First off, you can never know in advance how the traffic may be, since it seems there's always construction going on. I would leave 4 hours from your flight departure time to be safe. But that's just me. Especially if you have checked bags.

There's lounges in the airport that are relaxful, at least they were when I visited several times going through terminal 4 a few years ago.

It's better to be in the airport waiting and not the hotel/resort because at least you know you are there. There's no difference at sitting in a hotel lobby compared to an airport lounge, and again you would be in the airport ready to board.

Being bored while on vacation? I never experienced that to be honest. Can't help in that department.

Maybe someone else will stop by with additional information.

*Just to add, I purposely always book connecting flights for example with a 4 hour layover to enjoy my journey in a lounge. I have some upcoming flights that leave at 6:00 am which I hate because no lounge access. Like they say "it's the getting there which is the fun part".