Name: Michel Volk
Title: General manager
Company, city: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Number of employees: 296
Recent project: Expansion and enhancement of our overwater bungalows was completed April 1.
First job: Front desk agent at Four Seasons Hotel London
Little-known fact about you: I once bungee-jumped from the highest bridge possible at the time (216 meters, in South Africa) — and cracked a rib doing so.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: The Golden Rule! And continuously believe that everything we do can always be done better (do not accept the status quo). Your best chance of continuously improving is when you and the people who surround you enjoy what they do.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Listen to guest and employee feedback. Also, I read lots of books on innovation and daily news about the industry.
Yardstick of success: The number of smiles from guests, from team members and from family is the absolute marker of success.
Michel Volk as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? iPad
How do you spend your time on board? Reading on the iPad and watching the latest blockbusters
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? The kitchen table at my parents’ home in Luxembourg always trumps any restaurant.
What is your favorite destination in the world? I’m a big fan of any type of safari. One of the best I’ve experienced was in Zambia.
About Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
What can guests expect from a stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora?
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a cultural paradise, combining the relaxation and tranquility of the South Pacific with invigorating Polynesian arts. The resort combines the highest standards of service with the natural ease and gracious hospitality of Polynesian culture. Guests can lose themselves in the deep serenity of the location; immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of local culture; or set off on one of the island’s many adventures, from snorkeling and SCUBA to deep-sea fishing and inland safaris — creating a multitude of unforgettable experiences.
Set upon Bora Bora’s surrounding coral atoll, the resort is a vast tropical grove, replete with coconut palms and pandanus trees. Meandering channels lead to the property’s main beach and smaller lagoons, creating dozens of secluded areas to be discovered. Every vista is breathtaking, and all have been incorporated into the resort experience: the turquoise water and vast sky contrast with the white sand of the beach and the lush green of the land, capped by the towering monolithic peak of Mount Otemanu.
What sets the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora apart from other island resorts?
Set upon a sprawling 54 acres, the resort offers a connection with the island community which provides a truly authentic Polynesian experience — one never to be forgotten. Our accommodations include 100 overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas, all designed with thatched roofs and decorated with indigenous artwork. Our four restaurants, offering creative cuisines from Polynesian to French to fusion, are complemented by special open-air dining experiences. A full-service spa, balanced by the powerful rhythms of the Pacific Ocean and the secluded tranquility of the island’s lagoon — and featuring open-air treatment decks amid the mangroves — offers a combination of relaxation and exhilaration that only Bora Bora’s unique location can provide.
What is new at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora?
We just completed an enhancement project (as of April 1), installing plunge pools at some of our overwater bungalows, adding seven for a total of 15. We also connected three sets of bungalows to create three two-bedroom overwater bungalows with plunge pools. The demand for our most premium accommodations led us to this enhancement, and we know the Global Traveler readers who come our way will love these new overwater suites!
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Dec 11, 2024Eurostar Debuts Culinary Evolution: Trio of Chefs Introduced Onboard
One of the most comfortable and efficient transportation modes in Europe is Eurostar, the train connecting London via the Channel Tunnel with many European cities using high-speed direct trains to some cities (like Paris and Brussels), and connections to dozens of other destinations. This year, Eurostar celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
Daily
Dec 11, 2024PGA WEST Unveils Multimillion-Dollar Revitalization in Palm Springs
PGA WEST, known as The Western Home of Golf in America, recently announced the completion of its multimillion-dollar, three-year restoration project across its three acclaimed, Pete Dye-designed courses. This new revitalization project allows the iconic 2,000-acre golf destination to continue setting the bar for golf courses around the world. These courses are ready to amaze members and guests all over again.
eFlyer Reviews
Dec 11, 2024Canne Bianche Lifestyle & Hotel Review
Perched on the Italian Adriatic in Torre Canne, Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel provides an escape of coastal luxury amid the local charm of Puglia. Located just steps from the sea, this boutique retreat captures the region’s essence with thoughtful design, exceptional dining and a connection to local culture.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
eFlyer News
Dec 11, 2024Air France & KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Partner with Kolet for Mobile Connectivity
Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced a new partnership with Kolet, a French eSIM technology specialist, to offer reliable mobile connectivity in more than 190 countries.
W Hotels Debuts in Prague
eFlyer News
Dec 11, 2024PONANT Launches Holiday Season Offer
eFlyer Deals
Dec 11, 2024Delta Air Lines Completely Transforms Cabins
eFlyer Lead
Dec 11, 2024Daily
Dec 11, 2024Arizona Grand Resort & Spa Unveils an Impressive $10 Million Renovation
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa, set within America’s largest urban park and wilderness preserve, has been newly transformed, with the residential-style resort offering a “home away from home” experience. In the bounds of Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve, the resort now boasts refreshed rooms, meeting spaces and public spaces.
Sponsored Content
Experience Next-Level Travel with Condor Airlines’ New A330neo Fleet
Condor Airlines completely renewed its long-haul fleet, featuring its new Airbus A330neo. Designed to elevate your travel experience, the A330neo is equipped with cutting-edge technology and offers unrivaled comfort, ensuring an exceptional journey for every passenger. With its striking signature striped livery, the A330neo not only promises a memorable flight but also enhances the start of your vacation from the moment you step aboard.
Daily
Dec 10, 2024Hollywood Volume Joins Tribute Portfolio Hotels
It’s relaunch time: Hollywood VOLUME (formerly known as tommie Hollywood) joined Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio and is ready for its close-up. The relaunch, which provides access to Marriott’s Bonvoy program, builds on the hotel’s location in Hollywood’s Vinyl District with hosted pop-up parties, Tuesday and Thursday social hours with complimentary canapés served in the lobby, and revolving art installations featuring local creators.
ShareThis