Description
The InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa is situated on Piti Aau, a small pristine coral atoll right on the barrier reef facing Mount Otemanu. The design and decor of the resort modern and yet sympathetic to the surrounds, the overwater bungalows are simply stunning and the resort's extensive spa is ground breaking in this part of the world.
Accommodation is largely in spacious villas located over the water, with Polynesian inspired interiors that are elegant and contemporary using fabrics to enhance the colours of the lagoon. All villas have a lovely private sundeck and outdoor shower. Three Family Suites are located on the beach in the shade of a coconut grove and are perfect for larger parties and those not wanting to be directly over the water.
You can enjoy gastronomic cuisine at the Reef Restaurant and Terrace or have a light snack at the Sands Bar and Restaurant located on the resort’s private white sand beach. Bubbles Bar and Terrace is a cosy spot to take in the spectacular views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu while you relax with an exotic cocktail.
Activities at the hotel include a wide range of non motorised water sports, beach volley ball and trips out to the lagoon to scuba dive, feed sharks and rays or to watch the sunset. For those who need a bit of pampering the InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa is the first luxury hotel offering thalasso and balneo treatments using the deep sea water. The spa is huge and there are a wide range of treatments and also programmes that guests can join, making this a true destination spa in its own right for those wanting a fully customised regime.
Guide price
£4,655 Per person
£4,655 per person for 7 nights, based on 2 people sharing an Emerald Overwater Villa on a Half Board basis, including international flights and transfers
Accommodation
The 80 overwater bungalows are all identical but with varying views over the beach and the lagoon. They all feature a glass bottomed coffee table for viewing the abundant sea life in the lagoon, internet connection and 2 flat screen TVs with CD and DVD players. They are all airy and spacious and are decorated in an elegant, contemporary style with a separate sitting room area which leads to a private terrace with loungers and a small gazebo for outside dining. Both the bedroom and bathroom have floor to ceiling windows for taking in the lagoon's spectacular views. The 19 Emerald Overwater Villas have wonderful views of the beach and the motu, 22 Sapphire Overwater Villas look out onto the lagoon, 25 Diamond Overwater Villas face Bora Bora and 8 are 'end of pontoon' villas. 3 Motu Family Suites, nestled in a coconut grove by the beach are simply perfect for families.
Childcare
Children and their families are more than welcome at InterContinental Resort Bora Bora and will love the activities on offer there such as shark and ray feeding and the submarine tour. 2-bedroom Family Suites are available on the beach but there are no additional child-specific facilities other than babysitting.
Facilities
The Reef restaurant is Polynesian in style with a patio over the lagoon from which to enjoy the sumptuous breakfasts and gourmet dinners. Sands is right on the beachfront, great for casual dining. Bubbles bar is a trendy bar with sleek white Philippe Starck-designed furniture overlooking the beach with cosy comfortable seating and a relaxed vibe in which to enjoy drinks and light snacks. In-room dining is also readily available day and night and a private dinner for two on the beach is a must. There is a lovely infinity pool on the beach with shaded swim up pool bar, tennis courts and a scuba dive centre. The deep ocean spa covers nearly an acre plot and is the first of its kind in the Southern hemisphere. It specialises in a range of treatments using the benefits of sea water and marine life. Features include a huge aquatonic seawater pool and hammam as well as a fitness room and over water treatment suites. Try the seaweed wrap or pearl rainwater massage.
Activities
There is plenty to do here which is included in your stay such as use of the hamman, outrigger canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, tennis courts and volleyball and snorkelling equipment. There are also star gazing sessions guests can join. Scuba diving, land and sea excursions and treatments in the deep ocean spa are all available at an extra cost.
When to travel
Warm tropical year round temperatures, the Society Islands are a tropical destination so humidity, rain, sunshine and heat are all to be considered. There are two seasons: the Summer which is from November through March and Winter which is from April through October. The average temperature in Summer is about 30°C and in the drier Winter the average temperature is about 28°C. Most rainfall is during the Summer months with high humidity. The best time weather wise with the least risk of storms is in their Winter months. June to August is windy season and can be extremely gusty.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is located 150 miles north west of Tahiti in the Society Archipelago. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located between the “two hearts” of Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef.
How to get there
Approx 22-hour international flight (one change) plus 45-minute domestic flight from Tahiti. Bora Bora lies 240 km (150 miles) northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands and can be reached after 50mn flight from Tahiti thanks to Air Tahihi who offers more than 7 flights a day. Bora Bora airport is located on a remote island, hence guests need to be transferred by boat to the hotel.
