out the grounds. You can snorkel straight off the reef edge without a boat. Check-in runs from 3pm.