Both the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, offer luxurious overwater bungalow experiences with a range of amenities and activities. The choice depends on priorities: the Four Seasons excels in lagoon views and Polynesian cultural experiences, while The Ritz-Carlton focuses on diverse dining, modern technology, and sustainability. Snorkeling enthusiasts may find both locations lacking in immediate house reef quality.
| Attribute | Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Overwater Bungalow Availability | Offers 100 overwater bungalows with options for lagoon, mountain, and beach views. Some bungalows have private plunge pools. Two-bedroom options are available. | Available |
| On-site Dining Options (Number and Cuisine) | Four restaurants: Arii Moana (French, Mediterranean), Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill (Polynesian-inspired, seafood, steak), Vaimiti (Asian fusion, sushi), Tere Nui (Open-air, breakfast, themed dinners). In-bungalow dining is available, including breakfast delivered by Polynesian canoe. | Seven restaurants and bars. Cuisines include Cantonese, Japanese (Teppanyaki), and Southern Italian. Other dining options are available at the nearby Fari Marina Village. |
| Spa and Wellness Facilities | Te Mahana Spa offers treatments using traditional Polynesian techniques and local ingredients. Facilities include steam rooms, saunas, plunge pools, relaxation lounges, couples treatment rooms, and an outdoor whirlpool with Mount Otemanu views. Offers holistic treatments like the Kahaia Haven Ritual. Open-air fitness center with cardio and weight equipment, and an over-the-water yoga platform. | The Ritz-Carlton Spa is a ring-shaped structure over the lagoon, offering nine treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, a salon, and a boutique. Treatments include massages, facials, and body therapies using Bamford products. The fitness center is open 24/7 and offers personal training, classes, and a yoga studio. |
| Water Sports Activities Offered | Complimentary: snorkeling, paddle boarding, canoeing. For a fee: jet skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite surfing, submarine scooter trips, stingray feeding, parasailing, and guided Jet Ski tours. Also offers boat tours, catamaran rides, deep-sea fishing. | Kayaking, snorkeling, volleyball, tennis, jet skiing, wakeboarding, e-foiling, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, windsurfing, and fishing. |
| Proximity to Airport and Transfer Options | Located 15 minutes from Bora Bora Airport by boat. The resort arranges boat transfers. | Approximately 40 km from Male International Airport. Transfer options include a 45-50 minute speedboat ride (around $798 per adult for a round trip) or a 10-minute seaplane flight (about $1600 per person). Private yacht transfers are also available for around $5,000 per charter. |
| Childcare Services and Kids' Club | Tamarii Kids' Club offers an indoor playroom and outdoor playground. Chill Island Club for teenagers with water sports. Babysitting services are available (surcharge). | The Ritz Kids club offers a futuristic indoor-outdoor space with playgrounds, napping pods, video games, movies, and a pool with slides and jets. Babysitting services are available upon request for a charge. |
| Infinity Pool Details (Size, Location, Views) | Main infinity pool with lagoon views. Pool bar nearby. Staff provide snacks and drinks. | Villas have private infinity pools (about 5 meters long). The main pool is a large, circular infinity pool with ocean views. |
| House Reef Quality for Snorkeling/Diving | Inner lagoon with coral regeneration program. Snorkeling is almost non-existent around the overwater bungalows. Guests can see tropical fish and local reef life in the protected inner lagoon. | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives does not have a significant house reef due to its artificial island construction. Snorkeling is an option, but it is less spectacular compared to natural islands. However, there are snorkeling and diving spots nearby that can be accessed by boat excursions. Some marine life can be seen near the overwater villas. |
| Excursion Options (e.g., Island Tours, Sunset Cruises) | Island tours (ATV, 4x4 safari). Sunset cruises. Snorkeling tours to coral gardens and manta ray cleaning stations. Private snorkeling tours with a Tahitian oven experience. | Island tours, sunset cruises, dolphin spotting, snorkeling safaris, and diving trips. |
| Room Technology (Smart Features, Entertainment System) | Refurbished in 2019 with new technology. Flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and free WiFi. | Villas have smart energy-saving systems with occupancy sensors. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Coral regeneration program in the inner lagoon. | Uses solar power, recycles water, and has a coral planting project. They aim to generate additional power through floating solar panels. They've also implemented programs to reduce plastic use and food waste. |
| Price Range per Night | From $1,839 to $5,073. Around $2,746 nightly. | Around $2,000 to $4,000 per night, though rates can vary based on the season and room type. |