InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa in Pape’ete

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Updated: January 19, 2021

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Review of InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa

The massive main pool at the InterContinental feature waterfalls, islands, infinity edges, and sea views.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Luxurious, spacious, and handy, with magnificent pools but no beach.

The most convenient upmarket resort to Pape’ete and the airport offers rooms in classy three-level blocks among impeccably landscaped gardens. Most face the ocean, while many offer genuine sea views. The above-water bungalows are tucked away in a corner near the second pool, while other larger bungalows feature a less-traditional design and are attached to an artificial island. Shimmering with numerous shades of blue, the main pool features a ‘waterfall’ and infinity edges that blend into the ‘lagoonarium’ (popular for safe snorkeling and fish-feeding). There is actually no natural beach, only slivers of imported sand facing the ‘lagoonarium’, but the range of activities offered is impressive. The only real drawback is the absence of anywhere to eat or drink within walking distance.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – The Basics

  • Location: In Faa’a, on the western outskirts of the Tahitian capital, Pape’ete. About 2 km from the airport, 8 km from downtown, and a little further from the ferry terminal for services to Moorea.
  • Guests: Caters to all. Families are welcome, but nothing particularly set up for children (e.g. no kids club).
  • Beach: Plenty of coastline, but no real beach. Some artificial areas of sand are by the manmade ‘lagoonarium’ and an isolated sliver of natural sand faces the sea.
  • Views: Many rooms provide sea views, especially on the second and third floors.
  • Wi-Fi: Free and unlimited ‘standard Wi-Fi’ throughout, which is good enough. A ‘Premium’ version costs too much.
  • Parking: Plenty of free and secure parking near the lobby.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: (689) 40 86 51 78
  • Email: reservations.tahitiregion@igh.com
  • Website: tahiti.intercontinental.com

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Amenities

  • Pool: 2 infinity pools, both facing the sea and with jacuzzis attached. The gigantic main pool between the lobby and ‘lagoonarium’ features 2 tiers, ‘islands’ of palms, and a ‘waterfall’. The second pool is more for those staying at nearby above-water bungalows (which is mostly adults) and has a swim-up bar.
  • Spa: Deep Nature Spa Tahiti by Algotherm provides a wide selection of ‘marine beauty’ treatments and traditional massages. Also a steam bath and cold-water plunge pool.
  • Fitness Center: Located next to the spa and open 24/7. Enjoy awesome views across to Moorea Island while on a running machine.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: None in the rooms, but a jacuzzi is attached to both pools.
  • Activities: Tennis courts and a water sports center, with kayaks, snorkeling gear, water-skiing, and jet-skiing, but nothing for free. Also, a jogging track and beach volleyball.
  • For Families: Cultural shows and activities (such as basket-weaving). The artificial ‘lagoonarium’ offers safe snorkeling among a reef as well as fish-feeding.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Food and Drink

  • Restaurants: Te Tiare Restaurant – For breakfast and all-day dining. Lounge chairs, open kitchen, and themed buffet nights with entertainment. Popular among locals for the salad bar at lunch – except Sundays, when brunch is offered instead • Le Lotus Restaurant – Light lunches and gourmet dinners. Gorgeous and intimate setting, with some tables on a jetty above the water. French wines and a dress code. Lounge bar attached.
  • Lounge/Bars: Tiki Bar – Alongside the main pool and next to Te Tiare. Snacks, happy hours, and live music most nights • Lotus Swim-Up Bar – At the second pool. Noisy, with some who never want to leave. Cocktails, champagne, juices, and imported beers • Lobby Bar Terrace – For aperitifs, champagne, and views of the pool and sea, but not as appealing as the other options. Light meals and open 24 hours.
  • Breakfast: Not always included; depends on the type of booking made.
  • Room Service: Available 24/7.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – Rooms

  • Room Types: Standard Room • Superior Room • Panoramic Room • Junior Suite Overwater Lagoon Bungalow (and Superior version) • Junior Suite Overwater Motu Bungalow • Overwater Motu Villa Suite • Antarès Suite
  • Smoking Rooms: Not allowed in the rooms, but permitted on the patios/balconies and in special public areas.
  • Best Room: Although some suites are more spacious and swanky, it’s hard to ignore the secluded Overwater Motu Villa Suites. With eye-catching traditional Polynesian layout and décor, they feature massive sundecks/patios and full-length windows.
  • For Families: Rooms easily fit in an extra single bed each, while suites and bungalows comfortably accommodate families of 4 without extra beds.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

    Despite proximity to the airport and downtown Pape’ete, the resort is surprisingly isolated, so there’s virtually nothing within walking distance. A few roulottes (food carts) usually set up after 5 pm along the road about 200m down from the main entrance. Otherwise, the excellent Carrefour Hypermarket 1.5 km south down the main road offers a fabulous selection of takeaway food. There are also a few casual cafés in the attached mall area, but for lunch only.

Nearby Market or Grocery

  • About 1.5 km south down the main road, the huge Carrefour supermarket sells everything anyone could possibly want – and more.

Local Transport

    Buses stop every hour or so outside the main entrance of the resort on the way to Pape’ete (sometimes via the airport entrance). There are more buses in the morning, far fewer in the afternoons, and none on Sundays. Otherwise, arrange a taxi (unmetered) at reception, but rates are extortionate.

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – The Hotel

The lobby features a Polynesian decor.

The lobby at the resort sets the tone, with a likable Polynesian décor.

The resort features rooms in attractive 3-level blocks.

All rooms at the InterContinental are in attractive three-level blocks facing the sea.

The vast resort grounds are very appealing.

The resort grounds are vast and admirably not over-developed.

The tropical grounds feature numerous palms.

The grounds are quintessentially tropical, with plenty of shady palms.

The resort features impeccable gardens.

The gardens are impeccably maintained, with grass like billiard-table tops.

Sunsets at the resort are majestic.

The resort is on the northwest tip of the island, so the sunsets are majestic.

The large resort requires buggies to transport guests and luggage.

The InterContinental is so huge that guests and their luggage are often transported by buggy.

The second pool has sandy edges and a bridge.

The second pool at the resort features sandy ‘shores’ and a bridge.

The second swimming pool is used by overwater bungalow guests.

The second pool is mostly used by adults staying at the nearby above-water bungalows.

The second pool also has a swim-up bar.

Attached to the second pool is a swim-up bar.

The main swimming pool is massive.

The pool in front of the main building is massive.

The main swimming is blue and inviting.

The main pool seems to glisten with different shades of blue.

The resorts lagoonarium is popular with amateur snorkelers.

The manmade ‘lagoonarium’ at the resort provides perfect snorkeling for beginners.

The artificial resort beach features a lagoonarium.

The only beach at the resort is artificial and faces the ‘lagoonarium’.

The resort offers several water sports facilities.

Numerous water sports, such as kayaking and jet-skiing, are available.

Deep Nature Spa Tahiti offers good treatments.

The Deep Nature Spa Tahiti offers a better-than-expected selection of treatments, as well as a steam bath and bracing plunge pool.

The Tiki Bar offers live music.

The Tiki Bar offers live music most nights.

The Lobby Bar Terrace is popular for cocktails.

The Lobby Bar Terrace is ideal for late-night cocktails and is open 24 hours.

The Lobby Bar features outdoor seating with excellent views.

Seating at the Lobby Bar extends outside, with views across the resort and to the sea.

Te Tiare Restaurant is frequented by locals as well.

The main Te Tiare Restaurant at the resort is also popular with locals.

Le Tiare features an open kitchen layout.

Te Tiare features an open kitchen so guests can watch their meal being prepared.

Te Tiare also offers light meals.

The menu at Te Tiare also includes light meals.

Le Lotus restaurant is very classy.

Also at the InterContinental, Le Lotus Restaurant is classy.

Le Lotus features overwater seating.

Some tables at Le Lotus are perched above the water.

The Overwater Bungalows are secluded in a fantastic setting.

The Overwater Bungalows are tucked away from the main buildings, providing seclusion as well as unobstructed sea views for other guests.

Overwater Bungalows feature a ladder from the sundeck to the lagoon.

The Overwater Bungalows boast a perfect setting, with ladders from the sundecks into the lagoon below.

Overwater Bungalows feature drab furniture but fantastic views.

Furniture inside the Overwater Bungalows is simple, but it’s all about the setting and views.

Overwater Bungalows feature large sundecks.

The sundecks attached to the Overwater Bungalows are substantial.

The Standard Rooms are colorful and spacious.

Even the Standard Rooms are pleasingly spacious and colorful.

All rooms have small balconies or patios.

Each room features a small but serviceable patio/balcony facing the sea.

Ground floor room views are blocked by trees.

Most views from rooms on the ground floor are blocked by trees.

The Standard Rooms are very comfortable.

Although the lowest category, the Standard Rooms are still very comfortable.

Pape’ete town centre is located by the harbour.

Only 8 km from the hotel, the center of Pape’ete is pleasantly located alongside a harbor.

The shopping centre around Carrefour Hypermarket is good.

About 1.5 km down the road, a shopping center is based around the massive Carrefour Hypermarket and includes several decent places to eat.

The city coastline is dotted with boats.

Much of the coastline along the inner city is lined with boats.

The capital's daily market is a must-visit.

One reason to venture to the capital is the massive daily market which also sells food and souvenirs.

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