Luxury Travel

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

December 15, 2022

272

Wednesday newsletters at all times function a resort or flight assessment.

I not too long ago loved an unbelievable vacation in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). Read my journey stories right here:

Today: Review of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Opened in 2006 as one of many three lodges in French Polynesia managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group, the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is positioned on a virgin seashore on Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef alongside the jap aspect of Bora Bora. The view of the primary Island from the resort is exclusive, particularly in the 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 elements in luscious skincare therapies.

The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalassao Spa options in my prime 10 listing of the finest lodges in French Polynesia.

Have you ever stayed on the InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalassao Spa? If so, what was your expertise? Leave a remark.

In this assessment (extra data and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa is positioned on Bora Bora, essentially the most well-known and in style 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. Located 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. At 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 positioned 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 luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. The island and property is positioned on the jap aspect of Bora Bora, which makes for significantly breathtaking and distinctive panoramas because the resort’s in depth seafront seems to be out over the primary island and the enduring 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 accessible with prior reservation and costs apply.

When company arrive on the resort’s dock after the switch from the airport, they’re greeted by the resort employees and instantly whisked away by golf carts. The personalised check-in course of takes place in a captivating open-air foyer that provides option to a spectacular view of Bora Bora’s gorgeous crystalline lagoon and the imposing Mount Otemanu. Staff 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 simple to navigate and walkable (though buggies are at all times accessible): the seashore and essential amenities (eating places, pool, and spa) are on the coronary heart of the resort, whereas the 2 jetties with overwater villas are positioned on each side of the seashore.

The InterContinental Bora Bora options 84 spacious overwater villas, positioned alongside two jetties. With distinctive positioning and vistas (both in the direction of the seashore or in the direction of Mount Otemanu), every villa shares the identical structure and comes with a furnished terrace (some also 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 under. The ensuite rest room is provided with a double vainness, bathe and separate bathtub dealing with an image window that frames large lagoon views. All villas are cooled with an eco-friendly, deep-sea water A/C system and embellished in stylish, up to date 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 motive to be upset as you’ll be surrounded by one of many world’s most gorgeous pure swimming pools (all villas have direct entry to the lagoon). Guests may also retreat to the resort’s pretty communal pool, which contains a gradual zero-entry. Directly in entrance of the pool, with elegant views of the mountain, is the resort’s white sand seashore, with calm, crystal-clear waters excellent for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking — the gear for which will be rented totally free on the pool hut. Shaded lounge chairs are scattered throughout the seashore, together with massive hammocks hanging between the palm bushes.

A beloved a part of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is the onsite Lagoonarium, a protected habitat and coral nursery that’s residence to an exhilarating array of sea creatures. Marine biologists supervise the Lagoonarium and coral nursery and company could go to to find out about tropical marine life conservation efforts. This setting was specifically designed to favor coral development by circulating chilly saltwater drawn from deep ocean ranges. These nutrient-rich situations foster coral regeneration and assist encourage the varied and dazzling species of fish to feed and shelter among the many wholesome coral. The lagoonarium can also be residence 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 aspect and, on the opposite, the sapphire-blue expanse of the South Pacific Ocean that evokes it. The spa options multi-sensory out of doors steam baths and leisure 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 affords 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 nice 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 affords 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, stay music accompanies dinnertime, and particular themed-dinner happen on the seashore.
- 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).
- Next to Reef Restaurant is Bubbles Bar, the place to be for joyful hour and night aperitifs. Designed with conventional Polynesian supplies and up to date touches, Bubbles serves a big selection of signature cocktails.
- Located subsequent to Sands Restaurant is Sands Bar, which enjoys unparalleled views of Mount Otemanu. The bar focuses on cocktails and snacks, and is a well-liked spot throughout sundown.

The property is managed by InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the main chain of luxurious lodges 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. Though every property has a definite character, the three lodges of the InterContinental model in French Polynesia all embrace the identical philosophy. Each matches in flawlessly with its pure environment, with overwater bungalows, and makes nice effort to guard each the setting and native traditions. The different two InterContinental properties are each positioned 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 resort on the primary island of Bora Bora contains a breathtaking non-public white-sand seashore 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. Located simply 5 minutes from the airport, it’s also 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 essential island, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort (which isn’t as luxurious and unique because it sister resort). Make certain you ebook your keep on the proper InterContinental Bora Bora Resort.

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

I used to be not fully 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 had been a bit mix and their presentation nor style had been very refined. I consider there may be some room for enchancment on the subject of the resort’s catering division.

MY VERDICT

Location: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: 9/10
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 8/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 9/10
Value for cash: 8/10
Overall expertise: excellent 8,4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

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

Save cash: get complimentary VIP perks when reserving by way of Virtuoso (e.g. improve, every day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit score).

Read my suggestions for making 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). However, that is excessive season, so it is going to be busy and the resort charges are skyrocketing. The months on both aspect of this era (May & October) are referred to as the shoulder season and provide snug climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Although French Polynesia will be visited year-round, the months of November to April deliver extra humidity and cloudy days, with tropical showers passing at higher frequency than different occasions of the yr. However, they’re typically interspersed with intervals of sunshine. This is a damp time of yr, although, which will be uncomfortable and I like to recommend selecting a resort with A/C if visiting throughout these months. The islands not often undergo from tropical storms besides throughout years when El Niño impacts ocean currents.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bora Bora is positioned 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 accessible with prior reservation and costs apply.

PHOTOS

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