Before you fall too far for this one, an important note: the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa closed on June 1, 2026, for a top-to-bottom renovation. At the time of writing it had not announced a reopening date. We are keeping this guide live because the resort has long been one of Bora Bora's most distinctive honeymoon addresses. When it reopens it is likely to be in even finer form. Check the official website for the latest before planning your dates.
So what makes it special? The resort sits on Motu Piti Aau, a narrow ribbon of sand on the eastern side of the lagoon sometimes called the islet of two hearts, with Mount Otemanu rising directly across the water. Its claim to fame is the sea itself. The resort pioneered a deep-seawater air-conditioning system that cools its buildings using cold water drawn from the ocean depths. It channels that same mineral-rich water into its spa, French Polynesia's original thalassotherapy center. Pair that with overwater villas, a creative signature restaurant and an organic garden. The result is a resort that feels thoughtful as well as lavish.
Highlights at a glance
- Mount Otemanu views from the eastern lagoon
- All-overwater villa layout, some with private pools
- French Polynesia's pioneering thalasso spa
- Deep-seawater air conditioning and an organic garden
- Creative signature dining at Le Corail
- Closed for renovation from June 2026
Motu Piti Aau
Bora Bora's eastern motus enjoy some of the best views on the island. Motu Piti Aau is no exception. Facing west across the lagoon, the resort looks straight at the jagged summit of Mount Otemanu, which glows in the late-afternoon light and turns to a dark silhouette at sunset. Behind you, the outer reef holds back the open Pacific, so you hear the distant rumble of surf while the lagoon in front stays calm.
The overwater villas reach out into the lagoon in long arms, with views that vary by position: toward the mountain, across the open lagoon or back toward the beach. Gardens, a pool and beachfront restaurants anchor the land side.
Overwater Villas
Every accommodation here has historically been an overwater villa, which suits honeymooners perfectly. The standard villas offer about 65 square meters of indoor space with a 30-square-meter terrace, a ladder into the lagoon and views categorized by direction: beach, lagoon, Bora Bora island or Otemanu. For a honeymoon, the Otemanu-view villas are the ones to book.
Overwater pool villas nearly double the terrace space and add a private plunge pool, ideal for lazy afternoons when you want a swim without leaving your deck. At the top of the range, the Teremoana Pool Villa is a far larger retreat of nearly 200 square meters inside, with a sprawling terrace, a pool and wide-open Otemanu views. Expect room categories, layouts and finishes to be refreshed as part of the renovation.
Dining and Drinks
Before the closure, the resort offered a well-rounded mix of dining:
- Le Corail, the signature restaurant, with creative cuisine that showcases produce from the resort's own organic garden
- Reef Restaurant, for breakfast and Mediterranean-inspired dinners
- Sands Restaurant, a casual beachfront spot with local and international dishes and Asian touches
- Bubbles Bar, for crafted cocktails in the evening
- Sands Bar and Sunset Theater, made for a sundowner
Theme nights with Polynesian cuisine and traditional dance or fire shows were a regular feature. The team could arrange private romantic dinners on request. Restaurant names and concepts may change when the resort reopens, so check current details before you travel.
Why guests fall for it
The Thalasso Spa
The spa is the soul of this resort. Billed as French Polynesia's first (and for years only) thalassotherapy spa, it uses mineral-rich water drawn from the deep ocean as the basis for its treatments. Signature rituals blend these deep-sea nutrients with traditional Polynesian techniques, so each treatment feels rooted in the islands.
For couples, a side-by-side treatment followed by time in the spa's relaxation areas is a honeymoon highlight. The emphasis is on deep restoration rather than quick pampering, an ideal reset after the excitement and stress of a wedding. As with the rest of the resort, the spa menu may evolve with the renovation.
A Greener Kind of Luxury
The InterContinental Thalasso has long been a sustainability pioneer in the region. Its seawater air-conditioning system, known as SWAC, was the first of its kind at a private hotel anywhere in the world, using cold deep-ocean water to cool the resort and cutting energy use dramatically.
The resort also cultivates a permaculture garden of about 1,000 square meters, growing herbs for the entire property and fruits and vegetables for Le Corail. Plans to bottle water on site in recycled glass were aimed at eliminating thousands of plastic bottles each year. For eco-minded couples, it is satisfying to know that your overwater villa comes with a lighter footprint.
Why Guests Fall in Love
Guests have long praised the views above all, especially from Otemanu-facing villas, where sunsets paint the mountain in gold and pink. Reviews frequently highlight the spa, with couples describing the thalasso treatments as among the most relaxing they have experienced. The overwater villas earn compliments for their comfort and easy lagoon access. Many reviewers single out friendly, welcoming staff who made celebrations feel personal.
The dining also gets warm mentions, particularly Le Corail's creative menus and the theme nights with traditional dance. And many guests appreciate the resort's environmental initiatives, which let them feel good about the splurge.
Good to Know
The most important point first: the resort closed on June 1, 2026, for a full renovation. No reopening date had been published at the time of writing. Do not book flights around it until the official site confirms availability. In the meantime, Bora Bora's other overwater resorts, including the Four Seasons, Conrad and St. Regis, remain strong alternatives.
When it reopens, expect the same appealing fundamentals: an eastern-lagoon location facing Mount Otemanu, overwater villas and a thalasso spa. As elsewhere in Bora Bora, dining is expensive, so look at meal packages. The resort welcomes families, but its all-overwater layout keeps the mood romantic. Bora Bora's drier months run roughly May to October. Pack insect repellent; if you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for French Polynesia.
Insider tips
- Check the official website for reopening news before planning dates around this resort.
- Once it reopens, book an Otemanu-view villa or pool villa for the best sunset views.
- Plan a spa day early in your stay to recover from the long trip from the US.
- Ask about refreshed honeymoon packages after the renovation; new openings often come with launch offers.
