If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, chances are good you’ll have to at least overnight in Tahiti. While I wouldn’t spend my entire vacation there, as French Polynesia has so much to offer, it is worth spending at least a couple of nights on either end of a Bora Bora or diving trip.
The InterContinental is right by the airport, making it a convenient option for getting right to the resort to relax, and having a hangout close by before taking back off for home.
I’ve visited French Polynesia four times, staying for a cumulative 4 months over my visits, staying in all kinds of accommodations in the islands. These are my honest thoughts on the InterContinental Tahiti:
I was hosted by InterContinental, and if you book through me, I will get affiliate benefits at no extra cost to you:
Location and Arrival
The InterContinental is super close to Faa’a International Airport. After that long flight, it’s so nice to have just a short drive to the resort. When we arrived, we were greeted with traditional Polynesian hospitality – so warm and welcoming.
The resort itself is gorgeous, with lush grounds and beautiful views of the lagoon. You immediately feel like you’ve landed in paradise.
This is one of the higher end options in the area, and there are plenty of smaller, locally owned options as well. I stayed in a wonderful one years ago where the owner even invited me to dine with his family. It was a lot more basic and far from the airport, but there are many options like these in Tahiti if you’re looking for a local experience.
If you’re looking for a luxury experience, InterContinental is the one to pick. It’s pricey, but French Polynesia is pricey in general.
Accommodations
The rooms at the InterContinental Tahiti are really comfortable. We stayed in a lagoon view room, and it was amazing to wake up to such stunning scenery every morning. The room was spacious and had a nice blend of modern amenities and Polynesian decor. Plus, the balcony was perfect for enjoying a quiet moment with a morning coffee.
The resort also has overwater bungalows at a lower price point than you’ll find in Bora Bora or Mo’orea.
How to Get Extra Perks at InterContinental Hotels
A luxury travel advisor (like me!) can help you get extra perks at no extra cost at hotels and resorts like this one, and most of the overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and Mo’orea.
Perks generally include:
- Room upgrades subject to availability.
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
- An extra amenity (typically a $100 property credit or resort experience).
- Daily breakfast for two.
You can book it here or fill out this booking form for help getting these extra perks at no extra cost to you. Yes, you can still use your IHG status and get membership rewards through this booking!
Dining at the Resort
One of the highlights of our stay was the breakfast spread. The breakfast buffet at Te Tiare Restaurant was a great way to start the day, with lots of fresh fruit, pastries, and local dishes to choose from.
For dinner, we really enjoyed the fine dining experience at Le Lotus. The food was delicious, and the views of the sunset over the lagoon made it even more special.
Activities and Amenities
There’s plenty to do at the resort if you just want to relax and take it easy. We spent a lot of time lounging by the infinity pool, which looks out over the lagoon. It’s a great spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
You can also swim right off the bungalow and snorkel through the clear water.
We opted to taxi back to the airport, rent a car, and self drive to some of the waterfalls. You can find out more about the options and things to do in Tahiti here.
Why I’d Stay Again
So, why spend a night or two at the InterContinental Tahiti? For me, it was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. The resort offers a blend of relaxation and adventure, with comfortable accommodations, great food, and plenty of activities both on-site and around the island. It’s a great place to catch your breath and start your Polynesian adventure on the right foot.
Unless you’re staying in Bora Bora or Mo’orea, it’ll be mostly smaller Bnbs for the rest of your trip that, while amazing, are not likely to be as luxurious, so to me, this is a great way to kick off or end a trip to one of my favorite places in the world.
kids123 says
Your review of the InterContinental Tahiti is incredibly helpful! It’s always great to get firsthand insights into whether a luxury stay is worth the splurge. Your detailed experience and honest feedback provide a clear picture of what to expect. Thanks for sharing your stay and helping others make informed decisions!”
Kristin Addis says
Glad I could help!