At a Glance
This contemporary resort draws a young clientele, most of whom are on their honeymoon.
Review
The newer of the two InterContinental hotels on Bora Bora opened in May 2006. While the older, the Le Moana Resort, at Matira Point, is known for being more typically Polynesian in style and decor, the Thalasso has a much hipper, more modern design. Stone detailing is whitewashed coral, gauzy curtains cover the walls, and tiki art is pervasive throughout. The resort’s Bubbles Bar is trendily sleek, with turquoise chairs and white sectionals. The aptly named Stephane Bonjour runs the more formal restaurant, serving a Polynesian fusion cuisine to a very young clientele, 80 percent of whom are on their honeymoons (or here to get married or renew their vows: an over-water wedding chapel has a glass aisle so you can gaze at the fish as you take your vows).
The 80 over-water bungalows are large (more than 1,000 square feet each), with rattan furniture, small flat-screen televisions and beds set against a huge window so that stunning views of the lagoon lull you to sleep. All look exactly alike except for a few family villas with small kitchens that are located near the garden rather than over the water. Eachfale (bungalow) has oversized Japanese-style tubs, walk-in closets and 24-hour room service but no butler; the concierge provides everything you may need in that area.
This resort does have some nice green touches, notably a unique technique of tapping ice-cold seawater at 2,500 feet down and using it to air-condition the rooms. The water is also central for spa treatments, such as one designed to revive jet-lagged legs. The 13,200-square-foot spa has 14 treatment rooms, including some with massage tables whose headrests overlook the water. Every spa guest has full use of the thalasso facilities, which include Tahitian scented rain showers, more powerful jet showers, cold plunges and steam rooms.
Note: The InterContinental resorts in French Polynesia are owned by the same company that owns The Brando. To keep up with its ultra-luxurious counterpart, the InterContinental Resort & Thalasso Spa is building larger and more luxurious villas to draw in guests from The Brando who want a similarly eco-friendly option in Bora Bora.
Who Should Stay
Young, hip couples and eco-friendly travelers
Written by Monique Brendel Thofte
