InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa
bora bora, french polynesia · ★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
The InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa has a distinctive identity: it's the only resort in French Polynesia with a deep-sea water thalassotherapy spa, drawing cold seawater from 900 meters below the lagoon for its treatments. If wellness and spa experiences are central to your honeymoon, this is the most specialized property on the island. It sits on Motu Piti Aau, a private motu on the western side of the lagoon, giving it spectacular sunset views over the water. The overwater bungalows are elegant and well-sized. Book here if you're spa-focused and want a private motu experience with genuine wellness credentials. The trade-off: Mount Otemanu views are less dramatic from the western side — you see the volcano but it's not the direct face-on view you get from the Four Seasons or Bora Bora Lagoon Resort. The resort is also larger, which can feel less intimate than smaller properties. IHG Rewards members get good value here.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- ✓Dream of overwater villas
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
70/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book the Deep Ocean Suite — the top overwater category — for your honeymoon. These feature a private sundeck with loungers, an indoor rain shower and outdoor garden shower, a deep soaking tub, and direct lagoon access steps. The suites are positioned on the outer arm of the pier for maximum privacy and unobstructed sunset views. Request a unit on the western side of the pier for the cleanest sunset-over-the-lagoon sightline. Even the base overwater bungalows are well-appointed and good value at this property.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 7 nights overwater bungalow | $2,800–$8,400 |
| Boat transfer (per couple, round trip) | $60–$100 |
| Domestic flights Papeete–Bora Bora (per couple) | $400–$600 |
| Dining (7 days × $380/day) | $2,660 |
| Couples thalasso spa treatment | $300–$500 |
| Sunset sailing excursion | $150–$250 |
| Snorkel / dive activities | $200–$350 |
| Total (estimated) | $6,570–$12,960 |
Book Your Stay
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Motu Arrival & Sunset West
Domestic Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora Airport, then the resort's private boat transfer to Motu Piti Aau (15 minutes). Western motu position means your first sunset from the overwater deck will be spectacular — the sun drops into the open Pacific to the west with no obstruction. Order the welcome cocktail and the poisson cru from in-villa dining. Note: Otemanu is visible to the east; for the face-on volcano view, hire a kayak tomorrow morning.
Thalasso Spa Introduction
The signature experience here: book the 'Deep Ocean' couples circuit at the thalasso spa for 10am. The treatment uses 900m deep-sea water pumped at 7°C, used in hot/cold contrast pools, pressurized jets, and body wraps. It's unlike any spa experience at any other Bora Bora property. After the 2-hour circuit, lunch at the overwater Te Hoa restaurant with views over the lagoon. Afternoon free on your deck.
Lagoon Snorkel & Stingray Tour
Morning guided snorkel tour departs 8:30am by outrigger canoe. The western lagoon has excellent coral gardens and the stingray-feeding site near the pass is the best in the area. Blacktip sharks are reliably present. Return by noon. Afternoon: rent kayaks and paddle east across the inner lagoon for close-up views of Mount Otemanu from the water — 30 minutes of paddling gets you to the ideal midpoint for photos.
Motu Tapu & Private Picnic
The concierge can arrange a private half-day charter to Motu Tapu — the uninhabited filming location for multiple Bora Bora travel films. The resort packages this as a picnic experience with champagne, fresh fruit, and snorkel gear. The white sand beach and turquoise water are flawless. Return by 2pm. Evening: the thalasso spa offers an evening relaxation ritual — worth booking as a second spa experience this trip.
Helicopter Flight & Dive
Splurge on a helicopter flight around Bora Bora — approximately $350–500 for 20 minutes. The aerial perspective of the lagoon is extraordinary and gives you the iconic bird's-eye view of the motus and the barrier reef. Book through the resort concierge. Afternoon: PADI dive with the resort's dive center to the Anau manta ray site on the south side of the island — one of the world's most famous dive sites.
Sunset Catamaran & Overwater Dinner
Book the resort's sunset sailing excursion for 4:30pm — the western motu position makes sunset sails particularly beautiful as you sail into open water with Otemanu behind you. Champagne and canapes onboard. Return at dusk. Tonight: request the private overwater dinner setup — a torchlit table at the end of a private pier, with the full Polynesian seafood menu and a live ukulele player.
Final Thalasso Treatment & Departure
Use checkout morning (noon) for one final thalasso pool session — the morning circuit is quietest before 9am. The contrast bathing (cold deep-sea water, warm jets) leaves you feeling remarkable. Pack, then take the boat transfer back to the airport pier. Allow 2 hours before your domestic Air Tahiti departure to Papeete.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Western motu position means Mount Otemanu views are side-on or distant rather than the dramatic face-on perspective available from the Four Seasons or Bora Bora Lagoon Resort on the eastern side of the lagoon.
The resort is one of the larger properties in Bora Bora — over 80 overwater bungalows plus beach units means it can feel less intimate than smaller competitors. Peak season especially sees high occupancy.
The thalasso spa is genuinely world-class but adds significant cost to your stay — the full couples circuit runs $300–$500. Budget accordingly if spa time is central to your honeymoon.
Food and beverage quality receives more mixed reviews than the spa or accommodation. The dining is solid but not exceptional by fine-dining standards. Consider supplementing with an off-property dinner in Vaitape if a boat transfer isn't prohibitive.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon Reservation – [Your Names] – [Check-in Date] Dear InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa Guest Relations, My partner and I are honeymooning at your resort from [check-in date] to [check-out date] (IHG Rewards # [XXXXXXX], Booking reference: [XXXXXX]). This is our honeymoon and we are very much looking forward to our stay. We have a few requests we hope you can assist with: 1. We have booked a Deep Ocean Suite and would love the most private unit on the outer arm of the pier, ideally with a western sunset view over open water. 2. Please could you arrange the Deep Ocean thalasso couples circuit for our second morning ([date]) at 10am, and a second spa session for the morning of our last day ([date])? 3. For our sixth evening ([date]), we would love the private overwater dinner experience — torchlit, with tiare flowers and the Polynesian set menu. Any honeymoon welcome touches would be very much appreciated. Warm regards, [Your Names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa worth it for a honeymoon?
Yes, especially if spa and wellness are priorities. The deep-sea thalassotherapy spa is unique in French Polynesia and genuinely exceptional. Combined with a private motu location and well-designed overwater bungalows, it makes a strong case — just know the Otemanu views are less dramatic than the eastern-side resorts.
What overwater bungalow category should we book?
Book the Deep Ocean Suite for your honeymoon — it's the top overwater category with a private sundeck, soaking tub, outdoor shower, and the most space. Request the outer arm for maximum privacy and the cleanest sunset view. The base overwater bungalows are also well-priced if budget is a consideration.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
April to June and September to October offer the ideal combination of dry weather, calm lagoon, and lower rates. July and August are peak season with higher prices and more guests. The western motu position gets slightly different wind patterns than the eastern side — shoulder season is generally calmer and more pleasant.
How do you get to InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa?
Fly Papeete to Bora Bora Airport on Air Tahiti (50 minutes). The resort runs a private boat transfer from the main pier to Motu Piti Aau — approximately 15 minutes. The boat transfer is complimentary. Allow 2.5 hours total transit from Papeete airport to your bungalow.
What does the honeymoon package include?
The romance package typically includes a tiare welcome, fruit platter, one couples thalasso circuit session, and a private dinner arrangement. IHG One Rewards Spire Elite members receive dining credits. Confirm exact inclusions at booking — the deep-sea thalasso circuit is the signature honeymoon experience here.
One insider tip for honeymooners at InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa?
Do the thalasso deep-ocean circuit twice if budget allows — once on day two and once on your final morning. The second session feels completely different once your body is adapted. Book them both before arrival, as the couples circuit slots fill quickly in peak season.
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