InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort
bora bora, french polynesia · ★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
InterContinental Le Moana sits directly on Matira Beach — the most beautiful public beach in Bora Bora and one of the finest in French Polynesia. That location is its defining strength: the combination of overwater bungalows directly above the lagoon and a stunning walk-in sandy beach is rare on the island. Book here if the beach experience matters as much as the overwater bungalow — couples who want to alternate between their deck and a long stretch of white sand will love it. It's also one of the more affordably-priced luxury options in Bora Bora given its premium location. Skip it if you want maximum seclusion: this is a public beach, which means day visitors and locals walk past. The overwater bungalows face Mount Otemanu on the eastern horizon — the view is there, though not as direct as the eastern-motu properties. For IHG Rewards members on a considered budget, Le Moana is genuinely excellent value.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- ✓Want direct beach access
- ✓Dream of overwater villas
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
60/100
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
Book the Overwater Bungalow category and request a unit on the outer end of the pier away from the beach pavilion. These provide the most privacy while still giving you direct lagoon access and a view back toward Mount Otemanu. The bungalows feature a glass floor panel, outdoor deck with steps into the lagoon, and an outdoor shower. The Garden Bungalow with Beach Access is the best non-overwater option if you want the direct Matira Beach experience.
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 × $350/day) | $2,450 |
| Couples spa treatment | $280–$400 |
| Sunset sailing excursion | $150–$250 |
| Snorkel / dive activities | $180–$320 |
| Total (estimated) | $6,320–$12,520 |
Book Your Stay
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Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Matira Beach Arrival
Domestic Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora, then taxi boat directly to the resort's private pier — Le Moana is on the main island near Matira Point, so no inter-motu boat transfer required. After check-in, walk barefoot to Matira Beach within minutes of arrival. The long curve of white sand running south toward the point is extraordinary at golden hour. Dinner at the overwater Tamure restaurant watching the sunset over the lagoon.
Dawn Lagoon Swim & Spa
The lagoon directly under and around your bungalow is shallow and incredibly clear — walk into knee-deep water at 6am and watch small reef fish in the early light. Matira Beach is empty at this hour; stroll south to the point before breakfast. Book the couples treatment at Te Tara Spa for 10am — the 90-minute Polynesian ritual using monoi oil is the signature treatment. Afternoon: lounge on Matira Beach with a book.
Shark & Ray Lagoon Tour
The resort's guided lagoon excursion leaves at 9am. The tour visits the main shark-and-ray feeding site in the inner lagoon — stingray feeding in knee-deep water is one of Bora Bora's most memorable experiences. The guide circles to a coral garden snorkel stop before returning. Book through the activities desk the day before; this is the most popular half-day excursion on the island. Return by noon for lunch on your deck.
Motu Tapu Escape
Arrange a half-day private charter through the concierge to Motu Tapu — 20 minutes by speedboat. The uninhabited islet has a picture-perfect beach and some of the clearest water in the lagoon for snorkeling. The concierge can pack a picnic basket and champagne. Return by 2pm. Afternoon at Matira Beach: the light in the late afternoon turns the water an almost neon turquoise — bring a camera and wade out to the sandbar.
Vaitape Village & Cultural Day
Vaitape is a short taxi ride from Le Moana — one advantage of the main-island location is easy access to local life. Browse the pearl shops for genuine Tahitian pearls at fairer prices than hotel boutiques. Visit the small Bora Bora museum for context on Polynesian culture and WWII history on the island. Lunch at a roulotte for authentic poisson cru and grilled fish. Return by 2pm. Evening: in-villa dinner on your bungalow deck.
Sunset Sail & Private Dinner
Book the sunset sailing excursion for 4:30pm — the catamaran tour circles the outer lagoon with Mount Otemanu as backdrop and unlimited champagne. Return at dusk. Tonight: request the private beach dinner experience through the concierge. Le Moana sets a torchlit table at the edge of Matira Beach with tiare flowers, candles, and a live ukulele player. Dining on the sand with the lagoon inches away is extraordinary.
Final Matira Sunrise & Departure
Checkout is noon. Wake at 6am for a final Matira Beach sunrise walk — the orange light on the water and the silhouette of Otemanu to the north is a perfect farewell image. In-villa breakfast on your deck. Request late checkout to 1pm if your flight allows. The resort's taxi boat or private transfer back to the airport pier is 15 minutes.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Matira Beach is a public beach — local families and day visitors use it throughout the day. While the resort section has sun loungers reserved for guests, the broader beach is shared, which removes the exclusive-resort feeling some honeymooners want.
No swimming pool — the lagoon is the only swimming option. The lagoon at Matira is superb but some couples miss a proper freshwater pool, especially if the lagoon is choppy on windy afternoons.
The overwater bungalows are well-designed but not as spacious or as high-spec as the equivalent category at the Four Seasons or St. Regis. This is a four-star property delivering four-star rooms.
The main-island location means vehicle and boat traffic noise can occasionally interrupt the otherwise peaceful atmosphere, particularly near the access road to Matira Point.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon Stay – [Your Names] – Arriving [Check-in Date] Dear InterContinental Le Moana Reservations Team, My partner and I are honeymooning at your resort from [check-in date] to [check-out date] (IHG Rewards # [XXXXXXX], Booking reference: [XXXXXX]). We are very much looking forward to experiencing Matira Beach and your overwater bungalows for our honeymoon. We would love your help with the following requests: 1. We have booked an Overwater Bungalow and would love the most private unit on the outer end of the pier, away from the main walkway and neighboring bungalows. 2. For our sixth evening ([date]), please could you arrange the private beach dinner experience — torchlit on Matira Beach, with tiare flowers and live ukulele? 3. Any honeymoon welcome amenities you are able to arrange would make our arrival very special. Thank you for your help — we cannot wait to be there. 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 Le Moana worth it for a honeymoon?
Yes, particularly if beach access matters to you — the Matira Beach location is the best on the island. You get genuine overwater bungalows plus one of French Polynesia's finest beaches, at a price point often below the other luxury properties. The trade-off is a shared public beach and no pool.
What overwater bungalow category should we book?
Book the Overwater Bungalow and request the outer end of the pier for maximum privacy and the widest lagoon view. The bungalows include glass floor panels and lagoon-access steps. There's only one overwater category — position on the pier is where the experience varies, so be specific in your request.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
April to June and September to October are the ideal windows — dry, warm, fewer tourists, and 20–30% cheaper than peak season. July and August are crowded everywhere, but Matira Beach especially shows the impact of high season traffic. Shoulder season gives you the beach largely to yourself in the mornings.
How do you get to InterContinental Le Moana?
Fly Papeete to Bora Bora Airport on Air Tahiti (50 minutes), then a taxi boat to the resort pier — approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, a land taxi via the ferry to the main island is possible but slower. The resort is near Matira Point on the southern tip of the main island. Allow 2 hours from Papeete.
What does the honeymoon package include?
The romance package typically includes a welcome flower lei, fruit and champagne amenity, and one couples spa session. IHG One Rewards members receive dining credits. The private beach dinner is usually a separately purchased add-on. Confirm current inclusions at booking as packages change seasonally.
One insider tip for honeymooners at Le Moana?
Walk to Matira Point at 6am on your first full morning — 15 minutes south along the beach. The sand narrows to a point surrounded by lagoon on both sides and you'll almost certainly be alone. It's one of the most genuinely magical spots in all of French Polynesia, and it's free.
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