InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

December 14, 2022

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

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

Right this moment: Evaluate of the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Opened in 2006 as one of many three resorts 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 japanese aspect of Bora Bora. The view of the principle 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 out of doors, freshwater bathe. The resort boasts the area’s first thalassotherapy spa, utilizing South Pacific marine substances in luscious skincare remedies.

Have you ever ever stayed on the InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalassao Spa? In that case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

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

On this evaluation (extra data and pictures under my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

The InterContinental Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa is situated on Bora Bora, probably the most well-known and widespread island in French Polynesia. Dotted with white sand seashores and overwater resorts, this south pacific island may 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 1,000,000 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, that means ‘islet of two hearts’ and residential to the the luxurious InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. The island and property is situated on the japanese 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 principle island and the enduring Mount Otemanu throughout the turquoise lagoon. The central location makes direct boat transfers from the resort to the principle island in addition to Bora Bora’s small airport very handy – the boat journey takes simply 20 minutes. Shuttle service is offered with prior reservation and costs apply.

When visitors arrive on the resort’s dock after the switch from the airport, they’re greeted by the lodge employees and instantly whisked away by golf carts. The customized check-in course of takes place in a captivating open-air foyer that offers method 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 accessible): the seaside and most important services (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 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 self-importance, bathe and separate bathtub dealing with an image window that frames broad lagoon views. All villas are cooled with an eco-friendly, deep-sea water A/C system and adorned in stylish, modern island type, with touches of conventional Polynesian design creating a sublime sense of place.

Few overwater villas on the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa have personal plunge swimming pools, however in case your villa doesn’t have one, there’s no purpose to be disillusioned as you’ll be surrounded by one of many world’s most gorgeous pure swimming pools (all villas have direct entry to the lagoon). Friends can even retreat to the resort’s pretty communal pool, which contains a gradual zero-entry. Instantly in entrance of the pool, with chic views of the mountain, is the resort’s white sand seaside, with calm, crystal-clear waters good for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking — the tools for which will be rented totally free on the pool hut. Shaded lounge chairs are scattered throughout the seaside, 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 exciting array of sea creatures. Marine biologists supervise the Lagoonarium and coral nursery and visitors could go to to find out about tropical marine life conservation efforts. This surroundings was specifically designed to favor coral progress 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 gymnasium, tea lounge and a boutique for full tranquility and rejuvenation. Glass-floored overwater bungalows enable the visitors to admire the marine life throughout a therapy. The Deep Ocean Spa affords remedies 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 fantastic 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 throughout 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 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 wonderful breakfast buffet (the perfect one in Bora Bora).
- Subsequent to Reef Restaurant is Bubbles Bar, the place to be for completely happy 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 focuses on cocktails and snacks, and is a well-liked spot throughout sundown.

The property is managed by InterContinental Accommodations & Resorts, the main chain of luxurious resorts 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 character, the three resorts 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 surroundings 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 principle island of Bora Bora contains a breathtaking personal 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 principle island of Tahiti. Situated simply 5 minutes from the airport, additionally it is probably 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 most important island, the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort (which isn’t as luxurious and unique because it sister resort). Ensure you guide your keep on the proper InterContinental Bora Bora Resort.

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

I used to be not totally satisfied by the meals served by Reef Restaurant: the breakfast was wonderful (and the perfect 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 imagine there may be some room for enchancment in relation 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: excellent 8,4/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Lower your expenses: learn right here my ideas for getting the perfect 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 by way of Virtuoso (e.g. improve, each day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit score).

Learn my ideas 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 will likely be busy and the lodge charges are skyrocketing. The months on both aspect of this era (Could & October) are referred to as the shoulder season and supply snug climate too, however with decrease costs and fewer wind. Though French Polynesia will be visited year-round, the months of November to April deliver extra humidity and cloudy days, with tropical showers passing at better frequency than different instances of the yr. Nonetheless, they’re usually interspersed with durations of sunshine. This can be a humid time of yr, although, which will be uncomfortable and I like to recommend selecting a lodge 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 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 offered with prior reservation and costs apply.

PHOTOS

Under 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.