InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a lodge or flight evaluation.

I lately loved an unimaginable vacation in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). Learn my journey reviews right here:

At present: Overview of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Opened in 2006 as one of many three inns in French Polynesia managed by the InterContinental Lodge Group, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is situated on a virgin seaside on Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef alongside the jap facet of Bora Bora. The view of the primary Island from the resort is exclusive, particularly in direction of Mount Otemanu, rising majestically throughout the blue crystal waters of the spectacular lagoon. Comfortably stylish bungalows jut out over the turquoise lagoon, every with a furnished sundeck with direct entry to the water and an outside, freshwater bathe. The resort boasts the area’s first thalassotherapy spa, utilizing South Pacific marine components in luscious skincare therapies.

Have you ever ever stayed on the InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalassao Spa? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalassao Spa options in my high 10 record of the finest inns in French Polynesia.

On this evaluation (extra data and photographs beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa is situated on Bora Bora, essentially the most well-known and standard island in French Polynesia. Dotted with white sand seashores and overwater resorts, this south pacific island might simply be outlined because the globe’s most romantic vacation spot. Situated on a dormant volcano, Bora Bora options one of many world’s most stunning and crystal-clear lagoons, coloured in one million shades of blue. On the middle of the idyllic lagoon is the breathtaking Mount Otemanu, which rises as much as 2,385 toes (727 m) above the Pacific Ocean and is believed to be the birthplace of the Polynesian islands in native mythology. Bora Bora is situated a quick 50-minute flight from the islands of Tahiti or Moorea.

Amid the indelible aquamarine of Bora Bora’s alluring lagoon you’ll discover the coral island Motu Piti Aau, which means ‘islet of two hearts’ and residential to the the plush InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. The island and property is situated on the jap facet of Bora Bora, which makes for notably breathtaking and distinctive panoramas because the resort’s in depth seafront appears out over the primary island and the long-lasting Mount Otemanu throughout the turquoise lagoon. The central location makes direct boat transfers from the resort to the primary island in addition to Bora Bora’s small airport very handy – the boat journey takes simply 20 minutes. Shuttle service is out there with prior reservation and charges apply.

When company arrive on the resort’s dock after the switch from the airport, they’re greeted by the lodge workers and instantly whisked away by golf carts. The personalised check-in course of takes place in an enthralling open-air foyer that provides approach to a spectacular view of Bora Bora’s gorgeous crystalline lagoon and the imposing Mount Otemanu. Workers members welcome new arrivals with chilly towels and vanilla-infused iced tea earlier than giving them an orientation tour across the lush resort grounds. The pretty compact property is straightforward to navigate and walkable (though buggies are at all times out there): the seaside and fundamental amenities (eating places, pool, and spa) are on the coronary heart of the resort, whereas the 2 jetties with overwater villas are situated on either side of the seaside.

The InterContinental Bora Bora options 84 spacious overwater villas, situated alongside two jetties. With distinctive positioning and vistas (both in direction of the seaside or in direction of Mount Otemanu), every villa shares the identical format and comes with a furnished terrace (some actually have a plunge pool). The bed room is separated from lounge, which has a glass-bottomed espresso desk that showcases the lagoon and coral fish beneath. The ensuite rest room is provided with a double vainness, bathe and separate bathtub dealing with an image window that frames extensive lagoon views. All villas are cooled with an eco-friendly, deep-sea water A/C system and embellished in stylish, modern island model, with touches of conventional Polynesian design creating a sublime sense of place.

Few overwater villas on the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa have non-public plunge swimming pools, however in case your villa doesn’t have one, there’s no cause to be dissatisfied as you’ll be surrounded by one of many world’s most gorgeous pure swimming pools (all villas have direct entry to the lagoon). Company may also retreat to the resort’s beautiful communal pool, which contains a gradual zero-entry. Immediately in entrance of the pool, with elegant views of the mountain, is the resort’s white sand seaside, with calm, crystal-clear waters excellent for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking — the tools for which might be rented without cost on the pool hut. Shaded lounge chairs are scattered throughout the seaside, together with giant hammocks hanging between the palm timber.

A beloved a part of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is the onsite Lagoonarium, a protected habitat and coral nursery that’s house to an exciting array of sea creatures. Marine biologists supervise the Lagoonarium and coral nursery and company might go to to study tropical marine life conservation efforts. This setting was specifically designed to favor coral progress by circulating chilly saltwater drawn from deep ocean ranges. These nutrient-rich circumstances foster coral regeneration and assist encourage the various and dazzling species of fish to feed and shelter among the many wholesome coral. The lagoonarium can be house to an overwater, glass-bottomed marriage ceremony chapel, with awe-inspiring views of Mount Otemanu.

Nestled within the motu’s lush tropical gardens is the Deep Ocean Spa, undoubtedly the glowing jewel of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. The wellness middle is framed by the aquamarine lagoon on one facet and, on the opposite, the sapphire-blue expanse of the South Pacific Ocean that evokes it. The spa options multi-sensory outside steam baths and rest areas, a health club, tea lounge and a boutique for full tranquility and rejuvenation. Glass-floored overwater bungalows permit the company to admire the marine life throughout a therapy. The Deep Ocean Spa provides therapies utilizing the pure advantages of water drawn from the depths of the Pacific. Facial cares profit from the experience of the Algotherm model, a specialist in marine dermo-cosmetics.

From wonderful French eating to barbecue buffets, a keep on the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is a culinary journey throughout continents. There are three eating places and two bars on-site:
- Romantic and alluringly intimate, the signature indoor restaurant Le Corail provides a gourmand eating expertise which ranks among the many finest in Bora Bora. Overlooking the lighted lagoonarium and comfortably air-conditioned, the eating room additionally has the biggest wine cellar in French Polynesia.
- Sands is a poolside and beachfront venue serving mild fare and coctails through the day. By night time, Sands serves native and worldwide fare infused gently with Asian flavors. On choose nights, dwell music accompanies dinnertime, and particular themed-dinner happen on the seaside.
- Reef is the resort’s all-day eating room, serving genuine Mediterranean delicacies in a casually elegant setting. Weekly Polynesian dance performances are complemented by a lavish themed buffet of worldwide dishes and native specialties, in addition to Asian themed-dinners. Reef additionally serves a superb breakfast buffet (the most effective one in Bora Bora).
- Subsequent to Reef Restaurant is Bubbles Bar, the place to be for glad hour and night aperitifs. Designed with conventional Polynesian supplies and modern touches, Bubbles serves a wide selection of signature cocktails.
- Situated subsequent to Sands Restaurant is Sands Bar, which enjoys unparalleled views of Mount Otemanu. The bar makes a speciality of cocktails and snacks, and is a well-liked spot throughout sundown.

The property is managed by InterContinental Motels & Resorts, the main chain of luxurious inns in French Polynesia and one of many first to maneuver into the archipelago. This early arrival meant that the InterContinental resorts secured a number of the most spectacular spots within the Society Islands and Bora Bora. Although every property has a definite persona, the three inns of the InterContinental model in French Polynesia all embrace the identical philosophy. Every suits in flawlessly with its pure environment, with overwater bungalows, and makes nice effort to guard each the setting and native traditions. The opposite two InterContinental properties are each situated on the island of Bora Bora (a 50 min flight from Tahiti):
- The InterContinental Bora Bora Moana Resort is hugged by two lengthy seashores, within the shade of a splendid coconut plantation. This distinctive boutique lodge on the primary island of Bora Bora contains a breathtaking non-public white-sand seaside with direct entry to one of many world’s most gorgeous lagoons.
- The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is the biggest luxurious resort on the primary island of Tahiti. Situated simply 5 minutes from the airport, it is usually essentially the most handy. Elegantly engulfed by tropical gardens, that is the best resort to start your go to to French Polynesia.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is to not be confused with the opposite InterContinental Bora Bora Resort on Bora Bora’s fundamental island, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort (which isn’t as luxurious and unique because it sister resort). Ensure you ebook your keep on the proper InterContinental Bora Bora Resort.

The resort’s seaside is kind of lengthy and provides a spectacular view of the mountain, nevertheless it’s a bit arrow, composed of coral sand (which isn’t very delicate) and has some rocky components alongside the shoreline.

I used to be not solely satisfied by the meals served by Reef Restaurant: the breakfast was glorious (and the most effective one I had in Bora Bora) however the dishes served throughout dinner have been a bit mix and their presentation nor style have been very refined. I imagine there is perhaps some room for enchancment with regards to the resort’s catering division.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Worth for cash: 8/10
Total expertise: superb 8,4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: learn right here my suggestions for getting the most effective deal at a luxurious lodge just like the InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalassao Spa (and/or obtain many free perks).

Lower your expenses: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving through Virtuoso (e.g. improve, day by day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit score).

Learn my suggestions for getting ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

French Polynesia is finest visited between June and September when the local weather is at its driest and the climate is balmy (however windy). Nonetheless, that is excessive season, so it is going to be busy and the lodge charges are skyrocketing. The months on both facet of this era (Could & October) are generally known as the shoulder season and provide comfy climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Though French Polynesia might be visited year-round, the months of November to April carry extra humidity and cloudy days, with tropical showers passing at better frequency than different instances of the 12 months. Nonetheless, they’re typically interspersed with intervals of sunshine. This can be a humid time of 12 months, although, which might be uncomfortable and I like to recommend selecting a lodge with A/C if visiting throughout these months. The islands hardly ever undergo from tropical storms besides throughout years when El Niño impacts ocean currents.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bora Bora is situated a quick 50-minute flight from the islands of Tahiti or Moorea. From Bora Bora’s small airport, it’s only a 20 min boat switch to the resort. Shuttle service is out there with prior reservation and charges apply.

PHOTOS

Under is a number of my photographs of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. To view extra photographs (together with breakfast and dinner), click on right here.