Resort Report: InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa & Resort

Across from the base of Mount Otemanu, resides Bora Bora’s Intercontinental Thalasso Spa & Resort. Boasting the highest occupancy rate in all of Bora Bora (read: most popular resort pick), the Thalasso is the epitome of all the things you think of when you’ve imagine your Tahiti resort vacation. Spectacular sunsets. Turquoise waters. Over-the-water bungalows up to two bedrooms with private pools. A short water taxi ride from the Bora Bora airport and you have arrived to your heaven-sent destination. It is the larger of the Intercontinental properties here in Bora Bora, and newer at just ten years old, yet still a far cry from the mega-resorts in the Caribbean. Refined. Chic. Private. Tropical. The Thalasso is all these things and more for the discerning traveler looking for a high-quality experience.

A cherry flower-scented towel and sweet sip of tea is part of your greeting once you arrive to the check-in desk. That’s after you get past THIS GUY.

Check-in/out desks are separate areas from Reception; the resort doesn’t want you thinking about your eventual departure at any time if you should stop by Reception to make a request or ask a question. If you are a frequent guest of IAG or Intercontinental, you have your own private check-in/out area, too. Early and alte check-outs can be pre-reserved to avoid disappointment. If you still have time to spare, don’t fret. There are twelve day rooms on-site for use upon arrival or departure so you can enjoy every single second of your vacation.

Wifi is complimentary on property, but you won’t find it in the spa. The spa facility is extensive… 14 treatment rooms and over 40,000 square feet of bliss are there for your enjoyment. Use of the facilities for the entire day is complimentary when booking a spa treatment; plan ahead to arrive and use the water therapies before and after your treatment. A popular option in the spa is their three-day package which is one treatment per day for the ultimate in relaxation. In the absence of a treatment, you could reserve a day pass to use the water therapies and facility for about $30 USD/3000 XPF.

Several restaurants are on property to allow you a few choices in addition to room service. Whether you’d like fine dining or an open-air place to stumble in from the pool, the Thalasso has you covered. In fact, the Cordail Restaurant has the largest wine cellar in French Polynesia. For a visit to the world famous Bloody Mary’s for lunch, dinner or drinks, you would need to take the water taxi over to the Intercontinental Le Moana then either their shuttle or a taxi.

There are 80 bungalows total is this 5-star resort. Ranging from the pool view that can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child all the way up to the crown-jewel of the over-the-water experience, the Brando Suite. We were able to tour a few of the room categories including the incredible two bedroom Brando Suite that can accommodate up to 8 adults. Every detail, as you would expect at a 5-star resort, is kept in order, the rooms are all immaculate, chic, and very comfortable. Other than in the Brando Suites, the difference between all of the categories of bungalows is the view from the patio; they are all the same size and have the same amenities.

A complimentary water taxi is provided for guests of the Thalasso to go and experience the Le Moana across the lagoon. Enjoy a leisurely lunch or snack at the Le Moana – or maybe take in the Polynesian show – then ride back on your water taxi to the Thalasso. The water taxi ride is only about 20-25 minutes one-way, but do take note that in the evening there is a slight surcharge (during the day is it complimentary). Pre-reserve your spot on the water taxi through the Concierge.